0
having formally agreed to marry
engaged / ɪnˈɡeɪdʒd / adjective (MARRIAGE)
B1 having formally agreed to marry:
Debbie and Christa have just got engaged.
She was engaged to some guy in the army.
formal They're engaged to be married in June.
being what it appears to be and not false
حقیقی
what is her real name?
real
adjective
1 existing, not just imagined:
The film is about events that happened in real life.
2 actually true, not only what people think is true:
The name he gave to the police wasn't his real name.
3 natural; not false or a copy:
This ring is real gold.
4 big or complete:
I've got a real problem.
real
I. real1 S1 W1 /rɪəl/ BrE AmE adjective
[Word Family: noun: ↑realism, ↑realist, ↑reality, ↑unreality, ↑realization; adverb: ↑real, ↑really, ↑realistically ≠ ↑unrealistically; adjective: ↑real, ↑unreal, ↑realistic ≠ ↑unrealistic; verb: ↑realize]
[Date: 1400-1500; Language: Old French; Origin: Medieval Latin realis 'of things (in law)', from Latin res 'thing']
1. IMPORTANT something that is real exists and is important:
There is a real danger that the disease might spread.
We need to tackle the real problems of unemployment and poverty.
There is no real reason to worry.
2. NOT ARTIFICIAL something that is real is actually what it seems to be and not false or artificial OPP fake:
a coat made of real fur
She had never seen a real live elephant before.
Artificial flowers can sometimes look better than the real thing.
3. NOT IMAGINARY something that is real actually exists and is not just imagined:
The children know that Santa Claus isn’t a real person.
Dreams can sometimes seem very real.
Things don’t happen quite that easily in real life.
4. the real world used to talk about the difficult experience of living and working with other people, rather than being protected at home, at school, or at college:
the shock of leaving university and going out into the real world
5. TRUE [only before noun] actual and true, not invented:
That’s not her real name.
What was the real reason you quit your job?
6. FEELINGS a real feeling or emotion is one that you actually experience and is strong SYN genuine:
There was a look of real hatred in her eyes.
I got a real sense of achievement when my work was first published.
7. RIGHT QUALITIES [only before noun] a real thing has all the qualities you expect something of that type to have:
I remember my first real job.
Simon was her first real boyfriend.
• • •
SPOKEN PHRASES
8. FOR EMPHASIS [only before noun] used to emphasize how stupid, beautiful, terrible etc someone or something is:
Thanks – you’ve been a real help.
The house was a real mess.
9. for real seriously, not just pretending:
After two trial runs we did it for real.
10. are you for real? American English used when you are very surprised or shocked by what someone has done or said
11. get real! used to tell someone that they are being very silly or unreasonable
12. keep it real to behave in an honest way and not pretend to be different from how you really are
13. MONEY [only before noun] a real increase or decrease in an amount of money is one you calculate by including the general decrease in the value of money over a period of time:
a real increase of 6% in average wages
The average value of salaries has fallen in real terms (=calculated in this way).
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ genuine used about a feeling, thing, or person that really is what they seem to be: genuine concern | Experts believe that the painting is genuine. | genuine refugees | a genuine reason for taking time off work | If a student has genuine religious objections to a school activity, they do not have to participate.
▪ real not false or artificial: real wood | His real name is Reginald. | It looks just like the real thing. | Are those flowers real or artificial?
▪ authentic authentic food, music, clothes etc are correct for the place or the period in history that they are supposed to be from: It’s a friendly restaurant offering authentic Greek food. | authentic medieval instruments | The dancers wore authentic Native American designs.
▪ true [only before noun] having all the qualities you would expect a particular type of person or thing to have: a true friend | She is a true professional. | Being a true Red Sox fan, he never missed a game. | True Christians believe that Jesus is the Son of God.
▪ bona fide /ˌbəʊnə ˈfaɪdi $ ˈbəʊnə faɪd/ [usually before noun] bona fide people or things are really what they say they are, especially when this can be checked by looking at official documents: a bona fide medical qualification | a bona fide company | This club is only open to bona fide members.
▪ hard evidence/facts evidence or facts that are genuine and can be proved: There was no hard evidence to support the theory.
real / rɪəl / / riː.əl / adjective (NOT FALSE)
[ before noun ] being what it appears to be and not false:
real leather/fur
Is that a toy gun or the real thing ?
→ Synonym genuine
[ before noun ] UK approving (especially of foods) produced using traditional methods and without artificial substances:
The pub sells several kinds of real ale (= traditional beer) .
for real informal real, not pretended:
I thought it was just a fire practice but apparently it was for real.
real
[ri͟ːl]
♦
1) ADJ Something that is real actually exists and is not imagined, invented, or theoretical.
No, it wasn't a dream. It was real...
Legends grew up around a great many figures, both real and fictitious.
Syn:
genuine
Ant:
imaginary
2) ADJ-GRADED: usu v-link ADJ, oft ADJ to n If something is real to someone, they experience it as though it really exists or happens, even though it does not.
Whitechild's life becomes increasingly real to the reader.
3) ADJ: usu ADJ n A material or object that is real is natural or functioning, and not artificial or an imitation.
...the smell of real leather...
Who's to know if they're real guns or not?...
Desmond did not believe the diamond was real.
Syn:
genuine
Ant:
fake, imitation
4) ADJ: ADJ n You can use real to describe someone or something that has all the characteristics or qualities that such a person or thing typically has.
...his first real girlfriend...
He's not a real alcoholic...
The only real job I'd ever had was as manager of the local cafe.
Syn:
proper
5) ADJ: ADJ n You can use real to describe something that is the true or original thing of its kind, in contrast to one that someone wants you to believe is true.
This was the real reason for her call...
Her real name had been Miriam Pinckus.
Syn:
true
6) ADJ: ADJ n You can use real to describe something that is the most important or typical part of a thing.
When he talks, he only gives glimpses of his real self...
The smart executive has people he can trust doing all the real work.
...a solo journey to discover the real America.
Syn:
true
7) ADJ-GRADED: usu ADJ n (emphasis) You can use real when you are talking about a situation or feeling to emphasize that it exists and is important or serious.
Global warming is a real problem...
The prospect of civil war is very real...
There was never any real danger of the children being affected...
Political defeat seemed a real possibility at the end of 1981...
At least they have a real chance to find work.
8) ADJ-GRADED: ADJ n (emphasis) You can use real to emphasize a quality that is genuine and sincere.
You've been drifting from job to job without any real commitment...
Germany has shown real determination to come to terms with the anti-Semitism of its past.
9) ADJ: ADJ n (emphasis) You can use real before nouns to emphasize your description of something or someone. [mainly SPOKEN]
`It's a fabulous deal, a real bargain.'...
`You must think I'm a real idiot.'
10) ADJ: ADJ n The real cost or value of something is its cost or value after other amounts have been added or subtracted and when factors such as the level of inflation have been considered.
...the real cost of borrowing.
Syn:
actual, net
PHRASE: PHR with cl
You can also talk about the cost or value of something in real terms. In real terms the cost of driving is cheaper than a decade ago... Pensions have increased in real terms over the last twenty years.
1re·al /ˈriːjəl/ adj
1 : actually existing or happening : not imaginary
• The movie is based on real events.
• The detective Sherlock Holmes is not a real person.
• He has no real power; he is just a figurehead.
• The battle scenes in the movie seemed very real to me.
• The team has a real chance at winning.
• There is a very real possibility that we will be moving to Maine.
• In real life, relationships are not perfect.
• The actor looks taller on TV than he does in real life.
• I finally got to talk to a real live person [=an actual person] instead of a machine.
• He's always daydreaming and seems to be out of touch with the real world.
• Their son finally went out into the real world [=the world where people have to work, deal with daily problems, etc.] and got a job.
2 : not fake, false, or artificial
• real [=genuine] leather
• a real diamond
• Your real friends [=the people who are truly your friends] would be here to help you.
• What is his real name?
• Tell me the real reason you need the money.
3 : important and deserving to be regarded or treated in a serious way
• This is a very real problem/danger/concern.
• They have avoided talking about the real issues.
• There is no real reason to worry.
4 always used before a noun
- used for emphasis
• There's a real surprise at the end of the movie.
• Receiving this award is a real thrill.
• He's being a real jerk.
5 : strong and sincere
• I have no real interest in sports. [=I'm not very interested in sports]
• He made a real effort to improve his grades.
• There was a look of real [=genuine] astonishment on her face.
• She showed real delight/happiness when I told her the good news.
6 always used before a noun finance : measured by what money can actually buy at a particular time
• a real increase in wages as compared to inflation
• Charitable donations declined in real dollars last year.
for real informal
1 : true and genuine
• The information is for real.
2 US
a : honest and serious
• He convinced us that he was for real and really wanted to help.
• Is that guy for real?
b : genuinely good, skillful, etc.
• The team has proven that it's for real this year. [=has proven that it's good and has a real chance of winning]
3 : seriously or truly
• He's in trouble for real. [=he's really in trouble]
• They were just pretending to argue before, but now they're doing it for real.
get real informal : to start to think in a serious or reasonable way : to stop having foolish ideas, hopes, etc.
• We have to get real about this problem.
• You think you can get into Harvard with those grades? Get real.
keep it real informal : to talk and behave in an honest and serious way that shows who you really are
• He says he's just trying to keep it real.
the real deal
- see 3deal
the real McCoy
- see mccoy
the real thing
- see thing
describes music that is considered to be part of a long especially formal tradition and to be of lasting value
موسیقی کلاسیک
Do you prefer classical music like Mozart and Mahler, or pop?
classical
adjective
1 in a style that people have used for a long time because they think it is good same meaning traditional:
classical dance
opposite modern
2 connected with ancient Greece or Rome:
classical Greek architecture
3 classical music is serious and important:
I prefer pop music to classical music.
classical
clas‧si‧cal W3 AC /ˈklæsɪkəl/ BrE AmE adjective
[Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: classicus; ↑classic1]
1. belonging to a traditional style or set of ideas
classical ballet/dance etc
the classical theory of relativity
2. relating to music that is considered to be important and serious and that has a value that continues for a long time
classical music/musician/composer etc
a leading classical violinist
a classical repertoire
3. relating to the language, literature etc of ancient Greece and Rome:
classical literature
a classical scholar
classical mythology
4. (also classic) typical of a particular thing or situation:
the classical argument against democracy
classical
clas·sic·al AW [ˈklæsɪkl] [ˈklæsɪkl] adjective usually before noun
1. widely accepted and used for a long time; traditional in style or idea
• the classical economics of Smith and Ricardo
• the classical theory of unemployment
• classical and modern ballet
2. connected with or influenced by the culture of ancient Greece and Rome
• classical studies
• a classical scholar (= an expert in Latin and Greek)
• classical architecture
3. (of music) written in a Western musical tradition, usually using an established form (for example a symphony ) and not played on electronic instruments. Classical music is generally considered to be serious and to have a lasting value
• He plays classical music, as well as pop and jazz.
• a classical composer/violinist
4. = classic
• These are classical examples of food allergy.
5. (of a language) ancient in its form and no longer used in a spoken form
• classical Arabic
6. simple and attractive
• the classical elegance of the design
Derived Word: classically
Word Origin:
[classical classically] late 16th cent. (in the sense ‘outstanding of its kind’): from Latin classicus ‘belonging to a class’ (later ‘of the highest class’, from classis ‘a division of the Roman people, a grade, or a class of pupils’) + -al.
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:
• classical and modern ballet/dance
classical / ˈklæs.ɪ.k ə l / adjective (MUSIC)
A2 describes music that is considered to be part of a long especially formal tradition and to be of lasting value:
Do you prefer classical music like Mozart and Mahler, or pop?
specialized describes a style of music written in Europe between about 1750 and 1830:
The works of Haydn and Mozart belong to the classical period.
classical
[klæ̱sɪk(ə)l]
♦♦♦
1) ADJ: usu ADJ n You use classical to describe something that is traditional in form, style, or content.
Fokine did not change the steps of classical ballet; instead he found new ways of using them.
...the scientific attitude of Smith and earlier classical economists.
Ant:
modern
2) ADJ: usu ADJ n Classical music is music that is considered to be serious and of lasting value.
3) ADJ: usu ADJ n Classical is used to describe things which relate to the ancient Greek or Roman civilizations.
...the healers of ancient Egypt and classical Greece...
It's a technological achievement that is unrivalled in the classical world.
...classical architecture.
4) ADJ: ADJ n A classical language is a form of a language that was used in ancient times and is now no longer used, or only used in formal writing.
...a line of classical Arabic poetry.
clas·si·cal /ˈklæsɪkəl/ adj
1 [more ~; most ~] : of a kind that has been respected for a long time
• the classical [=traditional] idea of beauty
• classical ballet
2 : of or relating to the ancient Greek and Roman world and especially to its language, literature, art, etc.
• the classical [=ancient] and medieval worlds
• classical literature/art
• the classical tradition
• a classical scholar
3 : relating to music in a European tradition that includes opera and symphony and that is generally considered more serious than other kinds of music
• classical music/composers
4 : teaching ideas about literature, art, science, etc., rather than practical skills
• a classical curriculum/education
5 : very typical : classic
• a classical example of propaganda
• the classical symptoms of the disease
describes someone who is kind and gives emotional support to others
با محبت
I've always thought of Jo as a very caring person.
caring
car‧ing /ˈkeərɪŋ $ ˈker-/ BrE AmE adjective
[Word Family: noun: ↑care, ↑carer; adjective: ↑careful ≠ ↑careless, ↑caring ≠ UNCARING; verb: ↑care; adverb: ↑carefully ≠ ↑carelessly]
1. thinking about what other people need or want and trying to help them ⇨ care:
a warm and caring man
a caring attitude
The school aims to provide a caring environment.
2. [only before noun] involving the job of looking after other people:
Many of the caring professions are badly paid.
More men are taking on a caring role.
caring
car·ing [caring] [ˈkeərɪŋ] [ˈkerɪŋ] adjective usually before noun
kind, helpful and showing that you care about other people
• He's a very caring person.
• caring parents
• Children need a caring environment.
• (BrE) a caring profession (= a job that involves looking after or helping other people)
Example Bank:
• He was described as ‘a good man, a caring father and a considerate neighbour’.
• She's a very caring person.
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
caring / ˈkeə.rɪŋ / / ˈker.ɪŋ / adjective
B2 describes someone who is kind and gives emotional support to others:
I've always thought of Jo as a very caring person.
caring
[ke͟ərɪŋ]
♦♦♦
1) ADJ-GRADED If someone is caring, they are affectionate, helpful, and sympathetic.
He is a lovely boy, very gentle and caring.
...a loving, caring husband.
Syn:
loving
2) ADJ: ADJ n The caring professions are those such as nursing and social work that are involved with looking after people who are ill or who need help in coping with their lives. [BRIT]
The course is also suitable for those in the caring professions.
...the caring services.
caring
caring adj
1 [more ~; most ~] : feeling or showing concern for other people
• a caring parent/child/teacher
• a caring gesture
2 always used before a noun Brit : of or relating to work that involves helping people
• the caring professions
in great amounts or numbers
فراوان، به مقدار زياد، به وفور
apples galore
سيب فراوان
galore
ga‧lore /ɡəˈlɔː $ -ˈlɔːr/ BrE AmE adjective [only after noun]
[Date: 1600-1700; Language: Irish Gaelic; Origin: go leor 'enough']
in large amounts or numbers:
bargains galore in the sales
galore
gal·ore [ɡəˈlɔː(r)] [ɡəˈlɔːr] adjective after noun (informal)
in large quantities
• There will be games and prizes galore.
Word Origin:
[galore] early 17th cent.: from Irish go leor, literally ‘to sufficiency’.
galore
galore /gəˈlɔːʳ/ US /-ˈlɔːr/
adjective [after noun] OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
in great amounts or numbers:
And for the sweet-toothed, this café has desserts galore.
galore
[gəlɔ͟ː(r)]
ADJ: n ADJ (emphasis)
You use galore to emphasize that something you like exists in very large quantities. [INFORMAL, WRITTEN]
You'll be able to win prizes galore.
...a popular resort with beaches galore and a large marina.
galore
ga·lore /gəˈloɚ/ adj always used after a noun informal : in large numbers or amounts
• The store promises bargains galore [=promises that there will be many bargains] during its weekend sale.
unhappy because of being away from home for a long period
دلتنگ
As I read my mother's letter, I began to feel more and more homesick.
homesick
adjective
sad because you are away from home
homesick
home‧sick /ˈhəʊmˌsɪk $ ˈhoʊm-/ BrE AmE adjective
feeling unhappy because you are a long way from your home
homesick
home·sick [homesick homesickness] [ˈhəʊmsɪk] [ˈhoʊmsɪk] adjective
sad because you are away from home and you miss your family and friends
• I felt homesick for Scotland.
Derived Word: homesickness
Example Bank:
• She felt homesick for her country.
• She was beginning to get a bit homesick.
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
homesick / ˈhəʊm.sɪk / / ˈhoʊm- / adjective
unhappy because of being away from home for a long period:
As I read my mother's letter, I began to feel more and more homesick.
homesick
[ho͟ʊmsɪk]
ADJ-GRADED: usu v-link ADJ
If you are homesick, you feel unhappy because you are away from home and are missing your family, friends, and home very much.
She's feeling a little homesick.
Derived words:
homesickness N-UNCOUNT There were inevitable bouts of homesickness.
homesick
home·sick /ˈhoʊmˌsɪk/ adj [more ~; most ~] : sad because you are away from your family and home
• He was/got homesick when he went to college.
• She was homesick for her mother's cooking.
- home·sick·ness noun [noncount]
moving or happening quickly, or able to move or happen quickly
سریع، تند
the fastest runner in the world
سريعترين دوندهى جهان
adjective (faster, fastest)
1 moving, happening or doing something very quickly:
the fastest rate of increase for many years
a fast learner
which word?
Fast or quick? We say fast for a person or thing that moves at great speed: a fast car • a fast train • a fast worker. We say quick for something that is done in a short time: a quick answer • a quick visit • a quick meal.
2 If a clock or watch is fast, it shows a time that is later than the real time:
My watch is five minutes fast.
opposite slow
II. fast2 S2 W2 adjective
[Language: Old English; Origin: fæst 'firm']
1. MOVING QUICKLY moving or able to move quickly:
a fast car
He’s one of the fastest runners in the world.
2. IN A SHORT TIME doing something or happening in a short time:
The subway is the fastest way to get downtown.
The company must give a faster response to clients’ requests.
The rain forests are being chopped down at an alarmingly fast rate.
I’m a fast learner.
3. CLOCK [not before noun] a clock that is fast shows a later time than the real time:
That can’t be the time – my watch must be fast.
five minutes/an hour etc fast
I always keep my watch 15 minutes fast.
4. fast track a way of achieving something more quickly than is normally done
on the fast track
a young actress on the fast track to fame and success
5. fast road a road on which vehicles can travel very quickly
6. fast film/lens a film or lens(2) that can be used when there is little light, or when photographing something that is moving very quickly
7. COLOUR a colour that is fast will not change when clothes are washed ⇒ colourfast
8. SPORTS a fast surface is one on which a ball moves very quickly
9. fast and furious done very quickly with a lot of effort and energy, or happening very quickly with a lot of sudden changes:
Arsenal’s opening attack was fast and furious.
10. somebody is a fast worker informal used to say that someone can get what they want very quickly, especially in starting a sexual relationship with another person
11. fast talker someone who talks quickly and easily but is often not honest or sincere
12. WOMAN old-fashioned becoming involved quickly in sexual relationships with men:
fast cars and fast women
13. fast friends literary two people who are very friendly for a long time
⇒ fast food, fast-forward, fast lane, ⇒ make a fast buck at buck1(1), ⇒ pull a fast one at pull1(10)
| THESAURUS |
▪ fast moving or able to move quickly: The cheetah is the fastest animal in the world. | a fast car
▪ quick moving fast or doing something in a short time: He was much quicker than I was over the first 100 metres. | Do I have time for a quick shower?
▪ high-speed [only before noun] designed to travel or operate very quickly: a high-speed train | high-speed Internet access
▪ rapid especially written happening in a short period of time – used about changes, increases, improvements etc: a rapid increase in the population | the rapid expansion of the firm’s business in the Middle East | a rapid decline in profits
▪ swift written moving quickly or happening after only a short time: The horses ran along the track at a swift trot. | He received a swift response to his letter.
▪ brisk quick and energetic: a brisk walk in the countryside | His manner was very brisk.
▪ speedy [only before noun] happening after only a short time: Everyone wishes you a speedy recovery. | a speedy resolution to the problem
▪ hurried done more quickly that usual, because you do not have much time: She ate a hurried breakfast in the cafe before catching her train. | We made a hurried departure.
▪ hasty deciding or doing something very quickly, especially when this has bad results: It was a hasty decision, which he later regretted. | Let’s not be too hasty.
fast
fast [fast fasts fasted fasting faster fastest] adjective, adverb, verb, noun [fɑːst] [fæst]
adjective (fast·er, fast·est)
QUICK
1. moving or able to move quickly
• a fast car/horse
• the world's fastest runner
2. happening in a short time or without delay
• the fastest rate of increase for years
• a fast response time
3. able to do sth quickly
• a fast learner
SURFACE
4. producing or allowing quick movement
• a fast road/pitch
see also fast lane
WATCH/CLOCK
5. not before noun showing a time later than the true time
• I'm early— my watch must be fast.
• That clock's ten minutes fast.
PHOTOGRAPHIC FILM
6. (technical) very sensitive to light, and therefore useful when taking photographs in poor light or of sth that is moving very quickly
FIRMLY FIXED
7. (of a boat, etc.) firmly fixed and safe
• He made the boat fast.
COLOURS IN CLOTHES
8. not likely to change or to come out when washed There is no noun related to fast. Use speed in connection with vehicles, actions, etc; quickness is used about thinking.
more at make a fast/quick buck at buck n., be quick/fast on the draw at draw n., hard and fast at hard adj., pull a fast one at pull v.
Word Origin:
adj. and adv. Old English fæst ‘firmly fixed, steadfast’ fæste ‘firmly’ Germanic Dutch vast German fest ‘firm, solid’ fast ‘almost’ Middle English ‘strongly, vigorously’ run hard ‘close, immediate’ fast by hard by ‘closely, immediately’ ‘quickly’
v. and n. Old English fæstan Germanic Dutch vasten German fasten fasta
Thesaurus:
fast adj.
• She loves driving fast cars.
quick • • rapid • • brisk • • swift • • high-speed • • express • • supersonic • • speedy • • hurried • |often disapproving hasty •
Opp: slow
be fast/quick at doing sth
a fast/quick/rapid/brisk/swift movement/pace
a fast/quick reader/worker/learner/rhythm
a/an fast/high-speed/express train/link
Fast or quick? Use fast to talk about travelling:
• a fast road/car
¤ a quick road/car A person may be fast or quick, but fast is not used in expressions where sb does sth in a short time:
• a fast/quick reader/runner/learner
• The kids were quick to learn.
¤ The kids were fast to learn.
Synonyms:
fast / quick / rapid
These adjectives are frequently used with the following nouns:
Fast is used especially to describe a person or thing that moves or is able to move at great speed.
Quick is more often used to describe something that is done in a short time or without delay.
Rapid, swift and speedy are more formal words.
Rapid is most commonly used to describe the speed at which something changes. It is not used to describe the speed at which something moves or is done: a rapid train ◊ We had a rapid coffee.
Swift usually describes something that happens or is done quickly and immediately: ▪ a swift decision ◊ ▪ The government took swift action.
Speedy has a similar meaning: ▪ a speedy recovery. It is used less often to talk about the speed at which something moves: a speedy car.
For the use of fast and quick as adverbs, see the usage note at quick.
Example Bank:
• Her pulse seemed very fast.
• I should make a very fast profit on these.
• I suppose delivery in two days is pretty fast, really.
• Are you a fast reader with the ability to retain the key points?
• He's just become the world's fastest runner.
• It's a very fast road and people do not realize what speed they are doing.
• She loves driving fast cars.
• These are complex programs needing very large and fast computers.
• We can guarantee a fast response time.
• We've recorded the fastest rate of increase for several years.
Idioms: as fast as your legs can carry you ▪ fast and furious ▪ fast talker ▪ fast worker ▪ hold fast to something ▪ play fast and loose ▪ stand fast
fast
fast (IMMORAL) /fɑːst/ US /fæst/
adjective OLD-FASHIONED DISAPPROVING
without moral principles:
a fast crowd
a fast woman
fast (NOT EAT) /fɑːst/ US /fæst/
noun [C]
a period of time when you eat no food:
Hundreds of prisoners began a fast in protest about prison conditions.
fast /fɑːst/ US /fæst/
verb [I]
One day a week he fasts for health reasons.
fast (FIXED) /fɑːst/ US /fæst/
adverb, adjective
firmly fixed:
The glue had set and my hand was stuck fast.
He tried to get away, but she held him fast.
fast /fɑːst/ US /fæst/
adjective
If the colour of an item of clothing is fast, the colour does not come out of the cloth when it is washed.
fastness /ˈfɑːst.nəs/ US /ˈfæst-/
noun [U]
how fast (= fixed) something is:
Test clothes for colour fastness before washing.
fast (QUICK) /fɑːst/ US /fæst/
adjective
1 moving or happening quickly, or able to move or happen quickly:
fast cars
a fast swimmer
Computers are getting faster all the time.
The fast train (= one that stops at fewer stations and travels quickly) to London takes less than an hour.
2 If your watch or clock is fast, it shows a time that is later than the correct time.
3 SPECIALIZED describes photographic film which allows you to take pictures when there is not much light or when things are moving quickly
fast /fɑːst/ US /fæst/
adverb
quickly:
The accident was caused by people driving too fast in bad conditions.
You'll have to act fast.
Children's publishing is a fast-growing business.
fast
[fɑ͟ːst, fæ̱st]
♦♦
faster, fastest, fasts, fasting, fasted
1) ADJ-GRADED Fast means happening, moving, or doing something at great speed. You also use fast in questions or statements about speed.
...fast cars with flashing lights and sirens...
Brindley was known as a very, very fast driver...
The party aims to attract votes from the business and professional communities, which want a faster pace of political reform...
The only question is how fast the process will be.
Syn:
quickly
Ant:
slowly
ADV-GRADED: ADV with v
Fast is also an adverb. They work terrifically fast... It would be nice to go faster and break the world record... He thinks they're not adapting fast enough... Barnes also knows that he is fast running out of time... How fast were you driving?... How fast would the disease develop?
2) ADV-GRADED: ADV after v You use fast to say that something happens without any delay.
When you've got a crisis like this you need professional help - fast!...
We'd appreciate your leaving as fast as possible.
Syn:
swift
ADJ-GRADED: ADJ n
Fast is also an adjective. That would be an astonishingly fast action on the part of the Congress.
3) ADJ-GRADED: v-link ADJ If a watch or clock is fast, it is showing a time that is later than the real time.
That clock's an hour fast.
4) ADJ: ADJ n The fast lane on a motorway or highway is intended for the vehicles which are travelling at the greatest speeds.
A man was killed as he walked down the fast lane of a motorway yesterday.
Ant:
slow
5) ADV-GRADED: ADV after v If you hold something fast, you hold it tightly and firmly. If something is stuck fast, it is stuck very firmly and cannot move.
She climbed the staircase cautiously, holding fast to the rail...
The tanker is stuck fast on the rocks.
Syn:
firmly
6) ADV-GRADED: ADV after v If you hold fast to a principle or idea, or if you stand fast, you do not change your mind about it, even though people are trying to persuade you to.
We can only try to hold fast to the age-old values of honesty, decency and concern for others...
He told supporters to stand fast over the next few vital days.
Syn:
firmly
7) ADJ-GRADED: usu v-link ADJ If colours or dyes are fast, they do not come out of the fabrics they are used on when they get wet.
The fabric was ironed to make the colours fast.
8) ADJ: ADJ n A fast way of life is one which involves a lot of enjoyable and expensive or dangerous activities.
Life in Detroit no longer satisfied him; he wanted the fast life of California.
Syn:
exciting
Ant:
dull
9) VERB If you fast, you eat no food for a period of time, usually for either religious or medical reasons, or as a protest.
I fasted for a day and half and asked God to help me.
Ant:
gorge
Derived words:
fasting N-UNCOUNT ...the Muslim holy month of fasting and prayer.
N-COUNT
Fast is also a noun. The fast is broken at sunset, traditionally with dates and water.
10) PHRASE: v-link PHR, PHR after v Someone who is fast asleep is completely asleep.
When he went upstairs five minutes later, she was fast asleep.
11) PHRASE: V inflects (disapproval) If you say that someone is playing fast and loose, you are expressing disapproval of them for behaving in a deceitful, immoral, or irresponsible way.
There have been people who have played fast and loose with the rules.
12) PHRASE: V inflects If you say that someone has pulled a fast one on you, you mean that they have cheated or tricked you. [INFORMAL]
No doubt someone had pulled a fast one on her over a procedural matter.
13) make a fast buck → see buck
fast lane → see lane
fast /ˈfæst, Brit ˈfɑːst/ adj fast·er; -est
1 [more ~; most ~]
a : moving or able to move quickly
• She's a very fast runner.
• a fast car
• a fast pitch
• maintaining a fast [=quick] pace
• blazingly/blindingly fast
b : happening quickly : taking a short amount of time
• a fast race
• We're off to a fast start.
• We're now experiencing a faster rate of inflation.
• I'd like to take a fast [=(more commonly) quick] look at my records.
c : operating quickly
• a fast computer
d : doing something or able to do something quickly
• a fast learner
e : allowing movement at a great speed
• a fast road
• We took the faster route.
- see also fast lane, fast track
2 of a clock or watch : showing a time that is later than the correct time
• My watch is (ten minutes) fast.
3 photography : allowing photographs to be taken very quickly or when there is very little light
• fast film
4 informal
a : tricky and unfair
• Be careful that he doesn't pull a fast one on you. [=that he doesn't trick or deceive you]
b : earned or gotten quickly and often in a dishonest way
• She's always looking to make a fast buck.
• fast money
c : quick and not safe to trust
• He gave us a lot of fast talk about how he was going to solve all our problems.
- see also fast-talk
5 old-fashioned + humorous
a : actively seeking excitement or pleasure : wild
• He runs with a pretty fast crowd.
• fast living
b of women : very willing to have sex
• a typical Western filled with outlaws, gamblers, and fast women
6 a : placed, tied, or attached in a way that is not easily moved
• Make the rope fast [=tie the rope securely] to the anchor.
b : closed tightly
• Make sure the door is fast. [=(more commonly) shut fast]
c : impossible to change - used in the phrase hard and fast
• There are no hard and fast rules to be followed when you plan a vacation. [=there are many ways to plan a vacation]
d : not likely to fade
• fast colors
7 : very loyal or faithful
• They became fast friends.
fast and furious : in a very fast and forceful way : with one thing following another very quickly
✦The phrase fast and furious is used both as an adjective and as an adverb.
• The action was fast and furious.
• The questions were coming at me fast and furious.
• The jokes were flying fast and furious.
play fast and loose
- see 1play
treating someone in a way that is right or reasonable, or treating a group of people equally and not allowing personal opinions to influence your judgment
با انصاف
a fair judge
قاضى منصف
adjective (fairer, fairest)
1 treating people equally or in the right way:
They didn't get a fair trial.
It's not fair! I have to go to bed before my sister!
opposite unfair
2 quite good or quite large:
They have a fair chance of winning.
They've invited a fair number of people to their party.
3 (used about a person's skin or hair) light in colour:
He's got fair hair.
opposite dark
4 (used about the weather) bright and not raining
fair
I. fair1 S1 W2 /feə $ fer/ adjective
[Word Family: adverb: fairly ≠ unfairly, fair; noun: fairness ≠ unfairness; adjective: fair ≠ unfair]
[Language: Old English; Origin: fæger 'beautiful']
1. REASONABLE AND ACCEPTABLE a fair situation, system, way of treating people, or judgment seems reasonable, acceptable, and right OPP unfair:
All we are asking for is a fair wage.
£150 is a fair price.
fair trial/hearing
the right to a fair trial
What do you think is the fairest solution?
The report is a fair summary of the issues facing us.
it is fair to do something
It seems fair to give them a second chance.
it’s only fair (that) (=used to say that it is right to do something)
It’s only fair that we tell him what’s happening.
it’s fair to say (that) (=used when you think what you are saying is correct or reasonable)
It’s fair to say that by then he had lost the support of his staff.
it’s not fair on somebody
I can’t carry on working such long hours. It’s not fair on my family.
2. TREATING EVERYONE EQUALLY treating everyone in a way that is right or equal OPP unfair:
Why does Eric get to go and I don’t? It’s not fair!
Life isn’t always fair.
fair to
The old law wasn’t fair to women.
it’s only fair (that)
You pay him $10 an hour – it’s only fair that I should get the same.
My boss expects a lot – but he’s very fair.
3. QUITE LARGE a fair size/amount/number/bit/distance etc especially British English quite a large size, number etc:
I’ve still got a fair amount of work left to do.
We had travelled a fair way (=quite a long distance) by lunch time.
there’s a fair chance (that)/of something (=it is quite likely that something will happen)
There’s a fair chance we’ll be coming over to England this summer.
4. HAIR/SKIN someone who is fair, or who has fair hair or skin, has hair or skin that is very light in colour OPP dark
5. ACCORDING TO THE RULES a fair fight, game, or election is one that is played or done according to the rules OPP unfair
6. LEVEL OF ABILITY neither particularly good nor particularly bad SYN average:
Her written work is excellent but her practical work is only fair.
7. WEATHER weather that is fair is pleasant and not windy, rainy etc SYN fine:
It should be generally fair and warm for the next few days.
8. have had more than your fair share of something to have had more of something, especially something unpleasant, than seems reasonable:
Poor old Alan! He’s had more than his fair share of bad luck recently.
9. give somebody a fair crack of the whip British English informal to give someone the opportunity to do something, especially so that they can show that they are able to do it
10. give somebody/get a fair shake American English informal to treat someone, or to be treated, in a way that gives everyone the same chances as everyone else:
Women don’t always get a fair shake in business.
11. by fair means or foul using any method to get what you want, including dishonest or illegal methods
12. all’s fair in love and war used to say that in some situations any method of getting what you want is acceptable
13. PLEASANT/ATTRACTIVE old use or literary pleasant and attractive:
a fair maiden
• • •
SPOKEN PHRASES
14. fair enough especially British English used to say that you agree with someone’s suggestion or that something seems reasonable SYN OK:
‘I think we should split the bill.’ ‘Fair enough.’
15. to be fair used when adding something after someone has been criticized, which helps to explain or excuse what they did SYN in fairness:
She should have phoned to tell us what her plans were although, to be fair, she’s been very busy.
16. be fair! especially British English used to tell someone not to be unreasonable or criticize someone too much:
Now Pat, be fair, the poor girl’s trying her hardest!
17. fair’s fair used when you think it is fair that someone should do something, especially because of something that has happened earlier:
Come on, fair’s fair – I paid last time so it’s your turn.
18. fair comment British English used to say that a remark or criticism seems reasonable
19. you can’t say fairer than that British English used to say that an offer you are making to someone is the best and fairest offer they can possibly get:
I’ll give you £25 for it – you can’t say fairer than that, can you?
20. it’s a fair cop British English used humorously to admit that you should not be doing something that someone has caught you doing
21. with your own fair hands British English if you do something with your own fair hands, you do it yourself without any help – used humorously ⇒ have a fair idea of something at idea
• • •
| THESAURUS |
▪ fair treating people equally or in the way that is right: It’s not fair that she gets paid more than me. | Everyone has the right to a fair trial.
▪ just formal morally right and fair: a just punishment | a just cause | a just society | Do you think it was a just war?
▪ reasonable fair and sensible according to most people’s standards: a reasonable request | Lateness, without a reasonable excuse, will not be tolerated.
▪ balanced giving fair and equal treatment to all sides of an argument or subject: Balanced reporting of the news is essential.
▪ even-handed giving fair and equal treatment to everyone, especially when it would be easy to favour one particular group: The drama takes an even-handed look at the consequences of violent crime, both on attackers and their victims. | The film is even-handed and does not try to make you support either side.
▪ equitable /ˈekwətəbəl, ˈekwɪtəbəl/ formal giving equal treatment to everyone involved: We need an equitable solution to this problem. | a more equitable distribution of wealth
fair
fair [fair fairs fairer fairest] adjective, adverb, noun [feə(r)] [fer]
adjective (fair·er, fair·est)
ACCEPTABLE/APPROPRIATE
1. acceptable and appropriate in a particular situation
• a fair deal/wage/price/question
• The punishment was very fair.
• In the end, a draw was a fair result.
• I give you fair warning, I'm not always this generous.
• ~ to sb (to do sth) Was it really fair to him to ask him to do all the work?
• ~ on sb (to do sth) It's not fair on the students to keep changing the timetable.
• ~ to do sth It's only fair to add that they were not told about the problem until the last minute.
• I think it is fair to say that they are pleased with this latest offer.
• ~ that… It seems only fair that they should give us something in return.
• To be fair, she behaved better than we expected.
• (especially BrE) ‘You should really have asked me first.’ ‘Right, okay, fair comment.’
Opp: unfair
TREATING PEOPLE EQUALLY
2. treating everyone equally and according to the rules or law
• She has always been scrupulously fair.
• demands for a fairer distribution of wealth
• ~ (to sb) We have to be fair to both players.
• to receive a fair trial
• free and fair elections
• It's not fair! He always gets more than me.
• The new tax is fairer than the old system.
• They are fair and decent employers.
• his vision of a fairer, kinder society
Opp: unfair
QUITE LARGE
3. only before noun quite large in number, size or amount
• A fair number of people came a long.
• a fair-sized town
• We've still got a fair bit (= quite a lot) to do.
• My birthday's still a fair way off (= it's still a long time until my birthday).
QUITE GOOD
4. (especially BrE) quite good
• There's a fair chance that we might win this time.
• It's a fair bet that they won't turn up.
• I have a fair idea of what happened.
• His knowledge of French is only fair.
HAIR/SKIN
5. pale in colour
• a fair complexion
• She has long fair hair.
• All her children are fair (= they all have fair hair).
Opp: dark
WEATHER
6. bright and not raining
Syn: fine
• a fair and breezy day
• The day was set fair with the spring sun shining down.
7. (literary) (of winds) not too strong and blowing in the right direction
• They set sail with the first fair wind.
BEAUTIFUL
8. (literary or old use) beautiful
• a fair maiden
Word Origin:
adj. and adv. Old English fæger ‘pleasing, attractive’ Germanic Old High German fagar
n. Middle English ‘periodic gathering for the sale of goods’ Old French feire late Latin feria Latin feriae ‘holy days’
Thesaurus:
fair adj.
• We want a fair wage.
reasonable • • equal • • even-handed • • just • |formal equitable •
Opp: unfair
be fair/reasonable/just/equitable that…
a/an fair/reasonable/equal/just/equitable division/distribution/share of sth
be fair/reasonable/just law/punishment/sentence/judgement/person/man/woman
Example Bank:
• I don't care what he thinks. It seems perfectly fair to me.
• I'll give you ten pounds each to make it fair.
• It's hardly fair that I should be working while everyone else is enjoying themselves!
• It's important to be scrupulously fair when grading the final exam paper.
• That doesn't seem quite fair.
• That seems fair to all sides.
• To be fair, we hadn't really spent enough time on the job.
• ‘You really should have asked me first.’ ‘OK. Fair comment.’
• All we're asking for is a fair wage.
• Everyone has the right to a fair trial.
• For the first time, free and fair elections will be held.
• I don't think the sentence was very fair.
• I give you fair warning, I'm not always this generous.
• It was a fair and breezy day.
• It wasn't really fair to ask him to do all the work.
• It's a fair question, and it deserves to be taken seriously.
• It's fair to say that they are pleased with the latest offer.
• It's not fair on the students…
• It's not fair to the students to keep changing the schedule.
• It's not fair! He always gets more than me!
• It's only fair to say that this is the first time she's heard about the problem.
• It's quite expensive, but I still think it's a fair price.
• Scoring twenty points was a fair achievement.
• The day was set fair with the spring sun shining down.
• The new tax is fairer than the old one.
• They are demanding a fairer distribution of the earth's resources.
• To be fair, she behaved better than we expected.
Idioms: all's fair in love and war ▪ by fair means or foul ▪ fair and square ▪ fair crack of the whip ▪ fair enough ▪ fair hearing ▪ fair shake ▪ fair to middling ▪ fair! ▪ fair's fair ▪ fairly and squarely ▪ it's a fair cop ▪ set fair ▪ your fair share of something
fair (BEAUTIFUL) /feəʳ/ US /fer/
adjective OLD USE
(of a woman) beautiful:
a fair maiden
fairness /ˈfeə.nəs/ US /ˈfer-/
noun [U] OLD USE
beauty
See also fairness at fair (RIGHT).
fair (WEATHER) /feəʳ/ US /fer/
adjective
(of weather) pleasant and dry:
Fair weather was forecast for the following day.
fair (QUITE GOOD) /feəʳ/ US /fer/
adjective [before noun]
(of an idea, guess or chance) good, but not excellent:
I think I've got a fair idea of (= I understand reasonably well) what you want.
She's got a fair chance of winning (= There is a reasonable chance that she will win).
fair (QUITE LARGE) /feəʳ/ US /fer/
adjective [before noun]
quite large:
We've had a fair amount of rain this week.
We've had a fair number of applicants.
It's a fair-sized garden.
We've come a long way, but there's still a fair way (= quite a long distance) to go.
fairly /ˈfeə.li/ US /ˈfer-/
adverb
1 more than average, but less than very:
She's fairly tall.
I'm fairly sure that this is the right address.
We get on fairly well.
I saw her fairly recently.
See also fairly at fair (RIGHT).
2 LITERARY used to emphasize figurative expressions which describe what people or objects are doing:
The answer fairly jumps off the page at you!
The dog fairly flew out of the door to greet him.
fair
[fe͟ə(r)]
♦♦
fairer, fairest, fairs
1) ADJ-GRADED: oft it v-link ADJ to-inf Something or someone that is fair is reasonable, right, and just.
It didn't seem fair to leave out her father...
Do you feel they're paying their fair share?...
Independent observers say the campaign's been very much fairer than expected...
I wanted them to get a fair deal...
An appeals court had ruled that they could not get a fair trial in Los Angeles.
Derived words:
fairly ADV-GRADED usu ADV after v, also ADV -ed ...demonstrating concern for employees and solving their problems quickly and fairly... In a society where water was precious, it had to be shared fairly between individuals.
2) ADJ: ADJ n A fair amount, degree, size, or distance is quite a large amount, degree, size, or distance.
My neighbours across the street travel a fair amount...
My mother's brother lives a fair distance away so we don't see him and his family very often.
3) ADJ: ADJ n A fair guess or idea about something is one that is likely to be correct.
It's a fair guess to say that the damage will be extensive...
I have a fair idea of how difficult things can be.
Syn:
reasonable
4) ADJ If you describe someone or something as fair, you mean that they are average in standard or quality, neither very good nor very bad.
Reimar had a fair command of English.
Syn:
adequate
5) ADJ-GRADED Someone who is fair, or who has fair hair, has light-coloured hair.
Both children were very like Robina, but were much fairer than she was.
COMB in ADJ-GRADED
Fair is also a combining form. ...a tall, fair-haired Englishman.
6) ADJ-GRADED Fair skin is very pale and usually burns easily.
It's important to protect my fair skin from the sun.
COMB in ADJ-GRADED
Fair is also a combining form. Fair-skinned people who spend a great deal of time in the sun have the greatest risk of skin cancer.
7) ADJ-GRADED When the weather is fair, it is quite sunny and not raining. [FORMAL]
Weather conditions were fair.
Syn:
fine
8) N-COUNT: usu n N A county, state, or country fair is an event where there are, for example, displays of goods and animals, and amusements, games, and competitions.
9) N-COUNT A fair is the same as a funfair. [BRIT](in AM, use carnival)
10) N-COUNT: oft n N A fair is an event at which people display and sell goods, especially goods of a particular type.
→ See also craft fair, trade fair
...an antiques fair.
11) PHRASE: PHR with cl You use fair in expressions such as to be fair and let's be fair when you want to add a favourable comment about someone or something that you have just mentioned and to correct a false impression that you might have given.
To be fair, the team is young and not yet settled...
And, let us be fair, some MPs do work hard.
Syn:
in all fairness
12) PHRASE: PHR with cl You use fair enough when you want to say that a statement, decision, or action seems reasonable to a certain extent, but that perhaps there is more to be said or done. [mainly SPOKEN]
If you don't like it, fair enough, but that's hardly a justification to attack the whole thing...
Fair enough, you didn't have a perfectly happy childhood: but your childhood is over now.
13) CONVENTION You say fair enough to acknowledge what someone has just said and to indicate that you understand it. [SPOKEN]
`I'm taking it to our local police station.' - `Oh right, fair enough.'...
`The message was addressed to me and I don't see why I should show it to you.' - `Fair enough.'
Syn:
OK
14) PHRASE: V inflects If you say that someone plays fair, you mean that they behave or act in a reasonable and honest way.
The government is not playing fair, one union official told me.
15) PHRASE: PHR that You use fair in expressions such as It would be fair to say in order to introduce a statement which you believe to be true and reasonable.
It would be fair to say he had one or two unhappy moments out there...
I think it's fair to say that it didn't sound quite right.
16) PHRASE: PHR after v If you say that someone won a competition fair and square, you mean that they won honestly and without cheating.
There are no excuses. We were beaten fair and square.
17) a fair crack of the whip → see crack
fair (AVERAGE) /feəʳ/ US /fer/
adjective [after verb]
neither very good nor very bad:
Films are rated on a scale of poor, fair, good and excellent.
I was fair at science but it was never my thing.
fair (PALE) /feəʳ/ US /fer/
adjective
(of skin) pale, or (of hair) pale yellow or golden:
She's got fair hair and blue eyes.
a fair complexion
My sister's dark and my brother's fair (= He has fair hair).
He's fair-haired.
All my family are fair-skinned.
fair (RIGHT) /feəʳ/ US /fer/
adjective
1 treating someone in a way that is right or reasonable, or treating a group of people equally and not allowing personal opinions to influence your judgment:
a fair trial
Why should I have to do all the cleaning? It's not fair!
It's not fair on Joe (= It is not right) to make him do all the work!
It's not fair that she's allowed to go and I'm not!
It's not fair to blame me for everything!
She's scrupulously fair with all her employees (= she treats them all equally).
She claims her article was a fair comment on (= a reasonable thing to say about) a matter of public interest.
He offered to do all the cleaning if I did all the cooking, which seemed like a fair (= reasonable) deal.
2 If something, such as a price or share, is fair, it is reasonable and is what you expect or deserve:
I thought it was a fair price that she was offering.
I'm willing to do my fair (= equal) share of the work.
All the workers want is a fair wage for the work that they do.
3 If a game or competition is fair, it is done according to the rules:
It was a fair fight.
1fair /ˈfeɚ/ adj fair·er; -est
1 : agreeing with what is thought to be right or acceptable
• We received fair treatment.
• fair elections
• a fair fight
• a fair bargain/deal/trade
• I'm just trying to get a fair price for the house. [=I'm not trying to get more money for the house than most people think is right]
• That's a fair question, and it deserves an honest reply.
• The workers claim that they are not being paid fair wages. [=they are being paid less than they should be paid]
• It's only fair [=it is the right thing] to tell him the truth.
• I washed the dishes yesterday, so it's only fair (that) you to do them today.
• He gets his fair share of attention too. [=he gets a reasonable amount of attention]
• She's had more than her fair share of trouble. [=she has had a lot of trouble]
2 : treating people in a way that does not favor some over others
• He is known as a very fair man.
• I try to be fair to/with my children.
• He claims that the competition wasn't fair.
• It's not fair that she gets to leave early and I don't.
• Sometimes life isn't fair.
• a fair and impartial jury
• a bargain/deal/trade that is fair to/for everyone
• All she wants is a fair chance. [=the same chance everyone else gets]
3 : not too harsh or critical
• “What a bad movie!” “Be fair! Parts of it are actually pretty funny.”
• I can't say I liked the movie, but, to be fair, parts of it are pretty funny.
• She did poorly on the test, but, to be fair, so did a lot of other people.
4 a : not very good or very bad : of average or acceptable quality
• Her work has been fair to good.
• The quality of her work has been only fair.
• I think our waiter did a fair job.
• The patient has been upgraded from serious to fair condition.
• The food was fair to middling. [=just average; not especially good]
b approving : reasonably good : good although usually not excellent
• The team has a fair [=pretty good] chance of winning the championship this year.
• He does a pretty fair [=good] imitation of the President.
• He was able to give us a fair idea of the problems involved.
• It's a fair bet that the weather will improve soon.
• “I'm guessing that he's about 50 years old.” “That's a fair guess, but he's actually almost 60.”
c always used before a noun : reasonably large - used to describe an amount or size that is not small although it is also not extremely large
• There were a fair number of new participants at the convention.
• Researchers now know a fair amount about the earliest humans.
• He lives a fair distance from here.
5 : not stormy or cloudy
• fair skies
• fair weather
6 of a person's hair, skin, etc. : having a light color
• fair hair/skin
• a person of fair complexion
• a fair-skinned person
- opposite dark
7 literary + old-fashioned : attractive or pleasing to look at
• We're happy to welcome you to our fair [=lovely] city.
• a fair maid/maiden
• Who's the fairest of them all?
8 baseball : in the area between the foul lines
• The ball was caught in fair territory.
✦A fair ball is a batted ball that lands in the area between the foul lines.
- compare foul
a fair bit
- see 1bit
a fair shake
- see 2shake
all's fair in love and war
- used to describe a situation in which people do not follow the usual rules of behavior and do things that are normally considered unfair
• Sure, it was underhanded to steal his customers, but all's fair in love and war.
bid fair
- see 1bid
fair and square : in an honest and fair manner
• He won the election fair and square.
fair crack of the whip
- see 2crack
fair enough informal
- used to say that something is reasonable or fair
• “I'll wash the dishes today, and you can wash them tomorrow.” “Fair enough.”
• “He needs more time.” “Fair enough, but we can't wait too much longer.”
fair's fair informal
- used to say that something was done or should be done because it is fair
• Fair's fair: I washed the dishes yesterday, so it's your turn to do them today.
fair to say
✦A comment that is fair to say is reasonable and is not expected to cause argument.
• The key concept in this book, I think it is fair to say, is freedom.
• She's not entirely to blame, but it's (only) fair to say that she handled the situation badly.
fair warning : enough warning to be able to avoid something bad
• I'm giving you fair warning that you had better not discuss politics at dinner tonight.
it's a fair cop
- see 1cop
- fair adv
• He claims that his opponent wasn't playing fair. [=wasn't playing according to the rules]
- fair·ness noun [noncount]
• She questioned the fairness of the decision.
• In the interest of fairness, let's not mention any names.
• She did poorly, but in all fairness [=to be fair to her], she was tired.
Blinding pain is very strong pain.
[ در مورد درد] شدید، حاد، کشنده
There was a pain then, a quick, blinding agony that jumped along Danlo's spine.
blinding
blind‧ing /ˈblaɪndɪŋ/ BrE AmE adjective
1. [usually before noun] so bright or strong that you cannot see properly
blinding flash/light/glare etc
the desert with its strange twisted plants and its blinding light
blinding rain/snow/heat etc
I struggled back to the hut through blinding rain.
2. blinding headache a very bad ↑headache
3. blinding realization/clarity/revelation etc a sudden realization, clear understanding, or new idea about something:
It was then that she realised, with blinding clarity, that she loved him.
Suddenly, I had a blinding flash of inspiration.
4. British English spoken informal very good and enjoyable:
It’s a blinding album.
blinding
blind·ing [blinding] [ˈblaɪndɪŋ] [ˈblaɪndɪŋ] adjective usually before noun
1. very bright; so strong that you cannot see
• a blinding flash of light
• (figurative) a blinding (= very bad) headache
2. (BrE, informal) very good or enjoyable
• We had a blinding day out in London last Saturday.
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
blinding / ˈblaɪn.dɪŋ / adjective
extremely bright:
There was loud bang and a sudden blinding light .
blinding
[bla͟ɪndɪŋ]
1) ADJ: usu ADJ n A blinding light is extremely bright.
The doctor worked busily beneath the blinding lights of the delivery room.
Syn:
dazzling
2) ADJ: ADJ n (emphasis) You use blinding to emphasize that something is very obvious.
The miseries I went through made me suddenly realise with a blinding flash what life was all about.
Derived words:
blindingly ADV-GRADED ADV adj/adv It is so blindingly obvious that defence must be the responsibility of the state.
3) ADJ: usu ADJ n Blinding pain is very strong pain.
There was a pain then, a quick, blinding agony that jumped along Danlo's spine.
blinding
blinding adj [more ~; most ~]
1 : very bright or strong
• a blinding color
• a blinding headache [=a very painful headache] especially; : so bright or strong that you cannot see
• the blinding light of the sun in her eyes
• a blinding snowstorm
2 : very fast
• His blinding speed makes him a great player.
- blind·ing·ly /ˈblaɪndɪŋli/ adv
• blindingly bright
• blindingly fast
feeling fear, or feeling worry about the possible results of a particular situation
ترسیدن، هراس
I've always been afraid of flying/heights/spiders.
afraid
adjective
If you are afraid of something, it makes you feel fear:
Some people are afraid of snakes.
I was afraid to open the door.
I'm afraid … a polite way of saying that you are sorry:
I'm afraid I've broken your calculator.
I'm afraid that I can't come to your party.
afraid
a‧fraid S1 W2 /əˈfreɪd/ BrE AmE adjective [not before noun]
[Date: 1300-1400; Origin: Past participle of affray 'to frighten' (14-19 centuries), from Old French affreer; ⇨ ↑affray]
1. frightened because you think that you may get hurt or that something bad may happen SYN scared:
There’s no need to be afraid.
afraid of (doing) something
kids who are afraid of the dark
He was afraid of being caught by the police.
afraid to do something
Zoe was half afraid (=a little afraid) to go back in the house.
REGISTER
In everyday English, people often say scared rather than afraid:
▪ I’m scared of heights.
2. worried about what might happen, or that something bad will happen
afraid (that)
He was afraid that the other kids would laugh at him.
afraid of (doing) something
I didn’t tell her because I was afraid of upsetting her.
The government was afraid of a public outcry.
afraid to do something
Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
3. afraid for somebody/something worried that something bad may happen to a particular person or thing:
Her father looked ill and she was suddenly afraid for him.
Many of us were afraid for our jobs.
4. I’m afraid spoken used to politely tell someone something that may annoy, upset, or disappoint them:
That’s the most we can offer you, I’m afraid.
I’m afraid (that)
I’m afraid you’ve come to the wrong address.
‘Is she very ill?’ ‘I’m afraid so (=yes).’
‘Did you see him?’ ‘I’m afraid not (=no).’
• • •
GRAMMAR
Afraid to do something means 'unwilling to do something, because you are frightened or worried':
▪ They are afraid to express their political views.
Afraid of doing something can also mean this:
▪ When I was a child, I was afraid of going to sleep.
However, it more often means 'frightened or worried that something might happen as a result of your action':
▪ They were afraid of damaging their careers.
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ frightened feeling worried because you might get hurt or because something bad might happen: I was too frightened to say anything. | Many animals are frightened of fireworks. | Frightened residents called the police as the gang started throwing bricks.
▪ scared [not before noun] especially spoken frightened. Scared is less formal than frightened and is the usual word to use in everyday English: I’m scared of dogs. | Old people are too scared to go out of their homes.
▪ afraid [not before noun] frightened. Afraid sounds more formal than frightened or scared: Children are often afraid of the dark. | I was afraid that I might say the wrong thing.
▪ alarmed frightened and worried that something bad might happen: She was alarmed at the thought of performing in front of an audience. | Alarmed passengers spotted fuel leaking from the plane.
▪ fearful formal frightened that something bad might happen: They are fearful of another terrorist attack. | He was fearful that he might make another mistake. | a fearful panic
afraid
afraid [əˈfreɪd] [əˈfreɪd] adjective not before noun
1. feeling fear; frightened because you think that you might be hurt or suffer
• Don't be afraid.
• ~ of sb/sth It's all over. There's nothing to be afraid of now.
• Are you afraid of spiders?
• ~ of doing sth I started to feel afraid of going out alone at night.
• ~ to do sth She was afraid to open the door.
2. worried about what might happen
• ~ of doing sth She was afraid of upsetting her parents.
• Tamsin was afraid of making a fool of herself.
• ~ to do sth Don't be afraid to ask if you don't understand.
• The boy wasn't afraid to say what he believed.
• ~ (that…) We were afraid (that) we were going to capsize the boat.
3. ~ for sb/sth worried or frightened that sth unpleasant, dangerous, etc. will happen to a particular person or thing
• I'm not afraid for me, but for the baby.
• They had already fired three people and he was afraid for his job.
Idiom: I'm afraid
Word Origin:
Middle English: past participle of the obsolete verb affray, from Anglo-Norman French afrayer ‘disturb, startle’, based on an element of Germanic origin related to Old English frithu ‘peace, safety’.
Thesaurus:
afraid [afraid] adj.
• He was afraid of the dark.
frightened • • scared • • terrified • • alarmed • • nervous • • paranoid • • petrified • • intimidated • • cowardly • • apprehensive • |informal chicken • |formal fearful •
Opp: brave, Opp: confident, (formal) Opp: unafraid
afraid/frightened/scared/terrified/nervous/petrified/apprehensive/fearful of sb/sth
frightened/scared/alarmed/nervous/paranoid/apprehensive/fearful about sth
afraid/frightened/scared/terrified/alarmed/petrified/apprehensive/fearful that…
afraid/frightened/scared to do sth
Afraid, frightened or scared? Scared is more informal, more common in speech, and often describes small fears. Afraid cannot come before a noun:
• a frightened child
• a scared expression
¤ an afraid child/expression
Synonyms:
afraid
frightened • scared • terrified • alarmed • paranoid
These words all describe feeling or showing fear.
afraid • [not before noun] feeling fear; worried that sth bad might happen: ▪ There's nothing to be afraid of. ◊ ▪ Aren't you afraid (that) you'll fall?
frightened • feeling fear; worried that sth bad might happen: ▪ a frightened child ◊ ▪ She was frightened that the glass would break.
scared • (rather informal) feeling fear; worried that sth bad might happen: ▪ The thieves got scared and ran away.
afraid, frightened or scared?
Scared is more informal, more common in speech, and often describes small fears. Afraid cannot come before a noun. It can only take the preposition of, not about. If you are afraid/frightened/scared of sb/sth/doing sth or afraid/frightened/scared to do sth, you think you are in danger of being hurt or suffering in some way. If you are frightened/scared about sth/doing sth, it is less a fear for your personal safety and more a worry that sth unpleasant might happen.
terrified • very frightened: ▪ I was terrified (that) she wouldn't come. ◊ ▪ She looked at him with wide, terrified eyes.
alarmed • afraid that sth dangerous or unpleasant might happen: ▪ She was alarmed at the prospect of travelling alone.
paranoid • (rather informal) afraid or suspicious of other people and believing that they are trying to harm you, in a way that is not reasonable: ▪ You're just being paranoid.
afraid/frightened/scared of spiders, etc.
frightened/scared/paranoid about …
afraid/frightened/scared/terrified that …
afraid/frightened/scared to open the door, etc.
Don't be afraid/frightened/scared/alarmed.
Example Bank:
• Don't worry. There's nothing to be afraid of.
• He stopped abruptly, suddenly afraid to say the words out loud.
• He was half afraid to look at her.
• Roger was very afraid for her.
• She was tense, almost afraid to open the letter.
• What has made you so deeply afraid of your boss?
• You do know, don't you? You are just afraid to tell me.
• Are you afraid of the dark?
• Aren't you afraid (that) you'll fall?
• Don't be afraid. I won't hurt you.
• I'm not afraid for me, but for the baby.
• I'm not afraid of you!
• There's nothing to be afraid of.
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
afraid / əˈfreɪd / adjective [ after verb ] (FEAR)
A2 feeling fear, or feeling worry about the possible results of a particular situation:
He was/felt suddenly afraid.
I've always been afraid of flying/heights/spiders.
She was afraid for her children (= feared that they might be hurt) .
[ + to infinitive ] Don't be afraid to say what you think.
[ + (that) ] She was afraid (that) he might be upset if she told him.
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
afraid / əˈfreɪd / adjective (SORRY)
I'm afraid... A2 used to politely introduce bad news or disagreement:
This is your room - it's rather small, I'm afraid.
I don't agree at all, I'm afraid.
I'm afraid you've completely misunderstood the question.
[ + (that) ] I'm afraid (that) we can't come this evening after all.
"Was she impressed with our work?" "I'm afraid not (= no) ."
"Does this mean I've got to leave?" "I'm afraid so." (= Yes.)
afraid
/əfreɪd/
Frequency: The word is one of the 3000 most common words in English.
1.
If you are afraid of someone or afraid to do something, you are frightened because you think that something very unpleasant is going to happen to you.
She did not seem at all afraid...
I was afraid of the other boys...
I’m still afraid to sleep in my own bedroom.
= frightened
ADJ: v-link ADJ, oft ADJ of n, ADJ to-inf
2.
If you are afraid for someone else, you are worried that something horrible is going to happen to them.
She’s afraid for her family in Somalia.
ADJ: v-link ADJ, usu ADJ for n
3.
If you are afraid that something unpleasant will happen, you are worried that it may happen and you want to avoid it.
I was afraid that nobody would believe me...
The Government is afraid of losing the election...
ADJ: v-link ADJ, ADJ that, ADJ of -ing, ADJ to-inf
4.
If you want to apologize to someone or to disagree with them in a polite way, you can say I’m afraid. (SPOKEN)
We don’t have anything like that, I’m afraid...
I’m afraid I can’t help you...
PHRASE: PHR with cl, PHR that [politeness]
afraid
afraid /əˈfreɪd/ adj not used before a noun
1 [more ~; most ~] : feeling fear: such as
a : worried that something will cause pain or injury
• Don't be afraid [=frightened, scared]—the dog won't hurt you.
- often + of
• I don't like tall buildings because I'm afraid of heights. [=of being high up in the air]
• He's afraid of snakes.
• All the kids at school were afraid of him.
b : nervous about doing something - often + of
• She's afraid of failing/failure.
• He wasn't afraid of saying what he thought.
• Don't be afraid of [=don't worry about] what everyone else thinks.
- often followed by to + verb
• He wasn't afraid to say what he thought.
• I wanted to visit her, but I was afraid to ask.
• Don't be afraid to take risks.
c : nervous or worried that something might happen
• She's afraid (that) she might fail.
• We were all afraid (that) she wouldn't live.
• I'm afraid (that) everyone will laugh at me.
• I was afraid (that) you would say “no.”
2
- used in the phrase I'm afraid as a polite way of showing that you are sorry about a disappointing, negative, or critical statement
• I'm sorry, but I'm afraid (that) I won't be able to come to your party.
• She tries hard, but I'm afraid that her work just isn't very good.
• I'm afraid that I still don't understand the problem.
• This is only the beginning of the battle, I'm afraid.
• Most of us worked very hard, but she, I'm afraid to say [=I'm sorry to say; I regret to say], did no work at all.
• “Is it raining?” “I'm afraid so.” = “I'm afraid it is.” [=yes, it is]
• “Can you come to our party?” “I'm afraid not.” = “I'm afraid I can't.” [=no, I can't come]
3
- used with not to say that someone is willing to do something; often + of
• She's not afraid of hard work. = She's not afraid of working hard. [=she's willing to work hard; she works hard]
• You can't be afraid of getting dirty in this job. [=you have to be willing to get dirty in this job]
- often followed by to + verb
• She's not afraid to work hard.
• He's not afraid to admit his mistakes.
afraid for : feeling fear or worry about (something or someone)
• I'm afraid for the children.
• They were afraid for their lives. [=they feared for their lives; they were afraid that they might die]
• He's afraid for his job. [=he's worried that he might lose his job]
