I bought one bunch of bananas, last night.
a long curved tropical fruit with a yellow skin
I bought one bunch of bananas, last night.
banana
noun
a long curved yellow fruit
banana
ba‧na‧na /bəˈnɑːnə $ -ˈnæ-/ BrE AmE noun [countable]
a long curved tropical fruit with a yellow skin
banana
ba·nana [banana bananas] [bəˈnɑːnə] [bəˈnænə] noun
a long curved fruit with a thick yellow skin and soft flesh, that grows on trees in hot countries
• a bunch of bananas
Idiom: go bananas
Word Origin:
late 16th cent.: via Portuguese or Spanish from Mande. Mande is a group of Niger-Congo languages spoken by the Mande people of West Africa.
Example Bank:
• The company has acquired an unhappy knack of slipping on banana skins.
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
banana / bənɑ.nə / / -næn.ə / noun [ C or U ]
banana A1 a long, curved fruit with a yellow skin and soft, sweet, white flesh inside:
a bunch of bananas
banana milkshake
© Cambridge University Press 2013
banana
/bənɑ:nə, -næn-/
(bananas)
1.
Bananas are long curved fruit with yellow skins.
...a bunch of bananas.
N-VAR
2.
If someone is behaving in a silly or crazy way, or if they become extremely angry, you can say that they are going bananas. (INFORMAL)
Adamson’s going to go bananas on this one.
ADJ: v-link ADJ
banana
ba·nana /bəˈnænə, Brit bəˈnɑːnə/ noun, pl -nan·as [count, noncount] : a long curved fruit with a thick peel that is yellow when it is ripe
• a bunch of bananas
• peel a banana
• (US) a banana peel = (Brit) a banana skin
✦In British English banana skin is used figuratively to describe a foolish or embarrassing mistake or failure.
• a director who has
Being bald is genetically common in our family between men.
having little or no hair on your head
Being bald is genetically common in our family between men.
bald
adjective
with no hair or not much hair:
My dad is going bald (= losing his hair).
bald
bald /bɔːld $ bɒːld/ BrE AmE adjective
[Date: 1300-1400; Origin: Perhaps from ball 'white spot on an animal's head' (13-16 centuries), probably from Welsh bal]
1. having little or no hair on your head:
a bald man
his shiny bald head
Dad started going bald when he was in his thirties.
He combed his hair and tried to hide his bald patch (=part of someone’s head where there is no hair).
2. not having enough of what usually covers something:
The car’s tires are completely bald.
3. bald statement/facts/truth a statement etc that is correct but gives no additional information to help you understand or accept what is said:
The bald truth was that Lori didn’t love her husband anymore.
—baldness noun [uncountable]
bald
bald [bald balds balded balding balder baldest] [bɔːld] [bɔːld] adjective
1. having little or no hair on the head
• He started going bald in his twenties.
2. without any of the usual hair, marks, etc. covering the skin or surface of sth
• Our dog has a bald patch on its leg.
• a bald tyre (= a tyre whose surface has become smooth)
3. without any extra explanation or detail to help you understand or accept what is being said
• The bald fact is that we don't need you any longer.
• The letter was a bald statement of our legal position.
see also baldly
Idiom: bald as a coot
Derived Word: baldness
Word Origin:
Middle English: probably from a base meaning ‘white patch’, which came from the archaic sense ‘marked or streaked with white’. Compare with Welsh ceffyl bal, denoting a horse with a white mark on its face.
Example Bank:
• young men who go prematurely bald
• The bald fact is that we don't need you any longer.
bald
bald (PLAIN) /bɔːld/ US /bɑːld/
adjective
basic and with no unnecessary words; not detailed:
There was just this bald statement of resignation - no explanation or anything.
baldly /ˈbɔːld.li/ US /ˈbɑːld-/
adverb
To put it baldly, I can't afford to take the risk.
baldness /ˈbɔːld.nəs/ US /ˈbɑːld-/
noun [U]
The baldness of her question shocked him.
bald (WITHOUT HAIR) /bɔːld/ US /bɑːld/
adjective
with little or no hair on the head:
At twenty he was already going bald.
balding /ˈbɔːl.dɪŋ/ US /ˈbɑːl-/
adjective
Eammon was plump and balding (= becoming bald) but somehow very attractive to women.
baldy, baldie /ˈbɔːl.di/ US /ˈbɑːl-/
noun [C] HUMOROUS
an unkind name for someone who has lost or is losing the hair on their head:
"Hey, baldy!"
baldness /ˈbɔːld.nəs/ US /ˈbɑːld-/
noun [U]
bald
/bɔ:ld/
(balder, baldest)
1.
Someone who is bald has little or no hair on the top of their head.
The man’s bald head was beaded with sweat...
ADJ
• bald‧ness
He wears a cap to cover a spot of baldness.
N-UNCOUNT
2.
If a tyre is bald, its surface has worn down and it is no longer safe to use.
ADJ
3.
A bald statement is in plain language and contains no extra explanation or information.
The announcement came in a bald statement from the official news agency...
The bald truth is he’s just not happy.
= blunt
ADJ: ADJ n
• bald‧ly
‘The leaders are outdated,’ he stated baldly. ‘They don’t relate to young people.’
= bluntly
ADV: ADV with v
bald
bald /ˈbɑːld/ adj bald·er; -est
1 a of a person : having no hair or very little hair on the head
• a bald man
• All of his uncles are completely bald.
• He's already starting to go bald. [=to become bald]
• He had gone completely bald by the age of 30.
b of a part of the body : not covered with hair
• He covered his bald head with a baseball cap.
• There's a bald spot on the top of his head.
• There are bald patches in the cat's fur.
2 : not covered with trees and plants
• a bald mountain top
3 of a tire : having a flat and smooth surface because of age and use
• an old car with bald tires
4 : said or given in a very direct way without extra details or explanations
• She repeated her bald assertion that her son was not guilty of the crime.
• We need more than bald statements; we need evidence and proof.
• the bald facts
He became a professional athlete at the age of 16.
someone who competes in sports competitions, especially running, jumping, and throwing
Olympic athletes
athlete
noun
a person who is good at sports like running or jumping, especially one who takes part in sports competitions:
Athletes from all over the world go to the Olympic Games.
athlete
ath‧lete /ˈæθliːt/ BrE AmE noun [countable]
[Date: 1400-1500; Language: Latin; Origin: athleta, from Greek athletes, from athlon 'prize, competition']
1. someone who competes in sports competitions, especially running, jumping, and throwing:
a professional athlete
2. someone who is good at sports and who often does sports:
I was a natural athlete as a kid.
athlete
ath·lete [athlete athletes] [ˈæθliːt] [ˈæθliːt] noun
1. a person who competes in sports
• Olympic athletes
2. (BrE) a person who competes in sports such as running and jumping
3. a person who is good at sports and physical exercise
• She is a natural athlete.
Word Origin:
late Middle English: from Latin athleta, from Greek athlētēs, from athlein ‘compete for a prize’, from athlon ‘prize’.
Example Bank:
• She has the build and strength of a natural athlete.
• The athletes are training hard for the Olympics.
• athletes playing pro football
• one of the greatest athletes of all time
• It's clear that he's a natural athlete.
• Several Olympic athletes were accused of taking performance-enhancing drugs.
• She's a superbly gifted all-round athlete.
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
athlete / ˈæθ.liːt / noun [ C ]
B1 a person who is very good at sports or physical exercise, especially one who competes in organized events:
He became a professional athlete at the age of 16.
She has the build of an athlete.
© Cambridge University Press 2013
athlete
/æθli:t/
(athletes)
Frequency: The word is one of the 3000 most common words in English.
1.
An athlete is a person who does a sport, especially athletics, or track and field events.
Daley Thompson was a great athlete.
N-COUNT
2.
You can refer to someone who is fit and athletic as an athlete.
I was no athlete.
N-COUNT
athlete
ath·lete /ˈæɵˌliːt/ noun, pl -letes [count] : a person who is trained in or good at sports, games, or exercises that require physical skill and strength
• Athletes from around the world will be competing at the Olympics.
• amateur/professional athletes
• She was quite an athlete as a child.
She looks so happy.
having feelings of pleasure, for example because something good has happened to you or you are very satisfied with your life OPP sad
I loved her and thought I could make her happy.
happy
adjective (happier, happiest)
1 feeling pleased or showing that you are pleased:
She looks very happy.
That was one of the happiest days of my life.
opposite unhappy or sad Look at the note at glad.
2 a word that you use to say that you hope somebody will enjoy a special time:
Happy New Year!
Happy Christmas!
Happy Birthday!
happy
hap‧py S1 W1 /ˈhæpi/ adjective (comparative happier, superlative happiest)
[Word Family: noun: happiness ≠ unhappiness; adverb: happily ≠ unhappily; adjective: happy ≠ unhappy]
[Date: 1300-1400; Origin: hap 'chance, luck' (13-20 centuries), from Old Norse happ]
1. having feelings of pleasure, for example because something good has happened to you or you are very satisfied with your life OPP sad:
It’s a lovely house and we’ve been very happy here.
I’ve never felt happier in my life.
He was a happy child who rarely cried.
the happy faces of the children
I loved her and thought I could make her happy.
happy to do something
John will be so happy to see you.
happy (that)
I’m happy that everything worked out well in the end.
be/feel happy for somebody
What a wonderful opportunity! I’m so happy for you.
happy in your work/job etc
happy to be doing something
We’re very happy to be taking part.
the happy couple (=a couple that have just got married or will soon get married)
2. [usually before noun] a happy time, relationship, event etc is a good one that makes you feel happy:
This has been the happiest day of my life.
They had a very happy marriage.
I have lots of happy memories of the place.
The story has a happy ending, however.
When’s the happy event (=the birth of your child)?
3. [not before noun] satisfied or not worried
happy with
On the whole, I’m happy with the way I look.
People living nearby are not happy with the decision.
happy about
Mom wasn’t happy about Tess going off travelling on her own.
I pretended to agree with her, just to keep her happy.
happy doing something
I’m quite happy doing what I’m doing.
4. be happy to do something to be very willing to do something, especially to help someone:
Our team will be happy to help.
I’d be happy to take you in my car.
5. Happy Birthday/New Year/Christmas etc used to wish someone happiness on a special occasion:
Happy Birthday, Michael!
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
6. many happy returns used to wish someone happiness on their birthday
7. [only before noun] fortunate or lucky:
By a happy coincidence, James was also in town that weekend.
I’m in the happy position of not having to work.
8. a happy medium (between something and something) a way of doing something that is not extreme but is somewhere between two possible choices:
I always tried to strike a happy medium between having a home that looked like a bomb had hit it and becoming obsessively tidy.
9. [only before noun] formal suitable:
His choice of words was not a very happy one.
10. a/your happy place if you are in or go to your happy place, you imagine you are in a place that makes you feel calm and happy, because it helps you stop thinking about a bad situation
11. not a happy bunny especially British English informal, not a happy camper American English informal not pleased with a situation
• • •
| THESAURUS |
▪ happy: Are you happy in your new job? | The film has a happy ending. | a happy childhood
▪ cheerful looking happy: a cheerful face/expression | The room looked bright and cheerful (=it made you feel good). | He seems a lot more cheerful today.
▪ be in a good mood to feel happy and relaxed: It was the day before the vacation and everyone was in a good mood.
▪ contented written feeling happy with your life, job, situation etc: He was contented with his job as a cycle mechanic. | She sat down with a contented expression on her face.
▪ pleased/glad [not before noun] happy because something good has happened: I’m pleased I passed my exam. | He was glad to see someone that he knew.
| very happy |
▪ delighted [not before noun] very happy because something good has happened: The doctors say they are delighted with her progress.
▪ thrilled [not before noun] very happy and excited about something: He’s thrilled at the idea of going to Disneyworld.
▪ overjoyed [not before noun] very happy because you have heard some good news: She was overjoyed when she found out that her son was safe.
▪ be on top of the world (also be over the moon British English) [not before noun] informal to be very happy: I was over the moon when I won the championship.
▪ ecstatic extremely happy: The crowd were ecstatic, and cheered wildly. | ecstatic fans
▪ blissful a blissful time is one in which you feel extremely happy: We stayed on the islands for two blissful weeks. | It sounded blissful – sea, sun, and good food.
happy
happy [happy happier happiest] [ˈhæpi] [ˈhæpi] adjective (hap·pier, hap·pi·est)
FEELING/GIVING PLEASURE
1. feeling or showing pleasure; pleased
• a happy smile/face
• You don't look very happy today.
• ~ to do sth We are happy to announce the engagement of our daughter.
• ~ for sb I'm very happy for you.
• ~ (that)… I'm happy (that) you could come.
2. giving or causing pleasure
• a happy marriage/memory/childhood
• The story has a happy ending.
• Those were the happiest days of my life.
AT CELEBRATION
3. if you wish sb a Happy Birthday, Happy New Year, etc. you mean that you hope they have a pleasant celebration
SATISFIED
4. satisfied that sth is good or right; not anxious
• ~ (with sb/sth) Are you happy with that arrangement?
• I'm not happy with his work this term.
• She was happy enough with her performance.
• ~ (about sb/sth) If there's anything you're not happy about, come and ask.
• I'm not too happy about her living alone.
• I said I'd go just to keep him happy.
WILLING
5. ~ to do sth (formal) willing or pleased to do sth
• I'm happy to leave it till tomorrow.
• He will be more than happy to come with us.
LUCKY
6. lucky; successful
Syn: fortunate
• By a happy coincidence, we arrived at exactly the same time.
• He is in the happy position of never having to worry about money.
SUITABLE
7. (formal) (of words, ideas or behaviour) suitable and appropriate for a particular situation
• That wasn't the happiest choice of words.
more at the happy/golden mean at mean n.
Idioms: happy event ▪ happy medium ▪ many happy returns ▪ not a happy bunny
Derived Word: happiness
See also: not a happy camper
Word Origin:
Middle English (in the sense ‘lucky’): from the noun hap ‘good fortune’ + -y.
Word Family:
happy adjective (≠ unhappy)
happily adverb (≠ unhappily)
happiness noun (≠ unhappiness)
Synonyms:
glad
happy • pleased • delighted • proud • relieved • thrilled
These words all describe people feeling happy about sth that has happened or is going to happen.
glad • [not usually before noun] happy about sth or grateful for it: ▪ He was glad he'd come. ◊ ▪ She was glad when the meeting was over.
happy • pleased about sth nice that you have to do or sth that has happened to sb: ▪ We are happy to announce the engagement of our daughter.
pleased • [not before noun] happy about sth that has happened or sth that you have to do: ▪ She was very pleased with her exam results. ◊ ▪ You're coming? I'm so pleased.
glad, happy or pleased?
Feeling pleased can suggest that you have judged sb/sth and approve of them. Feeling glad can be more about feeling grateful for sth. You cannot be ‘glad with sb’: The boss should be glad with you. Happy can mean glad, pleased or satisfied.
delighted • very pleased about sth; very happy to do sth; showing your delight: ▪ I'm delighted at your news.
Delighted is often used to accept an invitation: ▪ ‘Can you stay for dinner?’ ‘I'd be delighted (to).’
proud • pleased and satisfied about sth that you own or have done, or are connected with: ▪ proud parents ◊ ▪ He was ▪ proud of ▪ himself for not giving up.
relieved • feeling happy because sth unpleasant has stopped or has not happened; showing this: ▪ You'll be relieved to know your jobs are safe.
thrilled • [not before noun] (rather informal) extremely pleased and excited about sth: ▪ I was thrilled to be invited.
delighted or thrilled?
Thrilled may express a stronger feeling than delighted, but delighted can be made stronger with absolutely, more than or only too. Thrilled can be made negative and ironic with not exactly or less than: ▪ She was ▪ not exactly thrilled ▪ at the prospect of looking after her niece.
glad/happy/pleased/delighted/relieved/thrilled about sth
pleased/delighted/relieved/thrilled at sth
glad/happy/pleased/delighted/thrilled for sb
glad/happy/pleased/delighted/proud/relieved/thrilled that…/to see/hear/find/know…
very glad/happy/pleased/proud/relieved
absolutely delighted/thrilled
Synonyms:
happy
satisfied • content • contented • joyful • blissful
These words all describe feeling, showing or giving pleasure or satisfaction.
happy • feeling, showing or giving pleasure; satisfied with sth or not worried about it: ▪ a happy marriage/ memory/ childhood ◊ ▪ I said I'd go, just to ▪ keep him happy ▪.
satisfied • pleased because you have achieved sth or because sth has happened as you wanted it to; showing this satisfaction: ▪ She's never satisfied with what she's got. ◊ ▪ a satisfied smile
content • [not before noun] happy and satisfied with what you have: ▪ I'm perfectly ▪ content just to ▪ lie in the sun.
contented • happy and comfortable with what you have; showing this: ▪ a contented baby ◊ ▪ a long contented sigh
content or contented?
Being contented depends more on having a comfortable life; being content can depend more on your attitude to your life: you can have to be content or learn to be content. People or animals can be contented but only people can be content.
joyful • (rather formal) very happy; making people very happy
blissful • making people very happy; showing this happiness: ▪ three blissful weeks away
joyful or blissful?
Joy is a livelier feeling; bliss is more peaceful.
happy/satisfied/content/contented with sth
a happy/satisfied/contented/blissful smile
a happy/joyful occasion/celebration
to feel happy/satisfied/content/contented/joyful
very/perfectly/quite happy/satisfied/content/contented
Synonyms:
satisfaction
happiness • pride • contentment • fulfilment
These are all words for the good feeling that you have when you are happy or when you have achieved sth.
satisfaction • the good feeling that you have when you have achieved sth or when sth that you wanted to happen does happen: ▪ He derived great satisfaction from knowing that his son was happy.
happiness • the good feeling that you have when you are happy: ▪ Money can't buy you happiness.
pride • a feeling of pleasure or satisfaction that you get when you or people who are connected with you have done sth well or own sth that other people admire: ▪ The sight of her son graduating filled her with pride.
contentment • (rather formal) a feeling of happiness or satisfaction with what you have: ▪ They found contentment in living a simple life.
fulfilment • a feeling of happiness or satisfaction with what you do or have done: ▪ her search for personal fulfilment
satisfaction, happiness, contentment or fulfilment?
You can feel satisfaction at achieving almost anything, small or large; you feel fulfilment when you do sth useful and enjoyable with your life. Happiness is the feeling you have when things give you pleasure and can be quite a lively feeling; contentment is a quieter feeling that you get when you have learned to find pleasure in things.
satisfaction/happiness/pride/contentment/fulfilment in sth
real satisfaction/happiness/pride/contentment/fulfilment
true satisfaction/happiness/contentment/fulfilment
great satisfaction/happiness/pride
quiet satisfaction/pride/contentment
to feel satisfaction/happiness/pride/contentment
to bring sb satisfaction/happiness/pride/contentment/fulfilment
to find satisfaction/happiness/contentment/fulfilment
Example Bank:
• Dad seemed perfectly happy with my explanation.
• For the first time in her life, she felt truly happy.
• He went home from time to time, to keep his mother happy.
• Her boss was not entirely happy about the situation.
• I can die happy knowing that I have achieved this.
• I was quite happy with the way things went.
• I'm just happy to be back home.
• I'm not too happy about her attitude.
• It had been a gloriously happy time.
• Money won't make you happy.
• Outwardly the couple appeared happy.
• So you're getting married, I hear. I'm really happy for you!
• We'd be only too happy to accept your invitation.
• By a happy chance, I got a hotel room just five minutes from the university.
• By a happy coincidence, John was in London at that time too.
• Happy birthday!
• He is now in the happy position of never having to worry about money.
• I looked around at all the happy faces.
• I picked the restaurant pretty much at random, but it proved a happy choice all round.
• I said I'd go, just to keep him happy.
• If there's anything you're not happy about, come and ask.
• The story has a happy ending.
• a happy marriage/memory/childhood
happy
happy (PLEASED) /ˈhæp.i/
adjective
feeling, showing or causing pleasure or satisfaction:
a happy marriage/childhood
She looks so happy.
School days are said to be the happiest days of your life.
Nicky seems a lot happier since she met Steve.
You'll be happy to know that Jean is coming with us.
I'm perfectly happy to (= I will willingly) help out.
I'm so happy (that) everything is working out for you.
Barry seems happy enough working for himself.
Are you happy about/with (= satisfied with) your new working arrangements?
Your mother's not going to be very happy when she sees the mess you've made!
FORMAL The manager will be happy (= is willing) to see you this afternoon.
happy (GREETING) /ˈhæp.i/
adjective [before noun]
(used in greetings for special occasions) full of enjoyment and pleasure:
Happy Birthday!
Happy Anniversary!
Happy New Year!
happy (SUITABLE) /ˈhæp.i/
adjective LITERARY
(of words or behaviour) suitable:
It wasn't a happy choice of phrase given the circumstances.
happy (LUCKY) /ˈhæp.i/
adjective [before noun]
(of a condition or situation) lucky:
We hadn't planned to be in France at the same time as Ann and Charles - it was just a happy coincidence.
happy
[hæ̱pi]
♦♦
happier, happiest
1) ADJ-GRADED Someone who is happy has feelings of pleasure, usually because something nice has happened or because they feel satisfied with their life.
Marina was a confident, happy child...
I'm just happy to be back running...
Her face relaxed into a happy smile.
Derived words:
happily ADV-GRADED usu ADV with v Albert leaned back happily and lit a cigarette.
happiness N-UNCOUNT I think mostly she was looking for happiness.
2) ADJ-GRADED: usu ADJ n A happy time, place, or relationship is full of happy feelings and pleasant experiences, or has an atmosphere in which people feel happy.
Except for her illnesses, she had had a particularly happy childhood...
It had always been a happy place...
We have a very happy marriage.
3) ADJ-GRADED: v-link ADJ, ADJ about/with n/-ing, ADJ that, ADJ to-inf If you are happy about a situation or arrangement, you are satisfied with it, for example because you think that something is being done in the right way.
If you are not happy about a repair, go back and complain...
He's happy that I deal with it myself...
When he got old he was really quite happy to let the department run itself.
4) ADJ-GRADED: v-link ADJ, usu ADJ to-inf If you say you are happy to do something, you mean that you are very willing to do it.
I'll be happy to answer any questions if there are any...
That's a risk I'm happy to take.
Derived words:
happily ADV-GRADED ADV with v If I've caused any offence over something I have written, I will happily apologise.
5) ADJ-GRADED: ADJ n Happy is used in greetings and other conventional expressions to say that you hope someone will enjoy a special occasion.
many happy returns → see return
Happy Birthday!...
Happy Easter!
6) ADJ-GRADED: ADJ n A happy coincidence is one that results in something pleasant happening.
By happy coincidence, Robert met Richard and Julia and discovered they were experiencing similar problems.
happy
hap·py /ˈhæpi/ adj hap·pi·er; -est
1 a : feeling pleasure and enjoyment because of your life, situation, etc.
• She was a very happy child.
• I can see that you're not happy in your work. [=I can see that you do not enjoy your work]
• You don't look happy. What's the problem?
• We're all one big, happy family here.
• I'd do anything to make/keep her happy.
• She's happy playing with her toys. = She's happy when she plays with her toys.
b : showing or causing feelings of pleasure and enjoyment
• I could hear the children's happy laughter in the other room.
• She had a very happy childhood.
• They've had a very happy marriage.
• remembering happier times
• a happy event/occasion
• I was glad the movie had a happy ending.
c not used before a noun : pleased or glad about a particular situation, event, etc.
• We are so happy that you were able to come to the party.
• They are not at all happy about the rise in taxes.
• He's not happy with the way the project is going.
• It's great that he won the scholarship. I'm very happy for him. [=I am glad something good happened to him]
d : very willing to do something - usually followed by to + verb
• I would be happy to assist you.
2
- used as part of a greeting or wish for someone on a special holiday or occasion
• Happy birthday, Mom!
• Happy Holidays!
3 always used before a noun : lucky or fortunate
• We were brought together by a series of happy accidents.
• a happy coincidence
4 always used before a noun : fitting or suitable
• a happy choice of words
• He was a happy choice for chairman of the committee.
(as) happy as a clam
- see 1clam
happy medium
- see 1medium
happy returns
- see 2return
- see also trigger-happy
I like classical music very much.
a series of sounds made by instruments or voices in a way that is pleasant or exciting
I like classical music very much.
music
noun (no plural)
1 the sounds that you make by singing, or by playing instruments:
What sort of music do you like?
2 signs on paper to show people what to sing or play:
Can you read music?
word building
There are many different types of music. Here are some of them: classical, heavy metal, jazz, opera, reggae, rock. Do you know any others?
mu‧sic S1 W1 /ˈmjuːzɪk/ BrE AmE noun [uncountable]
[Word Family: noun: music, musical, musician, musicianship, musicology, musicologist; adjective: musical, unmusical; adverb: musically]
[Date: 1200-1300; Language: Old French; Origin: musique, from Latin, from Greek mousike 'art of the Muses', from Mousa; ⇨ muse2]
1. a series of sounds made by instruments or voices in a way that is pleasant or exciting:
I often listen to classical music when I’m in the car.
A new piece of music was specially written for the occasion.
2. the art of writing or playing music:
Peter’s studying music at college.
music lessons
music business/industry etc
a career in the music business
3. a set of written marks representing music, or paper with the written marks on it:
I left my music at home.
McCartney never learned to read music. ⇨ ↑sheet music
4. be music to your ears if someone’s words are music to your ears, they make you very happy or pleased
5. set/put something to music to write music so that the words of a poem, play etc can be sung
⇨ face the music at face2(7)
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ verbs
▪ listen to music Ella was listening to music on her iPod.
▪ play music A small band was playing jazz music.
▪ write/compose music He composed the music for the 'Lord of the Rings' films.
▪ make music (=play or compose music) We began making music together about five years ago.
■ ADJECTIVES/NOUN + music
▪ loud/soft/quiet They were kept awake by loud music from next door.
▪ pop/rock/classical etc music Johnny Cash was one of country music’s greatest stars.
▪ live music (=played by musicians on stage) Most of the bars have live music.
▪ recorded music Live music can sound very different from recorded music.
▪ background music (=that you hear but do not listen to) the soft background music in the restaurant
▪ choral music (=sung by choirs) We perform a wide variety of choral music.
▪ instrumental music (=with no singing) a programme of instrumental music
▪ chamber music (=classical music played by a small group of musicians) a performance of Schumann’s chamber music
▪ orchestral music (=classical music played by a large group of musicians) He has a large CD collection, mostly orchestral music.
▪ piano/organ music I love listening to piano music.
■ music + NOUN
▪ a music lover Her recordings delighted music lovers.
■ phrases
▪ a piece of music It’s a beautiful piece of music.
■ COMMON ERRORS
► Do not say 'classic music'. Say classical music.
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ music the sounds made by musical instruments or people singing: The music was really loud.
▪ tune the main series of musical notes in a piece of music: a folk song with a pretty tune
▪ melody the main series of notes in a piece of music that has many notes being played at the same time, especially in classical music: The soprano sang the melody.
▪ harmony the chords or notes in a piece of music that support the melody: the rich harmonies in the symphony
▪ piece (also piece of music) an arrangement of musical notes – use this about music without words: It’s a difficult piece to play.
▪ composition formal a piece of music that someone has written: This is one of his own compositions.
▪ work a piece of music, especially classical music: one of Mozart’s best-known works
▪ track one of the songs or pieces of music on a CD: the album’s title track
▪ number a piece of popular music that forms part of a concert or show: the show’s first number
music [music musics] [ˈmjuːzɪk] [ˈmjuːzɪk] noun
uncountable
1. sounds that are arranged in a way that is pleasant or exciting to listen to. People sing music or play it on instruments
• pop/dance/classical/church music
• to listen to music
• She could hear music playing somewhere.
• It was a charming piece of music.
• the popularity of Mozart's music
• He wrote the music but I don't know who wrote the words.
• The poem has been set to music.
• Every week they get together to make music (= to play music or sing).
see also chamber music, country music, rock music, soul music
2. the art of writing or playing music
• to study music
• a career in music
• music lessons
• the music business/industry
3. the written or printed signs that represent the sounds to be played or sung in a piece of music
• Can you read music (= understand the signs in order to play or sing a piece of music)?
• I had to play it without the music.
• The music was still open on the piano (= the paper or book with the musical notes on it).
see also sheet music
more at face the music at face v.
Idiom: music to your ears
Word Origin:
Middle English: from Old French musique, via Latin from Greek mousikē (tekhnē) ‘(art) of the Muses’, from mousa ‘muse’.
Thesaurus:
music noun U
• pop/dance/classical music
singing • • song • • melody • • harmony •
(a) beautiful music/singing/songharmony/melody
listen to/hear music/singing/a song/the melody/the harmony
Collocations:
Music
Listening
listen to/enjoy/love/be into music/classical music/jazz/pop/hip-hop, etc.
listen to the radio/an MP3 player/a CD
put on/play a CD/a song/some music
turn down/up the music/radio/volume/bass
go to a concert/festival/gig/performance/recital
copy/burn/rip music/a CD/a DVD
download music/an album/a song/a demo/a video
Playing
play a musical instrument/the piano/percussion/a note/a riff/the melody/a concerto/a duet/by ear
sing an anthem/a ballad/a solo/an aria/the blues/in a choir/soprano/alto/tenor/bass/out of tune
hum a tune/a theme tune/a lullaby
accompany a singer/choir
strum a chord/guitar
Performing
form/start/get together/join/quit/leave a band
give a performance/concert/recital
do a concert/recital/gig
play a concert/gig/festival/venue
perform (BrE) at/in a concert/(especially NAmE) a concert
appear at a festival/live
go on/embark on a (world) tour
Recording
write/compose music/a ballad/a melody/a tune/a song/a theme song/an opera/a symphony
land/get/sign a record deal
be signed to/be dropped by a record company
record/release/put out an album/a single/a CD
be top of/top the charts
get to/go straight to/go straight in at/enter the charts at number one
Example Bank:
• Birmingham's live music scene
• Calypso music played faintly in the distance.
• Can you read music?
• Could you turn that music down?
• He got into music by chance.
• He made up the words and music for the song.
• He played the piece without music.
• Heavy music thundered from the basement.
• Her taste in music was eclectic.
• I pulled the lyrics out and laid them on the music stand.
• I use my laptop to burn music to a CD.
• Listening to music is a great way to relax.
• Music filled the air.
• Put some music on, would you?
• Put your music on the music stand.
• Schubert set several poems by Goethe to music.
• She could hear loud music from the party upstairs.
• She is a rising star in the music world.
• She's really into indie music.
• The ability to appreciate music is largely learnt.
• The album has been praised in the music press.
• The band are number one in the music charts.
• The city has produced a lot of good music.
• The movie uses appropriate period music.
• The music sounded vibrant and loud.
• The music was coming from next door.
• The soft background music made her feel sleepy.
• The sound of pop music drifted through the open window.
• They did their exercises in time to the music.
• We bought a new television and music centre at the weekend.
• We love to make music as a family.
• With the guidance of the conductor, an orchestra creates music and harmonies.
• a beach party with music provided by a local band
• an evening of Scottish music and song
• bars and nightclubs blaring music late into the night
• disco music blaring out of the open windows of a car
• music for piano, cello and voice
• music legend, Elvis Presley
• software that rips music from CDs
• the choir's music director
• the incidental music for a radio play
• the music emerging from the cities of America
• the music which accompanied the dance
• to dance to the music
• Every week they get together to make music.
• He wrote the music but I don't know who wrote the words.
• It was a charming piece of music.
• Many people believe that listening to Mozart's music can improve memory and learning.
• People often choose to listen to music that suits their moods and activities.
• The poem has been set to music.
• pop/dance/classical/church music
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
music / ˈmjuː.zɪk / noun [ U ]
A1 a pattern of sounds made by musical instruments, voices, or computers, or a combination of these, intended to give pleasure to people listening to it:
classical/pop/dance/rock music
a beautiful piece of music
What sort of music do you listen to?
They play good music on this (radio) station.
I just like making music (= playing an instrument or singing) .
Shall I put on some music (= play a recording) ?
the art or study of music:
I studied music at college.
the music business/industry
music lessons
the written system of symbols representing musical notes:
Can you read music?
© Cambridge University Press 2013
[mju͟ːzɪk]
♦
1) N-UNCOUNT Music is the pattern of sounds produced by people singing or playing instruments.
...classical music.
...the music of George Gershwin.
...a mixture of music, dance, cabaret and children's theatre.
...a music critic for the New York Times.
2) N-UNCOUNT Music is the art of creating or performing music.
He went on to study music, specialising in the clarinet.
...a music lesson.
3) N-UNCOUNT Music is the symbols written on paper which represent musical sounds.
→ See also sheet music
He's never been able to read music.
4) PHRASE: v-link PHR (feelings) If something that you hear is music to your ears, it makes you feel very happy.
Popular support - it's music to the ears of any politician.
5) PHRASE: V inflects If you face the music, you put yourself in a position where you will be criticized or punished for something you have done.
Sooner or later, I'm going to have to face the music.
music
mu·sic /ˈmjuːzɪk/ noun [noncount]
1 : sounds that are sung by voices or played on musical instruments
• listening to live/recorded music
• This is one of my favorite pieces of music.
• performing music in front of an audience
• dancing to the music of a big band
• They are writing/composing music for a new album.
• a song with music by George Gershwin and words/lyrics by Ira Gershwin
• classical/popular music
• They like to make music [=play or sing music] with friends.
• The play/poem was set to music. [=music was written to go with the words of the play/poem]
• background music [=music played while something else is happening]
- often used before another noun
• the music industry
• a music video [=a video recording of a performance of popular music]
- see also chamber music, country music, folk music, soul music
2 : written or printed symbols showing how music should be played or sung
• He is learning to read music.
• a music stand [=a holder on which printed music is placed so that a musician can see it while playing or singing]
- see also sheet music
3 : the art or skill of creating or performing music
• She studied music in college.
• music theory
4 : a pleasant sound
• the music of a brook
• Her words were music to my ears. [=I was very happy to hear what she said]
face the music
I usually eat an apple for breakfast.
a hard round fruit that has red, light green, or yellow skin and is white inside
I usually eat an apple for breakfast.
apple
noun
a hard round fruit with green or red skin
ap‧ple S2 W3 /ˈæpəl/ BrE AmE noun
[Language: Old English; Origin: æppel]
1. [uncountable and countable] a hard round fruit that has red, light green, or yellow skin and is white inside:
apple pie
an apple tree
roast pork and apple sauce (=a thick sauce made from cooked apples) ⇨ ↑cooking apple, ↑eating apple
2. be the apple of sb’s eye to be loved very much by someone:
Ben was always the apple of his father’s eye.
3. bob/dunk/dip for apples to play a game in which you must use your teeth to pick up apples floating in water
4. be as American as apple pie used to describe something that is typically American
5. the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree American English used to say that children are usually similar to their parents, especially in a bad way
⇨ upset the apple cart at ↑upset1(4), ⇨ a rotten apple at ↑rotten1(7), ⇨ ADAM’S APPLE, ↑Big Apple
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ adjectives
▪ juicy a juicy green apple
▪ sweet This apple’s really sweet and delicious.
▪ sour/tart (=not at all sweet) Some people prefer a slightly sour apple.
▪ rotten (=bad, so that the skin goes brown) There were a few rotten apples lying on the ground.
▪ an eating/dessert apple (=one which is sweet enough to eat) Use dessert apples for this recipe.
▪ a cooking apple
▪ a baked apple (=one that has been cooked in the oven)
■ verbs
▪ eat an apple Some people say that you should eat an apple every day.
▪ bite into an apple Sue bit into her apple with a loud crunch.
▪ munch on an apple (=eat it) He was munching on an apple.
▪ peel an apple (=remove the skin) Peel the apples and slice them finely.
▪ core an apple (=remove the middle part containing the seeds) Core the apples and cut into quarters.
apple [apple apples] [ˈæpl] [ˈæpl] noun
a round fruit with shiny red or green skin and firm white flesh
• an apple pie
• apple sauce
• a garden with three apple trees
see also Adam's apple, Big Apple, cooking apple, crab apple, eating apple, toffee apple
more at as American as apple pie at American adj., a rotten apple at rotten
Idioms: apple doesn't fall falls far from the tree ▪ apple of somebody's eye ▪ apples and oranges
Word Origin:
Old English æppel, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch appel and German Apfel.
Example Bank:
• Add some sugar to the stewed apple— it's still a little tart.
• He just sat there munching on an apple.
• The apples were all bruised after being dropped on the floor.
apple /ˈæp.ļ/
noun [C or U]
a round fruit with a firm white flesh and a green, red or yellow skin:
to peel an apple
apple pie/sauce
an apple tree.
[æ̱p(ə)l]
apples
1) N-VAR An apple is a round fruit with smooth green, yellow, or red skin and firm white flesh.
→ See also Adam's apple, Big Apple, crab apple
I want an apple.
...2kg cooking apples.
...his ongoing search for the finest varieties of apple.
...a large garden with apple trees in it.
2) PHRASE: usu v-link PHR If you say that someone is the apple of your eye, you mean that they are very important to you and you are extremely fond of them.
Penny's only son was the apple of her eye.
apple
ap·ple /ˈæpəl/ noun, pl ap·ples : a round fruit with red, yellow, or green skin and firm white flesh
[count]
• crisp juicy apples
• a bad/rotten apple [=an apple that has rotted and cannot be eaten]
[noncount]
• a piece of apple
- often used before another noun
• apple pie
• apple juice
• apple trees
✦In figurative use, a bad apple or rotten apple is a bad member of a group who causes problems for the rest of the group.
• A few bad apples cheated on the test, and now everyone has to take the test again.
• One rotten apple ruined the day for the rest of us.
compare apples to apples/oranges
the apple of someone's eye : a person or thing that someone loves very much
• His daughter is the apple of his eye.
upset the apple cart
Sima showed great courage throughout her illness.
the quality of being brave when you are facing a difficult or dangerous situation, or when you are very ill
Sima showed great courage throughout her illness.
courage
noun (no plural)
not being afraid, or not showing that you are afraid when you do something dangerous or difficult same meaning bravery:
She showed great courage in the face of danger.
>> courageous adjective same meaning brave:
a courageous young man
courage
cour‧age S3 /ˈkʌrɪdʒ $ ˈkɜːr-/ noun [uncountable]
[Date: 1200-1300; Language: Old French; Origin: corage, from cuer 'heart', from Latin cor]
1. the quality of being brave when you are facing a difficult or dangerous situation, or when you are very ill ⇒ bravery OPP cowardice:
Sue showed great courage throughout her illness.
courage to do something
Gradually I lost the courage to speak out about anything.
He did not have the courage to tell Nicola that he was ending their affair.
summon/pluck up the courage (to do something) (=find the courage to do something)
I plucked up the courage to go out by myself.
Driving again after his accident must have taken a lot of courage (=needed courage).
2. have the courage of your (own) convictions to continue to say or do what you think is right even when other people may not agree or approve
⇒ Dutch courage
| COLLOCATIONS |
| verbs |
▪ have courage She certainly has a lot of courage.
▪ show courage The pilot showed great skill and courage.
▪ summon (up)/muster your courage (=make yourself feel brave) Summoning all her courage, she got up to see what the noise was.
▪ bolster your courage (=make it stronger) They sang and whistled as they marched, to bolster their courage.
▪ sb’s courage fails (=is not great enough to do something) I was going to jump but my courage failed at the last moment.
▪ something gives you courage (=makes you feel that you have courage) My mother nodded, which gave me the courage to speak up.
| phrases |
▪ have the courage to do something I didn’t have the courage to say what I really thought.
▪ find the courage to do something You must find the courage to deal with the problem.
▪ pluck up/screw up the courage to do something (=try to find it) He was trying to pluck up the courage to end their relationship.
▪ lack the courage to do something He lacked the courage to look her full in the face.
▪ It takes courage to do something/sth takes courage (=needs courage) It takes courage to make a big change in your life like that.
| adjectives |
▪ great courage The men had fought with great courage.
▪ enough/sufficient courage Harry plucked up enough courage to ask her out.
▪ personal courage (=the courage of one particular person) Her recovery owed a great deal to her personal courage.
▪ moral courage (=the courage to do the right thing) He said his faith gave him the moral courage to survive his ordeal.
▪ physical courage (=the courage to do something physically dangerous or difficult) It seemed strange that someone of great physical courage could be so unsure of himself in other ways.
▪ political courage (=the courage to take risks in politics) Do our politicians have the political courage to make unpopular decisions?
• • •
| THESAURUS |
▪ courage the quality of being brave when you are facing a difficult or dangerous situation, or when you are very ill: the courage of the soldiers | She showed great courage throughout her illness. | He finally plucked up the courage (=found the courage) to ask her for a date.
▪ bravery courage in a dangerous or frightening situation, especially when you are fighting in a war: He won a medal for bravery during the Iraq war.
▪ guts informal the courage and determination to do something difficult or unpleasant: It must have taken a lot of guts for him to say that.
▪ heroism very great courage in a dangerous situation: The President praised the heroism of the firefighters.
cour·age [ˈkʌrɪdʒ] [ˈkɜːrɪdʒ] noun uncountable
the ability to do sth dangerous, or to face pain or opposition, without showing fear
Syn: bravery
• He showed great courage and determination.
• I haven't yet plucked up the courage to ask her.
• moral/physical courage
• courage in the face of danger
see also Dutch courage
more at screw up your courage at screw v.
Idioms: have the courage of your convictions ▪ take courage ▪ take your courage in both hands
Word Origin:
Middle English (denoting the heart, as the seat of feelings): from Old French corage, from Latin cor ‘heart’.
Thesaurus:
courage [courage] noun U
• He showed great courage in the face of danger.
bravery • • heroism • • nerve • • audacity • • daring • |informal guts • |literary, BrE valour • |AmE valor •
Opp: cowardice
have the courage/bravery/nerve/audacity/guts
show courage/bravery
doing sth takes courage/bravery/nerve/guts
an act of courage/bravery/heroism/valour
Courage or bravery? Courage is often about facing opposition; bravery is more often about facing physical danger or pain
• They lack the moral courage to speak out.
• He received the medal as an award for bravery.
Example Bank:
• He lacked the courage to try something new.
• He showed great calmness and courage under fire.
• I admire your courage in saying what you think.
• I didn't have the courage to tell him.
• I finally plucked up enough courage to speak to Rachel.
• It takes courage to sing in public.
• This is a chance for him to show leadership and political courage.
• an act of personal courage that moved people
• stories of incredible physical courage
• I haven't yet plucked up the courage to ask her.
• She displayed remarkable courage in the face of danger.
• Unfortunately, they lack the moral courage to speak out against what is happening.
• You need to have the courage of your convictions.
courage
courage /ˈkʌr.ɪdʒ/ US /ˈkɝː-/
noun [U]
the ability to control your fear in a dangerous or difficult situation:
They showed great courage when they found out about their baby's disability.
[+ to infinitive] People should have the courage to stand up for their beliefs.
It took me ages to summon/pluck up the courage to ask for a promotion.
courage
[kʌ̱rɪʤ, AM kɜ͟ːr-]
♦♦♦
1) N-UNCOUNT Courage is the quality shown by someone who decides to do something difficult or dangerous, even though they may be afraid.
→ See also Dutch courage
General Lewis Mackenzie has impressed everyone with his authority and personal courage...
They do not have the courage to apologise for their actions.
Syn:
bravery
2) PHRASE: PHR after v If you have the courage of your convictions, you have the confidence to do what you believe is right, even though other people may not agree or approve.
to pluck up the courage → see pluck
Developers should have the courage of their convictions and stick to what they do best.
courage
cour·age /ˈkɚrɪʤ/ noun [noncount] : the ability to do something that you know is difficult or dangerous
• The troops showed great courage [=bravery] in battle.
• She has the courage to support unpopular causes.
• It takes courage to stand up for your rights.
• I finally worked/got up the courage [=nerve] to tell him the bad news.
• They showed great courage [=fearlessness] and determination.
• Eventually she summoned (up) the courage to confront him.
• They showed courage under fire. [=they were brave while they were being shot at or while they were being strongly criticized]
• He has the courage of his convictions. [=he is not afraid to do what he believes is right]
to express or represent something such as an idea, thought, or fact
What does this word mean?
verb (means, meaning, meant /, has meant)
1 to have as a meaning:
What does 'medicine' mean?
The red light means that you have to stop here.
2 to plan or want to say something:
She said 'yes' but she really meant 'no'.
I don't understand what you mean.
We're going on Tuesday, I mean Thursday.
3 to plan or want to do something same meaning intend:
I didn't mean to hurt you.
I meant to phone you, but I forgot.
4 to make something happen:
This snow means there will be no sport today.
5 to be important to somebody:
My family means a lot to me.
be meant to
1 If you are meant to do something, you should do it:
You're not meant to smoke on the train.
2 If something is meant to be true, people say it is true:
This is meant to be a good film.
mean
I. mean1 S1 W1 /miːn/ BrE AmE verb [transitive] (past tense and past participle meant /ment/)
[Word Family: adjective: ↑meaningful, ↑meaningless; verb: ↑mean; noun: ↑meaning; adverb: ↑meaningfully]
[Language: Old English; Origin: mænan]
1. HAVE A PARTICULAR MEANING [not in progressive] to have or represent a particular meaning:
What does ‘patronizing’ mean?
The red light means ‘Stop’.
The report fails to define what is meant by the term ‘key issues’.
mean (that)
This light means you’re running low on fuel.
REGISTER
In written English, people often prefer to say that something indicates something is the case, rather than using mean:
▪ The light indicates that fuel supplies are low.
2. INTEND TO SAY SOMETHING [not in progressive] to intend a particular meaning when you say something
mean (that)
I meant we’d have to leave early – that’s all.
It’s pretty obvious what she means.
(do) you mean spoken (=used to check you have understood what someone intended to say)
Do you mean you’ve changed or Chris has changed?
do/if you know/see what I mean? spoken (=used to check that someone understands you)
I want to buy her something really special, if you know what I mean.
We’re still married but living apart in the same house, if you see what I mean.
Oh yeah! I see what you mean (=I understand what you are trying to say).
What I mean is, I don’t feel alone anymore (=used to explain more about what you have said).
‘I didn’t really like him.’ 'I know what you mean, I didn’t get on with him either (=used to say you understand and have had the same experience).
‘In three hours’ time, I’ll be a free man.‘ ’How do you mean (=used to ask someone to explain what they have just said)?'
3. INTEND TO DO SOMETHING to intend to do something or intend that someone else should do something
mean to do something
I’ve been meaning to ask you if you want to come for a meal next week.
I didn’t mean to upset you.
mean somebody/something to do something
I didn’t mean this to happen at all.
I never meant you to find out.
mean for somebody to do something especially American English:
I didn’t mean for her to get hurt.
I’m sure she didn’t mean it (=she did not intend to upset or hurt someone).
mean no harm/offence/disrespect (=not intend to harm, offend etc someone)
I’m sure he didn’t mean any harm.
He may sound a bit rude at times, but he means well (=intends to be helpful or kind, even if it does not seem like that).
I wasn’t criticizing you, I really meant it for the best (=wanted to be helpful, although my actions had the wrong effect).
4. RESULT IN SOMETHING [not in progressive] to have a particular result or involve something:
The merger will mean the closure of the company’s Sydney office.
Don’t let him see you. It will only mean trouble.
mean (that)
The high cost of housing means that many young people can’t afford to buy a house.
mean doing something
My new job will mean travelling all over the world.
Dieting also means being careful about which foods you buy.
5. BE FAMILIAR [not in progressive] if a name, word etc means something to you, you are familiar with it or you understand it:
He said his name was ‘Randall’ but it meant nothing to me (=I was not familiar with it).
Does the name Bryce mean anything to you?
You need to use analogies which will mean something to the reader.
6. SAY SOMETHING SERIOUSLY [not in progressive] to be serious about what you are saying or writing:
With children, if you say ‘no’, you have to mean it.
I meant what I said earlier.
You don’t really mean that, do you?
7. HOW IMPORTANT SOMEBODY/SOMETHING IS [not in progressive] used for saying how important someone or something is to you
mean something to somebody
I know how much your work means to you.
The medal meant a lot to him.
mean the world to somebody/mean everything to somebody (=be very important to someone)
He meant the world to her.
Time meant nothing (=it was not important) to me while I was travelling.
Of course the relationship meant something to me.
8. SHOW SOMETHING IS TRUE/WILL HAPPEN [not in progressive] to be a sign that something is true or will happen
mean (that)
Finding a lump does not necessarily mean you have cancer.
Clear skies mean that it will be a cold night.
Just because he’s been in prison, it doesn’t mean that he’s violent.
• • •
SPOKEN PHRASES
9. what do you mean ...?
a) used when you do not understand what someone is trying to say:
‘You’ll be careful won’t you?’ ‘What do you mean?’
b) used when you are very surprised or annoyed by what someone has just said:
What do you mean, you’ve cancelled the trip?
What do you mean by that?
c) used when you are very annoyed by what someone has just done:
What do you mean by calling me at this time of night?
10. SAY WHICH PERSON/THING used to say that a particular person or thing is the one that you are talking about, pointing to etc:
‘Hey you!’ ‘Do you mean me?’
I meant the pink dress, not the red one.
11. I mean
a) used when explaining or giving an example of something, or when pausing to think about what you are going to say next:
You’re more of an expert than me. I mean, you’ve got all that experience.
It’s just not right. I mean, it’s unfair isn’t it?
b) used to quickly correct something you have just said:
She plays the violin, I mean the viola, really well.
12. see what I mean? used when something that happens proves what you said before:
See what I mean? Every time she calls me up she wants me to do something for her.
13. that’s what I mean used when someone is saying the same thing that you were trying to say earlier:
‘We might not have enough money.’ ‘That’s what I mean, so we’d better find out the price first.’
14. I mean to say used when adding a reason or explanation for something you have just said, especially something you feel strongly about:
Of course she wants to see the children, I mean to say, it’s only natural isn’t it?
15. mean business to be determined to do something:
This decision shows the public that we mean business.
16. be meant to do something
a) if you are meant to do something, you should do it, especially because someone has told you to or because you are responsible for it:
Come on, Ellen, you’re meant to be helping me.
I thought the police were meant to protect people.
b) to be intended to do something:
The diagram is meant to show the different stages of the process.
17. be meant to be good/excellent/bad etc used to say that you have heard or read that something is good, bad etc:
The play is meant to be really good.
18. be meant for somebody/something to be intended for a particular person or purpose:
a book meant for children
19. be meant for somebody if two people are meant for each other, they are very suitable as partners for each other:
They were meant for each other.
She’s meant for him.
20. somebody was never meant for something/to be something used to say that someone is not at all suitable for a particular job or activity:
I was never meant for the army.
21. something was meant to be/happen used to say that you think a situation was certain to happen and that no one could have prevented it:
Dan left me after a month so I guess it just wasn’t meant to be.
22. know/understand what it means to be something to have experienced a particular situation, so that you know what it is like:
I know what it means to be alone in a foreign country.
mean
mean [mean means meant meaning meaner meanest] verb, adjective, noun [miːn] [miːn]
verb (meant, meant [ment] ; [ment] )
HAVE AS MEANING
1. (not used in the progressive tenses) to have sth as a meaning
• ~ sth What does this sentence mean?
• What is meant by ‘batch processing’?
• ~ sth to sb Does the name ‘Jos Vos’ mean anything to you (= do you know who he is)?
• ~ (that)… The flashing light means (that) you must stop.
INTEND AS MEANING
2. (not used in the progressive tenses) to intend to say sth on a particular occasion
• ~ sth What did he mean by that remark?
• ‘Perhaps we should try another approach.’ ‘ What do you mean? (= I don't understand what you are suggesting.) ’
• What do you mean, you thought I wouldn't mind? (= of course I mind and I am very angry)
• What she means is that there's no point in waiting here.
• I always found him a little strange, if you know what I mean (= if you understand what I mean by ‘strange’).
• I know what you mean (= I understand and feel sympathy). I hated learning to drive too.
• (informal) It was like— weird. Know what I mean?
• I see what you mean (= I understand although I may not agree), but I still think it's worth trying.
• See what I mean (= I was right and this proves it, doesn't it)? She never agrees to anything I suggest.
• ‘But Pete doesn't know we're here!’ ‘ That's what I mean! (= that's what I have been trying to tell you.) ’
• Do you mean Ann Smith or Mary Smith?
• ~ (that)… Did he mean (that) he was dissatisfied with our service?
• You mean (= are you telling me) we have to start all over again?
HAVE AS PURPOSE
3. to have sth as a purpose or intention
Syn: intend
• ~ sth What did she mean by leaving so early (= why did she do it)?
• Don't laugh! I mean it (= I am serious).
• He means trouble (= to cause trouble).
• ~ sth as sth Don't be upset— I'm sure she meant it as a compliment.
• ~ what… He means what he says (= is not joking, exaggerating, etc.).
• ~ sth for sb/sth The chair was clearly meant for a child.
• Don't be angry. I'm sure she meant it for the best (= intended to be helpful).
• ~ to do sth She means to succeed.
• I'm sorry I hurt you. I didn't mean to.
• I'm feeling very guilty— I've been meaning to call my parents for days, but still haven't got around to it.
• ~ sb/sth to do sth I didn't mean you to read the letter.
• You're meant to (= you are supposed to) pay before you go in.
• ~ (that)… (formal) I never meant (that) you should come alone.
INTEND SB TO BE/DO STH
4. often passive to intend sb to be or do sth
• ~ sb for sth/sb I was never meant for the army (= did not have the qualities needed to become a soldier).
• Duncan and Makiko were meant for each other (= are very suitable as partners).
• ~ sb/sth to be sth His father meant him to be an engineer.
• She did everything to get the two of them together, but I guess it just wasn't meant to be.
HAVE AS RESULT
5. to have sth as a result or a likely result
Syn: entail
• ~ sth Spending too much now will mean a shortage of cash next year.
• ~ to be/do sth Do you have any idea what it means to be poor?
• ~ (that)… We'll have to be careful with money but that doesn't mean (that) we can't enjoy ourselves.
• ~ doing sth This new order will mean working overtime.
• ~ sb/sth doing sth The injury could mean him missing next week's game.
BE IMPORTANT
6. no passive ~ sth to sb to be of value or importance to sb
• Your friendship means a great deal to me.
• $20 means a lot (= represents a lot of money) when you live on $100 a week.
• Money means nothing to him.
• Her children mean the world to her.
Verb forms:
Word Origin:
v. Old English mænan West Germanic Dutch meenen German meinen Indo-European mind
adj. senses 1 to 4 and adj. senses 6 to 8 Middle English Old English gemǣne Germanic Indo-European Latin communis ‘common’ ‘common to two or more people’ ‘inferior in rank’ ‘ignoble, small-minded’
adj. sense 5 and n. Middle English Old French meien Latin medianus ‘middle’ medius ‘mid’
Thesaurus:
mean verb
1. T (not used in the progressive tenses)
• What does this sentence mean?
indicate • • imply • • mark • |formal signify • • denote • |especially journalism signal •
mean/indicate/imply/signify sth to sb
mean/indicate/imply/signify that…
mean/indicate/mark/signify/denote/signal the beginning/start/arrival/end of sth
2. T (not used in the progressive tenses)
• What do you mean by that remark?
suggest • • hint • • imply • |spoken what sb is getting/driving at • |formal intend • |disapproving insinuate •
mean/suggest by/as sth
mean/suggest/hint/imply/insinuate that…
seem/appear to mean/suggest/hint/imply sth
3. T
• I didn't mean to hurt you.
intend • • plan • • aim • |formal propose •
mean/intend/plan/aim/propose to do sth
sb originally meant/intended/planned sth
4. T, usually passive (not used in the progressive tenses)
• His father meant him to be an engineer.
be intended to for/as/to be sth • • design • • be aimed at sth •
be meant/designed/intended for/as sth
be meant/designed/intended to be/do sth
5. T
• This order will mean working overtime.
involve • • entail • • spell • |formal necessitate • • imply •
sth means/implies that…
sth means/involves/entails/necessitates/implies a/an increase/reduction
sth usually/inevitably/necessarily/actually means/involves/entails/implies sth
Language Bank:
i.e.
Explaining what you mean
▪ Some poems are mnemonics, i.e. ▪ they are designed to help you remember something.
▪ Some poems are mnemonics, that is to say ▪, they are designed to help you remember something.
▪ Mnemonic poems, that is ▪ poems designed to help you remember something, are an excellent way to learn lists.
▪ A limerick's rhyme scheme is A–A–B–B–A. In other words ▪, the first, second, and fifth lines all rhyme with one another, while the third and fourth lines have their own rhyme.
▪ In this exercise the reader is encouraged to work out the meaning, or rather ▪ the range of meanings, of the poem.
▪ This is a poem about death, or, more precisely ▪, dying.
▪ He says his poems deal with ‘the big issues’, by which he means ▪ love, loss, grief and death.
Language Bank at about
Example Bank:
• ‘But Pete doesn't know we're here!’ ‘That's what I mean!’
• ‘Perhaps we should try another approach.’ ‘What do you mean?’
• Do you mean Steve Jones or Alex Jones?
• Does the name ‘David Berwick’ mean anything to you?
• Don't be angry. I'm sure she meant it for the best.
• Don't be upset— I'm sure he meant it as a compliment.
• Don't laugh! I mean it.
• He means trouble.
• He means what he says.
• I always found him a little strange, if you know what I mean.
• I didn't mean to read your letter.
• I know what you mean. I hated learning to drive too.
• I see what you mean, but I still think it's worth trying.
• I was never meant for the army.
• I'm sorry I hurt you. I didn't mean to.
• I've been meaning to call her, but I've been so busy lately.
• It was like— weird. Know what I mean?
• Mr President, does this mean an end to the current conflict?
• Philip and Kim were meant for each other.
• See what I mean She never agrees to anything I suggest.
• The cost would have meant financial ruin for us.
• The house was clearly meant to be a family home.
• The injury could mean him missing next week's game.
• There was a rack by the door presumably meant for umbrellas.
• They are not using the system in the way the manufacturer meant it to be used.
• Touching the wires means instant death.
• We'll have to be careful with money but that doesn't mean (that) we can't enjoy ourselves.
• What did she mean by leaving so early = why did she do it?
• What do you mean, you thought I wouldn't mind?
• What is meant by ‘batch processing’?
• What she means is that there is no point in waiting here.
• You mean we have to start all over again?
• You're meant to pay before you go in.
Idioms: I mean ▪ happy mean ▪ mean business ▪ mean no harm ▪ mean to say ▪ mean well ▪ meant to be something ▪ no mean … ▪ not mean any harm
Derived Words: meanly ▪ meanness
mean / miːn / verb ( meant , meant ) (EXPRESS)
A2 [ T ] to express or represent something such as an idea, thought, or fact:
What does this word mean?
[ + that ] These figures mean that almost six percent of the working population is unemployed.
What do you mean by that remark?
She's quite odd though. Do you know what I mean?
[ T ] used to add emphasis to what you are saying:
I want you home by midnight. And I mean midnight.
Give it back now! I mean it .
mean
I [mi͟ːn]VERB USES
means, meaning, meant
(Please look at category 19 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.)
1) VERB: no cont If you want to know what a word, code, signal, or gesture means, you want to know what it refers to or what its message is.
[V n] In modern Welsh, `glas' means `blue'...
[V n] What does `evidence' mean?...
[V that] The red signal means you can shoot.
Syn:
signify
2) VERB: no cont If you ask someone what they mean, you are asking them to explain exactly what or who they are referring to or what they are intending to say.
[V n] Do you mean me?...
[V n] Let me illustrate what I mean with an old story...
[V n] What do you think he means by that?...
[V that] I think he means that he does not want this marriage to turn out like his friend's.
3) VERB: no cont If something means something to you, it is important to you in some way.
[V amount to n] The idea that she witnessed this shameful incident meant nothing to him...
[it V amount to-inf] It would mean a lot to them to win. [Also V amount]
4) VERB: no cont If one thing means another, it shows that the second thing exists or is true.
[V n] An enlarged prostate does not necessarily mean cancer...
[V that] Just because he has a beard doesn't necessarily mean he's a hippy.
Syn:
prove
5) VERB: no cont If one thing means another, the first thing leads to the second thing happening.
[V n] It would almost certainly mean the end of NATO...
[V n] Trade and product discounts can also mean big savings...
[V that] The change will mean that the country no longer has full diplomatic relations with other states.
6) VERB If doing one thing means doing another, it involves doing the second thing.
[V -ing] Children universally prefer to live in peace and security, even if that means living with only one parent...
[V -ing] Managing well means communicating well.
Syn:
involve
7) VERB: no cont If you say that you mean what you are saying, you are telling someone that you are serious about it and are not joking, exaggerating, or just being polite.
[V n] He says you're fired if you're not back at work on Friday. And I think he meant it...
[V n] He could see I meant what I said. So he took his fur coat and left.
8) VERB: no cont If you say that someone meant to do something, you are saying that they did it deliberately.
[V to-inf] I didn't mean to hurt you...
[V to-inf] If that sounds harsh, it is meant to...
[V to-inf] Did you mean to leave your dog here?...
[V n to-inf] I can see why you believed my letters were threatening but I never meant them to be.
Syn:
intend
9) VERB: no cont, with brd-neg If you say that someone did not mean any harm, offence, or disrespect, you are saying that they did not intend to upset or offend people or to cause problems, even though they may in fact have done so.
[V n] I'm sure he didn't mean any harm...
[V n] I didn't mean any offence. It was a flippant, off-the-cuff remark.
Syn:
intend
10) VERB: no cont If you mean to do something, you intend or plan to do it.
[V to-inf] Summer is the perfect time to catch up on the new books you meant to read...
[V to-inf] You know very well what I meant to say...
[V to-inf] I mean to look after my body.
Syn:
intend
11) VERB: usu passive, no cont If you say that something was meant to happen, you believe that it was made to happen by God or fate, and did not just happen by chance.
[be V-ed to-inf] John was constantly reassuring me that we were meant to be together.
Syn:
destined
12) PHRASE: PHR with cl You say `I mean' when making clearer something that you have just said. [SPOKEN]
It was his idea. Gordon's, I mean...
Is something upsetting you - I mean, apart from this business?
13) PHRASE: PHR with cl You can use `I mean' to introduce a statement, especially one that justifies something that you have just said. [SPOKEN]
I'm sure he wouldn't mind. I mean, I was the one who asked him...
They were filled with racial stereotypes, I mean, it looked like something from the 1930s.
14) PHRASE: PHR with cl You say I mean when correcting something that you have just said. [SPOKEN]
It was law or classics - I mean English or classics.
Syn:
sorry
15) PHRASE: Vs inflect, oft PHR to-inf If you know what it means to do something, you know everything that is involved in a particular activity or experience, especially the effect that it has on you.
I know what it means to lose a child under such tragic circumstances.
16) PHRASE: V inflects, PHR n If a name, word, or phrase means something to you, you have heard it before and you know what it refers to.
`Oh, Gairdner,' he said, as if that meant something to him...
Does the word `Fareham' mean anything to anyone?
17) PHRASE: V inflects If you say that someone means well, you mean they are trying to be kind and helpful, even though they might be causing someone problems or upsetting them.
I know you mean well, but I can manage by myself.
18) PHRASE: PHR with cl You use `you mean' in a question to check that you have understood what someone has said.
What accident? You mean Christina's?...
`What if I had said no?' `About the apartment, you mean?'
19) to mean business → see business
if you know what I mean → see know
→ See also meaning, meantII [mi͟ːn]ADJECTIVE USES
meaner, meanest
1) ADJ-GRADED (disapproval) If you describe someone as mean, you are being critical of them because they are unwilling to spend much money or to use very much of a particular thing. [mainly BRIT]
Don't be mean with fabric, otherwise curtains will end up looking skimpy.
Syn:
stingy
Derived words:
meanness N-UNCOUNT This very careful attitude to money can sometimes border on meanness.(in AM, use cheap, stingy)
2) ADJ-GRADED (disapproval) If you describe an amount as mean, you are saying that it is very small. [BRIT]
...the meanest grant possible from the local council.
3) ADJ-GRADED: usu v-link ADJ, oft ADJ to n If someone is being mean, they are being unkind to another person, for example by not allowing them to do something.
The little girls had locked themselves in upstairs because Mack had been mean to them...
I'd feel mean saying no.
Syn:
unkind
Derived words:
meanly ADV-GRADED usu ADV with v, also ADV adj He had been behaving very meanly to his girlfriend.
4) ADJ-GRADED If you describe a person or animal as mean, you are saying that they are very bad-tempered and cruel. [mainly AM]
The state's former commissioner of prisons once called Leonard the meanest man he'd ever seen.
5) ADJ-GRADED: usu ADJ n If you describe a place as mean, you think that it looks poor and dirty.
He was raised on the mean streets of the central market district of Panama City.
6) ADJ: ADJ n (approval) You can use mean in expressions such as `He plays a mean trumpet' and `She mixes a mean cocktail' to indicate that someone does something extremely well. [INFORMAL]
He cooks a mean salmon...
Marge played a mean game of tennis.
7) PHRASE: PHR n (approval) You can use no mean in expressions such as `no mean writer' and `no mean golfer' to indicate that someone does something well. [INFORMAL]
She was no mean performer on a variety of other instruments...
Moreover, Ramsay was no mean thinker himself.
8) PHRASE: PHR n You can use no mean in expressions such as `no mean achievement' and `no mean task' to indicate that someone has done something they deserve to be proud of.
To destroy 121 enemy aircraft is no mean record...
Repton reached the final, and since around 1,500 schools entered the competition, that was no mean achievement.III [mi͟ːn]NOUN USE
N-SING: the N, oft N n
The mean is a number that is the average of a set of numbers.
→ See also means
Take a hundred and twenty values and calculate the mean.
...the mean score for 26-year-olds.
Syn:
average
1mean /ˈmiːn/ verb means; meant /ˈmɛnt/; mean·ing
1 not used in progressive tenses [+ obj] : to have (a particular meaning)
• What does this word mean in English? = What is meant in English by this word?
• The word meant one thing in Shakespeare's day, but it means something else now.
• The abbreviation “U.S.” means [=stands for] “United States.”
• Red means “stop” and green means “go.”
• Can you tell me what my dream means?
• “Bonjour” is a French word meaning “hello.” = “Bonjour” is a French word that means “hello.”
2 not used in progressive tenses [+ obj] : to want or intend to express (a particular idea or meaning)
• I meant what I said. [=I was sincere when I said it]
• What was meant by the poet?
• Don't distort what she meant by taking her words out of context.
• When she says the play was “interesting,” she means (that) it wasn't very good.
• He's very ambitious, and I mean that as a compliment.
• It's a very easy question. Anyone, and I mean anyone, should be able to answer it.
• You hold it like this. (Do you) See what I mean? [=do you understand what I'm showing you?]
• She's not getting any thinner, if you know/get what I mean.
• “He can be a little difficult. (Do you) Know what I mean?”
• “He can be a little difficult.” “What/How do you mean?” = “Meaning?” [=what exactly do you mean when you say that?]
• “He can be a little difficult.” “I know what you mean.” [=I agree]
• “He can be a little difficult.” “What's that supposed to mean?” [=I am surprised that you would say that; I don't agree with what you are saying]
3 [+ obj] : to have (something) in your mind as a purpose or goal
• Just what do you mean (by) coming into my room without knocking? [=what is your reason for coming into my room without knocking?]
• She says she didn't mean anything by what she did.
• She didn't mean (you) any harm. = She meant no harm (to you). [=she did not intend to cause any harm (to you)]
• I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings. I meant (you) no offense/disrespect.
• I don't trust him. He means no good.
- often followed by to + verb
• He didn't mean [=intend] to do any harm.
• She means to win.
• I keep meaning to visit you—I just never seem to get around to it.
• He says he never meant to hurt her.
4 not used in progressive tenses
a : to plan for or want (someone or something) to do or to be something
[+ obj]
- often + as
• His comment was meant [=intended] as a joke.
- often followed by to + verb
• We meant her to come with us.
• She meant her remarks to be funny.
• “What you said hurt his feelings!” “Well, I meant it to!”
[no obj]
(chiefly US) - + for
• We meant for her to come with us.
b [+ obj] : to want (something that you control, provide, or have made) to be used for a particular purpose or by a particular person - often + for
• I meant [=intended] the flowers for you, not for your sister.
• The book was meant for children, but it is popular with adults too.
• His criticism is meant for all of us.
- often followed by to + verb
• They meant the book to be a present.
- sometimes + as
• They meant the book as a present.
5 not used in progressive tenses [+ obj] : to make a statement to or about (someone)
• “Hey, you!” “I'm sorry: do you mean me?” [=are you talking to me?]
• “Some people here are too bossy!” “Do you mean me?” [=are you referring to me?]
6 not used in progressive tenses [+ obj]
a : to indicate or show (something that is going to happen)
• Those clouds mean rain. = Those clouds mean (that) it's going to rain.
• When he gets that angry look in his eyes, you know it means trouble. [=you know that there will be trouble]
b : to cause or result in (something)
• The bad weather could mean further delays.
c : to involve or require (something) as a necessary part
• Becoming a concert pianist means practicing a lot. [=if you're going to become a concert pianist you have to practice a lot]
• I'll get the work done today even if it means staying late.
7 not used in progressive tenses [+ obj]
- used to say or ask how important something is to someone; usually + to
• How much does your health mean to you? [=how important is your health to you?]
• It means a lot to me to know that you believe me.
• “I believe you.” “Thank you. You don't know how much that means to me.”
• Your good opinion means a great deal to me.
• He claims that money means nothing to him. [=that he does not care at all about money]
• Her words meant nothing to me. [=I did not care what she said]
• I thought our friendship meant something to you. [=I thought that you cared about our friendship]
• His wife means everything to him. = His wife means the world to him. [=he loves his wife very much]
I mean informal
1
- used to emphasize a statement
• He has to stop drinking. I mean, he's going to kill himself if he keeps it up.
• He throws, I mean, really hard!
2
- used to correct a previous statement
• We met in Toronto—I mean Montreal.
3
- used when you are unsure of what to say or how to say it
• I'm not mad. It's just that, I mean, I think you've been acting a little selfishly.
know what it means : to understand what it is like to do or be something
• I know what it means to be poor.
- usually used in negative statements
• You don't know what it means to be truly alone.
- sometimes used in an exaggerated way to make a forceful statement
• I don't know what it means to surrender! [=I will never surrender]
mean business
- see business
meant for (someone) informal : perfectly suited for (someone)
• You were meant for me and I was meant for you.
• I'm not surprised that they have such a happy marriage. I always knew that they were meant for each other.
- see also 1mean 4b (above)
meant to be/do something
1 : intended to do or be something
• I was never meant to teach.
• They knew as soon as they met that they were meant to be together.
• I thought we could be friends, but I guess it just wasn't meant to be. [=it was not destined to happen]
2 Brit : supposed to be or do something
• The buses are meant [=expected] to arrive every 15 minutes.
• Brighton is meant to be very beautiful at this time of year. [=people say that Brighton is very beautiful at this time of year]
mean well : to want to do good or helpful things : to have good intentions
• He means well, but he's not really helping anyone.
- see also well-meaning
"Who's your favourite actor?" "Robert de Niro."
someone who performs in a play or film
"Who's your favourite actor?" "Robert de Niro."
actor
noun
a man or woman who acts in plays, films or television programmes
actor
ac‧tor W3 /ˈæktə $ -ər/ BrE AmE noun [countable]
someone who performs in a play or film
leading/principal actor
She has starred with many leading actors.
character actor (=an actor who takes unusual or interesting roles)
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ adjectives
▪ a good/fine/great actor He had a reputation as a fine actor.
▪ a well-known/famous actor I’d really like to be a famous actor.
▪ a professional/amateur actor It isn’t easy to become a successful professional actor.
▪ the leading/principal actor (=acting the most important part) Schwarzeneeger was one of Hollywood’s leading actors.
▪ a supporting actor (=acting a part that is not the most important one) She was awarded an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.
▪ a talented/accomplished actor Jacobsen was one of the most accomplished actors of his generation.
▪ a comic actor He was a comic actor and he always got a laugh.
▪ a classical actor (=acting parts from important traditional literature) a drama school that trains classical actors
■ NOUN + actor
▪ a movie/film/screen/Hollywood actor the movie actor Brad Pitt
▪ a stage actor Most stage actors are very badly paid.
▪ a television/TV actor For several years he had small parts as a television actor.
▪ a comedy actor Jason was voted top TV comedy actor.
▪ a character actor (=an actor who is good at unusual or interesting roles) As a character actor you get interesting parts.
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ actor someone who performs in a play or film: Her son wants to be an actor. | Both my parents are actors.
▪ actress a woman who performs in a play or film. Many women prefer to be called actors rather than actresses: Who was the actress who played Jane Eyre? | She’s one of my favourite actresses.
▪ star a famous actor: Julia Roberts is a famous Hollywood star. | The hotel is popular with movie stars.
▪ the star someone who plays the most important part in a play or film: Daniel Radcliffe is the star of the ‘Harry Potter’ films.
▪ co-star one of two or more famous actors who have important parts in a play or film: Her co-star Jodie Foster won the Best Actress Award.
▪ the lead the main acting part in a play or film: He will play the lead in a new version of ‘Dracula’.
▪ extra an actor in a film who does not say anything but is part of a crowd: She started her career as an extra in TV soap operas.
▪ understudy an actor who learns a part in a play so that they can act the part if the usual actor is ill: Vanessa had flu, and her place was taken by her understudy, Miss Lisa Fennell.
■ a group of actors
▪ the cast all the actors in a play or film: Other members of the cast include Johnny Depp and Danny DeVito. | She will head the cast (=she will have the most important part).
▪ company a group of actors who perform plays together: In 2006, he joined the Royal Shakespeare Company. | The play will be performed by an all-female company.
actor
actor [actor actors] [ˈæktə(r)] [ˈæktər] noun
a person who performs on the stage, on television or in films/movies, especially as a profession
Word Origin:
late Middle English (originally denoting an agent or administrator): from Latin, doer, actor, from agere ‘do, act’. The theatre sense dates from the 16th cent.
Thesaurus:
actor actress noun C
• She is one of the country's leading actors.
performer • • artist • • comedian • • entertainer • |especially AmE movie star • |BrE usually film star • |especially BrE artiste •
a young actor/actress/performer/artist/comedian/entertainer/artiste
a famous actor/actress/performer/artist/comedian/entertainer/movie star/film star
a/an talented/aspiring actor/actress/performer/artist/comedian/entertainer
Example Bank:
• She is one of the country's leading actors.
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
actor / ˈæk.tə r / / -tɚ / noun [ C ] ( female also actress )
A2 someone who pretends to be someone else while performing in a film, play, or television or radio programme:
"Who's your favourite actor?" "Robert de Niro."
© Cambridge University Press 2013
actor
/æktə(r)/
(actors)
Frequency: The word is one of the 3000 most common words in English.
An actor is someone whose job is acting in plays or films. ‘Actor’ in the singular usually refers to a man, but some women who act prefer to be called ‘actors’ rather than ‘actresses’.
His father was an actor in the Cantonese Opera Company...
You have to be a very good actor to play that part.
N-COUNT
actor
ac·tor /ˈæktɚ/ noun, pl -tors [count] : a person who acts in a play, movie, etc.
usage Actor is often used to refer specifically to a man or boy who acts.
• He's a talented actor, and his wife is a well-known actress. Actor can also refer to a woman or girl, and many women now prefer this use.
• His wife is also an actor. The plural form actors is used for groups that include both men and women.
• She and her husband are both talented actors.
