verb

deal with sth

deal with sth [phrasal verb] (TAKE ACTION)

to take action in order to achieve something or in order to solve a problem

/diːl/

کنار آمدن، برخورد کردن

مثال:

How do you intend to deal with this problem?

Oxford Essential Dictionary

deal with something

1 to take action in a particular situation in order to solve a problem or do a particular job:
I am too busy to deal with this problem now.

2 to be about a special subject:
The first chapter of the book deals with letter writing.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

deal with somebody/something phrasal verb
1. to take the necessary action, especially in order to solve a problem SYN handle:
a strategy for dealing with disruptive pupils
Don’t worry, I’ll deal with this.
deal with a problem/issue/matter etc
The council has failed to deal with the problem of homelessness in the city.
deal effectively/adequately etc with something
They should deal properly and fairly with any complaint.
2. if a book, speech etc deals with a particular subject, it is about that subject:
These ideas are dealt with more fully in Chapter Four.
3. to do business with someone or have a business connection with someone:
Most travel agents do not deal directly with these companies.
4. to succeed in controlling your feelings about an emotional problem so that it does not affect your life SYN cope with:
How’s he dealing with the whole thing?

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition

deal with sth (TAKE ACTION) — phrasal verb with deal / dɪəl / verb [ I or T ] ( dealt , dealt )

B1 to take action in order to achieve something or in order to solve a problem:

How do you intend to deal with this problem?

General enquiries are dealt with by our head office.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

deal with [phrasal verb] deal with (someone or something)
1 : to be about (something) : to have (something) as a subject
• The book deals with World War II.
• Her speech dealt with health care and the nation's economy.
• The film deals with some serious issues.
2 : to make business agreements with (someone)
• He deals fairly with all his customers.
• Their salespeople are very easy to deal with.
3 : to do something about (a person or thing that causes a problem or difficult situation)
• The government dealt harshly with the rebels.
• I'll deal with you later.
• Who's going to deal with this mess?
• I dealt with the problem myself.
• Can you suggest some ways of dealing with a difficult child?
• We weren't able/equipped/prepared to deal with such a large crowd of people.
• He needs to learn how to deal with his anger.
4 : to accept or try to accept (something that is true and cannot be changed) : to control your feelings about (something)
• She's still trying to deal with his death.
• I'm still dealing with the fact that we lost the game.
• The weather is bad, but we'll just have to deal with it.
- deal·er noun, pl -ers [count]
• a used car dealer
• drug dealers

American English

British English

dealing with things or people

B1 (متوسط)

verb

define

define [verb] (DIRECTLY SHOW)

to show or describe (someone or something) clearly and completely

/dɪˈfaɪn/

تعيين‌ كردن‌، معين‌ كردن‌، مشخص‌ كردن‌

مثال:

He was defined by his passions.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

define

verb (defines, defining, defined )
to say what a word means:
How do you define 'rich'?

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

define

de‧fine S2 W2 AC /dɪˈfaɪn/ BrE AmE verb [transitive]
[Word Family: verb: ↑define; noun: ↑definition; adverb: ↑definitely ≠ ↑indefinitely; adjective: ↑definite ≠ ↑indefinite]
[Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: definer, from Latin definire, from finire 'to limit, end']
1. to describe something correctly and thoroughly, and to say what standards, limits, qualities etc it has that make it different from other things:
the ability to define clients’ needs
The duties of the post are difficult to define.
clearly/well defined
The tasks will be clearly defined by the tutor.
define something as something
70% of the workers can be defined as low-paid.
2. to explain exactly the meaning of a particular word or idea ⇨ definition:
I’ll now try to define the term ‘popular culture’.
define something as something
A budget is defined as ‘a plan of action expressed in money terms’.
Define precisely what you mean by ‘crime’.
3. to show the edge or shape of something clearly ⇨ definition:
The bird has sharply defined black and rust markings.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

define

de·fine AW [define defines defined defining] [dɪˈfaɪn] [dɪˈfaɪn] verb
1. to say or explain what the meaning of a word or phrase is
• ~ sth The term ‘mental illness’ is difficult to define.

• ~ sth as sth Life imprisonment is defined as 60 years under state law.

2. to describe or show sth accurately
• ~ sth We need to define the task ahead very clearly.
• The difficulty of a problem was defined in terms of how long it took to complete.

• ~ what, how, etc… It is difficult to define what makes him so popular.

3. ~ sth to show clearly a line, shape or edge
• The mountain was sharply defined against the sky.
Derived Word: definable

Word Origin:
late Middle English (also in the sense ‘bring to an end)’: from Old French definer, from a variant of Latin definire, from de- (expressing completion) + finire ‘finish’ (from finis ‘end’).
Thesaurus:
define verb T
• The term ‘mental illness’ is difficult to define.
explain • • interpret • • spell sth out • |formal clarify • • expound •
define/explain/spell out/clarify how/what…
define/explain/clarify the position/role/nature/meaning of sth
clearly define/explain/spell out/expound sth
Language Bank:
define
Defining terms
It is important to clarify what is meant by ▪ climate change.
▪ Climate change can ▪ / may be defined as ▪ ‘the long-term fluctuations in temperature, precipitation, wind and other aspects of the earth's climate’.
A generally accepted definition of ▪ global warming is ▪ the gradual increase in the overall temperature of the earth's atmosphere due to the greenhouse effect.
▪ The greenhouse effect is defined ▪ by the author as ▪ the process by which heat from the sun is trapped in the earth's atmosphere, causing the temperature of the earth to rise.
▪ The author uses the term ▪ climate change to refer to ▪ any significant change in measures of climate lasting for an extended period.
The term ▪ ‘carbon footprint’ refers to ▪ the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of the activities of an individual or organization.
▪ Scientists suggest that increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere will result in an increase in global temperatures, and the term ▪ ‘global warming’ is used ▪ to describe this phenomenon.
Language Bank at first
Example Bank:
• Social values are not easy to define.
• There may be problems if responsibilities are not adequately defined.
• This type of lymphoma is defined by the presence of specific malignant cells.
• Thread count is defined as the number of threads in one square inch of fabric.
• We have chosen to define the scope of our study quite broadly.

• the culturally defined role of women

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition

define / dɪˈfaɪn / verb [ T ] (EXPLAIN)

B2 to say what the meaning of something, especially a word, is:

In this dictionary 'reality' is defined as 'the state of things as they are, rather than as they are imagined to be'.

Before I answer your question, could you define your terms a little more (= explain what you mean by the words you have used) ?

→ See also well defined

B2 to explain and describe the meaning and exact limits of something:

Your rights and responsibilities are defined in the citizens' charter.

Your role in the project will be strictly defined (= limited to particular areas) .

I'd hate to feel that I was defined by (= that my life got its meaning and importance only from) my job.

definable / dɪˈfaɪ.nə.bl̩ / adjective

definable rules of grammar/syntax

define / dɪˈfaɪn / verb [ T ] (CLEARLY SHOW)

to show clearly the edge of something:

The outline of the castle on the hill was clearly defined against the evening sky.

definable / dɪˈfaɪ.nə.bl̩ / adjective

definable rules of grammar/syntax

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

define

[dɪfa͟ɪn]
♦♦♦
defines, defining, defined
1) VERB If you define something, you show, describe, or state clearly what it is and what its limits are, or what it is like.
  [V wh] The Supreme Court decision could define how far Congress can go in trying to determine the outcome of court cases...
  [V n] I tried to define my own attitude: I found Rosie repulsive, but I didn't hate her.
  Derived words:
  defined ADJ-GRADED usu adv ADJ ...a party with a clearly defined programme and strict rules of membership.
2) VERB If you define a word or expression, you explain its meaning, for example in a dictionary.
  [V n] When people are asked `What is intelligence?' they tend to reply: `I don't know how to define it, but I can certainly recognize it when I see it.'...
  [V n as n] Collins English Dictionary defines a workaholic as `a person obsessively addicted to work'.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

define

de·fine /dɪˈfaɪn/ verb -fines; -fined; -fin·ing [+ obj]
1 : to explain the meaning of (a word, phrase, etc.)
• How would you define (the word) “grotesque”?
• a term that is difficult to define
2 : to show or describe (someone or something) clearly and completely
• The government study seeks to define urban poverty.
• Her book aims to define acceptable social behavior.
• He was defined by his passions. [=his passions showed what kind of person he was]
• She believes that success should be defined in terms of health and happiness.
• Tigers are broadly/loosely defined [=described very generally] as large cats.
• He narrowly defines [=describes very specifically] a hero as someone who has earned a medal in battle.
3 : to show the shape, outline, or edge of (something) very clearly
• That fence defines the far edge of the property.
- de·fin·able /dɪˈfaɪnəbəl/ adj [more ~; most ~]
• an easily definable word
• definable risk factors
- defined adj [more ~; most ~]
• a clearly defined neighborhood
• Her cheekbones are well-defined.
- defining adj always used before a noun
• That was the campaign's defining moment. [=the moment that showed very clearly what kind of campaign it was]

American English

British English

showing and demonstrating

B2 (بالای متوسط)

verb

remould

remould [verb]

To remould something such as an idea or an economy means to change it so that it has a new structure or is based on new principles.

/ˈriː.moʊld/

/ˈriː.məʊld/

دوباره شکل دادن، باز ساختن

مثال:

The company needs to remould itself into a smaller and more competitive business.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

remould

I. re‧mould¹ BrE AmE British English, remold American English /ˌriːˈməʊld $ -ˈmoʊld/ verb [transitive]
formal to change an idea, system, way of thinking etc:
Mergers have forced organizations to remould themselves.
II. re‧mould² /ˈriːməʊld $ -moʊld/ BrE AmE noun [countable] British English
an old tyre with a new surface, that you can use again

remold

I. re‧mold /ˌriːˈməʊld $ -ˈmoʊld/ BrE AmE verb [transitive] formal
the American spelling of ↑remould
II. re‧mould¹ BrE AmE British English, remold American English /ˌriːˈməʊld $ -ˈmoʊld/ verb [transitive]
formal to change an idea, system, way of thinking etc:
Mergers have forced organizations to remould themselves.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

remould

re·mould f25 [remould remoulds remoulded remoulding] (especially US re·mold) [ˌriːˈməʊld] [ˌriːˈmoʊld] verb ~ sth (formal)
to change sth such as an idea, a system, etc
• attempts to remould policy to make it more acceptable

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition

retread / ˌriːˈtred / verb [ T ] ( UK also remould )

to put a new rubber surface on the outer part of a worn tyre:

Your tyres need retreading.

retread / ˈriː.tred / noun [ C ]

Are those new tyres or retreads?

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

remould

remoulds, remoulding, remoulded
(The spelling remold is used in American English. The noun is pronounced [ri͟ːmoʊld]. The verb is pronounced [ri͟ːmo͟ʊld].)
1) N-COUNT A remould is an old tyre which has been given a new surface or tread and can be used again. [BRIT]
  Syn:
  retread(in AM, use retread)
2) VERB To remould something such as an idea or an economy means to change it so that it has a new structure or is based on new principles.
  [V n] ...a new phase in the attempt to remould Labour's image.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

remould

remould Brit spelling of remold

remold

re·mold US or Brit re·mould /riˈmoʊld/ verb -molds; -mold·ed; -mold·ing [+ obj] formal : to change (something, such as an idea, a system, or a habit)
• She resisted the efforts to remold her image.
• The company needs to remold itself [=transform itself] into a smaller and more competitive business.

British English

covering and adding layers

verb

waste

waste [verb] (USE BADLY)

to use too much of something or use something badly when there is a limited amount of it

/weɪst/

هدر دادن‌، ضايع‌ كردن‌، تلف‌ كردن‌

مثال:

You waste a lot of water by having a bath instead of a shower.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

verb (wastes, wasting, wasted)
to use too much of something or not use something in a good way:
She wastes a lot of money on sweets.
He wasted his time at university – he didn't do any work.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

II. waste² S2 W3 BrE AmE verb [transitive]
[Word Family: noun: ↑wastage, ↑waste, ↑wastefulness, ↑waster, ↑wastrel; adjective: ↑waste, ↑wasteful, ↑wasted, ↑wasting; verb: ↑waste; adverb: ↑wastefully]
[Date: 1200-1300; Language: Old North French; Origin: waster, from Latin vastare; ⇨ ↑devastate]
1. NOT USE SENSIBLY to use more money, time, energy etc than is useful or sensible:
Leaving the heating on all the time wastes electricity.
waste something on somebody/something
Don’t waste your money on that junk!
2. NOT USE FULLY [usually passive] to not make full use of someone or something:
Hannah’s wasted in that clerical job.
His talents were being wasted as a lawyer.
3. be wasted on somebody if something is wasted on someone, they do not understand how good or useful it is:
Her good advice was wasted on the children.
4. waste your breath spoken to say something that has no effect:
Don’t try to reason with Paul – you’re wasting your breath.
5. waste no time (in) doing something to do something as quickly as you can because it will help you:
He wasted no time in introducing himself.
6. waste not, want not spoken used to say that if you use what you have carefully, you will still have some of it if you need it later
7. HARM SOMEBODY American English informal to kill someone, severely injure them, or defeat them
waste away phrasal verb
to gradually become thinner and weaker, usually because you are ill

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

waste

waste [waste wastes wasted wasting] verb, noun, adjective [weɪst] [weɪst]

verb

NOT USE WELL
1. to use more of sth than is necessary or useful
• ~ sth to waste time/food/energy
• ~ sth on sth Why waste money on clothes you don't need?
• We got straight down to business without wasting time on small talk.
• ~ sth (in) doing sth She wasted no time in rejecting the offer (= she rejected it immediately).

• You're wasting your time trying to explain it to him (= because he will not understand).

2. ~ sth (on sb/sth) to give, say, use, etc. sth good where it is not valued or used in the way that it should be
• Don't waste your sympathy on him— he got what he deserved.

• Her comments were not wasted on Chris (= he understood what she meant).

3. usually passive to not make good or full use of sb/sth
• ~ sb/sth It was a wasted opportunity.
• His talents are wasted in that job.

• ~ sb/sth as sth You're wasted as a sales manager— you should have been an actor.

KILL SB

4. ~ sb (informal, especially NAmE) to get rid of sb, usually by killing them

DEFEAT SB
5. ~ sb (NAmE, informal) to defeat sb very badly in a game or competition

Word Origin:
Middle English: from Old Northern French wast(e) (noun), waster (verb), based on Latin vastus ‘unoccupied, uncultivated’.
Example Bank:
• Don't waste your money on a hotel room.
• He didn't want to waste valuable time in idle gossip.
• Hurry up— there's no time to waste!
• I'm not going to waste any more time on the problem.
• In the end her efforts were not entirely wasted.
• Their father hated to waste energy.
• You're just wasting your breath. She never listens.
• Don't waste your sympathy on her— she got what she deserved.
• Her comments were not wasted on Chris.
• She wasted no time in rejecting the offer.
• The health authority wasted millions of pounds on a computer system that never worked.
• Why waste money on clothes you don't need?
• You're wasted as a sales manager— you should have been an actor.
• You're wasting your time trying to explain it to him.
Idioms: lay something waste ▪ lay waste something ▪ waste not, want not ▪ waste of space ▪ waste your breath

Derived: waste away

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition

waste / weɪst / verb [ T ] (USE BADLY)

B1 to use too much of something or use something badly when there is a limited amount of it:

You waste a lot of water by having a bath instead of a shower.

Come on, let's get started - we've wasted enough time already.

Don't waste your money on me, love, keep it for yourself.

waste / weɪst / verb [ T ] US slang (KILL)

to kill someone

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

waste

[we͟ɪst]
♦♦
wastes, wasting, wasted
1) VERB If you waste something such as time, money, or energy, you use too much of it doing something that is not important or necessary, or is unlikely to succeed.
  [V n -ing] There could be many reasons and he was not going to waste time speculating on them...
  [V n on n] I resolved not to waste money on a hotel...
  [V n] The system wastes a large amount of water.
N-SING: a N of n
Waste is also a noun. It is a waste of time going to the doctor with most mild complaints... I think that is a total waste of money.
2) N-UNCOUNT Waste is the use of money or other resources on things that do not need it.
  The packets are measured to reduce waste...
  I hate waste. Two weeks was reasonable, but this is far too much.
3) N-UNCOUNT: also N in pl Waste is material which has been used and is no longer wanted, for example because the valuable or useful part of it has been taken out.
  Congress passed a law that regulates the disposal of waste...
  Up to 10 million tonnes of toxic wastes are produced every year in the UK.
  ...the process of eliminating body waste.
4) VERB If you waste an opportunity for something, you do not take advantage of it when it is available.
  [V n] Let's not waste an opportunity to see the children...
  [V-ed] It was a wasted opportunity.
5) VERB: usu passive If you say that something is wasted on someone, you mean that there is no point giving it or telling it to them as they will not appreciate, understand, or pay any attention to it.
  [be V-ed on n] All the well-meant, sincere advice is largely wasted on him.
  Syn:
  be lost on
6) ADJ: usu ADJ n Waste land is land, especially in or near a city, which is not used or looked after by anyone, and so is covered by wild plants and rubbish.
  There was a patch of waste land behind the church...
  Yarrow can be found growing wild in fields and on waste ground.
7) N-PLURAL: adj N, N of n Wastes are a large area of land, for example a desert, in which there are very few people, plants, or animals.
  ...the barren wastes of the Sahara.
8) → See also wasted
9) PHRASE: V inflects If something goes to waste, it remains unused or has to be thrown away.
  So much of his enormous effort and talent will go to waste if we are forced to drop one hour of the film...
  Mexican cookery is economical, she says. Nothing goes to waste.
  Syn:
  be wasted
10) PHRASE: V inflects, PHR n If something or someone lays waste an area or town or lays waste to it, they completely destroy it.
  The war has laid waste large regions of the countryside.
  ...cities laid waste by the decline of traditional industries...
  The aphid is now laying waste to the wheat and barley fields.
  Syn:
  annihilate
11) PHRASE The expression waste not, want not means that if you do not use too much of something now you will have some left later when you need it.
  ...a nation that prides itself on its `waste not, want not' thrift and its environmental conscience.
12) to waste your breath → see breath
to waste no time → see time
  Phrasal Verbs:
  - waste away

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

²waste verb wastes; wast·ed; wast·ing [+ obj]
1 : to use (something valuable) in a way that is not necessary or effective : to use more of (something) than is necessary
• Don't waste water during the summer drought.
• He always wasted his money on useless gadgets.
• Turn off the lights so we don't waste electricity.
• I think he's just wasting my time.
• We can't afford to waste so much food.
2 : to use (something or someone) in a way that does not produce a valuable result or effect : to fail to use (something or someone) in an appropriate or effective way
• We can't afford to waste this opportunity.
• She's a good writer but she's wasting her talent. [=she's not using her talent to do the things that she should be doing]
- often used as (be) wasted
• My efforts were wasted.
• He was wasted in that job. [=his talents/skills were not being used in the job]
3 slang : to kill or murder (someone)
• Someone wasted him.
waste away [phrasal verb] : to become thinner and weaker because of illness or lack of food
• The disease caused her to waste away.
waste no time : to do something quickly
• We wasted no time getting our tickets. [=we hurried to get our tickets]
waste not, want not
- used to say that if you never waste things you will always have what you need;
waste your breath
- see breath

count

count [verb] (NUMBER)

to say numbers one after the other in order, or to calculate the number of people or things in a group

/kaʊnt/

شمردن

مثال:

Count your money carefully to make sure it's all there.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

verb (counts, counting, counted)

1 to say numbers one after the other in the correct order:
The children are learning to count from one to ten.

2 to look at people or things to see how many there are:
I have counted the chairs – there are 32.

3 to include somebody or something when you are finding a total:
There were twenty people on the bus, not counting the driver.

4 to be important or accepted:
Every point in this game counts.
Your throw won't count if you go over the line.

count on somebody or something to feel sure that somebody or something will do what you want:
Can I count on you to help me?

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

count

I. count¹ S2 W3 /kaʊnt/ BrE AmE verb
[Word Family: noun: ↑count, ↑recount, ↑counter; verb: ↑count, ↑recount; adjective: ↑countable ≠ ↑uncountable, ↑countless]
[Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: conter, from Latin computare; ⇨ ↑compute]
1. FIND THE TOTAL [transitive] (also count up) to calculate the total number of things or people in a group:
I was amazed at the number of plants – I counted 147.
count (up) how many
Count up how many ticks are in each box.
2. SAY NUMBERS [intransitive] (also count up) to say numbers in order, one by one or in groups
count to
Sarah can count up to five now.
count by twos/fives etc
It’s quicker to count by tens (=saying 10, 20, 30 ...).
3. BE ALLOWED [intransitive and transitive] to be allowed or accepted, or to allow or accept something, according to a standard, set of ideas, or set of rules:
A linesman had his flag up so the kick did not count.
count as
Locally produced sales by American firms in Japan do not count as exports.
Today’s session is counted as training, so you will get paid.
count towards
Results from the two rounds count towards championship points.
4. INCLUDE [transitive] to include someone or something in a total:
There are more than two thousand of us, not counting the crew.
count somebody/something among something
I count Jules and Ady among my closest friends.
5. CONSIDER SOMETHING [transitive] to consider someone or something in a particular way
count somebody/something as something
I don’t count him as a friend any more.
You should count yourself lucky that you weren’t hurt.
6. IMPORTANT [intransitive not in progressive] to be important or valuable:
First impressions really do count.
count for
His promises don’t count for much.
His overseas results count for nothing.
7. I/you can count somebody/something on (the fingers of) one hand spoken used to emphasize how small the number of something is:
The number of cougar attacks on humans can be counted on the fingers of one hand.
8. don’t count your chickens (before they’re hatched) spoken used to say that you should not make plans that depend on something good happening, because it might not:
I wouldn’t count your chickens, Mr Vass. I’ve agreed to sign the contract, but that’s all.
9. count your blessings spoken used to tell someone to be grateful for the good things in their life
10. be counting (down) the minutes/hours/days to be waiting eagerly for something to happen:
I'm counting the days until I see you again.
11. count the cost to start having problems as a result of your earlier decisions or mistakes:
We’re now counting the cost of not taking out medical insurance.
12. who’s counting? used to say that you are not worried about the number of times something happens – often used humorously:
Apparently the next Star Trek film (number six, but who’s counting?) will definitely be the last.
13. and counting especially spoken used to say that an amount is continuing to increase:
At eight days and counting, this is the longest strike so far.
14. count sheep to imagine a line of sheep jumping over a fence, one at a time, and count them as a way of getting to sleep
⇨ stand up and be counted at ↑stand¹(5), ⇨ it’s the thought that counts at ↑thought²(12)
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ calculate formal to find out an amount, price, or value by adding numbers together: The students calculated the cost of printing 5000 copies of their book.
▪ work out to calculate something. Work out is less formal than calculate, and is more common in everyday English: You need to work out how much you will need to borrow.
▪ figure out (also figure American English) informal to calculate an amount: We still haven't figured out how much it's all going to cost. | the method for figuring welfare payments
▪ count to find out the total number of things or people in a group by looking at each one and adding them all together: The teacher counted the children as they got on the bus.
▪ total (also total up) to add a number of things together to get a final number: Once the scores have been totaled, we will announce the winner. | Okay, now let's total up who had the most points.
▪ quantify formal to say how much something costs, how much of it there is, how serious or effective it is etc: I think it's difficult to quantify the cost at the moment, for a variety of reasons. | How do you quantify the benefits of the treatment? | a reliable method for quantifying the amount of calcium in the blood
▪ assess formal to calculate what the value or cost of something is, or decide how good, bad etc something is: The value of the paintings was assessed at $20 million. | They are still assessing the damage. | We need to have a better way of assessing students' progress.
▪ estimate to guess an amount, price, or number as exactly as you can, based on the knowledge you have: The police department estimates that the number of violent crimes will decrease by 2%.
▪ put a figure on something to say what you think the exact total amount or value of something is, especially when it is a lot: It's hard to put a figure on it, but the final cost is likely to be over £225 million. | The company has refused to put a figure on its losses.
▪ project to calculate what an amount will be in the future, using the information you have now: The company projects sales of $4 million this year.
count somebody in phrasal verb
to include someone in an activity:
When the game gets started, you can count me in.
count on/upon somebody/something phrasal verb
1. to depend on someone or something, especially in a difficult situation:
You can count on me.
With luck, you might cover your costs, but don’t count on it.
count on (somebody/something) doing something
We’re all counting on winning this contract.
They were counting on him not coming out of hospital.
count on somebody/something to do something
You can count on Dean to ruin any party.
2. to expect something:
The presence of Paula was one thing he hadn’t counted on.
count on (somebody/something) doing something
We didn’t count on so many people being on vacation.
count somebody/something out phrasal verb
1. to not include someone or something in an activity:
I’m sorry, you’ll have to count me out tonight.
2. to decide that someone or something is not important or worth considering:
I wouldn’t count him out. If anybody can make a comeback, he can.
3. count something ↔ out to put things down one by one as you count them:
The teller counted out ten $50 bills.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

count

count [count counts counted counting] verb, noun [kaʊnt] [kaʊnt]

verb

SAY NUMBERS
1. intransitive to say numbers in the correct order
• Billy can't count yet.
• ~ to/up to sth She can count up to 10 in Italian.

• ~ (from sth) to/up to sth to count from 1 to 10

FIND TOTAL

2. transitive, intransitive to calculate the total number of people, things, etc. in a particular group
• ~ sth (up) The diet is based on counting calories.
• Count the ‘yes’ votes and the ‘no’ votes separately.
• ~ (up) how many… She began to count up how many guests they had to invite.

• ~ from… There are 12 weeks to go, counting from today.

INCLUDE

3. transitive ~ sb/sth to include sb/sth when you calculate a total

• We have invited 50 people, not counting the children.

MATTER

4. intransitive (not used in the progressive tenses) to be important
Syn: matter
• Every point in this game counts.
• It's the thought that counts (= used about a small but kind action or gift).

• ~ for sth The fact that she had apologized counted for nothing with him.

ACCEPT OFFICIALLY

5. intransitive, transitive to be officially accepted; to accept sth officially
• Don't go over that line or your throw won't count.

• ~ sth Applications received after 1 July will not be counted.

CONSIDER

6. intransitive, transitive ~ as sb/sth | ~ sb/sth (as) sb/sth to consider sb/sth in a particular way; to be considered in a particular way
• ~ (sb/sth) as sb/sth For tax purposes that money counts/is counted as income.
• ~ sb/sth/yourself + adv./prep. I count him among my closest friends.
• ~ sb/sth/yourself + adj. I count myself lucky to have known him.
• ~ sb/sth/yourself + noun She counts herself one of the lucky ones.

Word Origin:
n. senses 1 to 5 and v. Middle English Old French counte counter computare ‘calculate’ com- ‘together’ putare ‘to settle (an account)’
n. sense 6 late Middle English Old French conte Latin comes comit- ‘companion, overseer, attendant’ late Latin ‘person holding a state office’ com- ‘together with’ it- ‘gone’ ire ‘go’

Thesaurus:
count verb T, I
• She counted up how many guests had been invited.
add • • calculate • • total • • tally • • work sth out • • figure sth out • |AmE figure • |BrE, informal tot sth up • |formal compute •
count/add/total/tally/tot up
count up/add up/calculate/total up/tally up/work out/figure out/figure/tot up/compute how much/how many …
count/add/calculate/tally/work out/figure out/figure/tot up/compute the number of sth
count/add up/calculate/total/tally/tot up sb's points/score
Synonyms:
trust
depend on sb/sth • rely on sb/sth • count on sb/sth • believe in sb
These words all mean to believe that sb/sth will do what you hope or expect of them or that what they tell you is correct or true.
trust • to believe that sb is good, honest, sincere, etc. and that they will do what you expect of them or do the right thing; to believe that sth is true or correct: ▪ You can trust me not to tell anyone. ◊ ▪ Don't trust what you read in the newspapers!
depend on/upon sb/sth • (often used with can/cannot/could/could not) to trust sb/sth to do what you expect or want, to do the right thing, or to be true or correct: ▪ He was the sort of person you could depend on. ◊ ▪ Can you depend on her version of what happened?
rely on/upon sb/sth • (used especially with can/cannot/could/could not and should/should not) to trust sb/sth to do what you expect or want, or to be honest, correct or good enough: ▪ Can I rely on you to keep this secret? ◊ ▪ You can't rely on any figures you get from them.
trust, depend or rely on/upon sb/sth?
You can trust a person but not a thing or system. You can trust sb's judgement or advice, but not their support. You can depend on sb's support, but not their judgement or advice. Rely on/upon sb/sth is used especially with you can/could or you should to give advice or a promise: I don't really rely on his judgement. ◊ ▪ You can't really rely on his judgement.
count on sb/sth • (often used with can/cannot/could/could not) to be sure that sb will do what you need them to do, or that sth will happen as you want it to happen: ▪ I'm counting on you to help me. ◊ ▪ We can't count on the good weather lasting.
believe in sb • to feel that you can trust sb and/or that they will be successful: ▪ They need a leader they can believe in.
to trust/depend on/rely on/count on sb/sth to do sth
to trust/believe in sb/sth
to trust/rely on sb's advice/judgement
to depend on/rely on/count on sb's support
to completely trust/depend on/rely on/believe in sb/sth
Example Bank:
• He can now count from one to twenty.
• She carefully counted the remaining coins and put them to one side.
• We counted up our money.
• We counted up to fifty, then set off to look for our friends.
• Count the ‘yes’ votes and the ‘no’ votes separately.
• Everyone needs to stand up and be counted in order to make them see the strength of our conviction.
• For tax purposes that money counts/is counted as income.
• I count myself lucky to have known him.
Idioms: able to count somebody on one hand ▪ at the last count ▪ count sheep ▪ count the cost ▪ count your blessings ▪ don't count your chickens ▪ keep count ▪ lose count ▪ out for the count ▪ stand up and be counted ▪ who's counting? ▪ … and counting

Derived: count against somebody ▪ count down ▪ count on somebody ▪ count somebody in ▪ count somebody out ▪ count something against somebody ▪ count toward something

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition

count / kaʊnt / verb (NUMBER)

B1 [ I or T ] to say numbers one after the other in order, or to calculate the number of people or things in a group:

Let's count out loud (= speak the words) from one to ten.

The teachers counted the students as they got on to the coach.

Count your money carefully to make sure it's all there.

[ + question word ] We need to count wh o's here, so we can make sure that no one's missing.

There'll be eight for dinner, counting (= including) ourselves.

We're still waiting for the votes to be counted (up).

count heads to count the number of people present somewhere:

There look to be about 50 people present - I haven't counted heads yet.

count / kaʊnt / verb [ I ] (HAVE VALUE)

B2 to have value or importance:

I've always believed that happiness counts more than money.

My opinion doesn't count for anything around here (= no one values my opinion) .

→ Synonym matter verb

count / kaʊnt / verb [ I or T ] (CONSIDER)

C2 to consider or be considered as:

I count my self fortunate to have had such a good education.

I've had three jobs in the last five years, but one of them was unpaid, so it doesn't count (= cannot be considered as a real job) .

I've always counted Lucy among my closest friends.

I didn't think his grudging remarks really counted as an apology.

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

count

[ka͟ʊnt]
♦♦
counts, counting, counted
1) VERB When you count, you say all the numbers one after another up to a particular number.
  He was counting slowly under his breath...
  [V to num] Brian counted to twenty and lifted his binoculars.
2) VERB If you count all the things in a group, you add them up in order to find how many there are.
  [V n] At the last family wedding, George's wife counted the total number in the family...
  [V n] I counted the money. It was more than five hundred pounds...
  [V num] I counted 34 wild goats grazing...
  [V-ed] With more than 90 percent of the votes counted, the Liberals should win nearly a third of the seats. [Also V]
  Derived words:
  counting N-UNCOUNT usu the N of n The counting of votes is proceeding smoothly.
PHRASAL VERB
Count up means the same as count. Also V n P V P n (not pron) Couldn't we just count up our ballots and bring them to the courthouse?
3) N-COUNT: usu supp N A count is the action of counting a particular set of things, or the number that you get when you have counted them.
  The final count in last month's referendum showed 56.7 per cent in favour...
  At the last count the police in the Rimini area had 247 people in custody.
4) N-COUNT: n N You use count when referring to the level or amount of something that someone or something has.
→ See also blood count, pollen count
  A glass or two of wine will not significantly add to the calorie count...
  My husband had a very low sperm count.
5) N-SING: N of num You use count in expressions such as a count of three or a count of ten when you are measuring a length of time by counting slowly up to a certain number.
  Hold your breath for a count of five, then slowly breathe out...
  The fight ended when Mendoza landed a hard right to the chin of Palacios, who went down for a count of eight.
6) VERB If something or someone counts for something or counts, they are important or valuable.
  Surely it doesn't matter where charities get their money from: what counts is what they do with it...
  It's as if your opinions, your likes and dislikes just don't count...
  [V for amount] When I first came to college I realised that brainpower didn't count for much...
  [V for amount] Experience counts for a lot in poker.
  Syn:
  matter
7) V-ERG If something counts or is counted as a particular thing, it is regarded as being that thing, especially in particular circumstances or under particular rules.
  [V as n/-ing/adj] No one agrees on what counts as a desert...
  [be V-ed as n/-ing/adj] Any word that's not legible will be counted as wrong...
  Two of the trucks were stopped because they had tents in them, and under the commanders' definition of humanitarian aid, that didn't count...
  [be V-ed n/adj] It can be counted a success, in that it has built up substantial sales. [Also V n n/adj, V n as n/-ing/adj]
8) VERB If you count something when you are making a calculation, you include it in that calculation.
  [V n] It's under 7 percent only because statistics don't count the people who aren't qualified to be in the work force...
  [be V-ed as n] The years before their arrival in prison are not counted as part of their sentence. [Also V n as n]
  Syn:
  include
9) N-COUNT: on supp N You can use count to refer to one or more points that you are considering. For example, if someone is wrong on two counts, they are wrong in two ways.
  `You drink Scotch,' she said. `All Republicans drink Scotch.' - `Wrong on both counts. I'm a Democrat, and I drink bourbon.'
10) N-COUNT: usu N of n In law, a count is one of a number of charges brought against someone in court.
  He was indicted by a grand jury on two counts of murder.
11) PHRASE: V inflects, oft PHR of n If you keep count of a number of things, you note or keep a record of how many have occurred. If you lose count of a number of things, you cannot remember how many have occurred.
  The authorities say they are not able to keep count of the bodies still being found as bulldozers clear the rubble...
  She'd lost count of the interviews she'd been called for.
12) PHRASE: v-link PHR If someone is out for the count, they are unconscious or very deeply asleep. [INFORMAL]
13) PHRASE If you say that someone should stand up and be counted, you mean that they should say publicly what they think, and not hide it or be ashamed of it.
  Those involved and benefiting from it must be prepared to stand up and be counted.
14) to count your blessings → see blessing
  Phrasal Verbs:
  - count against
  - count in
  - count on
  - count upon
  - count out
  - count towards
  - count up
  - count upon

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

¹count /ˈkaʊnt/ verb counts; count·ed; count·ing
1 a : to add (people or things) together to find the total number

[+ obj]

• Count the plates on the table.
• She made sure to count her change.
• Count how many fingers I am holding up.
• He counted seven deer in the field.
• When it comes to books, I have too many to count. [=I have a lot of books]
• She is counting calories. [=she counts the number of calories in the food she eats so that she won't eat too much]
- often + up
• She was counting up the money in the envelope.
• All the votes were counted up, and he was the winner.

[no obj]

• There are 10 days left until the end of school, counting from today.
• Keep counting until there are no more left to count.
• Don't interrupt me. I'm counting.
b [no obj] : to say numbers in order
• Can your daughter count yet?
• The teacher taught the students to count by 10s. [=to say “10, 20, 30,” etc.]
- often + to or up to
• My son can count to one hundred.
• He counted up to 10 and then stopped.
2 [+ obj] : to include (someone or something) in a total
• She counts [=numbers] several musicians among her friends. [=her friends include musicians]
• There will be 150 people at the wedding, not counting children.
3 [no obj] : to be accepted or allowed officially
• There was a penalty on the play, so the goal does not count. [=the goal is not allowed]
4 a [+ obj] : to consider or regard (someone or something) in a specified way
• I count myself lucky.
- often + as
• I don't count him as my friend anymore.
• She was counted as absent from school that day.
b [no obj] : to be considered or regarded as something
• A laptop computer counts as a piece of luggage on the plane.
• The job is so easy that it hardly counts as work. [=it can hardly be considered to be work]
5 [no obj] : to have value or importance
• Every vote counts.
• He played well in the play-offs, when it really counted. [=mattered]
- often + for
• My effort in class has to count for something!
• Her promises don't count for much. [=her promises don't have much value]
6 always followed by an adverb or preposition : to be considered in a specified way when a person or thing is being judged

[no obj]

• His experience counts in his favor. [=his experience is a good thing that is in his favor]
• His lack of experience counts against him.
• A wrong answer on the quiz will not count against [=will not hurt] your final grade.

[+ obj]

• They counted his lack of job experience against him.
• A wrong answer on the quiz will not be counted against your final grade.
and counting : with more to come
• He is 47 years old and counting.
• They have been in business for 50 years and counting.
count down [phrasal verb]
1 : to count numbers in a reverse order from higher numbers to lower ones
• He counted down from 10 to 1.
2 count down (something) also count (something) down : to pay close attention to the number of (days, miles, etc.) that remain until a particular moment or event is reached
• He is counting down the days left in the school year. [=he is eagerly looking forward to the end of the school year]
• We were counting down the miles as we approached our destination.
count heads : to count how many people are present at a place
• The coach counted heads before the bus left.
count in [phrasal verb] count (someone) in : to plan to include (someone) in an activity : to consider (someone) as one of the people who will be doing something
• “Do you want to go to the beach with us?” “Yes! Count me in!”
count off [phrasal verb]
1 : to count numbers that are spaced a certain number apart
• The students counted off by twos. [=counted 2, 4, 6, 8, etc.]
2 count off (something) or count (something) off : to list (something) out loud
• She counted off all the things she wanted to do.
count on/upon [phrasal verb]
1 count on/upon (someone)
a : to trust (someone) : to rely or depend on (someone) to do something
• He isn't someone you can count on all the time.
• I am counting on you to help me through this difficult time.
• She is counted on [=trusted] as a leader.
b : to expect (someone) to do something
• I wouldn't count on him to win the match.
2 count on/upon (something) : to expect (something) to happen
• My parents might loan me some money, but I can't count on it.
• She is counting on a big tax refund this year.
• The kids are counting on going to the movies. Don't disappoint them!
• They were not counting on getting a flat tire on the way to the restaurant.
count out [phrasal verb]
1 count (someone) out : to not include (someone) in an activity
• If you are looking for people to help you clean the house today, count me out. [=don't include me; I won't be helping you]
2 count (someone or something) out or count out (someone or something) : to decide that (someone or something) cannot win or succeed
• Don't count out our team just yet. They could still win.
count the cost : to feel the bad effects of a mistake, accident, etc.
• He was careless and now he's counting the cost. = Now he's counting the cost of his carelessness.
count toward/towards [phrasal verb] count toward/towards (something) or count (something) toward/towards (something) : to have value as a credit or payment in relation to (something)
• The credits you earned for this class count toward your degree. [=they are added to the total number of credits you have earned for your degree]
- often used as (be) counted toward/towards
• Fifty dollars will be counted towards [=credited to] your next bill.
count your blessings
- see blessing
count your chickens before they hatch
- see ¹chicken
stand up and be counted
- see ¹stand
who's counting? informal + humorous
- used to say that you do not care about how large a number is
• Tomorrow's my 80th birthday, but who's counting?

American English

British English

numbering and counting

B1 (متوسط)

verb

last

last [verb]

to continue to exist

/læst/

/lɑːst/

دوام‌ آوردن، باقی ماندن

مثال:

He's working very efficiently at the moment, but it won't last.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

last

verb (lasts, lasting, lasted)

1 to continue for a time:
The film lasted for three hours.
How long did the game last?

2 to be enough for a certain time:
We have enough food to last us till next week.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

IV. last⁴ S1 W2 BrE AmE verb
[Language: Old English; Origin: læstan 'to last, follow']
1. [intransitive always + adverb/preposition, transitive] to continue for a particular length of time
last for/until/through etc
The hot weather lasted for the whole month of June.
last an hour/ten minutes etc
Each lesson lasts an hour.
The ceasefire didn’t last long.
2. [intransitive and transitive] to continue to exist, be effective, or remain in good condition for a long time:
This good weather won’t last.
last (somebody) two days/three weeks etc
A good coat will last you ten years.
Cut flowers will last longer if you put flower food in the water.
3. [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] (also last out (something) British English) to manage to remain in the same situation, even when this is difficult:
They won’t be able to last much longer without fresh supplies.
If you go into the job with that attitude, you won’t last long.
She feared she might not be able to last out the afternoon in court without fainting.
4. [intransitive, transitive always + adverb/preposition] to be enough for someone for a period of time SYN do
last (somebody) for/until/to etc
The batteries should last for 20 hours playing time.
We only had $50 to last us the rest of the month.
• • •
THESAURUS
■ to continue to happen
▪ continue to happen without stopping: The good weather seems likely to continue. | Unless there are serious negotiations, the fighting will continue. | Some people have lost work, and this will continue to happen until the computer system is fixed. | The review process is expected to continue for several weeks.
▪ last to continue – use this to say how long something continues for: I know my good luck won’t last forever. | It’s not certain how long the ceasefire will last. | The trial lasted for six days. | The meeting lasted until lunchtime. | The training period lasted from July 2 to August 25.
▪ go on to continue, especially for a long time: Disputes between neighbours can go on for years.
▪ carry on British English to continue, especially when there are problems: The game carried on despite the injury of two players.
▪ drag on to continue for much longer than necessary or for longer than you want: The meeting dragged on for another hour. | The talks dragged on, with no apparent hope of achieving a peaceful solution.
▪ persist formal if something bad persists, it continues to exist or happen: See your doctor if the symptoms persist. | If adverse weather conditions persist, the game will be cancelled.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

verb
1. intransitive (not used in the progressive tenses) to continue for a particular period of time
• The meeting only lasted (for) a few minutes.
• Each game lasts about an hour.

• How long does the play last?

2. intransitive, transitive to continue to exist or to function well
• This weather won't last.
• He's making a big effort now, and I hope it lasts.

• ~ sb These shoes should last you till next year.

3. intransitive, transitive to survive sth or manage to stay in the same situation, despite difficulties
• She won't last long in that job.
• ~ (out) Can you last (out) until I can get help?
• ~ (out) sth Doctors say that she probably won't last out the night (= she will probably die before the morning).

• He was injured early on and didn't last the match.

4. intransitive, transitive to be enough for sb to use, especially for a particular period of time
• ~ (out) Will the coffee last out till next week?
• ~ sb (out) We've got enough food to last us (for) three days.
Verb forms:

Thesaurus:
last verb I (not used in the progressive tenses)
• Each game lasts about an hour.
take • |especially written continue • |especially spoken go on • • keep on • |especially BrE, especially spoken carry on • |disapproving drag on •
last/continue/go on/keep on/carry on/drag on for hours/a week/two years, etc.
last/continue/go on/keep on/carry on/drag on until morning/next year, etc.
last/take a few minutes/an hour/all day/years, etc.
Which Word?:
last / take
Last and take are both used to talk about the length of time that something continues.
Last is used to talk about the length of time that an event continues: ▪ How long do you think this storm will last? ◊ ▪ The movie lasted over two hours. Last does not always need an expression of time: ▪ His annoyance won’t last. Last is also used to say that you have enough of something: ▪ We don’t have enough money to last until next month.
Take is used to talk about the amount of time you need in order to go somewhere or do something. It must be used with an expression of time: ▪ It takes (me) at least an hour to get home from work. ◊ ▪ How long will the flight take? ◊ ▪ The water took ages to boil.
Example Bank:
• Even when cut, the flowers last very well.
• Happiness never lasts.
• I always thought his popularity was unlikely to last.
• Interest rates are at their lowest level for a decade. I suggest you enjoy it while it lasts.
• Make the most of this feeling while it lasts.
• Nothing lasts forever.
• She hoped they had enough firewood to last through the night.
• The celebrations lasted well into the next week.
• The effort began in November and lasted through February.
• The flight seemed to last forever.
• The good weather couldn't last.
• The kids are all very enthusiastic, but it won't last— it never does.
• The storm could last quite a long time.
• The trial is expected to last until the end of the week.
• The war lasted for three years.
• This house was built to last.
• This type of happiness rarely lasts.
• With care, the vines will last indefinitely.
• Your car will last longer if you look after it.
• a bruise that was sure to last for days
• Each game lasts (for) about an hour.
• He's making a big effort now, and I hope it lasts.
• The meeting only lasted a few minutes.

• This weather won't last.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition

last / lɑːst / / læst / verb [ I , L only + noun ]

B1 to continue to exist:

The meeting lasted two hours.

The drought lasted for several months.

They say the snow will last until the end of next week.

I can't see the ceasefire lasting.

They haven't had an argument for two weeks, but it's too good to last (= they'll have an argument soon) .

I doubt their enthusiasm will last.

He's working very efficiently at the moment, but it won't last.

C1 to continue being good or suitable:

There's no point buying something that isn't going to last.

The cheaper washing machines should last about five years.

This pen should last (you) a lifetime if you look after it.

Her previous secretary only lasted a month (= left after this period) .

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

last

[lɑ͟ːst, læ̱st]
♦
lasts, lasting, lasted
1) DET You use last in expressions such as last Friday, last night, and last year to refer, for example, to the most recent Friday, night, or year.
  I got married last July...
  He never made it home at all last night...
  Last month a shopkeeper's nephew was shot dead...
  It is not surprising they did so badly in last year's elections.
2) ADJ: det ADJ The last event, person, thing, or period of time is the most recent one.
  Much has changed since my last visit...
  At the last count inflation was 10.9 per cent...
  I split up with my last boyfriend three years ago...
  The last few weeks have been hectic.
PRON
Last is also a pronoun. The next tide, it was announced, would be even higher than the last.
3) ADV: ADV with v If something last happened on a particular occasion, that is the most recent occasion on which it happened.
  When were you there last?...
  The house is a little more dilapidated than when I last saw it...
  Hunting on the trust's 625,000 acres was last debated two years ago.
4) ORD The last thing, person, event, or period of time is the one that happens or comes after all the others of the same kind.
  This is his last chance as prime minister.
  ...the last three pages of the chapter...
  She said it was the very last house on the road...
  They didn't come last in their league.
  Ant:
  first
PRON
Last is also a pronoun. It wasn't the first time that this particular difference had divided them and it wouldn't be the last... The trickiest bits are the last on the list.
5) ADV: ADV after v If you do something last, you do it after everyone else does, or after you do everything else.
  I testified last...
  I was always picked last for the football team at school...
  The foreground, nearest the viewer, is painted last.
6) PRON: PRON to-inf If you are the last to do or know something, everyone else does or knows it before you.
  She was the last to go to bed...
  Riccardo and I are always the last to know what's going on.
7) ADJ: det ADJ Last is used to refer to the only thing, person, or part of something that remains.
  Jed nodded, finishing off the last piece of pizza.
  ...the freeing of the last hostage.
N-SING: the N of n
Last is also a noun. He finished off the last of the wine... The last of the ten inmates gave themselves up after twenty eight hours on the roof of the prison.
8) ADJ: det ADJ You use last before numbers to refer to a position that someone has reached in a competition after other competitors have been knocked out.
  Sampras reached the last four at Wimbledon.
  ...the only woman among the authors making it through to the last six.
9) ADJ: det ADJ (emphasis) You can use last to indicate that something is extremely undesirable or unlikely.
  The last thing I wanted to do was teach...
  He would be the last person who would do such a thing.
PRON: PRON to-inf
Last is also a pronoun. I would be the last to say that science has explained everything.
10) PRON: the PRON that The last you see of someone or the last you hear of them is the final time that you see them or talk to them.
  She disappeared shouting, `To the river, to the river!' And that was the last we saw of her...
  I had a feeling it would be the last I heard of him.
  Ant:
  first
11) VERB If an event, situation, or problem lasts for a particular length of time, it continues to exist or happen for that length of time.
  [V for n] The marriage had lasted for less than two years...
  [V n] The games lasted only half the normal time...
  Enjoy it because it won't last. [Also V adv]
12) VERB If something lasts for a particular length of time, it continues to be able to be used for that time, for example because there is some of it left or because it is in good enough condition.
  [V for n] You only need a very small blob of glue, so one tube lasts for ages...
  [V n] The repaired sail lasted less than 24 hours...
  [V adv] The implication is that this battery lasts twice as long as batteries made by other battery makers...
  [V adv] If you build more plastics into cars, the car lasts longer. [Also V]
13) VERB You can use last in expressions such as last the game, last the course, and last the week, to indicate that someone manages to take part in an event or situation right to the end, especially when this is very difficult for them.
  [V n] They wouldn't have lasted the full game...
  [V n] I almost lasted the two weeks. I only had a couple of days to do.
  Syn:
  get through
PHRASAL VERB
To last out means the same as to last. V P n (not pron) It'll be a miracle if the band lasts out the tour... V P A breakfast will be served to those who last out till dawn!
14) → See also lasting
15) PHRASE: PHR with cl If you say that something has happened at last or at long last you mean it has happened after you have been hoping for it for a long time.
  I'm so glad that we've found you at last!...
  Here, at long last, was the moment he had waited for...
  At last the train arrived in the station...
  `All right', he said at last. `You may go.'
  Syn:
  finally
16) PHRASE You use expressions such as the night before last, the election before last and the leader before last to refer to the period of time, event, or person that came immediately before the most recent one in a series.
  It was the dog he'd heard the night before last...
  In the budget before last a tax penalty on the mobile phone was introduced.
17) PHRASE: V inflects If someone breathes their last, they die. [LITERARY]
18) PHRASE: PHR n, PHR after v You can use phrases such as the last but one, the last but two, or the last but three, to refer to the thing or person that is, for example, one, two, or three before the final person or thing in a group or series.
  It's the last but one day in the athletics programme...
  The British team finished last but one.
19) PHRASE: PHR n (emphasis) You use every last to emphasize that you are talking about all the people or things in a group or all the parts of something.
  I'd spent all I had, every last penny...
  You'll never quite get rid of every last bit of grit...
  My tape recorder did not catch every last word.
20) PHRASE The expression last in, first out is used to say that the last person who started work in an organization should be the first person to leave it, if fewer people are needed.
  Workers will go on a `last in, first out' basis.
21) PHRASE: PHR with cl You can use expressions such as the last I heard and the last she heard to introduce a piece of information that is the most recent that you have on a particular subject.
  The last I heard, Joe and Irene were still happily married.
22) PHRASE: V inflects If you leave something or someone until last, you delay using, choosing, or dealing with them until you have used, chosen, or dealt with all the others.
  I have left my best wine until last...
  I picked first all the people who usually were left till last.
23) PHRASE: V inflects If you see the last of someone, you do not expect to see them or deal with them again.
  I honestly thought I'd seen the last of you.
24) PHRASE: PHR after v If you say that something goes on happening to the last, you mean that it happens throughout the whole of a book, film, or event.
  ...a highly readable political thriller with plenty of twists of plot to keep you guessing to the last.
25) PHRASE: group PHR (emphasis) If you say that someone is a particular kind of person to the last, you are emphasizing that they continue to be that kind of person.
  A gentleman to the last, he did not run, but merely attempted to stroll away...
  Armstrong was tall and handsome to the last.
26) PHRASE: PHR after v You use expressions such as to the last detail and to the last man to indicate that a plan, situation, or activity includes every single person, thing, or part involved.
  Every movement, no matter how casual and spontaneous, needs to be worked out to the last detail...
  Our troops are being used up to the last man.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

¹last /ˈlæst, Brit ˈlɑːst/ verb lasts; last·ed; last·ing
1 a [no obj] : to continue in time
• How long does the movie last?
• The movie lasts (for) about two hours. [=the movie is about two hours long]
• The conference starts on Monday and it lasts until Friday.
• The game lasted (for) three hours.
• Don't worry, the storm won't/can't last. [=the storm will end soon]
b [no obj] : to continue in good condition
• The car should last 10 years.
• I doubt that those boots will last (much longer).
• That bridge will last a long time.
• Our products are built to last.
c [no obj] : to continue to be available
• These oranges are on sale while they/supplies last. [=they are on sale until they have all been sold]
d : to continue to be enough for the needs of someone

[no obj]

• We have enough food to last (for) the rest of the week.

[+ obj]

• We have enough food to last us (for) the rest of the week.
• That car should last you ten years. [=you should not have to get another car for ten years]
2 [no obj]
a : to be able to continue in a particular situation or condition
• I am not sure he will last in his new job.
• Can you last a whole day without cigarettes?
b : to continue to live
• My father is very ill. He may not last much longer.
• He may not last (through) the night. [=he may die before the night has ended]
• (chiefly Brit) He may not last out the night.
last the distance
- see ¹distance

upset

upset [verb] (CHANGE)

to change the usual or expected state or order of something, especially in a way that stops it from happening or working

/ʌpˈset/

مختل‌ كردن‌، به‌ هم‌ زدن‌

مثال:

Any mechanical problems would upset our plans of driving across the desert.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

verb (upsets, upsetting, upset, has upset)

1 to make somebody feel unhappy or worried:
You upset Tom when you said he was fat.

2 to make something go wrong:
The bad weather upset our plans for the weekend.

3 to knock something so that it turns over and things fall out:
I upset a glass of wine all over the table.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

II. up‧set² S2 /ʌpˈset/ BrE AmE verb (past tense and past participle upset, present participle upsetting) [transitive]
[Word Family: adjective: ↑upset, ↑upsetting; verb: ↑upset; noun: ↑upset]
[Date: 1700-1800; Origin: Probably from upset 'to set up, raise' (15-17 centuries)]
1. MAKE SOMEBODY UNHAPPY to make someone feel unhappy or worried:
Don’t do anything that would upset him.
2. CHANGE SOMETHING to change a plan or situation in a way that causes problems:
The chemicals upset the balance of the environment.
3. MAKE SOMETHING FALL to push something over without intending to:
He upset a bowl of soup.
4. DEFEAT to defeat an opponent who is considered to be much better than you:
Jones upset the 40th-ranked American, Cunningham.
5. upset the apple cart informal to completely spoil someone’s plans
6. upset your stomach to affect your stomach and make you feel sick:
The soup was revolting and upset my stomach.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

upset

upset [upset upsets upsetting] verb, adjective, noun

verb [ʌpˈset] ; [ʌpˈset] (up·set·ting, upset, upset)
1. to make sb/yourself feel unhappy, anxious or annoyed
Syn: distress
• ~ sb/yourself This decision is likely to upset a lot of people.
• Try not to let him upset you.
• Don't upset yourself about it— let's just forget it ever happened.
• it upsets sb that… It upset him that nobody had bothered to tell him about it.

• it upsets sb to do sth It upsets me to think of her all alone in that big house.

2. ~ sth to make a plan, situation, etc. go wrong

• He arrived an hour late and upset all our arrangements.

3. ~ sb's stomach to make sb feel sick after they have eaten or drunk sth

4. ~ sth to make sth fall over by hitting it by accident
• She stood up suddenly, upsetting a glass of wine.

Example Bank:
• I'm sorry— I didn't mean to upset you.
• Keep the volume down— we don't want to upset the neighbours!
• She was sensitive and easily upset.
• Don't upset yourself about it.
• The disagreement further upset relations between the two countries.
• Their plans were upset even more by days of torrential rain.

Idiom: upset the apple cart

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition

upset / ʌpˈset / verb [ T ] ( present tense upsetting , past tense and past participle upset ) (WORRY)

B2 to make someone worried, unhappy, or angry:

It still upsets him when he thinks about the accident.

Don't upset your self by thinking about what might have been.

upset / ʌpˈset / verb [ T ] ( present tense upsetting , past tense and past participle upset ) (CHANGE)

to change the usual or expected state or order of something, especially in a way that stops it from happening or working:

Any mechanical problems would upset our plans of driving across the desert.

upset / ʌpˈset / verb [ T ] ( present tense upsetting , past tense and past participle upset ) (KNOCK)

to push or knock something out of its usual position, usually by accident, especially causing it to fall:

Our dog upset the picnic table, spilling food everywhere.

upset / ʌpˈset / verb [ T ] ( present tense upsetting , past tense and past participle upset ) (MAKE SICK)

to make someone feel slightly sick:

He can't eat grapes - they upset him/his stomach.

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

upset

♦♦♦
upsets, upsetting, upset
(Pronounced [ʌ̱pse̱t] when it is a verb or an adjective. Pronounced [ʌ̱pset] when it is a noun.)
1) ADJ-GRADED: usu v-link ADJ, oft ADJ by/about n If you are upset, you are unhappy or disappointed because something unpleasant has happened to you.
  After she died I felt very, very upset...
  Marta looked upset...
  She sounded upset when I said you couldn't give her an appointment...
  They are terribly upset by the break-up of their parents' marriage.
  Syn:
  distressed
N-COUNT
Upset is also a noun. ...stress and other emotional upsets.
2) VERB If something upsets you, it makes you feel worried or unhappy.
  [V n] The whole incident had upset me and my fiancee terribly...
  [V n] She warned me not to say anything to upset him...
  [V pron-refl] Don't upset yourself, Ida.
  Syn:
  distress
  Derived words:
  upsetting ADJ-GRADED usu v-link ADJ Childhood illness can be upsetting for children and parents alike... I will never see him again and that is a terribly upsetting thought.
3) VERB If events upset something such as a procedure or a state of affairs, they cause it to go wrong.
  [V n] Political problems could upset agreements between Moscow and Kabul...
  [V n] House prices are easily upset by factors which have nothing to do with property.
  Syn:
  disruption
N-COUNT
Upset is also a noun. Markets are very sensitive to any upsets in the Japanese economic machine.
4) VERB If you upset an object, you accidentally knock or push it over so that it scatters over a large area.
  [V n] Don't upset the piles of sheets under the box.
  [V n] ...bumping into him, and almost upsetting the ginger ale.
5) N-COUNT: supp N A stomach upset is a slight illness in your stomach caused by an infection or by something that you have eaten.
  Paul was unwell last night with a stomach upset...
  It wasn't anything serious. A mild stomach upset, that's all.
ADJ: ADJ n
Upset is also an adjective. Larry is suffering from an upset stomach.
6) to upset the applecart → see applecart

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

²up·set /ˌʌpˈsɛt/ verb -sets; -set; -set·ting [+ obj]
1 : to make (someone) unhappy, worried, etc.
• That remark you made really upset me.
• Don't upset yourself over it.
• It upsets him that he can do nothing to help.
• A lot of people were upset by the court's decision.
• It upsets me to think I might never see him again.
2 : to cause an unpleasant feeling in (your stomach)
• Spicy food upsets my stomach.
3 : to cause (something) to be unable to continue in the expected way
• His sudden arrival upset [=disrupted] our plans.
4 : to defeat (someone who was expected to defeat you)
• The heavyweight challenger upset the reigning champion in the third round.
• She was upset in the primary.
5 : to cause (something) to fall
• He accidentally bumped the table and upset a lamp.
upset the apple cart informal : to do something that changes or spoils a plan, situation, system, etc.
• Let's not upset the apple cart by introducing new rules.
- upsetting adj [more ~; most ~]
• It was a very upsetting situation.

American English

British English

upsetting and destabilizing

verb

spend

spend [verb] (TIME)

to use time doing something or being somewhere

/spend/

(وقت‌) صرف‌ كردن‌، گذراندن‌، سپرى كردن‌

مثال:

I think we need to spend more time together.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

spend

verb (spends, spending, spent /, has spent)

1 to pay money for something:
Louise spends a lot of money on clothes.

2 to pass time:
I spent the summer in Italy.
He spent a lot of time sleeping.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

spend

spend S1 W1 /spend/ BrE AmE verb (past tense and past participle spent /spent/)
[Date: 1100-1200; Origin: Partly from Latin expendere ( ⇨ ↑expend) and partly, later, from Old French despendre, from Latin dispendere 'to weigh out']
1. MONEY [intransitive and transitive] to use your money to pay for goods or services:
I can’t afford to spend any more money this week.
spend £5/$10 etc
I only want to spend about $20.
spend something on something
More money should be spent on education.
spend something on somebody
Mum never spends any money on herself.
The repairs cost a lot, but it’s money well spent (=a sensible way of spending money).
2. TIME [transitive] to use time doing a particular thing or pass time in a particular place
spend time etc with somebody
I want to spend more time with my family.
spend time etc in/at something
We’ll have to spend the night in a hotel.
His childhood was spent in Brazil.
spend time etc doing something
Stacey spends all her free time painting.
3.
a) spend the night with somebody to stay for the night and have sex with someone
b) spend the night (at something) if someone spends the night at someone’s house, they sleep at that person’s house for a night:
She spent the night at a friend’s house.
4. FORCE/EFFORT [transitive] to use effort or energy to do something:
I love to cook, but I don’t feel like spending the energy every evening.
5. spend a penny British English spoken old-fashioned to ↑urinate – used when you want to avoid saying this directly
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ spend to use money to buy things: I bought two skirts and a T-shirt and I only spent $50. | How much do you spend a week on food?
▪ go through something (also get through something British English) to spend all of an amount of money over a period of time – used especially when saying that someone spends a lot of money: I got through all my money in less than a month, and had to get my parents to send me more.
▪ go to great expense to spend a lot of money in order to do something, because you think it is important or special: The party was wonderful – they had obviously gone to great expense. | There’s no need to go to great expense.
▪ squander /ˈskwɒndə $ ˈskwɑːndər/ to waste money on unnecessary things, instead of saving it or using it carefully: His son had squandered the family fortune on gambling and women.
▪ splash out British English informal to spend a lot of money on something you really want or will enjoy: Let’s splash out on a bottle of champagne. | People often splash out for Christmas and then regret it later.
▪ blow informal to spend a lot of money on something, especially on something that you do not really need: Her husband blew all their savings on a new sports car.
▪ economize to spend less money: We’re trying to economize by eating at home instead of going out for meals.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

spend

spend [spend spends spent spending] verb, noun [spend] [spend]

verb (spent, spent [spent] ; [spent] )
1. transitive, intransitive to give money to pay for goods, services, etc
• ~ sth I've spent all my money already.
• ~ sth on sth/on doing sth She spent £100 on a new dress.
• ~ (sth doing sth) The company has spent thousands of pounds updating their computer systems.

• I just can't seem to stop spending.

2. transitive to use time for a particular purpose; to pass time
• ~ sth + adv./prep. We spent the weekend in Paris.
• How do you spend your spare time?
• Her childhood was spent in Italy.
• ~ sth on sth How long did you spend on your homework?
• ~ sth doing sth I spend too much time watching television.
• I've spent years trying to learn Japanese.

• ~ sth in doing sth Most of her life was spent in caring for others.

3. transitive, often passive to use energy, effort, etc, especially until it has all been used
• ~ sth on sth She spends too much effort on things that don't matter.
• ~ itself The storm had finally spent itself.
see also spent

Word Origin:
Old English spendan, from Latin expendere ‘pay out’; partly also a shortening of obsolete dispend, from Latin dispendere ‘pay out’.
Thesaurus:
spend verb
1. T, I
• She spent £100 on a new dress.
pay • • give • • invest •
spend/invest on sth
spend/pay/give/invest money/£1 000
spendpay/give/invest a lot
2. T
• I spend too much time watching TV.
pass • • occupy • • fill • • devote sth to sth • • while sth away • |sometimes disapproving take up sth •
spend/pass/occupy/fill/devote/while away/take up (the) time
spend/pass/occupy/fill/devote/while away/take up an hour/a couple of hours
Example Bank:
• The company spent a lot on advertising.
• Try to be objective if you want to spend your money wisely.
• Try to spend your money wisely.
• the amount of money spent per student
• He had grown used to spending freely, without worrying about the consequences.
• I've spent all my money already.
• I've spent years trying to learn Japanese.

Idioms: spend a penny ▪ spend the night with somebody

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition

spend / spend / verb [ I or T ] ( spent , spent ) (MONEY)

A2 to give money as a payment for something:

How much did you spend?

I don't know how I managed to spend so much in the pub last night.

We spent a fortune when we were in New York.

She spends a lot of money on clothes.

We've just spent £1.9 million on improving our computer network.

We went on a spending spree (= we bought a lot of things) on Saturday.

spend / spend / verb [ T ] ( spent , spent ) (TIME)

A2 to use time doing something or being somewhere:

I think we need to spend more time together.

I spent a lot of time clean ing that room.

I've spent years build ing up my collection.

I spent an hour at the station wait ing for the train.

How long do you spend on your homework?

My sister always spends ages in the bathroom.

We spent the weekend in London.

You can spend the night here if you like.

spend / spend / verb [ T ] ( spent , spent ) (FORCE)

to use energy, effort, force, etc., especially until there is no more left:

For the past month he's been spending all his energy trying to find a job.

They continued firing until all their ammunition was spent (= there was none of it left) .

The hurricane will probably have spent most of its force (= most of its force will have gone) by the time it reaches the northern parts of the country.

Her anger soon spent itself (= stopped) .

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

spend

[spe̱nd]
♦
spends, spending, spent
1) VERB When you spend money, you pay money for things that you want.
  [V n] By the end of the holiday I had spent all my lire...
  [V n -ing] Businessmen spend enormous amounts advertising their products...
  [V amount/n on n] Juventus have spent ₤23m on new players...
  [V-ed] The survey may cost at least ₤100 but is money well spent.
  Derived words:
  spending N-UNCOUNT Has your spending on food increased?... Government spending is expected to fall.
2) VERB If you spend time or energy doing something, you use your time or effort doing it.
  [V n -ing] Engineers spend much time and energy developing brilliant solutions...
  [V n -ing] This energy could be much better spent taking some positive action.
3) VERB If you spend a period of time in a place, you stay there for a period of time.
  [V n adv/prep] We spent the night in a hotel.
4) spend a penny → see penny

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

spend

spend /ˈspɛnd/ verb spends; spent /ˈspɛnt/; spend·ing
1 : to use (money) to pay for something

[+ obj]

• I spent $30 on his birthday gift.
• They spend a lot on clothes and cars.
• I want to buy a new car, but I don't have much money to spend.
• This computer wasn't cheap, but it was money well spent. [=it was worth its price]

[no obj]

• Her willingness to spend freely made her popular among her friends.
• He spends lavishly on vacations.
2 [+ obj] : to allow (time) to pass in a particular place or while doing a particular activity
• I spent my summer at the beach.
• She spent eight months living in New York City.
• Relaxing with friends is a great way to spend a weekend.
• Our cat spends most of his time sleeping.
• Too much of my time is spent arguing with customers.
3 [+ obj] : to use (energy or effort) to do something
• She spends far too much energy worrying about her daughter.
• I wish he spent as much (of his) effort/energy on studying as he does on video games.
• Our energy/effort(s) would be better spent (in) solving the problem rather than just complaining about it.
spend the night
✦If you sleep at a place for a night, you spend the night there.
• After the party she was too drunk to drive so she spent the night.
• They spent the night at her brother's. If you spend the night with someone, or if you and someone else spend the night together, you stay with someone overnight and have sex with that person.
• We spent the night together.
• I spent the night with her/him.

American English

British English

spending time and time passing

A2 (مبتدی)

verb

rock

rock [verb] (WEAR SUCCESSFULLY)

(slang) to wear a particular style of clothing, etc. and look good or fashionable

/rɑːk/

/rɒk/

لباس پوشیدن (خصوصا لباس خاصی که مد روز باشد)

مثال:

There are celebrities over 40 years old who can still rock a tattoo.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

rock

verb (rocks, rocking, rocked )
to move slowly backwards and forwards or from side to side; to make somebody or something do this:
The boat was rocking gently on the lake.
I rocked the baby until she went to sleep.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

II. rock² BrE AmE verb
[Language: Old English; Origin: roccian]
1. [intransitive and transitive] to move gently backwards and forwards or from side to side, or to make something do this ⇨ sway:
She covered her face, rocking to and fro in her grief.
The waves rocked the boat from side to side.
Paul sat gently rocking the child in his arms.
Jim rocked with laughter when he heard what had happened.
2. [transitive]
a) to make the people in a place or organization feel very shocked – used in news reports SYN shake:
The scandal rocked the nation.
b) to make the future of something seem less certain or steady than it was before, especially because of problems or changes SYN shake:
Another financial blow has rocked the industry.
The theory rocked the foundations of social and moral life.
3. rock the boat informal to cause problems for other members of a group by criticizing something or trying to change the way something is done:
He kept his feelings to himself, not wanting to rock the boat.
4. [transitive] if an explosion or ↑earthquake rocks an area, it makes it shake:
Residents had only a few minutes to escape before the blast rocked their houses.
5. somebody/something rocks spoken informal said to show that you strongly approve of someone or something
6. rock sb’s world informal to cause someone to think about something or someone in a completely new way

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

verb

MOVE GENTLY
1. intransitive, transitive to move gently backwards and forwards or from side to side; to make sb/sth move in this way
• (+ adv./prep.) The boat rocked from side to side in the waves.
• She was rocking backwards and forwards in her seat.

• ~ sb/sth (+ adv./prep.) He rocked the baby gently in his arms.

SHOCK

2. transitive, often passive ~ sb/sth (rather informal) to shock sb/sth very much or make them afraid
• The country was rocked by a series of political scandals.

• The news rocked the world.

SHAKE

3. intransitive, transitive to shake or to make sth shake violently
• The house rocked when the bomb exploded.
• ~ sth The town was rocked by an earthquake.

• (figurative) The scandal rocked the government (= made the situation difficult for it).

DANCE

4. intransitive (old-fashioned) to dance to rock music

BE GOOD
5. sth rocks intransitive (slang) used to say that sth is very good
• Her new movie rocks!
more at shake/rock the foundations of sthshake/rock sth to its foundations at foundation

Word Origin:
n. senses 1 to 4 and n. senses 6 to 7 Middle English Old French rocque medieval Latin rocca
n. sense 5 and v. late Old English roccian Germanic ‘remove, move’ Dutch rukken ‘jerk, tug’ German rücken ‘move’

Example Bank:
• He rocked back and forth in his chair.
• She gently rocked the baby in her arms.
• The boat rocked slightly.
• The boat rocked violently in the huge waves.
• The boat rocked from side to side on the water.
• The raft was rocked by a huge wave.
• The whole house rocked when the bomb exploded.

• They had only a few minutes to get out before the blast rocked their houses.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition

rock / rɒk / / rɑːk / verb (MOVE)

C2 [ I or T ] to (cause someone or something to) move backwards and forwards or from side to side in a regular way:

He picked up the baby and gently rocked her to sleep .

If you rock back on that chair, you're going to break it.

[ T ] If a person or place is rocked by something such as an explosion, the force of it makes the person or place shake:

The explosion, which rocked the city, killed 300.

rock / rɒk / / rɑːk / verb (SHOCK)

[ T ] If an event rocks a group of people or society, it causes feelings of shock:

The managing director's resignation rocked the whole company.

rock / rɒk / / rɑːk / verb (WEAR SUCCESSFULLY)

[ T ] slang to wear a particular style of clothing, etc. and look good or fashionable:

There are celebrities over 40 years old who can still rock a tattoo.

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

rock

[rɒ̱k]
♦♦
rocks, rocking, rocked
1) N-UNCOUNT Rock is the hard substance which the Earth is made of.
  The hills above the valley are bare rock...
  A little way below the ridge was an outcrop of rock that made a rough shelter.
2) N-COUNT A rock is a large piece of rock that sticks up out of the ground or the sea, or that has broken away from a mountain or a cliff.
  She sat cross-legged on the rock.
  ...the sound of the sea crashing against the rocks...
  He and two friends were climbing a rock face when they heard cries for help.
3) N-COUNT A rock is a piece of rock that is small enough for you to pick up.
  She bent down, picked up a rock and threw it into the trees.
  Syn:
  stone
4) V-ERG When something rocks or when you rock it, it moves slowly and regularly backwards and forwards or from side to side.
  [V prep/adv] His body rocked from side to side with the train...
  [V prep/adv] He stood a few moments, rocking back and forwards on his heels...
  [V n] She sat on the porch and rocked the baby. [Also V]
5) V-ERG If an explosion or an earthquake rocks a building or an area, it causes the building or area to shake. [JOURNALISM]
  [V n] Three people were injured yesterday when an explosion rocked one of Britain's best known film studios.
  [V n] ...a country that's rocked by dozens of earthquakes every year...
  As the buildings rocked under heavy shell-fire, he took refuge in the cellars.
  Syn:
  shake
6) VERB If an event or a piece of news rocks a group or society, it shocks them or makes them feel less secure. [JOURNALISM]
  [V n] His death rocked the fashion business.
  [V n] ...the latest scandal to rock the monarchy...
  [V n] Wall Street was rocked by the news and shares fell 4.3 per cent by the end of trading.
  Syn:
  shake
7) N-UNCOUNT: oft N n Rock is loud music with a strong beat that is usually played and sung by a small group of people using instruments such as electric guitars and drums.
  He once told an interviewer that he didn't even like rock music.
  ...a rock concert.
  ...famous rock stars.
8) N-UNCOUNT Rock is a sweet that is made in long, hard sticks and is often sold in towns by the sea in Britain.
  ...a stick of rock.
9) PHRASE: PHR after v If you are caught between a rock and a hard place, you are in a difficult situation where you have to choose between two equally unpleasant courses of action.
10) PHRASE: usu n PHR If you have an alcoholic drink such as whisky on the rocks, you have it with ice cubes in it.
  I could do with a Scotch on the rocks.
  Syn:
  with ice
11) PHRASE: v-link PHR If something such as a marriage or a business is on the rocks, it is experiencing very severe difficulties and looks likely to end very soon.
  She confided to her mother six months ago that her marriage was on the rocks...
  Our film industry is on the rocks.
12) to rock the boat → see boat

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

¹rock /ˈrɑːk/ verb rocks; rocked; rock·ing
1 : to move (someone or something) back and forth or from side to side

[+ obj]

• She gently rocked the baby to sleep.
• Waves rocked the boat.

[no obj]

• He rocked back and forth while he stood waiting.
• The boat rocked back and forth on the waves.
2 [+ obj] : to cause (something) to shake violently
• An earthquake rocked the town.
• The building was rocked by an explosion.
- sometimes used figuratively
• The discovery rocked [=shook] the very foundations of their theory.
3 [+ obj] informal
a : to cause (someone or something) to be upset or shocked
• The news of the murders rocked the town.
b : to affect or influence (someone or something) very powerfully
• Their invention rocked the computer industry.
c : to entertain (someone) in a very powerful and effective way
• The band rocked the crowd.
• His performance rocked the house. [=the audience loved his performance]
• The new video game will rock your world. [=you will really like the new video game]
4 [no obj] informal : to sing, dance to, or play rock music
• We were rocking all night long.
5 [no obj] slang : to be very enjoyable, pleasing, or effective
• Her new car really rocks. [=her new car is really great]
rock out [phrasal verb] informal : to play music in a loud or energetic way
• The band rocks out on their new album.
rock the boat
- see ¹boat
- rocking noun, pl -ings [count, noncount]
• a slow rocking

American English

British English

verb

play

play [verb] (GAME)

to take part in a game or other organized activity

/pleɪ/

بازی کردن

مثال:

Do you want to play cards/football ( with us)?

Oxford Essential Dictionary

verb (plays, playing, played )

1 to have fun; to do something to enjoy yourself:
The children were playing with their toys.

2 to take part in a game:
I like playing tennis.
Do you know how to play chess?

3 to make music with a musical instrument:
My sister plays the piano very well.

grammar
Note that we usually say 'play the violin, the piano, etc.': I'm learning to play the clarinet.

4 to put a record, CD, DVD, etc. in a machine and listen to it:
Shall I play the CD again?

5 to act the part of somebody in a play:
Who wants to play the policeman?

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

play

I. play¹ S1 W1 /pleɪ/ BrE AmE verb
[Word Family: noun: ↑play, ↑interplay, ↑replay, ↑player, ↑playfulness; verb: ↑play, ↑outplay, ↑replay; adjective: ↑playful, ↑playable; adverb: ↑playfully]
[Language: Old English; Origin: plegan]
1. CHILDREN [intransitive and transitive] when children play, they do things that they enjoy, often with other people or with toys:
Kids were playing and chasing each other.
play catch/house/tag/school etc
Outside, the children were playing cowboys and Indians.
play with
Did you like to play with dolls when you were little?
Parents need to spend time just playing with their children.
2. SPORTS/GAMES
a) [intransitive and transitive] to take part or compete in a game or sport:
Karen began playing basketball when she was six.
If you feel any pain, you shouldn’t play.
Men were sitting in the park, playing cards.
play against
Bristol will play against Coventry next week.
She’s playing Helen Evans in the semi-final (=playing against her).
play for
Moxon played for England in ten test matches.
b) [transitive] to use a particular piece, card, person etc in a game or sport:
Harrison played a ten of spades.
The Regents played Eddie at center (=used him as a player in that position) in the game against Arizona.
c) [intransitive and transitive] to take a particular position on a team:
Garvey played first base for the Dodgers.
d) [transitive] to hit a ball in a particular way or to a particular place in a game or sport:
She played the ball low, just over the net.

MUSIC [intransitive and transitive]
to perform a piece of music on a musical instrument:
He’s learning to play the piano.
She played a Bach prelude.
Haden has played with many jazz greats.
A small orchestra was playing.
4. RADIO/CD ETC [intransitive and transitive] if a radio, CD etc plays, or if you play it, it produces sound, especially music:
The bedside radio played softly.
play a record/CD/tape etc
DJs playing the latest house and techno tracks
5. THEATRE/FILM
a) [transitive] to perform the actions and say the words of a particular character in a theatre performance, film etc:
Streep plays a shy, nervous woman.
play a role/part/character etc
Playing a character so different from herself was a challenge.
b) [intransitive] if a play or film is playing at a particular theatre, it is being performed or shown there:
‘Macbeth’ is playing at the Theatre Royal in York.
c) [transitive] if actors play a theatre, they perform there in a play
6. play a part/role to have an effect or influence on something
play a part/role in
A good diet and fitness play a large part in helping people live longer.
7. play ball
a) to throw, kick, hit, or catch a ball as a game or activity:
Jim and Karl were playing ball in the backyard.
b) to do what someone wants you to do:
So far, the company has refused to play ball, preferring to remain independent.
8. PRETEND [linking verb] to behave as if you are a particular kind of person or have a particular feeling or quality, even though it is not true:
the accusation that scientists are playing God
Some snakes fool predators by playing dead.
‘What do you mean?’ ‘Don’t play dumb (=pretend you do not know something).'
Don’t play the innocent (=pretend you do not know about something) with me – we both know what happened.
play the idiot/the teacher etc
Susan felt she had to play the good wife.
He played the fool (=behaved in a silly way) at school instead of working.
9. BEHAVE [transitive always + adverb/preposition] to behave in a particular way in a situation, in order to achieve the result or effect that you want:
How do you want to play this meeting?
Play it safe (=avoid risks) and make sure the eggs are thoroughly cooked.
play it carefully/cool etc
If you like him, play it cool, or you might scare him off.
10. play games to hide your real feelings or wishes in order to achieve something in a clever or secret way – used to show disapproval:
Stop playing games, Luke, and tell me what you want.
11. play something by ear
a) to decide what to do according to the way a situation develops, without making plans before that time:
We’ll see what the weather’s like and play it by ear.
b) if someone can play a musical instrument by ear, they can play a tune without looking at written music
12. play a joke/trick/prank on somebody to do something to someone as a joke or trick
13. play the game
a) to do things in the way you are expected to do them or in a way that is usual in a particular situation:
If you want a promotion, you’ve got to play the game.
b) British English to behave in a fair and honest way
14. play the race/nationalist/environmentalist etc card to use a particular subject in politics in order to gain an advantage:
a leader who is skilfully playing the nationalist card to keep power
15. play your cards right to say or do things in a situation in such a way that you gain as much as possible from it:
Who knows? If you play your cards right, maybe he’ll marry you.
16. play your cards close to your chest to keep secret what you are doing in a situation
17. play into sb’s hands to do what someone you are competing with wants you to do, without realizing it:
If we respond with violence, we’ll be playing into their hands, giving them an excuse for a fight.
18. play for time to try to delay something so that you have more time to prepare for it or prevent it from happening:
The rebels may be playing for time while they try to get more weapons.
19. play tricks (on you) if your mind, memory, sight etc plays tricks on you, you feel confused and not sure about what is happening:
It happened a long time ago, and my memory might be playing tricks on me.
20. play the market to risk money on the ↑stock market as a way of trying to earn more money
21. play the system to use the rules of a system in a clever way, to gain advantage for yourself:
Accountants know how to play the tax system.
22. play second fiddle (to somebody) to be in a lower position or rank than someone else
23. play hard to get to pretend that you are not sexually interested in someone so that they will become more interested in you
24. SMILE [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] written if a smile plays about someone’s lips, they smile slightly
25. play hooky American English, play truant British English to stay away from school without permission
26. play with fire to do something that could have a very dangerous or harmful result:
Dating the boss’s daughter is playing with fire.
27. play to your strengths to do what you are able to do well, rather than trying to do other things:
It is up to us to play to our strengths and try to control the game.
28. LIGHT [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] written if light plays on something, it shines on it and moves on it:
the sunlight playing on the water
29. WATER [intransitive] written if a ↑fountain plays, water comes from it
30. play a hose/light on something to point a ↑hose or light towards something so that water or light goes onto it
31. play the field to have sexual relationships with a lot of different people
32. play fast and loose with something to not be careful about what you do, especially by not obeying the law or a rule:
They played fast and loose with investors’ money.
33. play happy families British English to spend time with your family, doing normal things, especially so that your family appears to be happy when it is not
play around (also play about British English) phrasal verb
1. to have a sexual relationship with someone who is not your usual partner
play around with
Wasn’t she playing around with another man?
It was years before I realized he’d been playing around.
2. to try doing something in different ways, to see what would be best, especially when this is fun
play around with
Play around with the ingredients if you like.
3. to behave in a silly way or waste time, when you should be doing something more serious SYN fool around:
When the teacher wasn’t looking, we used to play about a lot.
play around with something (also play about with somethingBritish English) phrasal verb
to keep moving or making changes to something in your hands SYN fiddle with:
Will you stop playing around with the remote control!
play along phrasal verb
1. to pretend to agree to do what someone wants, in order to avoid annoying them or to get an advantage:
She felt she had to play along or risk losing her job.
2. play somebody along British English to tell someone something that is not true because you need their help in some way
play at something phrasal verb
1. What is somebody playing at? British English spoken used when you do not understand what someone is doing or why they are doing it, and you are surprised or annoyed:
What do you think you’re playing at?
2. if you play at doing something, you do not do it properly or seriously
play at doing something
He’s still playing at being an artist.
3. British English if children play at doctors, soldiers etc, they pretend to be doctors, soldiers etc
play at being something
a 14-year-old playing at being a grown woman
play something ↔ back phrasal verb
to play something that has been recorded on a machine so that you can listen to it or watch it:
He played back his answering machine messages.
play something ↔ down phrasal verb
to try to make something seem less important or less likely than it really is:
Management has been playing down the possibility of job losses.
play down the importance/seriousness/significance of something
The White House spokeswoman sought to play down the significance of the event.
play off phrasal verb
1. British English if people or teams play off, they play the last game in a sports competition, in order to decide who is the winner:
The top two teams will play off at Twickenham for the county title.
2. play off somebody/something American English to deliberately use a fact, action, idea etc in order to make what you are doing better or to get an advantage:
The two musicians played off each other in a piece of inspired improvisation.
play somebody off against somebody phrasal verb
to encourage one person or group to compete or argue with another, in order to get some advantage for yourself:
The house seller may try to play one buyer off against another, to raise the price.
play on/upon something phrasal verb
to use a feeling, fact, or idea in order to get what you want, often in an unfair way:
The ad plays on our emotions, showing a doctor holding a newborn baby.
play something ↔ out phrasal verb
1. if an event or situation is played out or plays itself out, it happens:
It will be interesting to see how the election plays itself out.
2. if people play out their dreams, feelings etc, they express them by pretending that a particular situation is really happening:
The weekend gives you a chance to play out your fantasies.
play up phrasal verb
1. play something ↔ up to emphasize something, sometimes making it seem more important than it really is:
Play up your strongest arguments in the opening paragraph.
2. play (somebody) up British English informal if children play up, they behave badly:
Jordan’s been playing up in school.
I hope the kids don’t play you up.
3. play (somebody) up British English informal to hurt you or cause problems for you:
My knee’s been playing me up this week.
The car’s playing up again.
play up to somebody phrasal verb
to behave in a very polite or kind way to someone because you want something from them:
Connie always plays up to her parents when she wants money.
play with somebody/something phrasal verb
1. to keep touching something or moving it:
Stop playing with the light switch!
2. to try doing something in different ways to decide what works best:
Play with the design onscreen, moving text and pictures until you get a pleasing arrangement.
3. to consider an idea or possibility, but not always very seriouslySYN toy with:
After university, I played with the idea of teaching English in China.
4. money/time/space etc to play with money, time etc that is available to be used:
The budget is very tight, so there isn’t much money to play with.
5. play with yourself to touch your own sex organs for pleasureSYN masturbate
6. play with words/language to use words in a clever or amusing way

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

play

play [play plays played playing] verb, noun [pleɪ] [pleɪ]

verb

OF CHILDREN
1. intransitive, transitive to do things for pleasure, as children do; to enjoy yourself, rather than work
• You'll have to play inside today.
• There's a time to work and a time to play.
• ~ with sb/sth A group of kids were playing with a ball in the street.
• I haven't got anybody to play with!

• ~ sth Let's play a different game.

2. transitive, no passive, intransitive to pretend to be or do sth for fun
• ~ sth Let's play pirates.

• ~ at doing sth They were playing at being cowboys.

TRICK

3. transitive ~ a trick/tricks (on sb) to trick sb for fun

SPORTS/GAMES
4. transitive, intransitive ~ (sth) (with/against sb) to be involved in a game; to compete against sb in a game
• ~ sth to play football/chess/cards, etc.
• ~ sb France are playing Wales tomorrow.
• ~ sb at sth Have you played her at squash yet?
• ~ for sb He plays for Cleveland.
• ~ against sb France are playing against Wales on Saturday.

• + adv./prep. Evans played very well.

5. intransitive to take a particular position in a sports team
• + adv./prep. Who's playing on the wing?

• + noun I've never played right back before.

6. transitive ~ sb (+ adv./prep.) to include sb in a sports team

• I think we should play Matt on the wing.

7. transitive ~ sth to make contact with the ball and hit or kick it in the way mentioned
• She played the ball and ran forward.

• He played a backhand volley.

8. transitive ~ sth (in chess) to move a piece in chess, etc

• She played her bishop.

9. transitive, intransitive ~ (sth) (in card games) to put a card face upwards on the table, showing its value
• to play your ace/a trump

• He played out of turn!

MUSIC

10. transitive, intransitive ~ (sth) (on sth) to perform on a musical instrument; to perform music
• ~ (sth) to play the piano/violin/flute, etc.
• In the distance a band was playing.
• ~ sth (on sth) He played a tune on his harmonica.
• ~ sth to sb Play that new piece to us.

• ~ sb sth Play us that new piece.

11. transitive, intransitive to make a tape, CD, etc. produce sound
• ~ sth (for sb) Play their new CD for me, please.
• ~ (sb sth) Play me their new CD, please.
• My favourite song was playing on the radio.

• For some reason this CD won't play.

DVD/VIDEO

12. intransitive, transitive (of a DVD or video) to start working; to make a DVD or video start working
• This DVD won't play on my computer.
• ~ sth Click below to play videos.
• Nothing happens when I try to play a DVD.

• A short video was played to the court showing the inside of the house.

ACT/PERFORM

13. transitive ~ sth to act in a play, film/movie, etc; to act the role of sb
• The part of Elizabeth was played by Cate Blanchett.

• He had always wanted to play Othello.

14. intransitive to pretend to be sth that you are not
• + adj. I decided it was safer to play dead.

• + noun She enjoys playing the wronged wife.

15. intransitive ~ (to sb) to be performed

• A production of ‘Carmen’ was playing to packed houses.

HAVE EFFECT

16. transitive ~ a part/role (in sth) to have an effect on sth

• The media played an important part in the last election.

SITUATION

17. transitive ~ sth + adv./prep. to deal with a situation in the way mentioned

• He played the situation carefully for maximum advantage.

OF LIGHT/A SMILE

18. intransitive + adv./prep. to move or appear quickly and lightly, often changing direction or shape

• Sunlight played on the surface of the lake.

OF FOUNTAIN

19. intransitive when a fountain plays, it produces a steady stream of water

• Two huge fountains were playing outside the entrance.

Rem: Most idioms containing play are at the entries for the nouns and adjectives in the idioms, for example play the game is at game.

Word Origin:

Old English pleg(i)an ‘to exercise’, plega ‘brisk movement’, related to Middle Dutch pleien ‘leap for joy, dance’.

Thesaurus:
play verb
1. I, T
• There's a time to work and a time to play.
enjoy yourself • • have fun • • celebrate • |informal have a good/great time • • party • • live it up •
Let's play/enjoy ourselves/have fun/celebrate/have a good time/party/live it up.
2. T, I
• He plays football in a local team.
compete • • go in for sth • • enter •
play/compete in a competition, etc.
play/compete against sb
3. T, I
• Who played the part of Juliet?
• I could hear a band playing in the distance.
perform • • act • |especially spoken do •
play/perform/do a piece
play/act a role/part
a band/musician plays/performs/does sth
Play or act? When you are talking about drama act can be used with an object (act a part) as well as without (He just can't act.); play can only be used with an object (play a part) and is more commonly used in this way than act.
Synonyms:
entertainment
fun • recreation • relaxation • play • pleasure • amusement
These are all words for things or activities used to entertain people when they are not working.
entertainment • films, television, music, etc. used to entertain people: ▪ There are three bars, with live entertainment seven nights a week.
fun • (rather informal) behaviour or activities that are not serious but come from a sense of enjoyment: ▪ It wasn't serious— it was all done ▪ in fun ▪. ◊ ▪ We didn't mean to hurt him. It was just ▪ a bit of fun ▪. ◊ ▪ The lottery provides ▪ harmless fun ▪ for millions.
recreation • (rather formal) things people do for enjoyment when they are not working: ▪ His only form of recreation is playing football.
relaxation • (rather formal) things people do to rest and enjoy themselves when they are not working; the ability to relax: ▪ I go hill-walking for relaxation.
recreation or relaxation?
Both these words can be used for a wide range of activities, physical and mental, but relaxation is sometimes used for gentler activities than recreation: ▪ I play the flute in a wind band for recreation. ◊ ▪I listen to music for relaxation.
play • things that people, especially children, do for enjoyment rather than as work: ▪ the happy sounds of children ▪ at play
pleasure • the activity of enjoying yourself, especially in contrast to working: ▪ Are you in Paris ▪ for business or pleasure ▪?
amusement • the fact of being entertained by sth: ▪ What do you do for amusement round here?
to do sth for entertainment/fun/recreation/relaxation/pleasure/amusement
to provide entertainment/fun/recreation/relaxation/amusement
Example Bank:
• Have you ever heard her play?
• He plays for Aston Villa.
• He plays for the Chicago Bears.
• I'm learning to play sax.
• I've never played John at tennis.
• Let's play at pirates!
• She has played in every game this season.
• She was playing cards with her mother.
• The band will be playing live in the studio.
• The little girl was playing with her toys.
• The other children wouldn't let him play.
• These guys make the team very difficult to play against.
• United are difficult to play against.
• a piece that is relatively easy to play
• learning to play the violin
• Do you want to play cards with me?
• Have you ever played her at chess?
• I haven't got anybody to play with!
• I've never played right back before.
• Let's play a different game.
• The part of the Queen was played by Helen Mirren.
• There's a time to work and a time to play.
• They play football on Saturday mornings.
• Who's playing on the wing?

• You'll have to play inside today.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition

play / pleɪ / verb (GAME)

A1 [ I or T ] to take part in a game or other organized activity:

Do you want to play cards/football ( with us)?

Irene won't be able to play in the match on Saturday.

Which team do you play for ?

Luke plays centre-forward (= plays in that position within the team) .

B1 [ T ] to compete against a person or team in a game:

Who are Aston Villa playing next week?

[ T ] to hit or kick a ball in a game:

He played the ball back to the goalkeeper.

A good snooker player takes time deciding which shot to play.

[ T ] to choose a card, in a card game, from the ones you are holding and put it down on the table:

She played the ace of spades.

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

play

/pleɪ/
(plays, playing, played)

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

1.
When children, animals, or perhaps adults play, they spend time doing enjoyable things, such as using toys and taking part in games.
They played in the little garden...
Polly was playing with her teddy bear.
VERB: V, V with n

2.
When you play a sport, game, or match, you take part in it.
While the twins played cards, Francis sat reading...
Alain was playing cards with his friends...
I used to play basketball...
I want to play for my country...
He captained the team but he didn’t actually play.
V-RECIP: pl-n V n, V n with n, V n (non-recip), V for n (non-recip), V (non-recip)

3.
When one person or team plays another or plays against them, they compete against them in a sport or game.
Northern Ireland will play Latvia...
I’ve played against him a few times.
VERB: V n, V against n

4.
When you play the ball or play a shot in a game or sport, you kick or hit the ball.
Think first before playing the ball...
I played the ball back slightly.
VERB: V n, V n adv

5.
If you play a joke or a trick on someone, you deceive them or give them a surprise in a way that you think is funny, but that often causes problems for them or annoys them.
Someone had played a trick on her, stretched a piece of string at the top of those steps...
I thought: ‘This cannot be happening, somebody must be playing a joke’.
VERB: V n on n, V n

6.
If you play with an object or with your hair, you keep moving it or touching it with your fingers, perhaps because you are bored or nervous.
She stared at the floor, idly playing with the strap of her handbag.
VERB: V with n

8.
If an actor plays a role or character in a play or film, he or she performs the part of that character.
...Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, in which he played Hyde...
His ambition is to play the part of Dracula.
VERB: V n, V n

9.
You can use play to describe how someone behaves, when they are deliberately behaving in a certain way or like a certain type of person. For example, to play the innocent, means to pretend to be innocent, and to play deaf means to pretend not to hear something.
Hill tried to play the peacemaker...
So you want to play nervous today?
= act
V-LINK: V n, V adj

10.
You can describe how someone deals with a situation by saying that they play it in a certain way. For example, if someone plays it cool, they keep calm and do not show much emotion, and if someone plays it straight, they behave in an honest and direct way.
Investors are playing it cautious, and they’re playing it smart.
VERB: V it adj/adv

11.
If you play a musical instrument or play a tune on a musical instrument, or if a musical instrument plays, music is produced from it.
Nina had been playing the piano...
He played for me...
Place your baby in her seat and play her a lullaby...
The guitars played.
VERB: V n, V for n, V n n, V

12.
If you play a record, a CD, or a tape, you put it into a machine and sound is produced. If a record, CD, or tape is playing, sound is being produced from it.
She played her records too loudly...
There is classical music playing in the background.
VERB: V n, V, also V n n

13.
If a musician or group of musicians plays or plays a concert, they perform music for people to listen or dance to.
A band was playing...
He will play concerts in Amsterdam and Paris.
VERB: V, V n

14.
If you ask what someone is playing at, you are angry because you think they are doing something stupid or wrong. (INFORMAL)
What the hell are you playing at?
PHRASE: V inflects [feelings]

15.
When something comes into play or is brought into play, it begins to be used or to have an effect.
The real existence of a military option will come into play...
PHRASE: V inflects

16.
If something or someone plays a part or plays a role in a situation, they are involved in it and have an effect on it.
The UN would play a major role in monitoring a ceasefire.
...the role played by diet in disease.
PHRASE: V inflects, usu PHR in n

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

¹play /ˈpleɪ/ verb plays; played; play·ing
1 : to do activities for fun or enjoyment

[no obj]

• The children were playing in the yard.
• Can Sara come out and play?
• He played by himself in his room.
- often + with
• She's outside playing with her friends.
• You already have lots of toys to play with.
• a baby playing with his toes

[+ obj]

✦If children play teacher/school (etc.), they play by pretending to be adults.
• She likes to play teacher/doctor with her sisters.
- see also play house at ¹house
2 a : to participate in (a game or sport)

[+ obj]

• Did you play any sports in high school?
• She plays soccer.
• Do you want to play (a game of) cards/poker?
• No one dares to play chess with/against him.
• It's not whether you win or lose (that's important), it's how you play the game.
• The children were playing hide-and-seek.

[no obj]

• I have a chess set. Do you want to play?
• It's your turn to play.
• She hurt her wrist but decided to continue playing.
• He played in every major tournament this year.
• He's always dreamed of playing on a professional hockey team.
- often + for
• We never play for money.
• I'm on a basketball team at school, but I also play for fun with my friends.
✦If you play for a particular team, you are a member of that team.
• Babe Ruth played for the Yankees.
• He used to play for Boston but got traded to New York.
b : to compete against (someone) in a game

[+ obj]

• The Yankees are playing the Red Sox tonight at Yankee Stadium.
• No one dares to play him at chess.
• When Tom and I are finished with this game, you can play the winner.

[no obj]

• The Yankees and the Red Sox are playing at Yankee Stadium.
• She has played against some of the best tennis players in the world.
✦If you play (someone) for (something), you play a game in which the winner will be able to take or keep something.
• “Is that the last can of soda?” “Yeah, I'll play you for it.”
c [+ obj] : to have (a particular position on a sports team)
• He dreamed about playing quarterback in the National Football League.
• She played center field in their last game.
• He plays third base.
• What position does he play?
d [+ obj] : to allow (someone) to play during a game especially in a particular position
• Her coach didn't play her in yesterday's game.
• They decided to play him at first base.
e [+ obj] : to place (a playing card) on the table during your turn in a card game
• I played the ace of hearts.
- often used figuratively
• lawyers who play the race card to defend their clients [=who say that their clients were treated unfairly because of their race]
- see also play your cards close to the chest/vest at ¹card play your cards right at ¹card
f [+ obj] : to move (a piece) during your turn in a chess game
• He played his rook/bishop/queen for the win.
g [+ obj] : to hit, kick, throw, or catch (a ball, puck, etc.)
• You have to play the ball where it lies.
• He played a wedge shot to the green.
• He played a great shot to his opponent's forehand.
• The shortstop played the ball perfectly.
3 [+ obj]
a : to bet money on (something)
• I used to gamble a lot. Mostly, I played the races/horses/slots.
• She only plays the lottery when there's a large jackpot.
b : to invest money in (the stock market) in order to try to earn money
• You can lose a lot of money playing the (stock) market.
4 a : to perform music on (an instrument)

[+ obj]

• She's been playing the violin since she was 10 years old.
• Where did you learn to play the piano?
• He can play guitar and drums.

[no obj]

• He played while she sang.
• Would you play for us?
• He plays in a band.
b [no obj] of an instrument : to produce music
• I could hear a guitar playing in the distance.
c [+ obj] : to perform (a song, a piece of music, etc.) on an instrument
• Would you play something for us?
• The band played their new hit song.
• The conductor had us play the piece again from the beginning.
• The band played a waltz.
• She started her career playing country music.
d [+ obj] : to perform music written by (a particular composer)
• The orchestra will be playing Mozart tonight.
e : to perform music in (a particular place)

[+ obj]

• It was her dream to play Carnegie Hall.
• She prefers playing small concert halls rather than big stadiums.
• The band has been playing bars and nightclubs.

[no obj]

• We mostly play in bars and nightclubs.
5 : to cause (a song, a piece of music, a movie, etc.) to be heard or seen

[+ obj]

• You kids are playing your music too loud.
• The radio station plays mostly hip-hop and R&B.
• Who decides which songs get played on the radio?
• We're waiting for you to play the movie.
• I asked him to play the album/CD/DVD for me.

[no obj]

• Our favorite song was playing on the radio.
• Classical music played softly in the background.
• The movie/DVD is already playing.
6 [no obj] : to be shown or performed usually more than one time
• The film is now playing [=is now being shown] in theaters across the country.
• What's playing at the theater/movies?
• The show has been playing to full/packed houses.
7 a [+ obj] : to act the part of (a particular character) in a film, play, etc.
• He played the lead role in Hamlet.
• Her character is being played by a relatively unknown actress.
• She's not a doctor, but she plays one on TV.
- often used figuratively
• My wife never disciplines the children. She gets to play the good guy while I have to play the bad guy. [=I have to discipline the children]
• I survived a terrible tragedy, but I don't want to play the victim. [=I don't want to act like a victim]
- often used with part or role
• Luck played an important part in their success. [=a lot of their success was because of luck]
• The essay discusses the role that television plays in modern society. [=the effect that television has on modern society]
• He's been playing the part/role of the jealous husband. [=he has been acting like a jealous husband]
• We all have a part/role to play in the future of this company. [=we all will be involved in an important way in the future of this company]
- see also role-play
b [no obj] : to pretend that you have a particular quality or are in a particular condition
• Don't play [=act] all innocent with me!
• She tried to teach her dog to play dead. [=to lie on its back and pretend to be dead]
• If anyone asks you about it, play dumb. [=act like you do not know anything about it]
8 : to act or behave in a particular way

[no obj]

• It's a very competitive business, and not everyone plays fair. = Not everyone plays by the rules.
• If you play smart [=if you make good decisions], you should be able to graduate in four years.

[+ obj]

• She didn't want to seem too eager, so she decided to play it cool. [=to act calm]
• If you play it smart, you should be able to graduate in four years.
• I decided to play it safe [=to be careful and avoid risk or danger] and leave early so that I would be sure to arrive on time.
- see also play by ear at ¹ear
9 [no obj] : to do or say things in a joking way
• Don't take it so seriously. He was just playing. [=kidding, joking]
- often + around
• I was just playing around. I didn't really mean it.
• Stop playing around and talk to me seriously for a moment.
10 [+ obj] : to do (something) to someone in order to amuse yourself or others
• He's known for playing pranks, so I wouldn't trust him if I were you.
- usually + on
• Let's play a joke on her.
• The students got in trouble for playing a trick on their teacher.
• I can't believe what I'm seeing. My eyes must be playing tricks onme.
11 [+ obj] informal : to use or control (someone or something) in a clever and unfair way
• I'm never going to let anyone play me again.
• She played you like a fool.
- often + for
• She realized too late that she had been played for a fool.
• They had been playing the guy for a sucker all along.
12 [+ obj] : to base a decision or action on (something)
• Sometimes you just have to play your luck [=to take a chance] and hope that everything turns out okay.
• The coach was playing the odds that his pitcher would get through the inning without giving up a run.
• Criminal investigators need to play [=to act on] their hunches.
13 [no obj] US : to be accepted or received in a particular way
• The script looked good on paper but didn't play well on Broadway.
- often + with
• His idea did not play well with the committee. [=the committee did not like his idea]
14 [no obj] : to move in a lively and irregular way
• A knowing smile played on/about her lips.
• We watched the moonlight playing on the water.
play along [phrasal verb] : to agree to do or accept what other people want
• They wanted me to cooperate with them, but I refused to play along. [=go along]
• If I pretend to be sick, will you play along and tell everyone that I had to go to the doctor?
- often + with
• I refused to play along with them.
• Will you play along with my plan?
play around also Brit play about [phrasal verb]
1 : to have sex with someone who is not your husband, wife, or regular partner
• He's not the kind of guy who plays around. [=fools around, messes around]
- often + on
• She's been playing around on her husband.
- often + with
• She's been playing around with one of her coworkers.
2 : to deal with or treat something in a careless way
• When it comes to protecting his family, he doesn't play around. [=fool around, mess around]
- often + with
• You can't play around with diabetes; it's a very serious disease.
3 : to use or do something in a way that is not very serious
• It's time to stop playing around [=fooling around] and get busy.
- often + on
• I spent the evening playing around on the piano/computer/Internet.
- often + with
• I'm not really a painter; I just like to play around with paints.
4 play around with (something) : to move or change (something) or to think about (something) in different ways often in order to find out what would work best
• I see you've been playing around with the living room furniture again.
• The supervisor played around with our work schedules this week.
• We played around with the idea for a while but eventually realized that it just wouldn't work.
- see also ¹play 9 (above)
play at [phrasal verb] play at (something)
1 : to do (something) in a way that is not serious
• They were only playing at trying to fix the problem.
2 chiefly Brit : to play by pretending to be (someone or something)
• (Brit) She liked to play at doctors and nurses as a child.
- often used in the phrase play at being (something)
• boys playing at being soldiers
3 Brit
- used to say in an annoyed way that you do not know the reason for someone's behavior
• What is he playing at?
• I have no idea what he was playing at.
play back [phrasal verb] play back (something) or play (something) back : to cause (recorded sounds or pictures) to be heard or seen
• The machine allows you to record and play back sounds.
• We finished recording our first take and played it back to hear how it sounded.
• He played the tape back to/for us.
- see also playback
play ball
- see ¹ball
play down [phrasal verb] play down (something) or play (something) down : to make (something) seem smaller or less important
• She played down [=downplayed] her role in the research.
• It was a significant mistake though our CEO tried to play it down.
play fast and loose : to behave in a clever and dishonest way - usually + with
• He was accused of playing fast and loose with the truth. [=of being dishonest]
• reporters playing fast and loose with the facts
play for laughs or play (something) for laughs : to act in a funny way that makes people laugh
• She's fantastic in serious roles, but she also knows how to play for laughs.
• Most performers would have taken a serious tone during the scene, but he decided to play it for laughs.
play for time : to try to make something happen later instead of sooner : to try to delay something
• They're just playing for time, hoping that the situation will resolve itself.
play games
- see ¹game
play God usually disapproving : to make decisions that have a very powerful and important effect on other people's lives
• lawyers who play God with people's lives
play hard to get : to pretend that you are not interested in having a romantic or sexual relationship with someone in order to make that person more attracted to you
• She's been playing hard to get, but I can tell that she likes me.
play into [phrasal verb] play into (something) : to help support (something, such as an idea)
• This new evidence plays into their theory quite nicely.
• Her methods play into the stereotype that lawyers are dishonest.
play into someone's hands or play into the hands of someone: to do something that you do not realize will hurt you and help someone else
• You're only playing into their hands by making such ridiculous accusations.
play off [phrasal verb]
1 chiefly Brit : to participate in a game that decides a winner from people or teams that had the same results in an earlier game : to play in a play-off
• The two teams played off for third place.
- see also play-off
2 play off (someone or something) US : to react to (someone or something) in a pleasing way : to combine with (someone or something) in a way that makes each part better
• In this scene, the two actors play off each other extremely well.
• The sweetness of the wine plays off the sharp flavor of the cheese.
3 play (someone or something) off against (someone or something) : to cause two people or groups to fight or compete with each other in a way that helps you
• They have been playing him off against his old enemies. [=causing him to fight with his old enemies]
• He played one side off against the other.
play on also play upon [phrasal verb] play on/upon (something) : to make people do what you want by using (their emotions, fears, concerns, etc.) in an unfair way
• The company plays on [=takes advantage of] the concerns of parents in order to sell their products.
• Politicians often win votes by playing on [=exploiting] people's emotions.
play out [phrasal verb]
1 a : to happen or occur in usually a gradual way
• Let's wait and see how things play out. [=take place, develop]
• The consequences of the error will play out for several years to come.
• Their personal tragedy was being played out in public.
b play out (something) or play (something) out : to make (something) happen
• She got to play out [=realize] her fantasy of being on TV.
• We watch professional athletes play out [=act out, live out] our dreams on the field.
• This scene plays itself out [=happens] daily in every large city in this country.
2 play out (something) or play (something) out : to finish (something)
• Her coach let her play out the rest of the season but said she wouldn't be allowed on the team next year.
• We'll stop the game after we play out this hand.
• playing out dangerous experiments
• That style of music had played itself out [=stopped being current or popular] and the record companies wanted something new.
- see also played-out
play the field : to have romantic or sexual relationships with more than one person at a time : to date more than one person
• He wanted to play the field a bit before he got married and settled down.
play the fool
- see ¹fool
play to [phrasal verb]
1 play to (someone or something) : to behave or perform in a particular way for (someone or something) in order to get approval or attention
• He didn't mean what he was saying. He was just playing to the crowd.
• He loves publicity and plays to the cameras every chance he gets.
2 play to (something) : to make use of (something)
• a film that plays to stereotypes of housewives
• In his latest album, he once again plays to his strengths as a classical musician.
play to the gallery
- see gallery
play up [phrasal verb]
1 play up (something) or play (something) up
a : to talk about or treat (something) in a way that gives it special importance : to emphasize or stress (something)
• During the interview, try to play down your weaknesses and play up your strengths.
b : to make (something) seem bigger or more important
• It was only a small achievement though our CEO tried to play it up.
2 play up or play (someone) up Brit : to cause problems or pain
• The children have been playing up [=misbehaving, acting up] again.
• The camera started playing up [=acting up] after I dropped it.
• Whenever it rains, my arthritis starts playing up. [=acting up]
• My back has been playing me up again.
play with [phrasal verb] play with (something)
1 : to move or handle (something) with your hands or fingers often without thinking
• She played with her hair while she talked on the phone.
• Stop playing with your food and eat.
2 : to handle, change, or deal with (something) in a careless way
• I played [=fiddled, messed] with the radio for a while but couldn't get it to work.
• It's important to teach your children not to play withguns/fire/matches.
• Don't play with [=play around with] my heart/emotions.
• You have to take this seriously. You're playing with people's lives!
• They're playing with other people's money.
3 : to think about (something) briefly and not very seriously
• Management has been playing with [=toying with] the idea of moving to a different building.
• I played with the idea of moving to Chicago but ended up staying in New York.
play with fire : to do something that is risky or dangerous
• People who use drugs are playing with fire.
play with words/language : to use words that sound similar or that have several different meanings especially in a clever or funny way
• a writer who enjoys playing with words
play with yourself : to touch your own sex organs for sexual pleasure : masturbate

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