British English

0

ticket

ticket [noun] (PROOF OF PAYMENT)

a small piece of paper or card given to someone, usually to show that they have paid for an event, journey, or activity

US /ˈtɪk.ɪt/ 
UK /ˈtɪk.ɪt/ 
Example: 

a concert ticket

Oxford Essential Dictionary

ticket

 noun
a piece of paper or card that you buy to travel, or to go into a cinema, theatre, etc.:
Do you want a single or a return ticket?
a theatre ticket

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

ticket

I. tick‧et1 S1 W2 /ˈtɪkət, ˈtɪkɪt/ BrE AmE noun [countable]
[Date: 1500-1600; Origin: Early French etiquet 'notice attached to something', from Old French estiquier 'to attach', from Middle Dutch steken 'to stick']
1. CINEMA/BUS/TRAIN ETC a printed piece of paper which shows that you have paid to enter a cinema, travel on a bus, plane etc
ticket for
How much are tickets for the concert?
ticket to
I’d like two tickets to Berlin.
a ticket to do something
a ticket to watch the US Open ⇨ ↑season ticket
2. FOR A PRIZE a printed piece of paper with a number on it that you buy because you will get a prize if that number is chosen
raffle/lottery ticket
3. DRIVING OFFENCE a printed note ordering you to pay money because you have done something illegal while driving or parking your car
parking/speeding ticket
4. IN SHOPS a piece of paper fastened to something in a shop that shows its price, size etc SYN tag American English:
How much does it say on the price ticket?
5. ELECTION [usually singular] especially American English a list of the people supported by a particular political party in an election:
He ran for governor on the Republican ticket.
6. ticket to success/fame/stardom etc especially American English a way of becoming successful, famous etc:
Michael thought an MBA would be a ticket to success.
7. be (just) the ticket old-fashioned to be exactly what is needed
⇨ ↑dream ticket, ↑meal ticket
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ ADJECTIVES/NOUN + ticket
▪ a train/bus/coach ticket I’ve lost my train ticket.
▪ an airline/plane/air ticket You can pick up your airline tickets at the check-in desk.
▪ a theatre/concert ticket The special rate includes theatre tickets and transport from the hotel to the theatre.
▪ a one-way ticket (also a single ticket British English) (=a ticket to a place but not back again) I bought a one-way ticket to London.
▪ a return ticket British English, a round-trip ticket American English (=a ticket to a place and back) How much is a round trip ticket to Boston?
▪ a season ticket (=one that allows you to make a journey or go to a sports stadium, theatre etc as often as you like during a fixed time period) He has a season ticket for Manchester United.
▪ a valid ticket (=one that is legally or officially acceptable) You cannot travel without a valid ticket.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

ticket

ticket [ticket tickets ticketed ticketing] noun, verb   [ˈtɪkɪt]    [ˈtɪkɪt] 

noun

1. ~ (for/to sth) a printed piece of paper that gives you the right to travel on a particular bus, train, etc. or to go into a theatre, etc
• a bus/theatre/plane, etc. ticket
• free tickets to the show
• Tickets are available from the Arts Centre at £5.00.
• a ticket office/machine/collector
• (figurative) She hoped that getting this job would finally be her ticket to success.

see also  meal ticket, return ticket, season ticket

2. a printed piece of paper with a number or numbers on it, that you buy in order to have the chance of winning a prize if the number or numbers are later chosen
• a lottery/raffle ticket

• There are three winning tickets.

3. a label that is attached to sth in a shop/store giving details of its price, size, etc.

4. an official notice that orders you to pay a fine because you have done sth illegal while driving or parking your car
Syn:  fine

• a parking/speeding ticket

5. usually singular (especially NAmE) a list of candidates that are supported by a particular political party in an election
• She ran for office on the Democratic ticket.
see also  dream ticket 
more at split the ticket at  split  v.  
Word Origin:
early 16th cent. (in the general senses ‘short written note’ and ‘a licence or permit’): shortening of obsolete French étiquet, from Old French estiquet(te), from estiquier ‘to fix’, from Middle Dutch steken. Compare with etiquette.  
Example Bank:
• Concessionary tickets are available at half the standard price.
• He ran on the Republican ticket.
• He showed the guard his ticket.
• I bought a ticket for the concert.
• I bought a whole book of raffle tickets and I still didn't win anything.
• I generally vote a split ticket.
• I had complimentary tickets for the show.
• I have a free ticket to the game.
• I'm voting the straight Democratic ticket.
• I've got a free ticket to the match.
• I've got complimentary tickets for the theatre.
• Phone the ticket line on this number.
• The police officer gave us a ticket for going through a red light.
• There are three candidates on the national ticket.
• There had been talk of Kennedy dropping LBJ from the ticket in '64.
• Use the coupon below to reserve advance tickets for the exhibition.
• You must hold a valid ticket before boarding the train.
• You must hold a valid ticket for your entire journey before boarding the train.
• a first-class rail ticket
• a plane ticket to New York
• a ticket for Saturday
• admission by ticket only
• an annual season ticket

Idioms: just the ticket ▪ that's the ticket ▪ tickets 

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

ticket / ˈtɪk.ɪt / noun [ C ] (PROOF OF PAYMENT)

ticket

A1 a small piece of paper or card given to someone, usually to show that they have paid for an event, journey, or activity:

a concert ticket

a train/bus/plane ticket

a lottery/raffle ticket

a ticket office

a ticket collector

Word partners for ticket

book / buy / get / purchase a ticket • a one-way / return / single ticket • a valid ticket • an adult / family / student ticket • a ticket for / to sth • a ticket collector / machine / office

 

ticket / ˈtɪk.ɪt / noun [ C ] (PRICE CARD)

a piece of card or paper that is put on an object to show its size or price:

a price ticket

a note telling you that you must pay some money as a punishment for not obeying a rule or law:

a parking ticket

Word partners for ticket

book / buy / get / purchase a ticket • a one-way / return / single ticket • a valid ticket • an adult / family / student ticket • a ticket for / to sth • a ticket collector / machine / office

 

ticket / ˈtɪk.ɪt / noun [ C ] (POLITICS)

mainly US the range of ideas and plans that someone supports when they are in an election:

She's standing on an education ticket.

US the group of people representing a particular political party in an election:

the Republican/Democratic ticket

Word partners for ticket

book / buy / get / purchase a ticket • a one-way / return / single ticket • a valid ticket • an adult / family / student ticket • a ticket for / to sth • a ticket collector / machine / office

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

ticket

[tɪ̱kɪt]

 tickets
 1) N-COUNT: also by N A ticket is a small, official piece of paper or card which shows that you have paid to enter a place such as a theatre or a sports ground, or shows that you have paid for a journey.
  I queued for two hours to get a ticket to see the football game...
  I love opera and last year I got tickets for Covent Garden...
  Entrance is free, but by ticket only...
  He became a ticket collector at Waterloo Station.
 2) N-COUNT A ticket is an official piece of paper which orders you to pay a fine or to appear in court because you have committed a driving or parking offence.
  I want to know at what point I break the speed limit and get a ticket.
 3) N-COUNT: usu n N A ticket for a game of chance such as a raffle or a lottery is a piece of paper with a number on it. If the number on your ticket matches the number chosen, you win a prize.
  She bought a lottery ticket and won more than $33 million.
 4) N-SING: usu with supp The particular ticket on which a person fights an election is the party they represent or the policies they support. [BRIT]
  He first ran for president on a far-left ticket...
  She would want to fight the election on a ticket of parliamentary democracy...
  It's a ticket that was designed to appeal to suburban and small town voters.
  Syn:
  platform
 5) N-COUNT: usu ADJ n A ticket is the list of candidates who are representing a particular political party or group in an election. [AM]
  He plans to remain on the Republican ticket for the November election.
 6) PHRASE: usu v-link PHR If you say that something is just the ticket, you mean that it is exactly what is needed. [INFORMAL]
  Young kids need all the energy and protein they can get and whole milk is just the ticket.
 7) → See also ticketing, big-ticket, dream ticket, meal ticket, parking ticket, season ticket

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

1tick·et /ˈtɪkət/ noun, pl -ets
1 [count] : a piece of paper that allows you to see a show, participate in an event, travel on a vehicle, etc.
• May I see your tickets, please? = Tickets, please.
• We bought tickets for/to the opera.
• a movie/concert ticket
• a bus/train ticket
• She bought a one-way ticket to New York. [=a ticket that allows her to travel to New York]
• (US) a round-trip ticket = (Brit) a return ticket [=a ticket that allows you to travel to one place and then return back to the place you left]
- see also season ticket
2 [count] : a card or piece of paper that shows that you are participating in a contest, raffle, etc.
• a winning lottery ticket
- see also scratch ticket
3 [count] : a piece of paper that officially tells you that you have driven or parked your car improperly and that you will have to pay a fine
• I got a ticket for speeding.
- see also parking ticket, speeding ticket
4 [count] Brit : a piece of paper that is attached to an item in a store and that gives information about its price, size, etc.
• a price ticket [=tag]
5 [singular] chiefly US : a list of the candidates supported by a political party in an election
• The senator heads her party's ticket. [=she is the leader of her party in the election]
• the Republican/Democratic ticket
- see also split ticket split the ticket at 1split
6 [singular] : something that makes it possible to get or achieve something that you want
• She believed that education was the/her ticket to a good job.
• He expected the novel to be his ticket to fame and fortune.
• This job could be their ticket out of poverty.
- see also meal ticket
7 the ticket informal + somewhat old-fashioned : the correct or most desirable thing : the thing that is needed or wanted
• Compromise, now that's the ticket. [=that's what we need]
- often used in the phrase just the ticket
• For a romantic dinner, candles are just the ticket.
write your own ticket
- see write

- see also hot ticket

American English
British English
tickets
A1 (Basic)
noun
0

Latin

Latin [adjective]

written in Latin

US /ˈlæt̬.ɪn/ 
UK /ˈlæt.ɪn/ 
Example: 

a Latin poem

Oxford Essential Dictionary

Latin
>> Latin adjective:
Spanish, Italian and other Latin languages (= that developed from Latin)

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

II. Latin2 BrE AmE adjective
[Date: 900-1000; Language: Latin; Origin: Latinus 'of Latium, Roman', from Latium ancient country of Italy]
1. relating to the Latin language:
a Latin inscription
2. from or relating to South America:
Latin music
3. from or relating to southern European countries whose languages developed from Latin, for example Spain, Portugal, or Italy

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

adjective
1. of or in the Latin language

• Latin poetry

2. connected with or typical of the countries or peoples using languages developed from Latin, such as Spanish, Portuguese, Italian or French
• a Latin temperament  
Word Origin:

from Latin Latinus ‘of Latium’, an ancient region of west central Italy settled during the earlier part of the 1st millennium BCE.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Latin / ˈlæt.ɪn /   / ˈlæt̬- / adjective

written in Latin:

a Latin poem

relating to (people or things in) countries that use a language that developed from Latin, such as French or Spanish:

his Latin good looks

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

Latin

[læ̱tɪn]
 Latins
 1) N-UNCOUNT Latin is the language which the ancient Romans used to speak.
 2) ADJ: usu ADJ n Latin countries are countries where Spanish, or perhaps Portuguese, Italian, or French, is spoken. You can also use Latin to refer to things and people that come from these countries.
  Cuba was one of the least Catholic of the Latin countries...
  The enthusiasm for Latin music is worldwide.
 3) N-COUNT: usu pl Latins are people who come from countries where Spanish, or perhaps Portuguese, Italian, or French, are spoken or whose families come from one of these countries.
  They are role models for thousands of young Latins.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

Latin

2Latin adj
1 : based on, relating to, or written in Latin
• Latin grammar
• Latin poetry
2 : of or relating to the people of Central America and South America
• Latin music
3 : of or relating to the people of European countries (such as Spain and Italy) in which languages that come from Latin are spoken
• a Latin lover

American English
British English
language names
A2 (Elementary)
adjective
0

store

store [verb]

to put or keep things in a special place for use in the future

US /stɔːr/ 
UK /stɔːr/ 
Example: 

The data is stored on a hard disk and backed up on a CD.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

store

 verb (stores, storing, stored )
to keep something to use later:
The information is stored on a computer.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

II. store2 S3 W3 BrE AmE verb [transitive]
[Date: 1200-1300; Language: Old French; Origin: estorer 'to build, supply, store', from Latin instaurare 'to make new, restore']
1. to put things away and keep them until you need them
store something away/up
Squirrels are storing up nuts for the winter.
Store the beans in an airtight jar.
2. to keep facts or information in your brain or a computer:
Standard letters can be stored on floppy discs.
3. store up trouble/problems etc to behave in a way that will cause trouble for you later:
Smokers may be storing up disease for their unborn children.
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ keep to leave something in one particular place so that you can find it easily: Where do you keep the scissors? | The keys are kept in my office.
▪ store to put things away and keep them until you need them: Villagers have begun storing wood for the winter.
▪ save to keep something so that you can use or enjoy it in the future: He had been saving the bottle of champagne for a special occasion. | We can save the rest of the pie for later.
▪ file to store papers or information in a particular order or a particular place: All the contracts are filed alphabetically.
▪ collect to get and keep objects of the same type because you think they are attractive or interesting: Kate collects old postcards.
▪ hold to keep something to be used when it is needed, especially something that many different people may need to use: Medical records are now usually held on computers.
▪ reserve formal to keep part of something for use at a later time during a process such as cooking: Reserve some of the chocolate so that you can use it for decorating the cake.
▪ hoard to keep large amounts of food, money etc because you think you may not be able to get them in the future – used when you do not approve of people doing this because it is not necessary or not fair to other people: People have been hoarding food and fuel in case there is another attack. | Rationing of basic food products was introduced to prevent hoarding.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

verb
1. ~ sth (away/up) to put sth somewhere and keep it there to use later
• animals storing up food for the winter
• You can store coffee beans in the freezer to keep them fresh.

• He hoped the electronic equipment was safely stored away.

2. ~ sth to keep information or facts in a computer or in your brain
• Thousands of pieces of data are stored in a computer's memory.
Verb forms:
 
Word Origin:
Middle English: shortening of Old French estore (noun), estorer (verb), from Latin instaurare ‘renew’; compare with restore.  
Example Bank:
• Butane can be conveniently stored as a liquid in a can.
• The paintings were carefully stored in crates dependent on their size.
• electronically stored information
• Each department has a different system for storing and retrieving data.
• Each piece of information is stored in only one place in the database.
• The squirrels are storing up food for the winter.
• Thousands of pieces of data are stored in a computer's memory.

• We are conducting research into how information is stored in the brain.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

store / stɔː r /   / stɔːr / verb [ T usually + adv/prep ]

B2 to put or keep things in a special place for use in the future:

The data is stored on a hard disk and backed up on a CD.

I stored my possessions in my mother's house while I was living in Spain.

I've stored my thick sweaters and jackets (away) until next winter.

Squirrels store (up) nuts for the winter.

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

store

[stɔ͟ː(r)]
 stores, storing, stored
 1) N-COUNT A store is a building or part of a building where things are sold. In British English, store is used mainly to refer to a large shop selling a variety of goods, but in American English a store can be any size of shop.
  Bombs were planted in stores in Manchester and Blackpool.
  ...grocery stores.
  ...a record store.
  Syn:
  shop
 2) VERB When you store things, you put them in a container or other place and leave them there until they are needed.
  [V n prep/adv] Store the cookies in an airtight tin...
  [V n prep/adv] Some types of garden furniture must be stored inside in the winter. [Also V n]
  Syn:
  keep
 PHRASAL VERB
 Store away means the same as store. V n P He simply stored the tapes away... V P n (not pron) He's stored away nearly one ton of potatoes.
 3) VERB When you store information, you keep it in your memory, in a file, or in a computer.
  [V n] Where in the brain do we store information about colours?
  [V n] ...chips for storing data in electronic equipment.
 4) N-COUNT: usu N of n A store of things is a supply of them that you keep somewhere until you need them.
  I handed over my secret store of chocolate biscuits...
  Dolly's store of drinking glasses had run out.
  Syn:
  supply, stock
 5) N-COUNT: usu with supp A store is a place where things are kept while they are not being used.
  ...a decision taken in 1982 to build a store for spent fuel from submarines.
  ...a grain store.
 6) N-COUNT: usu N of n If you have a store of knowledge, jokes, or stories, you have a large amount of them ready to be used.
  He possessed a vast store of knowledge...
  Jessica dipped into her store of theatrical anecdotes.
 7) → See also chain store, cold store, department store
 8) PHRASE: PHR after v, v-link PHR, usu PHR for n If something is in store for you, it is going to happen at some time in the future.
  Surprises were also in store for me.
 9) PHRASE: V inflects, PHR n If you set great store by something, you think that it is extremely important or necessary. [FORMAL]
  ...a retail group which sets great store by traditional values.
  Phrasal Verbs:
  - store away
  - store up

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

1store /ˈstoɚ/ verb stores; stored; stor·ing [+ obj]
1 a : to put (something that is not being used) in a place where it is available, where it can be kept safely, etc.
• I stored my furniture until I found a new apartment.
• She stores her jewels in a safe.
• The wine should be stored at room temperature.
- often + away
• The grain was stored away for the winter.
• We stored away her old toys in the attic.
b : to collect and put (something) into one location for future use
• The body stores fat.
• The solar panels store energy.
- often + up
• The squirrels are storing up nuts for the winter.
• Plants store up the sun's energy.
• (Brit) If you get yourself into debt, you're only storing up trouble/problems for the future.
2 : to place (information) in a person's memory or a computer's memory
• They're studying how our brains store memories.
- often + away
• He stored away his childhood memories.
• The file is stored away on the backup drive.

American English
British English
keeping and storing things
B2 (Upper-intermediate)
verb
0

buy

buy [verb] (PAY FOR)

to get something by paying money for it

US /baɪ/ 
UK /baɪ/ 
Example: 

Eventually she had saved enough money to buy a small car.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

buy

 verb (buys, buying, bought /, has bought)

pronunciation
The word buy sounds like my.

to give money to get something:
I bought a new watch.
He bought the car from a friend.
Look at sell.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

buy

I. buy1 S1 W1 /baɪ/ BrE AmE verb (past tense and past participle bought /bɔːt $ bɒːt/)
[Language: Old English; Origin: bycgan]
1.
a) [intransitive and transitive] to get something by paying money for it OPP sell:
Where did you buy that dress?
Ricky showed her the painting he’d bought that morning.
buy somebody something
Let me buy you a drink.
buy something for somebody/something
The money will be used to buy equipment for the school.
buy (something) from somebody
It’s cheaper to buy direct from the manufacturer.
buy something for $10/£200 etc
Dan bought the car for $2,000.
It’s much cheaper to buy in bulk (=buy large quantities of something).
b) [transitive] if a sum of money buys something, it is enough to pay for it:
$50 doesn’t buy much these days.
buy somebody something
$15 should buy us a pizza and a drink.
2. buy (somebody) time to deliberately make more time for yourself to do something, for example by delaying a decision:
‘Can we talk about it later?’ he said, trying to buy a little more time.
3. [transitive] informal to believe something that someone tells you, especially when it is not likely to be true:
‘Let’s just say it was an accident.’ ‘He’ll never buy that.’
4. [transitive] informal to pay money to someone, especially someone in a position of authority, in order to persuade them to do something dishonest SYN bribe:
People say the judge had been bought by the Mafia.
5. buy something at the cost/expense/price of something to get something that you want, but only by losing something else:
The town has been careful not to buy prosperity at the expense of its character.
6. somebody bought it old-fashioned informal someone was killed
7. buy off-plan if you buy property off-plan, you buy a house, flat etc that is just starting to be built, with an arrangement to pay part of the cost of the property at that time and the balance when the property is finished
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ buy to pay money for something so that you can own it: I’ve just bought a new car. | The painting was bought by a museum in New York.
▪ purchase formal to buy something, especially something large or expensive, in a business deal or by a legal contract: They purchased 5,000 acres of land.
▪ acquire formal to become the owner of something large or expensive such as property, a company, or a valuable object: In 2007 the business was acquired by a Dutch company. | Television companies were then allowed to acquire more stations.
▪ get especially spoken to buy something, especially ordinary things such as food, clothes, or things for your house: Did you remember to get some bread? | I never know what to get Dad for his birthday.
▪ snap something up informal to buy something immediately, especially because it is very cheap, or because you want it very much and you are worried that someone else might buy it first: Real estate in the area is being snapped up by developers.
▪ pick something up informal to buy something, especially something ordinary such as food or a newspaper, or something that you have found by chance and are pleased about owning: Could you pick up some milk on your way home? | It’s just a little thing I picked up when I was in Kathmandu.
▪ stock up to buy a lot of something you use regularly, because you may not be able to buy it later, or because you are planning to use more of it than usual: The supermarkets are full of people stocking up for the New Year’s holiday. | We always stock up on cheap wine when we go to France. | Before the blizzard, we stocked up on food.
▪ splash out British English informal, splurge American English informal to buy something you would not usually buy, because it is too expensive, in order to celebrate an event or make yourself feel good: Why don’t you splash out on a new dress for the party? | We splurged on an expensive hotel for the last night of the vacation.
buy something ↔ in phrasal verb
to buy something in large quantities:
Companies are buying in supplies of paper, in case the price goes up.
buy into something phrasal verb
1. informal to accept that an idea is right and allow it to influence you:
I never bought into this idea that you have to be thin to be attractive.
2. to buy part of a business or organization, especially because you want to control it:
Investors were invited to buy into state-owned enterprises.
buy somebody ↔ off phrasal verb
to pay someone money to stop them causing trouble or threatening you SYN bribe
buy out phrasal verb
1. buy somebody/something ↔ out to buy someone’s share of a business or property that you previously owned together, so that you have complete control ⇨ ↑buyout
2. buy somebody out of something to pay money so that someone can leave an organization such as the army before their contract has ended
buy something ↔ up phrasal verb
to quickly buy as much of something as possible, for example land, tickets, or goods:
Much of the land was bought up by property developers.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

buy

buy [buy buys bought buying] verb, noun   [baɪ]    [baɪ] 

verb (bought, bought   [bɔːt]  ;   [bɔːt]  ) 

 

WITH MONEY
1. transitive, intransitive to obtain sth by paying money for it
• ~ (sth) Where did you buy that dress?
• If you're thinking of getting a new car, now is a good time to buy.
• ~ sth from sb I bought it from a friend for £10.
• ~ sb sth He bought me a new coat.
• ~ sth for sb He bought a new coat for me.
• ~ sth + adj. I bought my car second-hand.

Opp:  sell

2. transitive ~ sth (of money) to be enough to pay for sth
• He gave his children the best education that money can buy.

• Five pounds doesn't buy much nowadays.

3. transitive ~ sb to persuade sb to do sth dishonest in return for money
Syn:  bribe

• He can't be bought (= he's too honest to accept money in this way).  

 

OBTAIN

4. transitive, usually passive ~ sth to obtain sth by losing sth else of great value

• Her fame was bought at the expense of her marriage.  

 

BELIEVE

5. transitive ~ sth (informal) to believe that sth is true, especially sth that is not very likely
• You could say you were ill but I don't think they'd buy it (= accept the explanation).
more at the best that money can buy at  best  n., (buy) a pig in a poke at  pig  n., sell sb/buy a pup at  pup 
Verb forms:

 
Word Origin:
Old English bycgan, of Germanic origin.  
Thesaurus:
buy verb T
• I bought a new coat.
especially spoken get • |informal pick sth up • • snap sth up • |formal purchase • • acquire •
Opp: sell
buy/get/snap up/purchase/acquire (a) property/company/house
buy/get/purchase/acquire land/premises/a site/tickets
get/pick up/snap up a bargain  
Example Bank:
• He bought a car for his daughter.
• I bought it for $25.
• I bought some books from a friend.
• I can't afford to buy a new car.
• It's the best that money can buy.
• Old bicycles can be bought quite cheaply.
• She makes her living buying and selling antiques.
• There are some things money can't buy.
• Was the produce imported or bought locally?
• We can afford to buy enough paint to do the whole house.
• Young people are very comfortable buying online.
• Five pounds doesn't buy much nowadays.
• I bought this from a friend for £10.
• If you're thinking of getting a new car, now is a good time to buy.
Idioms: bought it ▪ buy the farm ▪ buy time

Derived: buy into something ▪ buy somebody off ▪ buy somebody out ▪ buy something in ▪ buy something up 

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

buy / baɪ / verb ( bought , bought ) (PAY FOR)

A1 [ I or T ] to get something by paying money for it:

Eventually she had saved enough money to buy a small car.

[ + two objects ] He bought his mother some flowers/He bought some flowers for his mother.

There are more people buying at this time of the year so prices are high.

The company was set up to buy and sell shares on behalf of investors.

I bought my camera from a friend of mine.

buy sb's silence to pay someone or do something for someone, so that they do not tell anyone something that they know about and that you want to remain secret:

What will we have to do to buy her silence?

 

buy / baɪ / verb [ T ] ( bought , bought ) informal (BELIEVE)

to believe that something is true:

She'll never buy that story about you getting lost!

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

buy

[ba͟ɪ]
 
 buys, buying, bought
 1) VERB If you buy something, you obtain it by paying money for it.
  [V n] He could not afford to buy a house...
  [V n] They can now be bought fresh in supermarkets...
  [V pron-refl n] Lizzie bought herself a mountain bike...
  [V n n] I'd like to buy him lunch.
 2) VERB If you talk about the quantity or standard of goods an amount of money buys, you are referring to the price of the goods or the value of the money.
  [V n] About ₤35,000 buys a habitable house...
  [V n n] If the pound's value is high, British investors will spend their money abroad because the pound will buy them more.
 3) VERB If you buy something like time, freedom, or victory, you obtain it but only by offering or giving up something in return.
  [V n] It was a risky operation, but might buy more time...
  [V n] For them, affluence was bought at the price of less freedom in their work environment.
 4) VERB: usu passive (disapproval) If you say that a person can be bought, you are criticizing the fact that they will give their help or loyalty to someone in return for money.
  [be V-ed] Once he shows he can be bought, they settle down to a regular payment.
  Syn:
  bribe
 5) VERB If you buy an idea or a theory, you believe and accept it. [INFORMAL]
  [V n] I'm not buying any of that nonsense.
 PHRASAL VERB
 Buy into means the same as buy. V P n I bought into the popular myth that when I got the new car or the next house, I'd finally be happy.
 6) N-COUNT: supp N If something is a good buy, it is of good quality and not very expensive.
  This was still a good buy even at the higher price...
  S & G offers great buys on computer software.
  Phrasal Verbs:
  - buy into
  - buy off
  - buy out
  - buy up
  Syn:
  bargain

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

1buy /ˈbaɪ/ verb buys; bought /ˈbɑːt/; buy·ing
1 : to get (something) by paying money for it : purchase

[+ obj]

• I bought a computer.
• I bought this hat for $10.
• He bought the quilt from a local artist.
• He bought dinner for us. = He bought us dinner.

[no obj]

• Stock prices are low, so now is a good time to buy.
- opposite sell
2 [+ obj] of money : to be able to get something
• A quarter won't buy (you) much these days.
• Money can't buy love.
3 [+ obj] informal : to accept or believe (something) as true
• He said it was a mistake, but I don't buy it.
4 [+ obj] informal : to give money to someone in order to get that person to do something illegal or dishonest for you : bribe
- usually used as (be) bought
• an honest policeman who can't be bought
- see also buy off (below)
5 [+ obj] : to get (something) by losing or giving up something - usually used as (be) bought
• Peace was finally bought, but at the cost of many lives.
buy a pup
- see pup
buy in [phrasal verb] buy in (something) or buy (something) in Brit : to buy a large amount of (something)
• Be sure to buy in a lot of tinned food in case we're snowed up.
buy into [phrasal verb] buy into (something)
1 : to pay money in order to own part of (something, such as a company or sports team)
• Investors are buying into Internet companies.
2 : to accept or believe (something) as true
• The book teaches kids not to buy into the notion that money brings happiness.
buy it or US buy the farm informal : to die
• I nearly bought the farm when my car skidded off the road.
buy off [phrasal verb] buy off (someone) or buy (someone) off : to give money to (someone) for illegal or dishonest help
• Many believe that Jones bought off the police so that he would not be investigated for the murder.
- see also 1buy 4 (above)
buy out [phrasal verb] buy out (someone) or buy (someone) out : to pay money to (someone) for his or her part of a company or team
• She bought out her partners so that she could manage the company the way she wanted to.
- see also buyout
buy time : to get more time for someone or something
• The medication won't cure the disease but it will buy patients some time. [=it will allow patients to live longer]
buy up [phrasal verb] buy up (something) or buy (something) up : to pay money for all or a large part of (something)
• The company has bought up the old factories along the river and will convert them into apartments.
• She is buying up all the artist's early work.

American English
British English
buying
A1 (Basic)
verb
0

dismiss

dismiss [verb] (SEND AWAY)

to formally ask or order someone to leave

US /dɪˈsmɪs/ 
UK /dɪˈsmɪs/ 
Example: 

The teacher dismissed the class early because she had a meeting.

media: 

Oxford Essential Dictionary

dismiss

 verb (dismisses, dismissing, dismissed )

1 (formal) to make somebody leave their job  same meaning sack or fire:
He was dismissed for stealing money from the company.

2 to allow somebody to leave a place:
The lesson finished and the teacher dismissed the class.

 

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

dismiss

dis‧miss W3 /dɪsˈmɪs/ BrE AmE verb [transitive]
[Date: 1400-1500; Language: Latin; Origin: dimissus, past participle of dimittere 'to send away']
1. to refuse to consider someone’s idea, opinion etc, because you think it is not serious, true, or important:
The government has dismissed criticisms that the country’s health policy is a mess.
dismiss something as something
He just laughed and dismissed my proposal as unrealistic.
It’s an idea that shouldn’t be dismissed out of hand (=dismissed immediately and completely).
2. to remove someone from their job SYN fire, sack
dismiss somebody from something
Bryant was unfairly dismissed from his post.
dismiss somebody for something
Employees can be dismissed for sending obscene emails.
REGISTER
In everyday British English, people usually say sack someone, and in everyday American English, people usually say fire someone, rather than use dismiss:
▪ He was sacked (BrE)/fired (AmE) for being late all the time.
3. formal to tell someone that they are allowed to go, or are no longer needed:
The class was dismissed early today.
4. if a judge dismisses a court case, he or she stops it from continuing:
The case was dismissed owing to lack of evidence.
5. to end the ↑innings of a player or team in the game of ↑cricket
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ nouns
▪ dismiss an idea/suggestion Both actors dismissed any idea of a romantic relationship between them.
▪ dismiss a notion formal (=idea) The Minister dismissed the notion that he had cut petrol tax because of the forthcoming by-election.
▪ dismiss a possibility The Prime Minister dismissed the possibility of an early election.
▪ dismiss a claim An industrial tribunal dismissed his claim of unfair discrimination.
▪ dismiss an allegation/charge She claimed that she was honest and dismissed the allegations against her.
▪ dismiss a thought Was he lying? I tried to dismiss the thought.
▪ dismiss fears The Transport Minister dismissed fears that the Cotswold railway line would close.
▪ dismiss criticism He dismissed criticism of the country's human rights record.
■ adverbs
▪ easily/lightly (=without much thought) This is a question that cannot be dismissed lightly.
■ phrases
▪ dismiss something out of hand (=immediately, without thinking about it) It's an interesting idea so don't dismiss it out of hand.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

dismiss / dɪˈsmɪs / verb (SEND AWAY)

[ T ] to formally ask or order someone to leave:

The teacher dismissed the class early because she had a meeting.

[ T ] When a judge dismisses a court case, he or she formally stops the trial, often because there is not enough proof that someone is guilty:

The defending lawyer asked that the charge against his client be dismissed.

 

dismiss / dɪˈsmɪs / verb [ T often passive ] (END JOB)

C1 to remove someone from their job, especially because they have done something wrong:

He has been dismissed from his job for incompetence.

 

dismiss / dɪˈsmɪs / verb [ T ] (NOT TAKE SERIOUSLY)

C1 to decide that something or someone is not important and not worth considering:

I think he'd dismissed me as an idiot within five minutes of meeting me.

Let's not just dismiss the idea before we've even thought about it.

Just dismiss those thoughts from your mind - they're crazy and not worth thinking about.

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

dismiss

[dɪ̱smɪ̱s]

 dismisses, dismissing, dismissed
 1) VERB If you dismiss something, you decide or say that it is not important enough for you to think about or consider.
  [V n as n] Mr Wakeham dismissed the reports as speculation...
  [V n] I would certainly dismiss any allegations of impropriety by the Labour Party...
  [V n] I wouldn't dismiss it out of hand.
  Syn:
  discount
 2) VERB If you dismiss something from your mind, you stop thinking about it.
  [V n from n] I dismissed him from my mind...
  [V n] `It's been a lovely day,' she said, dismissing the episode.
  Syn:
  banish
 3) VERB When an employer dismisses an employee, the employer tells the employee that they are no longer needed to do the job that they have been doing.
  [V n] ...the power to dismiss civil servants who refuse to work...
  [V n] The military commander has been dismissed.
  Syn:
  sack, fire
 4) VERB If you are dismissed by someone in authority, they tell you that you can go away from them.
  [be V-ed] Two more witnesses were called, heard and dismissed...
  [be V-ed] The hired carriage was dismissed. [Also V n]
  Syn:
  sent away
 5) VERB When a judge dismisses a case against someone, he or she formally states that there is no need for a trial, usually because there is not enough evidence for the case to continue.
  [V n] An American judge yesterday dismissed murder charges against Dr Jack Kevorkian.
  [have n V-ed] ...their attempt to have the case against them dismissed.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

dismiss
dis·miss /dɪsˈmɪs/ verb -miss·es; -missed; -mis·sing [+ obj]
1 : to decide not to think about or consider (something or someone)
• We dismissed his accusations.
• We can't completely dismiss [=discount] the possibility that she's right.
• I don't think we should dismiss the matter lightly.
- often + as
• His idea was dismissed as impractical.
• For a long time they dismissed her as a silly old woman.
2 : to send (someone) away : to cause or allow (someone) to leave
• The students were dismissed early because of the snowstorm.
• Class is dismissed. [=the class is over and students are free to leave]
3 : to officially make (someone) leave a job : to end the employment or service of (someone)
• He was dismissed [=fired] from his job.
• Several employees were recently dismissed.
4 law : to officially end or stop (something, such as a legal case)
• The judge dismissed the case/suit.
• All charges were dismissed. [=dropped]
- dis·miss·al /dɪsˈmɪsəl/ noun, pl -als

[count]

• I was surprised by his dismissal of the idea.
• A small group is protesting the dismissals of several employees.
• the dismissal of the lawsuit

[noncount]

• He still hopes to win his claim for unfair dismissal.

American English
British English
evicting and forcing to leave
B2 (Upper-intermediate)
verb
0

create

create [verb] (MAKE)

to make something new, or invent something

US /kriˈeɪt/ 
UK /kriˈeɪt/ 
Example: 

Charles Schulz created the characters 'Snoopy' and 'Charlie Brown'.

Related quotes: 
Science never solves a problem without creating ten more.
We waste time looking for the perfect lover, instead of creating the perfect love.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

create

 verb (creates, creating, created)
to make something happen or exist:
Do you believe that God created the world?
The government plans to create more jobs for young people.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

create

cre‧ate S2 W1 AC /kriˈeɪt/ BrE AmE verb [transitive]
[Word Family: noun: ↑creation, ↑creativity, ↑creator, ↑creativeness; verb: ↑create, ↑recreate; adverb: ↑creatively; adjective: ↑creative ≠ UNCREATIVE]
[Date: 1300-1400; Language: Latin; Origin: past participle of creare]
1. to make something exist that did not exist before:
Some people believe the universe was created by a big explosion.
Her behaviour is creating a lot of problems.
The new factory is expected to create more than 400 new jobs.
2. to invent or design something:
This dish was created by our chef Jean Richard.
Philip Glass created a new kind of music.
The software makes it easy to create colourful graphs.
3. create somebody something British English to officially give someone a special rank or title:
James I created him Duke of Buckingham.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

create

cre·ate AW [create creates created creating]   [kriˈeɪt]    [kriˈeɪt]  verb
1. ~ sth to make sth happen or exist
• Scientists disagree about how the universe was created.
• The main purpose of industry is to create wealth.
• The government plans to create more jobs for young people.
• Create a new directory and put all your files into it.

• Try this new dish, created by our head chef.

2. ~ sth to produce a particular feeling or impression
• The company is trying to create a young energetic image.
• The announcement only succeeded in creating confusion.
• The reorganization has created a lot of bad feeling.

• They've painted it red to create a feeling of warmth.

3. to give sb a particular rank or title
• ~ sth The government has created eight new peers.
• ~ sth + noun He was created a baronet in 1715.
Verb forms:
 
Word Origin:
late Middle English (in the sense ‘form out of nothing’, used of a divine or supernatural being): from Latin creat- ‘produced’, from the verb creare.  
Thesaurus:
create verb
1. T
• There are lots of different myths about how the world was created.
• We need to create more jobs for young people.
make • • produce • • form • • build • • generate • • develop • • manufacture • |especially spoken do •
Opp: destroy
create/make/produce/form/build/generate/develop/manufacture sth from/out of sth
create/make/produce/do a drawing/painting
create/produce/generate income/profits/wealth
Create or make? Make is a more general word, used especially for physical objects
• make a table/dress/cake
• create jobs/wealth
Use create to emphasize how unusual or original sth is
• a new dish, created by our chef
2. T
• The news created widespread confusion.
cause • • produce • • stimulate • • arouse • • result in sth • • lead to sth • • bring sth about • • provoke • • prompt • |formal give rise to sth •
create/cause/produce/stimulate/arouse/result in/lead to/provoke/prompt/give rise to speculation
create/cause/produce/result in/lead to/provoke/give rise to problems
create/cause/arouse/lead to/provoke/give rise to resentment  
Synonyms:
make
do • create • develop • produce • generate • form
These words all mean to make sth from parts or materials, or to cause sth to exist or happen.
make • to create or prepare sth by combining materials or putting parts together; to cause sth to exist or happen: ▪ She makes her own clothes. ◊ ▪ She ▪ made a good impression ▪ on the interviewer.
do • (rather informal) to make or prepare sth, especially sth artistic or sth to eat: ▪ He did a beautiful drawing of a house. ◊ ▪ Who's doing the food for the party?
create • to make sth exist or happen, especially sth new that did not exist before: ▪ Scientists disagree about how the universe was created.
make or create?
Make is a more general word and is more often used for physical things: you would usually make a table/dress/cake but create jobs/wealth. You can use create for sth physical in order to emphasize how original or unusual the object is: ▪ Try this new dish, created by our head chef.
develop • (used especially in business contexts) to think of and produce a new product: ▪ to develop new software
produce • to make things to be sold; to create sth using skill: ▪ a factory that produces microchips
generate • to produce or create sth, especially power, money or ideas: ▪ to generate electricity ◊ ▪ Brainstorming is a good way of generating ideas.
form • [often passive] to make sth from sth else; to make sth into sth else: ▪ Rearrange the letters to form a new word. ◊ ▪ The chain is formed from 136 links.
to make/create/develop/produce/generate/form sth from/out of sth
to make/form sth into sth
to make/produce wine
to create/develop a new product
to create/produce/generate income/profits/wealth

to produce/generate electricity/heat/power

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

create / kriˈeɪt / verb [ T ] (MAKE)

B1 to make something new, or invent something:

Charles Schulz created the characters 'Snoopy' and 'Charlie Brown'.

The Bible says that God created the world.

He created a wonderful meal from very few ingredients.

It's important to create a good impression when you meet a new client.

 

create / kriˈeɪt / verb [ I ] UK old-fashioned (BE ANGRY)

to show that you are angry:

If she sees you with an ice cream she'll only start creating.

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

create

[krie͟ɪt]
 
 creates, creating, created
 1) VERB To create something means to cause it to happen or exist.
  [V n] We set business free to create more jobs in Britain...
  [V n] She could create a fight out of anything...
  [V n] The lights create such a glare it's next to impossible to see anything behind them...
  [V n] Criticizing will only destroy a relationship and create feelings of failure.
  Syn:
  produce
  Ant:
  destroy
  Derived words:
  creation [krie͟ɪʃ(ə)n] N-UNCOUNT usu N of n These businesses stimulate the creation of local jobs... The creation of large parks and forests is of lower priority than some twenty years ago.
 2) VERB When someone creates a new product or process, they invent it or design it.
  [V n] It is really great for a radio producer to create a show like this...
  [V n] He's creating a whole new language of painting.
  Syn:
  invent

 

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

create

cre·ate /kriˈeɪt/ verb -ates; -at·ed; -at·ing [+ obj]
1 : to make or produce (something) : to cause (something new) to exist
• Several new government programs were created while she was governor.
• The President has announced a plan to create new jobs.
• the scientists who created the world's first atomic bomb
• The machine creates a lot of noise.
• According to the Bible, the world was created [=made] in six days.
2 : to cause (a particular situation) to exist
• You created [=made, caused] this mess, and now you'll have to fix it.
• We need everyone's help in creating [=developing] a better society.
• It can be hard to create a balance between work and family.
• She creates a friendly and welcoming atmosphere for her guests.
• The advertisements are intended to create demand for the product.
3 : to produce (something new, such as a work of art) by using your talents and imagination
• He creates beautiful paintings.
• I've been creating music for over 30 years.
• She enjoys creating new dishes by combining unusual ingredients.
4 chiefly Brit : to give (someone) a new title or rank
• She was created (the) Duchess of Cornwall.

American English
British English
creating and producing
B1 (Intermediate)
verb
0

science

science [noun] (MEANING)

the careful study of the structure and behaviour of the physical world, especially by watching, measuring, and doing experiments, and the development of theories to describe the results of these activities

US /ˈsaɪ.əns/ 
UK /ˈsaɪ.əns/ 
Example: 

Space travel is one of the marvels/wonders of modern science.

Related quotes: 
Science never solves a problem without creating ten more.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

science

 noun
the study of natural things:
I'm interested in science.
Biology, chemistry and physics are all sciences.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

science

sci‧ence S1 W1 /ˈsaɪəns/ BrE AmE noun
[Word Family: noun: ↑science, ↑scientist; adverb: ↑scientifically; adjective: ↑scientific ≠ ↑unscientific]
[Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: Latin scientia 'knowledge', from scire 'to know']
1. [uncountable] knowledge about the world, especially based on examining, testing, and proving facts:
Many leading scientists do not consider that science can give absolutely reliable knowledge.
the founder of modern science, Isaac Newton
developments in science and technology
2. [uncountable] the study of science:
What did you do in science class today?
3. [countable] a particular part of science, for example ↑biology, ↑chemistry, or ↑physics:
the physical sciences
4. something is not an exact science used to say that something involves a lot of guessing and there is not just one right way to do it:
Advertising is not an exact science – you’re always taking a risk.
⇨ ↑domestic science, ↑information science, ↑natural science, ↑physical science, ↑social science, ⇨ blind somebody with science at ↑blind2(4), ⇨ something is not rocket science at ↑rocket science

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

science

sci·ence [science sciences]   [ˈsaɪəns]    [ˈsaɪəns]  noun
1. uncountable knowledge about the structure and behaviour of the natural and physical world, based on facts that you can prove, for example by experiments
• new developments in science and technology
• the advance of modern science

• the laws of science

2. uncountable the study of science

• science students/teachers/courses

3. uncountable, countable a particular branch of science
• to study one of the sciences

compare  art  (6), humanities

4. singular a system for organizing the knowledge about a particular subject, especially one concerned with aspects of human behaviour or society
• a science of international politics
see also  domestic science, earth science, life sciences, natural science, political science, rocket science, social science, see blind sb with science at  blind  v.  
Word Origin:
Middle English (denoting knowledge): from Old French, from Latin scientia, from scire ‘know’.  
Example Bank:
• His essay is not based on good science.
• His experiments have achieved notoriety in the world of science.
• I was trying to remember what I had learnt about gravity in school science.
• Meteorology is the science of the weather.
• Politics is as much an art form as an exact science.
• President Bill Clinton's science adviser
• Research is critical to advancing medical science.
• The life sciences include biology and botany.
• The magazine contains a lot of popular science.
• The society provides advice on science policy.
• This rule is based on bad science.
• a writer of popular science books

• our ability to understand the science of environmental degradation

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

science / saɪəns / noun

A2 [ U ] (knowledge from) the careful study of the structure and behaviour of the physical world, especially by watching, measuring, and doing experiments, and the development of theories to describe the results of these activities:

pure/applied science

recent developments in science and technology

Space travel is one of the marvels/wonders of modern science.

B1 [ C or U ] a particular subject that is studied using scientific methods:

physical sciences

Economics is not an exact science.

advances in medical science

A2 [ U ] the study of science:

a science graduate/teacher

a science course/lesson

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

science

[sa͟ɪ͟əns]
 
 sciences
 1) N-UNCOUNT Science is the study of the nature and behaviour of natural things and the knowledge that we obtain about them.
  The best discoveries in science are very simple.
  ...science and technology.
 2) N-COUNT: usu with supp A science is a particular branch of science such as physics, chemistry, or biology.
  Physics is the best example of a science which has developed strong, abstract theories.
  ...the science of microbiology.
 3) N-COUNT: usu with supp A science is the study of some aspect of human behaviour, for example sociology or anthropology.
  ...the modern science of psychology.
 4) → See also domestic science, exact science, Master of Science, political science, social science

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

science

sci·ence /ˈsajəns/ noun, pl -enc·es
1 [noncount] : knowledge about or study of the natural world based on facts learned through experiments and observation
• modern science
• the laws of science
• The program encourages students to pursue a career in science.
• a list of terms commonly used in science
• a new branch/field of science
• advances in science and technology
- often used before another noun
• science teachers/students/classes
• Each student is required to complete two science projects.
2 [count] : a particular area of scientific study (such as biology, physics, or chemistry) : a particular branch of science
• Students are required to take two sciences.
• students majoring in a science
- see also computer science, life science, natural science, physical science, rocket science
3 [count] : a subject that is formally studied in a college, university, etc.
• the science of linguistics
- see also political science, social science
4 [singular] : an activity that is done by using methods that are known to produce particular results
• Proper pitching is a science.
• Cooking is both a science and an art.
• He travels so much that he has packing his clothes down to a science. [=he can pack his clothes very quickly and efficiently because he does it so often]

American English
British English
subjects and disciplines
A2 (Elementary)
noun
0

find

find [verb] (DISCOVER)

to discover, especially where a thing or person is, either unexpectedly or by searching, or to discover where to get or how to achieve something

US /faɪnd/ 
UK /faɪnd/ 
Example: 

I've just found a ten-pound note in my pocket.

Related quotes: 
Reading makes immigrants of us all. It takes us away from home, but more important, it finds homes for us everywhere.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

find

 verb (finds, finding, found /, has found)

1 to see or get something after looking or trying:
I can't find my glasses.
She hasn't found a job yet.
Has anybody found the answer to this question?

2 to see or get something that you did not expect:
I found some money in the street.
I woke up and found myself in hospital.

3 used for talking about your opinion or experience:
I didn't find that book very interesting.
He finds it difficult to sleep at night.

find something out to get information about something:
Can you find out what time the train leaves?
Has she found out that you broke the window?

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

find

I. find1 S1 W1 /faɪnd/ BrE AmE verb (past tense and past participle found /faʊnd/) [transitive]
[Language: Old English; Origin: findan]
1. GET BY SEARCHING to discover, see, or get something that you have been searching for:
I can’t find the car keys.
Hold on while I find a pen.
Her body was later found hidden in the bushes.
I have to find somewhere else to live.
She had almost given up hope of finding a husband.
find somebody something
Tony asked us to find him office facilities in New York.
Her mother went to the shops, and on her return, Kathleen was nowhere to be found (=could not be found).
2. SEE BY CHANCE to discover something by chance, especially something useful or interesting:
I found a purse in the street.
We found a nice pub near the hotel.
3. DISCOVER STATE OF SOMEBODY/SOMETHING to discover that someone or something is in a particular condition or doing a particular thing when you see or touch them:
I’m sure we’ll find her hard at work when we get home.
He tried the door and found it unlocked.
She woke to find a man by her bed.
find somebody/something doing something
Often he found her quietly weeping alone.
find (that)
She looked at her glass and was amazed to find it was empty.
4. DO SOMETHING WITHOUT MEANING TO to be in a particular state or do a particular thing, or to realize that this is happening, especially when you did not expect or intend it:
After wandering around, we found ourselves back at the hotel.
find yourself/your mind etc doing something
When he left, Karen found herself heaving a huge sigh of relief.
She tried to concentrate, but found her mind drifting back to Alex.
find (that)
He found he was shivering.
5. LEARN SOMETHING BY STUDY to discover or learn something by study, tests, sums etc:
The federal government isn’t doing enough to find a cure.
How do you find the square root of 20?
be found to do something
The liquid was found to contain 7.4g of phenylamine.
find that
His study found that married men and women had similar spending patterns.
6. THINK/FEEL to have a particular feeling or opinion, or to have a particular feeling or opinion about someone or something:
Will Gary and Gail find happiness together?
find something/somebody easy/useful/interesting etc
She found the work very dull.
Lots of women I know find him attractive.
I found them quite easy to use.
find it hard/easy/difficult etc (to do something)
Hyperactive children find it difficult to concentrate.
7. EXPERIENCE to have the experience of discovering that something happens or is true
find (that)
You might find that his work improves now he’s at a new school.
I find people are often surprised at how little it costs.
find somebody/something doing something
I think you’ll find more women entering the film business now.
find somebody/something to be something
I found the people to be charming and very friendly.
8. EXIST IN A PLACEbe found somewhere if something is found somewhere, it lives or exists there naturally:
This species is only found in West Africa.
9. GET ENOUGH MONEY/TIME ETC to succeed in getting enough of something, especially money, time, or energy, to be able to do something:
He’s struggling to find the money for the trip.
Where are we going to find the time, the support, and the resources to do all this?
10. IN A COURT OF LAW to make an official decision in a court of law
find somebody guilty/not guilty (of something)
Both men were found guilty of illegally entering the country.
find in sb’s favour
The tribunal found in favour of the defendant.
11. find your way (somewhere) to reach a place by discovering the right way to get there:
Will you be able to find your way back?
12. find its way somewhere informal if something finds its way somewhere, it arrives or gets there after some time:
Her invention has found its way into the shops.
13. find comfort/pleasure/fulfilment etc in something to experience a good feeling because of something:
He eventually found solace in religion.
14. find fault with somebody/something to criticize someone or something, often unfairly and frequently:
He could always find fault with something, either in my writing or in my personality.
15. find it in your heart/yourself to do something literary to feel able or willing to do something:
Seb could not find it in his heart to tell Nahum.
16. find yourself informal to discover what you are really like and what you want to do – often used humorously:
She went to India to find herself.
17. find favour (with somebody/something) formal to be liked or approved of by someone:
The recipes rapidly found favour with restaurant owners.
18. find your feet to become confident in a new situation, especially one that is difficult at first:
Rob is still finding his feet as a coach.
19. find its mark/target
a) if a bullet, ↑arrow etc finds its mark etc, it hits what it is supposed to hit
b) if a remark, criticism etc finds its mark etc, it has the effect that you intended it to have:
She soon saw that her accusation had found its mark.
20. find your voice
a) (also find your tongue) to manage to say something after being too nervous to talk
b) if a writer, musician etc finds their voice, they are able to express their views, ideas, art etc in the way they want to:
a young film-maker who has finally found his voice
21. be found wanting formal to not be good enough:
Their defence was found wanting.
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ find to get or see something that you have been searching for: Have you found your passport yet? | Police later found the car abandoned in a wood.
▪ discover to find something that was hidden or that people did not know about before: A second bomb has been discovered in south London.
▪ locate formal to find the exact position of something: The airline are still trying to locate my luggage. | Online maps make it easy to locate almost any place in the world.
▪ come across something to find something unexpectedly when you are not looking for it: I came across some old letters from my father in my drawer.
▪ stumble on/across something to find something unexpectedly, especially something very important: They may have stumbled across some vital evidence. | Completely by chance we had stumbled on the biggest hit of the year.
▪ trace to find someone or something that has disappeared, especially by a careful process of collecting information: She had given up all hope of tracing her missing daughter.
▪ track somebody/something down to find someone or something that is difficult to find by searching in different places: I’ve been trying to track down a book that’s out of print. | The police managed to track down the killer.
▪ unearth to find something that has been hidden or lost for a long time, by digging or searching for it: In 1796, a carved stone was unearthed near the burial mound.
find against somebody phrasal verb law
to judge that someone is wrong or guilty:
The inspectors are likely to find against the company.
find for somebody phrasal verb law
to judge that someone is right or not guilty:
The judge found for the plaintiff.
find out phrasal verb
1. to get information, after trying to discover it or by chance
find out who/what/how etc
Has anyone bothered to find out how much all this is going to cost?
find out if/whether
Did you find out whether there are any seats left?
find out (that)
I found out that my parents had never been married.
find something ↔ out
To find out more, visit our website.
find out (something) about something
I need to find out more about these night courses.
find out from
We could find out from the local council.
I thought it best to let you find out for yourself.
REGISTER
In written English, people usually say that someone discovers something rather than finds out something:
▪ Scientists soon discovered that this was false.
2. find somebody out [usually passive] if you are found out, someone discovers that you have been doing something dishonest or illegal ⇨ catch:
What happens if we get found out?

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

find

find [find finds found finding] verb, noun   [faɪnd]    [faɪnd] 

 

verb (found, found   [faʊnd]  ;   [faʊnd]  ) 

 

BY CHANCE
1. transitive to discover sb/sth unexpectedly or by chance
• ~ sb/sth Look what I've found!
• We've found a great new restaurant near the office.

• ~ sb/sth + adj. A whale was found washed up on the shore.  

 

BY SEARCHING

2. transitive to get back sth/sb that was lost after searching for it/them
• ~ sth for sb Can you find my bag for me?
• ~ sb sth Can you find me my bag?
• ~ sb/sth I wanted to talk to him but he was nowhere to be found.

• ~ sb/sth + adj. The child was found safe and well.  

 

BY STUDYING/THINKING

3. transitive to discover sth/sb by searching, studying or thinking carefully
• ~ sth/sb scientists trying to find a cure for cancer
• I managed to find a solution to the problem.
• I'm having trouble finding anything new to say on this subject.
• Have they found anyone to replace her yet?
• ~ sth for sb Can you find a hotel for me?

• ~ sb sth Can you find me a hotel?  

 

BY EXPERIENCE/TESTING

4. transitive to discover that sth is true after you have tried it, tested it or experienced it
• ~ (that)… I find (that) it pays to be honest.
• The report found that 30% of the firms studied had failed within a year.
• ~ sb/sth + adj./noun We found the beds very comfortable.
• ~ sb/sth to be/do sth They found him to be charming.
• Her blood was found to contain poison.

• it is found that… It was found that her blood contained poison.  

 

HAVE OPINION/FEELING

5. transitive to have a particular feeling or opinion about sth
• ~ sth + adj. You may find your illness hard to accept.
• You may find it hard to accept your illness.
• I find it amazing that they're still together.

• ~ sth + noun She finds it a strain to meet new people.  

 

HAVE/MAKE AVAILABLE

6. transitive ~ sth to have sth available so that you can use it
• I keep meaning to write, but never seem to find (the) time.

• How are we going to find £5 000 for a car?  

 

IN UNEXPECTED SITUATIONS

7. transitive to discover sb/sth/yourself doing sth or in a particular situation, especially when this is unexpected
• ~ sb/sth/yourself + adv./prep. She woke up and found herself in a hospital bed.
• ~ sb/sth/yourself + adj. We came home and found him asleep on the sofa.
• ~ sb/sth/yourself doing sth I suddenly found myself running down the street.

• ~ (that)… I was disappointed to find that they had left already.  

 

REACH

8. transitive ~ sth (of things) to arrive at sth naturally; to reach sth
• Water will always find its own level.
• Most of the money finds its way to the people who need it.

• The criticism found its mark (= had the effect intended).  

 

EXIST/GROW

9. transitive ~ sth + adv./prep. used to say that sth exists, grows, etc. somewhere
• These flowers are found only in Africa.

• You'll find this style of architecture all over the town.  

 

IN COURT

10. transitive, intransitive (formal) to make a particular decision in a court case
• ~ sb + adj. The jury found him guilty.
• How do you find the accused?
• ~ in sb's favour The court found in her favour.
more at get/find/take your bearings at  bearing, find/meet your match at  match  n., nowhere to be found/seen at  nowhere 
Verb forms:

 
Word Origin:
Old English findan, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch vinden and German finden.  
Thesaurus:
find verb
1. T
• Look what I've found!
discover • • come across sb/sth • • stumble on/upon/across sb/sth • • catch • • turn sth up • • unearth • |formal come upon sb/sth •
find/discover/come across/catch sb doing sth
find/discover/unearth the remains (of sth)
find/discover/stumble upon sth by accident
2. T
• I can't find my keys.
trace • • track sb/sth down • • search sb/sth out • • locate • |informal sniff sb/sth out •
Opp: lose
find/track down/search out/locate sth for sb/sth
find/trace/track down/locate the missing…
find/trace/track down the killer/location
3. T
• Scientists are still trying to find a cure for cancer.
discover • • identify • • establish • |formal determine • • ascertain •
find/discover/identify/establish/determine/ascertain the cause
find/discover/identify/establish a connection
find/discover a cure/the answer
4. T
• Her blood was found to contain poison.
find (sth) out • • discover • • hear • • learn •
find/find out/hear/discover/learn that…
find/discover sb/sth to be/have, etc. sth
be surprised/saddened/delighted/interested to find/discover/hear/learn sth
5. T
• I find watching television so boring.
consider • • think • • feel • • see • • view • • count • • regard • |especially BrE, informal reckon •
find/consider/reckon sb/sth to be sth
6. T (not used in the progressive tenses)
• These flowers are found only in Africa.
exist • • live • • occur • |formal prevail •
be found/exist/live/occur/prevail in/among sth
still be found/exist/live/occur/prevail 
Synonyms:
regard
call • find • consider • see • view
These words all mean to think about sb/sth in a particular way.
regard • to think of sb/sth in a particular way: ▪ He seemed to regard the whole thing as a joke.
call • to say that sb/sth has particular qualities or characteristics: ▪ I wouldn't call German an easy language.
find • to have a particular feeling or opinion about sth: ▪ You may find your illness hard to accept.
consider • to think of sb/sth in a particular way: ▪ Who do you consider (to be) responsible for the accident?
regard or consider?
These two words have the same meaning, but they are used in different patterns and structures. In this meaning consider must be used with a complement or clause: you can consider sb/sth to be sth or consider sb/sth as sth, although very often the to be or as is left out: ▪ He considers himself an expert. ◊ ▪ They are considered a high-risk group. You can also consider that sb/sth is sth and again, the that can be left out. Regard is used in a narrower range of structures. The most frequent structure is regard sb/sth as sth; the as cannot be left out: I regard him a close friend. You cannot regard sb/sth to be sth or regard that sb/sth is sth. However, regard (but not consider in this meaning) can also be used without a noun or adjective complement but with just an object and adverb (sb/sth is highly regarded) or adverbial phrase (regard sb/sth with suspicion/jealousy/admiration).
see • to have an opinion of sth: ▪ Try to see things from her point of view.
view • to think of sb/sth in a particular way: ▪ How do you view your position within the company?
View has the same meaning as regard and consider but is slightly less frequent and slightly less formal. The main structures are view sb/sth as sb/sth (you cannot leave out the as) and view sb/sth with sth.
to regard/consider/see/view sb/sth as sth
to regard/consider/see/view sb/sth from a particular point of view
to find/consider sb/sth to be sth
generally/usually regarded/considered/seen/viewed as sth
to regard/consider/view sb/sth favourably/unfavourably  
Example Bank:
• A man out walking his dog found the body in a ditch.
• Can you find a use for this old table?
• Considerable variation was found in the terms offered by different banks.
• Have they found anyone to replace her?
• He went through the drawers but found nothing.
• I can't find my keys.
• I didn't expect to come home and find him gone.
• I find it amazing that they're still together.
• I wanted to talk to him but he was nowhere to be found.
• I'm having trouble finding anything new to say on this subject.
• It was found that her blood contained poison.
• Look what I've found!
• Police are confident of finding the killers.
• Scientists are still trying to find a cure for cancer.
• Scientists have found fresh evidence to suggest that a huge explosion led to the death of the dinosaurs.
• She had to find a valid excuse for leaving the room.
• The child was eventually found safe and well.
• The search party found no trace of the missing climbers.
• We need to find a useful role for the volunteers in the campaign.
• We'll have to find an alternative.
• We've found a great new restaurant near the office.
• You'll find this style of architecture all over the town.
Idioms: all found ▪ find fault ▪ find it in your heart to do something ▪ find its way ▪ find your feet ▪ find your voice ▪ find your way ▪ take somebody as you find them

Derived: find for somebody ▪ find out ▪ find out something ▪ find somebody out 

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

find / faɪnd / verb ( found , found ) (DISCOVER)

A1 [ T ] to discover, especially where a thing or person is, either unexpectedly or by searching, or to discover where to get or how to achieve something:

I've just found a ten-pound note in my pocket.

I couldn't find Andrew's phone number.

You'll find the knives and forks in the left-hand drawer.

Researchers are hoping to find a cure for the disease.

[ + two objects ] Has he found himself a place to live yet?

[ + obj + adj ] She was found unconscious and bleeding.

[ + that ] The study found that men who were married lived longer than those who were not.

Do you think they'll ever find a way of bringing peace to the region?

We're really struggling to find (= get) enough money to pay the rent at the moment.

After years of abuse from her husband, she eventually found the courage to leave him.

I wish I could find (the) time to do more reading.

B1 [ T ] to realize that something exists or has happened:

[ + (that) ] We came home to find (that) the cat had had kittens.

I found (that) I could easily swim a mile.

be found B2 to exist or be present somewhere:

Many plant and animal species are found only in the rainforests.

Vitamin C is found in citrus fruit.

find your way to get somewhere you are trying to reach:

I had a map but I still couldn't find my way back to the hotel.

find fault with to criticize someone or something:

She's always finding fault with the way he works.

find yourself B2 to realize that you are in a particular situation or place, or doing a particular thing, when you did not intend to:

He'll find himself with no friends at all if he carries on behaving this way.

We fell asleep on the train and woke up to find ourselves in Calais.

often humorous If you go somewhere or do something to find yourself, you go there or do it to discover your true character:

Simon spent a year in an ashram in India to find himself.

 

find / faɪnd / verb [ T ] ( found , found ) (EXPERIENCE A FEELING)

B1 to think or feel a particular way about someone or something:

[ + obj + noun/adj ] Do you find Clive difficult to talk to?

I don't find him an easy person to get on with.

She doesn't find it easy to talk about her problems.

[ + -ing verb ] I find liv ing in the city quite stressful.

 

find / faɪnd / verb [ I or T ] ( found , found ) legal (JUDGE)

B2 to make a judgment in a law court:

[ + obj + adj ] In a unanimous verdict, the jury found him guilty/not guilty of the murder.

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

find

[fa͟ɪnd]
 ♦
 finds, finding, found
 1) VERB If you find someone or something, you see them or learn where they are.
  [V n] The police also found a pistol...
  [V n] They have spent ages looking at the map and can't find a trace of anywhere called Darrowby...
  [V n n] I wonder if you could find me a deck of cards? [Also V n for n]
 2) VERB If you find something that you need or want, you succeed in achieving or obtaining it.
  [V n] Many people here cannot find work...
  [V n] So far they have not found a way to fight the virus...
  [V n n] He has to apply for a permit and we have to find him a job...
  [V n for n] Does this mean that they haven't found a place for him? [Also V n for n to-inf]
  Syn:
  get
 3) V-PASSIVE If something is found in a particular place or thing, it exists in that place.
  [be V-ed] Two thousand of France's 4,200 species of flowering plants are found in the park...
  [be V-ed] Fibre is found in cereal foods, beans, fruit and vegetables.
 4) VERB If you find someone or something in a particular situation, they are in that situation when you see them or come into contact with them.
  [V n -ing] They found her walking alone and depressed on the beach...
  [V n -ed] She returned to her east London home to find her back door forced open...
  [V n prep/adv] Thrushes are a protected species so you will not find them on any menu.
  Syn:
  discover
 5) VERB If you find yourself doing something, you are doing it without deciding or intending to do it.
  [V pron-refl prep/adv] It's not the first time that you've found yourself in this situation...
  [V pron-refl -ing] I found myself having more fun than I had had in years...
  [V pron-refl adj] It all seemed so far away from here that he found himself quite unable to take it in.
 6) VERB: no passive, no cont If a time or event finds you in a particular situation, you are in that situation at the time mentioned or when the event occurs. [WRITTEN]
  [V n prep] Daybreak found us on a cold, clammy ship...
  [V n -ing] His lunch did not take long to arrive and found him poring over a notepad covered with scrawls.
 7) VERB If you find that something is the case, you become aware of it or realize that it is the case.
  [V that] The two biologists found, to their surprise, that both groups of birds survived equally well...
  [V it adj to-inf] At my age I would find it hard to get another job...
  [V n to-inf] We find her evidence to be based on a degree of oversensitivity...
  [V n n] I've never found my diet a problem.
 8) VERB When a court or jury decides that a person on trial is guilty or innocent, you say that the person has been found guilty or not guilty.
  [be V-ed adj] She was found guilty of manslaughter and put on probation for two years...
  [V n adj] When they found us guilty, I just went blank.
 9) VERB You can use find to express your reaction to someone or something.
  [V n adj] I find most of the young men of my own age so boring...
  [V n adj] We're sure you'll find it exciting!...
  [V it adj that] I find it ludicrous that nothing has been done to protect passengers from fire...
  [V n n] But you'd find him a good worker if you showed him what to do.
 10) VERB If you find a feeling such as pleasure or comfort in a particular thing or activity, you experience the feeling mentioned as a result of this thing or activity.
  [V n in -ing] How could anyone find pleasure in hunting and killing this beautiful creature?...
  [V n in n] I was too tired and frightened to find comfort in that familiar promise.
  Syn:
  feel
 11) VERB If you find the time or money to do something, you succeed in making or obtaining enough time or money to do it.
  [V n] I was just finding more time to write music...
  [V n] My sister helped me find the money for a private operation.
 12) N-COUNT: usu adj N If you describe someone or something that has been discovered as a find, you mean that they are valuable, interesting, good, or useful.
  Another of his lucky finds was a pair of candle-holders...
  His discovery was hailed as the botanical find of the century.
 13) → See also finding, found
 14) PHRASE: V inflects, oft PHR prep/adv If you find your way somewhere, you successfully get there by choosing the right way to go.
  He was an expert at finding his way, even in strange surroundings...
  After a while I pulled myself to my feet and found my way to the street.
 15) PHRASE: V inflects, PHR adv/prep If something finds its way somewhere, it comes to that place, especially by chance.
  It is one of the very few Michelangelos that have found their way out of Italy...
  The most unlikely objects found their way into his design and look absolutely right where he placed them.
 16) to find fault with → see fault
 to find one's feet → see foot
  Phrasal Verbs:
  - find out

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

1find /ˈfaɪnd/ verb finds; found /ˈfaʊnd/; find·ing
1 [+ obj]
a : to discover (something or someone) without planning or trying to : to discover (something or someone) by chance
• He found a dollar on the ground.
• The well diggers found a number of Native American artifacts.
• She finds [=meets] interesting people wherever she goes.
b
✦Something or someone that is found in a specified place exists there or lives there.
• Many artifacts can be found in this area. [=there are many artifacts in this area]
• Polar bears are found in the Northern Hemisphere.
2 [+ obj] : to get or discover (something or someone that you are looking for)
• After an hour of searching, I finally found my glasses.
• find a missing person
• We need to find a suitable person for the job.
• I found a job for him. = I found him a job.
• My glasses are nowhere to be found. = I can't find my glasses.
3 [+ obj]
a : to discover or learn (something) by studying about it
• She found the answer at last.
• They claim to have found a more efficient way to run the business.
• researchers trying to find a cure for cancer
b : to get (something needed or wanted) by effort
• You must find time to do it.
• I found a way to pay for college without taking out any loans.
• She found the courage to address the crowd.
• I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me. = I hope you can find it in yourself to forgive me. [=I hope you can forgive me]
4 [+ obj]
a : to regard (someone or something you have met, seen, experienced, etc.) in a specified way
• I found him (to be) a very sensible man. = I found him very sensible.
• Students often find this book (to be) useful.
• I find it hard to concentrate [=it is hard for me to concentrate] with that music playing.
• The travel arrangements were found wanting. [=the travel arrangements were criticized]
b : to be affected by (something) in a specified way
• He finds laughing/laughter painful. = He finds it painful to laugh.
c : to feel (a pleasing emotion)
• He finds pleasure in her company.
• They didn't win, but the team found some satisfaction in having played so well.
5 [+ obj]
a : to discover (someone) in a specified state
• He found them waiting for him.
• I found her relaxing by the pool.
• He was found dead the next morning.
• The crisis found them unprepared. [=they were unprepared when the crisis occurred]
b : to become aware that you are doing something or that you are in a particular place or situation
• I often find myself thinking about her.
• When he awoke, he found himself in an unfamiliar room. [=he saw that he was in an unfamiliar room]
• I found myself agreeing with him. [=I found that I agreed with him]
6 [+ obj] : to begin to have (something)
• The new product found few buyers. [=few people bought it]
• It took a while before his unusual brand of comedy found an audience.
• These ideas have found approval/favor [=been accepted; become well-liked] among many young people.
• His doctrines found acceptance [=were accepted] among scholars.
7 law
a [+ obj] : to make a decision about the guilt or innocence of (someone)
• The jury found her guilty.
• She was found innocent.
b : to decide the result of a court case

[+ obj]

• The jury found a verdict of guilty.

[no obj]

• The jury found for the defendant. [=the jury's decision was in favor of the defendant]
• The jury found against her.
find common cause
- see 1cause
find fault : to criticize someone or something
• No matter what she did, her husband was always finding fault.
- usually + with
• Her husband found fault with everything she did.
- see also faultfinder
find its mark/target : to hit a target that was aimed for
• The bullet found its mark.
- often used figuratively
• Her angry reaction showed that his criticisms had found their mark.
find out [phrasal verb]
1 find out (something) : to learn (something) by making an effort
• I'd like to find out more about the school's psychology program.
• We need to find out where the meeting is being held.
• I don't know when the game starts, but I'll find out.
2 find out about (something) : to become aware of (something)
• Her mother found out about her smoking habit.
3 find (someone) out : to learn the unpleasant truth about (someone)
• He pretended to be a respectable citizen, but we found him out at last.
• Luckily, he was found out before he could do any harm.
find your bearings
- see bearing
find yourself : to learn what you truly value and want in life
• He left school and traveled to Europe, saying that he wanted to find himself.
find your voice : to begin speaking or expressing your thoughts : to be able to speak or to express yourself as a writer
• I couldn't speak for a moment, but then I found my voice.
• a young novelist who has found her voice
find your way
1 : to look for and find where you need to go in order to get somewhere
• I found my way home without any problems.
• She got lost trying to find her way back to the hotel.
- often used figuratively
• He's still finding his way as an actor. [=he's still learning what he needs to do to succeed as an actor]
2 : to go or arrive somewhere by chance or after a time of wandering
• The settlers eventually found their way to California.

American English
British English
finding and discovering
A1 (Basic)
verb
0

important

important [adjective]

necessary or of great value

US /ɪmˈpɔːr.tənt/ 
UK /ɪmˈpɔː.tənt/ 
Example: 

I think his career is more important to him than I am.

Related quotes: 
Reading makes immigrants of us all. It takes us away from home, but more important, it finds homes for us everywhere.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

important

 adjective

1 If something is important, you must do, have or think about it:
It is important to sleep well the night before an exam.
I think that happiness is more important than money.

2 powerful or special:
The prime minister is a very important person.

 

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

important

im‧por‧tant S1 W1 /ɪmˈpɔːtənt $ -ɔːr-/ BrE AmE adjective
[Word Family: noun: ↑importance; adverb: ↑importantly; adjective: ↑important ≠ ↑unimportant]
[Date: 1400-1500; Language: French; Origin: Old Italian importante 'carrying a meaning, significant', from Latin importare; ⇨ ↑import2]
1. an important event, decision, problem etc has a big effect or influence on people’s lives or on events in the future:
a very important meeting
The accident taught him an important lesson.
Happiness is more important than money.
‘What did you say?’ ‘Oh, nothing important.’
it is important (to do something)
It’s important to explain the procedure to the patient.
It’s vitally important that you understand the danger.
important for
It was important for the president to continue his schedule, regardless of the bomb threat.
important to
Nothing could be more important to me than my family.
► When you mean that you care about something a lot, say that it is important to you, not that it is ‘important for’ you.
2. people who are important have a lot of power or influence:
a very important customer
They carry guns because it makes them feel important.
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ important having a big effect on people’s lives or on events in the future: an important decision | Good qualifications are increasingly important.
▪ big important or serious: It’s a big decision. | a big problem
▪ significant important enough to be noticeable or have a big effect: There is no significant difference between the performance of male and female students. | The Internet has brought about significant changes in people’s lives.
▪ noteworthy formal important or interesting enough to deserve your attention: The castle is the island’s most noteworthy feature. | The jury’s verdict was noteworthy for a number of reasons.
■ very important
▪ essential very important, especially for the success, health, or safety of someone or something: It is essential to speak the local language. | essential supplies of food and clothing
▪ vital/crucial extremely important, because without it there could be serious problems: His evidence was vital to the case. | The US plays a crucial role in the region. | The media are a vital part of the political system.
▪ key extremely important and having a big effect: Wheeler had a key role in the development of the atom bomb. | Timing is key.
▪ of great/considerable importance very important: In the construction industry, health and safety are of considerable importance.
▪ momentous very important because it has a very great effect on the future: Momentous events were taking place in Russia. | a momentous decision
■ most important
▪ main/chief/principal [only before noun] most important: What was your main aim? | the principal reason for their decision | the chief cause of the recession
▪ major [usually before noun] one of the most important or serious things: Smoking is a major cause of heart disease. | Street crime is a major problem.
▪ central/primary [usually before noun] most important – used especially when talking about the main thing that people are discussing, worried about, or trying to do: Education will be the central issue in the election. | Our primary concern is passenger safety.
▪ paramount /ˈpærəmaʊnt/ formal more important than anything else, so that you must consider it when deciding what to do: Airport security is of paramount importance. | The needs of the students are paramount.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

important

im·port·ant   [ɪmˈpɔːtnt]    [ɪmˈpɔːrtnt]  adjective
1. having a great effect on people or things; of great value
• an important decision/factor
• I have an important announcement to make.
• Money played an important role in his life.
• Listening is an important part of the job.
• one of the most important collections of American art
• It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions.
• It is important that he attend every day.
• (BrE) It is important that he should attend every day.
• It is important for him to attend every day.
• ~ (to sb) It's very important to me that you should be there.

• The important thing is to keep trying.

2. (of a person) having great influence or authority
• an important member of the team
• He likes to feel important.
Derived Word: importantly  
Word Origin:
late Middle English: from medieval Latin important- ‘being of consequence’, from the verb importare ‘bring in’ (in medieval Latin ‘imply, mean, be of consequence’), from in- ‘in’ + portare ‘carry’.  
Thesaurus:
important [important importantly] adj.
1.
• I have an important announcement to make.
significant • • great • • crucial • • critical • • vital • • essential • • momentous • |informal big • |formal notable •
Opp: unimportant, Opp: trivial
be important/significant/crucial/critical/vital/essential for/to sb/sth
be important/significant/crucial/critical/vital/essential/notable that…
important/significant/great/crucial/critical/vital/momentous/big/notable events/changes/developments
Important or significant? Important is a more general word. Things that are significant are important from a particular point of view, have been measured in some way, or are great in degree:
• These figures are statistically significant.
 ¤ These figures are statistically important.:
• a significant proportion of the population
 ¤ an important proportion of the population
2.
• Being a manager is an important job.
powerful • • dominant • • influential • • great • • high-powered • • instrumental • |approving strong •
Opp: unimportant
important/dominant/influential/instrumental in (doing) sth
a/an important/powerful/dominant/influential/great/strong figure/leader/position
a/an important/powerful/dominant/great/strong influence
Which word? Powerful people such as politicians use their position to control events. Influential people change other people's opinions or behaviour because people respect and listen to them. Important people influence other people or events because people respect them or because their position means their actions have a great effect. Strong people are confident and have leadership qualities.  
Language Bank:
emphasis
Highlighting an important point
▪ This case emphasizes ▪ / highlights ▪ the importance of honest communication between managers and employees.
▪ Effective communication skills are essential ▪ / crucial ▪ / vital ▪.
It should be noted that ▪ this study considers only verbal communication. Non-verbal communication is not dealt with here.
It is important to remember that ▪ / An important point to remember is that ▪ non-verbal communication plays a key role in getting your message across.
▪ Communication is not only about the words you use but also your body language and, especially ▪ / above all ▪, the effectiveness with which you listen.
▪ I would like to draw attention to ▪ the role of listening in effective communication.
▪ Choose your words carefully: in particular ▪, avoid confusing and ambiguous language.
▪ Finally, and perhaps most importantly ▪, you must learn to listen as well as to speak.
note at essential
Language Bank at vital  
Example Bank:
• He made me feel important by asking me lots of questions about myself.
• It's important for you to understand this.
• Several factors make this painting uniquely important.
• Someone left a message for you— it sounded important.
• Spending time with my children is important to me.
• The work of the intelligence services was crucially important to victory in the war.
• These ideas are considered enormously important.
• These two factors are equally important.
• This is most important: you must deliver the letter to Johnson himself.
• This is what makes our work so important.
• an internationally important site for these rare birds
• historically important buildings
• Her management experience was an important factor in our decision to appoint her.
• It is important for him to attend every day.
• It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions.
• It is one of the most important collections of American art.
• It's very important to me that you should be there.
• Many disabled people do now hold important jobs in industry.
• She is an important member of the team.
• The important thing is to keep trying.

• The media are important in forming public perceptions.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

important / ɪmˈpɔː.t ə nt /   / -ˈpɔːr.t̬ ə nt / adjective

A1 necessary or of great value:

I think his career is more important to him than I am.

It 's important for children to learn to get on with each other.

The important thing is to keep the heat low or the sugar will burn.

He's not amazingly handsome, but he's nice and that's more important.

→  Opposite unimportant

B1 having great effect or influence:

He was one of the most important writers of that period.

an important person/decision

 

importantly / -li / adverb

B2

If we served more soft drinks, there would be fewer hangovers and, more importantly, fewer drink-driving incidents.

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

important

[ɪmpɔ͟ː(r)t(ə)nt]
 
 1) ADJ-GRADED: oft ADJ to n, it v-link ADJ to-inf/that Something that is important is very significant, is highly valued, or is necessary.
  Her sons are the most important thing in her life...
  The planned general strike represents an important economic challenge to the government...
  This gold is every bit as important to me as it is to you...
  It's important to answer her questions as honestly as you can...
  It was important that he rest.
  Derived words:
  importantly ADV-GRADED I was hungry, and, more importantly, my children were hungry.
 2) ADJ-GRADED Someone who is important has influence or power within a society or a particular group.
  He was the most important person on the island.
  ...an important figure in the media world.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

important

im·por·tant /ɪmˈpoɚtn̩t/ adj [more ~; most ~]
1 : having serious meaning or worth
• She's an important [=significant] part of the team.
• Diet and exercise are important for health. : deserving or requiring serious attention
• an important problem
• In his editorial, he made several important points.
• It's important that you remember to send these forms on time. = It's important for you to remember to send these forms on time.
• Scientists have made an important discovery.
• Doing her job well is important to her.
• The new policy will help businesses and, more important [=importantly], it will create thousands of new jobs. [=it is more important that the new policy will create thousands of new jobs]
• critically/crucially/vitally important
2 : having power, authority, or influence
• He's one of the most important scholars in his field.
• an important artist

American English
British English
very important or urgent
A1 (Basic)
adjective
0

immigrant

immigrant [noun]

a person who has come to a different country in order to live there permanently

US /ˈɪm.ə.ɡrənt/ 
UK /ˈɪm.ɪ.ɡrənt/ 
Example: 

Illegal immigrants are sent back across the border if they are caught.

Related quotes: 
Reading makes immigrants of us all. It takes us away from home, but more important, it finds homes for us everywhere.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

immigrant

 noun
a person who comes to another country to live there:
Many immigrants to Britain have come from Asia.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

immigrant

im‧mi‧grant AC /ˈɪməɡrənt, ˈɪmɪɡrənt/ BrE AmE noun [countable]
[Word Family: noun: ↑immigration ≠ ↑emigration, ↑immigrant ≠ ↑emigrant; verb: ↑immigrate ≠ ↑emigrate]
someone who enters another country to live there permanently ⇨ emigrant:
an illegal immigrant
a new wave of immigrants from the Middle East
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ adjectives
▪ an illegal immigrant Large numbers of illegal immigrants have found their way into the country.
▪ a legal immigrant Two thirds of legal immigrants to the country came from Europe and Canada.
▪ a recent immigrant The majority of workers at the factory are recent immigrants.
▪ European/African etc immigrants There has been a recent increase in the number of African immigrants.
▪ a first-generation immigrant (=someone who is an immigrant, or whose parents were immigrants) Her parents were first-generation immigrants from Poland.
▪ a second-generation immigrant (=someone whose parents or grandparents were immigrants) These boys are second-generation immigrants who grew up speaking English.
■ phrases
▪ a wave/influx of immigrants (=a large number of them) A new wave of immigrants arrived in the 1950s.
▪ a flood of immigrants (=a very large number of immigrants that arrive at the same time) He suggested the country would experience a flood of immigrants.
■ immigrant + NOUN
▪ an immigrant family A quarter of the school’s students are from immigrant families.
▪ immigrant workers Many immigrant workers had to live in deprived areas.
▪ an immigrant community There are shops catering for the various immigrant communities.
▪ the immigrant population The immigrant population increased rapidly during the 1970s.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

immigrant

im·mi·grant AW [immigrant immigrants]   [ˈɪmɪɡrənt]    [ˈɪmɪɡrənt]  noun
a person who has come to live permanently in a country that is not their own
• immigrant communities/families/workers
• illegal immigrants
compare  emigrant, migrant  
Word Origin:
late 18th cent.: from Latin immigrant- ‘immigrating’, from the verb immigrare, on the pattern of emigrant.  
Collocations:
Race and immigration
Prejudice and racism
experience/encounter racism/discrimination/prejudice/anti-semitism
face/suffer persecution/discrimination
fear/escape from/flee racial/political/religious persecution
constitute/be a form of racial/race discrimination
reflect/reveal/show/have a racial/cultural bias
be biased/be prejudiced against (especially BrE) black people/(both especially NAmE) people of color/African Americans/Asians/Africans/Indians, etc.
discriminate against minority groups/minorities
perpetuate/conform to/fit/defy a common/popular/traditional/negative stereotype
overcome/be blinded by deep-seated/racial/(especially NAmE) race prejudice
entrench/perpetuate racist attitudes
hurl/shout (especially BrE) racist abuse; (especially NAmE) a racist/racial/ethnic slur
challenge/confront racism/discrimination/prejudice
combat/fight (against)/tackle blatant/overt/covert/subtle/institutional/systemic racism
Race and society
damage/improve (especially BrE) race relations
practise/ (especially US) practice (racial/religious) tolerance/segregation
bridge/break down/transcend cultural/racial barriers
encourage/promote social integration
outlaw/end discrimination/slavery/segregation
promote/embrace/celebrate cultural diversity
conform to/challenge/violate (accepted/established/prevailing/dominant) social/cultural norms
live in a multicultural society
attack/criticize multiculturalism
fight for/struggle for/promote racial equality
perpetuate/reinforce economic and social inequality
introduce/be for/be against (BrE) positive discrimination/(especially NAmE) affirmative action
support/be active in/play a leading role in the civil rights movement
Immigration
control/restrict/limit/encourage immigration
attract/draw a wave of immigrants
assist/welcome refugees
house/shelter refugees and asylum seekers
smuggle illegal immigrants into the UK
deport/repatriate illegal immigrants/failed asylum seekers
assimilate/integrate new immigrants
employ/hire migrant workers
exploit/rely on (cheap/illegal) immigrant labour/(especially US) labor
apply for/gain/obtain/be granted/be denied (full) citizenship
have/hold dual citizenship 
Example Bank:
• Businesses may want to hire skilled immigrants.
• European immigrants fleeing Nazism in the 1930s
• European immigrants settled much of Australia.
• First-generation immigrants may dream of returning ‘home’; their children say Britain is their home.
• Italian immigrants assimilated easily into Brazilian society.
• Like many first-generation immigrants, they worked hard and saved most of their earnings.
• Mexican immigrants seeking farm work
• She was the daughter of Chinese immigrants to America.
• The company was founded by two immigrants from Bangladesh.
• The government is eager to attract skilled immigrants.
• These factors attracted new immigrants.
• These were working-class immigrants, mainly from rural parts of Mexico.
• They are trying to secure immigrant status for their families.
• a careful mechanism for assimilating immigrants
• a family of Turkish immigrants living in California
• a law designed to exclude Chinese immigrants
• a young Afghan immigrant who has worked at the store for years
• anti-terrorist legislation that targeted immigrants
• boats bringing illegal immigrants over from North Africa
• different aspects of the immigrant experience
• immigrants seeking to enter the country
• poor immigrants from Latin American countries
• recent immigrants who do not speak English
• ships laden with would-be immigrants who were forcibly returned
• the 11 million undocumented immigrants living in California
• the circumstances under which immigrants were detained
• the immigrants who poured into America
• the issues faced by Dominican immigrants
• the number of legal immigrants to the US
• Illegal immigrants are to be sent back to their country of origin.

• immigrant communities/families/workers

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

immigrant / ˈɪm.ɪ.ɡrənt / noun [ C ]

B2 a person who has come to a different country in order to live there permanently:

a large immigrant population

Illegal immigrants are sent back across the border if they are caught.

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

immigrant

[ɪ̱mɪgrənt]
 
 immigrants
 N-COUNT
 An immigrant is a person who has come to live in a country from some other country. Compare emigrant.
  ...illegal immigrants.
  ...immigrant visas.
 Syn:
 settler

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

immigrant

im·mi·grant /ˈɪməgrənt/ noun, pl -grants [count] : a person who comes to a country to live there
• Millions of immigrants came to America from Europe in the 19th century.
• The city has a large immigrant population.
• an illegal immigrant [=a person who enters and lives in a country without official permission]
- compare emigrant, migrant

American English
British English
changing homes and moving
B2 (Upper-intermediate)
noun

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