Collins COBUILD English Dictionary.txt AB AB AB AB ABs [N-COUNT] In some American universities, an AB is the same as a BA.. abandon * abandon abandon aban·don abandons abandoning aba
Trang 1Collins COBUILD English Dictionary.txtCollins COBUILD English DictionaryA, a A, a A, a
4 A or a is used as an abbreviation for words beginning with a, such as
`acceleration', `ampčre', or `answer'
5 [PHRASE]
PHR after v
People talk about getting from A to B when they are referring generally to journeys they need to make, without saying where the journeys will take them.Cars are for getting people from A to B in maximum safety
A waiter entered with a tray
He started eating an apple
Today you've got a new teacher taking you
I suggest you leave it to an expert
Bring a sleeping bag
I was waiting for a bus
3 [DET]
DET n-uncount with supp
You use a or an in front of an uncount noun when that noun follows an
adjective, or when the noun is followed by words that describe it more fully.There was a terrible sadness in her eyes
You use a in quantifiers such as a lot, a little, and a bit
I spend a lot on expensive jewelry and clothing
I've come looking for a bit of advice
6 [DET]
Trang 2Collins COBUILD English Dictionary.txt DET sing-n
You use a or an to refer to someone or something as a typical member of a group, class, or type
Some parents believe a boy must learn to stand up and fight like a man
You use a or an when you are saying what someone is or what job they have
I explained that I was an artist
He was now a teacher and a respectable member of the community
9 [DET]
DET n-proper
You use a or an in front of the names of artists to refer to one individual
painting or sculpture created by them
Most people have very little difficulty in seeing why a Van Gogh is a
work of genius
10 [DET]
DET sing-n
You use a or an instead of the number `one', especially with words of
measurement such as `hundred', `hour', and `metre', and with fractions such as `half', `quarter', and `third'
more than a thousand acres of land
a quarter of an hour
11 [DET]
num DET sing-n
You use a or an in expressions such as eight hours a day to express a rate or ratio
Prices start at Ł13.95 a metre for printed cotton
The helicopter can zip along at about 150 kilometres an hour
I'm a completely apolitical man
In Britain, A & E is the part of a hospital that deals with accidents and
emergencies A & E is an abbreviation for `accident and emergency' (BRIT; in
AM, use ER)
Trang 3Collins COBUILD English Dictionary.txt
AB AB AB
AB ABs
[N-COUNT]
In some American universities, an AB is the same as a BA
aback aback aback
aback
[PHRASE]
usu v-link PHR, oft PHR by n
If you are taken aback by something, you are surprised or shocked by it and
you cannot respond at once
Roland was taken aback by our strength of feeling
abacus abacus abacus
Abalone is a shellfish that you can eat and that has a shiny substance called
mother-of-pearl inside its shell
abandon * abandon abandon
aban·don abandons abandoning abandoned
1 [VERB]
V n, V-ed
If you abandon a place, thing, or person, you leave the place, thing, or
person permanently or for a long time, especially when you should not do so
He claimed that his parents had abandoned him
The road is strewn with abandoned vehicles
If you abandon an idea or way of thinking, you stop having that idea or
thinking in that way
Logic had prevailed and he had abandoned the idea
= give up
give up
4 [N-UNCOUNT] disapproval
usu with N
If you say that someone does something with abandon, you mean that they behave
in a wild, uncontrolled way and do not think or care about how they should
behave
He has spent money with gay abandon
see also abandoned
Trang 4Collins COBUILD English Dictionary.txt
6 [PHRASE]
v inflects
If people abandon ship, they get off a ship because it is sinking
abandoned * abandoned abandoned
aban·doned
[ADJ]
usu ADJ n
An abandoned place or building is no longer used or occupied
All that digging had left a network of abandoned mines and tunnels
abandonment abandonment abandonment
aban·don·ment
1 [N-UNCOUNT]
oft N of n
The abandonment of a place, thing, or person is the act of leaving it
permanently or for a long time, especially when you should not do so
memories of her father's complete abandonment of her
usu v-link ADJ
If you are abashed, you feel embarrassed and ashamed (WRITTEN)
He looked abashed, uncomfortable
abate abate abate
abate abates abating abated
[VERB]
V
If something bad or undesirable abates, it becomes much less strong or severe (FORMAL)
The storms had abated by the time they rounded Cape Horn
abatement abatement abatement
Trang 5Collins COBUILD English Dictionary.txt (BRIT; in AM, use slaughterhouse)
An abbess is the nun who is in charge of the other nuns in a convent
abbey abbey abbey
abbreviate abbreviate abbreviate
ab·bre·vi·ate abbreviates abbreviating abbreviated
An abbreviation is a short form of a word or phrase, made by leaving out some
of the letters or by using only the first letter of each word
The postal abbreviation for Kansas is KS
ABC ABC ABC
ABC ABCs
1 [N-SING]
N of n
The ABC of a subject or activity is the parts of it that you have to learn
first because they are the most important and basic
the ABC of Marxism
2 [N-COUNT]
poss N
Children who have learned their ABC or their ABCs have learned to recognize, write, or say the alphabet (INFORMAL)
abdicate abdicate abdicate
ab·di·cate abdicates abdicating abdicated
1 [VERB]
V, also V n
If a king or queen abdicates, he or she gives up being king or queen
The last French king was Louis Philippe, who abdicated in 1848
&xSym1; abdication ab·di·ca·tion [N-UNCOUNT]
Trang 6Collins COBUILD English Dictionary.txt usu with poss
the most serious royal crisis since the abdication of Edward VIII
2 [VERB] disapproval
V n
If you say that someone has abdicated responsibility for something, you
disapprove of them because they have refused to accept responsibility for it any longer (FORMAL)
Many parents simply abdicate all responsibility for their children
&xSym1; abdication ab·di·ca·tion [N-UNCOUNT]
N of n
There had been a complete abdication of responsibility
abdomen abdomen abdomen
He was suffering from pains in his abdomen
abdominal abdominal abdominal
vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain
abdominals abdominals abdominals
ab·domi·nals
[N-PLURAL]
You can refer to your abdominal muscles as your abdominals when you are talking about exercise
abduct abduct abduct
ab·duct abducts abducting abducted
[VERB]
be V-ed, V n
If someone is abducted by another person, he or she is taken away illegally, usually using force
His car was held up and he was abducted by four gunmen
She was charged with abducting a six-month-old child
= kidnap
kidnap
&xSym1; abduction abductions ab·duc·tion [N-VAR]
the abduction of four youths
&xSym1; abductor abductors ab·duc·tor [N-COUNT]
She co-operated with her abductor
aberrant aberrant aberrant
ab·er·rant
[ADJ]
usu ADJ n
Aberrant means unusual and not socially acceptable (FORMAL)
Ian's rages and aberrant behavior worsened
Trang 7Collins COBUILD English Dictionary.txt aberration aberration aberration
ab·er·ra·tion aberrations
[N-VAR]
An aberration is an incident or way of behaving that is not typical (FORMAL)
It became very clear that the incident was not just an aberration, it was
not just a single incident
abet abet abet
abet abets abetting abetted
[VERB]
V n
If one person abets another, they help or encourage them to do something criminal or wrong Abet is often used in the legal expression `aid and abet' (LEGAL FORMAL)
His wife was sentenced to seven years imprisonment for aiding and
The Russian threat is, at the least, in abeyance
abhor abhor abhor
ab·hor abhors abhorring abhorred
usu with supp, oft poss N, N of n
Someone's abhorrence of something is their strong hatred of it (FORMAL)They are anxious to show their abhorrence of racism
usu v-link ADJ, oft ADJ to n
If something is abhorrent to you, you hate it very much or consider it
completely unacceptable (FORMAL)
Racial discrimination is abhorrent to my council and our staff
abide abide abide
abide abides abiding abided
[PHRASE]
Trang 8Collins COBUILD English Dictionary.txt with brd-neg
If you can't abide someone or something, you dislike them very much
I can't abide people who can't make up their minds
see also abiding, law-abiding
N to-inf, oft with poss
Your ability to do something is the fact that you can do it
The public never had faith in his ability to handle the job
He has the ability to bring out the best in others
= capability
capability
2 [N-VAR]
oft with poss
Your ability is the quality or skill that you have which makes it possible for you to do something
Her drama teacher spotted her ability
They repeatedly questioned his leadership abilities
Does the school cater for all abilities?
3 [PHRASE]
If you do something to the best of your abilities or to the best of your
ability, you do it as well as you can
I take care of them to the best of my abilities
-ability -ability -ability
-ability -abilities
[SUFFIX]
-ability replaces `-able' at the end of adjectives to form nouns Nouns formed
in this way refer to the state or quality described by the adjectives
the desirability of global co-operation
Trang 9Collins COBUILD English Dictionary.txt
No one ever questioned her capability
abject abject abject
&xSym1; abjectly ab·ject·ly [ADV]
Both have failed abjectly
abjure abjure abjure
ab·jure abjures abjuring abjured
[VERB]
V n
If you abjure something such as a belief or way of life, you state publicly that you will give it up or that you reject it (FORMAL)
a formal statement abjuring military action
ablaze ablaze ablaze
ablaze
1 [ADJ]
v n ADJ, v-link ADJ
Something that is ablaze is burning very fiercely
Shops, houses, and vehicles were set ablaze
2 [ADJ]
v-link ADJ, usu ADJ with n
If a place is ablaze with lights or colours, it is very bright because of
them
The chamber was ablaze with light
able *** able able
able abler ablest
1 [PHRASE]
If you are able to do something, you have skills or qualities which make it possible for you to do it
The older child should be able to prepare a simple meal
The company say they're able to keep pricing competitive
They seemed able to work together very efficiently
You'll be able to read in peace
It would be nice to be able to afford to retire earlier
= can
can
3 [ADJ]
Someone who is able is very clever or very good at doing something
one of the brightest and ablest members of the government
Trang 10Collins COBUILD English Dictionary.txt = capable
These injuries were avoidable
He was an admirable chairman
able-bodied able-bodied able-bodied
The able-bodied are people who are able-bodied
ablutions ablutions ablutions
ab·lu·tions
[N-PLURAL]
oft poss N
Someone's ablutions are all the activities that are involved in washing
himself or herself (FORMAL or HUMOROUS)
ably ably ably
ably
[ADV]
ADV with v
Ably means skilfully and successfully
He was ably assisted by a number of other members
abnormal abnormal abnormal
ab·nor·mal
[ADJ]
Someone or something that is abnormal is unusual, especially in a way that is worrying (FORMAL)
abnormal heart rhythms and high anxiety levels
a child with an abnormal fear of strangers
&xSym1; abnormally ab·nor·mal·ly [ADV]
usu ADV adj/adv, also ADV with v
abnormally high levels of glucose
abnormality abnormality abnormality
ab·nor·mal·ity abnormalities
[N-VAR]
An abnormality in something, especially in a person's body or behaviour, is an unusual part or feature of it that may be worrying or dangerous (FORMAL)Further scans are required to confirm the diagnosis of an abnormality
aboard aboard aboard
Trang 11Collins COBUILD English Dictionary.txt aboard
[PREP]
If you are aboard a ship or plane, you are on it or in it
She invited 750 people aboard the luxury yacht, the Savarona
They said goodbye to him as he got aboard the train at Union Station
= on board
on board
[ADV]
ADV after v
Aboard is also an adverb
It had taken two hours to load all the people aboard
Your abode is the place where you live (FORMAL)
I went round the streets and found his new abode
2 [PHRASE]
oft of PHR
If someone has no fixed abode, they are homeless (LEGAL)
30 per cent of psychiatric hospital beds are occupied by people of no
fixed abode
abolish abolish abolish
abol·ish abolishes abolishing abolished
also a N, usu with supp, oft N of n
The abolition of something such as a system or practice is its formal ending the abolition of slavery in Brazil and the Caribbean
abolitionist abolitionist abolitionist
Trang 12Collins COBUILD English Dictionary.txt abominable abominable abominable
abomi·nable
[ADJ]
Something that is abominable is very unpleasant or bad
The President described the killings as an abominable crime
&xSym1; abominably abomi·nably [ADV]
ADV after v, ADV -ed/adj
Chloe has behaved abominably
Wallis was often abominably rude
abomination abomination abomination
An Aboriginal is an Australian Aborigine
He remained fascinated by the Aboriginals' tales
Aborigines are members of the tribes that were living in Australia when
Europeans arrived there
abort abort abort
abort aborts aborting aborted
1 [VERB]
V n, V-ed
If an unborn baby is aborted, the pregnancy is ended deliberately and the baby
is not born alive (FORMAL)
Her lover walked out on her after she had aborted their child
tissue from aborted fetuses
2 [VERB]
V n
Trang 13Collins COBUILD English Dictionary.txt
If someone aborts a process, plan, or activity, they stop it before it has been completed
The decision was made to abort the mission
abortion * abortion abortion
abor·tion abortions
[N-VAR]
If a woman has an abortion, she ends her pregnancy deliberately so that the baby is not born alive
His girlfriend had an abortion
abortionist abortionist abortionist
abor·tion·ist abortionists
[N-COUNT]
An abortionist is someone who performs abortions, usually illegally
see also anti-abortionist
abortive abortive abortive
abor·tive
[ADJ]
usu ADJ n
An abortive attempt or action is unsuccessful (FORMAL)
an abortive attempt to prevent the current President from taking
office
= unsuccessful
unsuccessful
abound abound abound
abound abounds abounding abounded
[VERB]
V, V with/in n
If things abound, or if a place abounds with things, there are very large numbers of them (FORMAL)
Stories abound about when he was in charge
The book abounds with close-up images from space
about *** about about
about
1 [PREP]
You use about to introduce who or what something relates to or concerns.She came in for a coffee, and told me about her friend Shona
She knew a lot about food
He never complains about his wife
`I'm sorry about Patrick,' she said
I feel so guilty and angry about the whole issue
4 [PREP]
If you do something about a problem, you take action in order to solve it.Rachel was going to do something about Jacob
Trang 14Collins COBUILD English Dictionary.txt
About is used in front of a number to show that the number is not exact
In my local health centre there's about forty parking spaces
The rate of inflation is running at about 2.7 percent
= approximately, around Ě precisely
approximately around precisely
About is also a preposition
From 1879 to 1888 he wandered about Germany, Switzerland, and Italy
= around
around
8 [PREP]
If you put something about a person or thing, you put it around them
Helen threw her arms about him
= round, around
round around
9 [ADJ]
v-link ADJ
If someone or something is about, they are present or available
There's lots of money about these days for schemes like this
10 [ADJ]
v-link ADJ to-inf
If you are about to do something, you are going to do it very soon If
something is about to happen, it will happen very soon
I think he's about to leave
The film was about to start
11
how about: see how
what about: see what
just about: see just
12 [PHRASE]
usu PHR after v, also v-link PHR
If someone is out and about, they are going out and doing things, especially after they have been unable to for a while
Despite considerable pain she has been getting out and about almost as
normal
13 [PHRASE]
Trang 15Collins COBUILD English Dictionary.txt usu PHR after v, also v-link PHR
If someone is out and about, they are going to a lot of different places, often as part of their job
They often saw me out and about
about-face about-face about-face
about-face about-faces
[N-COUNT]
An about-face is a complete change of attitude or opinion
Few observers believe the president will do an about-face and start
If one thing is above another one, it is directly over it or higher than it
He lifted his hands above his head
Apartment 46 was a quiet apartment, unlike the one above it
He was staring into the mirror above him
Ě below
below
[ADV]
ADV after v, from ADV
Above is also an adverb
A long scream sounded from somewhere above
a picture of the new plane as seen from above
Ě below
below
2 [ADV]
ADV after v, n ADV
In writing, you use above to refer to something that has already been mentioned or discussed
Several conclusions could be drawn from the results described above
Ě below
below
[N-SING-COLL]
the N
Above is also a noun
For additional information, contact any of the above
[ADJ]
ADJ n
Above is also an adjective
For a copy of their brochure, write to the above address
3 [PREP]
If an amount or measurement is above a particular level, it is greater than that level
Trang 16Collins COBUILD English Dictionary.txtThe temperature crept up to just above 40 degrees
Victoria Falls has had above average levels of rainfall this year
Government spending is planned to rise 3 per cent above inflation
Ě below
below
[ADV]
amount and ADV
Above is also an adverb
Banks have been charging 25 percent and above for unsecured loans
Above is also an adverb
The policemen admitted beating the student, but said they were acting on orders from above
If someone is above criticism or suspicion, they cannot be criticized or
suspected because of their good qualities or their position
He was a respected academic and above suspicion
over and above: see over
above the law: see law
above board: see board
above-the-line promotion above-the-line promotion above-the-line promotion above-the-line pro·mo·tion above-the-line promotions
[N-VAR]
Above-the-line promotion is the use of promotional methods that cannot be directly controlled by the company selling the goods or service, such as
Trang 17Collins COBUILD English Dictionary.txt television or press advertising Compare below-the-line promotion (BUSINESS)For all maternity clothing retailers, most above-the-line promotion is
conducted through focused sources such as mother and baby magazines
abracadabra abracadabra abracadabra
ab·ra·ca·dab·ra
[EXCLAM]
Abracadabra is a word that someone says when they are performing a magic trick
in order to make the magic happen
abrade abrade abrade
abrade abrades abrading abraded
[VERB]
be V-ed
To abrade something means to scrape or wear down its surface by rubbing it (FORMAL)
My skin was abraded and very tender
abrasion abrasion abrasion
Someone who has an abrasive manner is unkind and rude
His abrasive manner has won him an unenviable notoriety
2 [ADJ]
An abrasive substance is rough and can be used to clean hard surfaces
a new all-purpose, non-abrasive cleaner
abreast abreast abreast
abreast
1 [ADV]
ADV after v, num ADV
If people or things walk or move abreast, they are next to each other, side by side, and facing in the same direction
The steep pavement was too narrow for them to walk abreast
If you keep abreast of a subject, you know all the most recent facts about it
He will be keeping abreast of the news
abridged abridged abridged
Trang 18Collins COBUILD English Dictionary.txtThis is an abridged version of her new novel `The Queen and I'.
ADV after v, n ADV, be ADV, from ADV
If you go abroad, you go to a foreign country, usually one which is separated from the country where you live by an ocean or a sea
I would love to go abroad this year, perhaps to the South of France
public opposition here and abroad
About 65 per cent of its sales come from abroad
= overseas
overseas
abrogate abrogate abrogate
ab·ro·gate abrogates abrogating abrogated
Someone who is abrupt speaks in a rather rude, unfriendly way
He was abrupt to the point of rudeness
Cross was a little taken aback by her abrupt manner
= brusque
brusque
&xSym1; abruptly ab·rupt·ly [ADV]
`Good night, then,' she said abruptly
abs abs abs
abs
[N-PLURAL]
Abs are the same as abdominals (INFORMAL)
Throughout the exercise, focus on keeping your abs tight
abscess abscess abscess
ab·scess abscesses
[N-COUNT]
Trang 19Collins COBUILD English Dictionary.txt
An abscess is a painful swelling containing pus
abscond abscond abscond
ab·scond absconds absconding absconded
1 [VERB]
V, V from n
If someone absconds from somewhere such as a prison, they escape from it or leave it without permission (FORMAL)
He was ordered to appear the following day, but absconded
A dozen inmates have absconded from Forest Jail in the past year
= run away
run away
2 [VERB]
V with n
If someone absconds with something, they leave and take it with them, although
it does not belong to them (FORMAL)
Unfortunately, his partners were crooks and absconded with the funds
= run off
run off
abseil abseil abseil
ab·seil abseils abseiling abseiled
Someone's absence from a place is the fact that they are not there
a bundle of letters which had arrived for me in my absence
Eleanor would later blame her mother-in-law for her husband's frequent
conspicuous by one's absence: see conspicuous
see also leave of absence
absent absent absent
ab·sent
1 [ADJ]
usu v-link ADJ, oft ADJ from n
Trang 20Collins COBUILD English Dictionary.txt
If someone or something is absent from a place or situation where they should
be or where they usually are, they are not there
He has been absent from his desk for two weeks
Any soldier failing to report would be considered absent without leave
and punished accordingly
2 [ADJ]
If someone appears absent, they are not paying attention because they are thinking about something else
`Nothing,' Rosie said in an absent way
&xSym1; absently ab·sent·ly [ADV]
He nodded absently
3 [ADJ]
ADJ n
An absent parent does not live with his or her children
absent fathers who fail to pay towards the costs of looking after
their children
4 [PREP]
If you say that absent one thing, another thing will happen, you mean that if the first thing does not happen, the second thing will happen (AM FORMAL)Absent a solution, people like Sue Godfrey will just keep on fighting
In elections in the United States, if you vote by absentee ballot or if you
are an absentee voter, you vote in advance because you will be away (AM) absenteeism absenteeism absenteeism
Trang 21Collins COBUILD English Dictionary.txt absent-minded absent-minded absent-minded
Elizabeth absent-mindedly picked a thread from his lapel
absinthe absinthe absinthe
ab·sinthe
[N-UNCOUNT]
Absinthe is a very strong alcoholic drink that is green and tastes bitter
absolute * absolute absolute
ab·so·lute absolutes
1 [ADJ]
usu ADJ n
Absolute means total and complete
It's not really suited to absolute beginners
A sick person needs absolute confidence and trust in a doctor
= complete
complete
2 [ADJ] emphasis
ADJ n
You use absolute to emphasize something that you are saying
About 12 inches wide is the absolute minimum you should consider
I think it's absolute nonsense
= complete
complete
3 [ADJ]
ADJ n
An absolute ruler has complete power and authority over his or her country
He ruled with absolute power
Trang 22Collins COBUILD English Dictionary.txt Absolute rules and principles are believed to be true, right, or relevant in all situations.
There are no absolute rules
Ě relative
relative
7 [N-COUNT]
An absolute is a rule or principle that is believed to be true, right, or
relevant in all situations
see also decree absolute
absolutely ** absolutely absolutely
ab·so·lute·ly
1 [ADV] emphasis
usu ADV adj/adv, also ADV with v
Absolutely means totally and completely
Jill is absolutely right
I absolutely refuse to get married
There is absolutely no difference!
2 [ADV] emphasis
ADV as reply
Some people say absolutely as an emphatic way of saying yes or of agreeing with someone They say absolutely not as an emphatic way of saying no or of disagreeing with someone
`It's worrying, isn't it?' - `Absolutely.'
absolute majority absolute majority absolute majority
ab·so·lute ma·jor·ity absolute majorities
[N-COUNT]
usu sing
If a political party wins an absolute majority, they obtain more seats or
votes than the total number of seats or votes gained by their opponents in an election
absolute zero absolute zero absolute zero
Trang 23Collins COBUILD English Dictionary.txt You can refer to someone's beliefs as absolutism if they think that their beliefs are true, right, or relevant in all situations, especially if you
think they are wrong to behave in this way
&xSym1; absolutist ab·so·lut·ist [ADJ]
This absolutist belief is replaced by an appreciation that rules can
vary
absolve absolve absolve
ab·solve absolves absolving absolved
absorb absorb absorb
ab·sorb absorbs absorbing absorbed
1 [VERB]
V n, be V-ed into n
If something absorbs a liquid, gas, or other substance, it soaks it up or takes it in
Plants absorb carbon dioxide from the air and moisture from the soil
Refined sugars are absorbed into the bloodstream very quickly
= soak up
soak up
2 [VERB]
V n
If something absorbs light, heat, or another form of energy, it takes it in
A household radiator absorbs energy in the form of electric current and releases it in the form of heat
3 [VERB]
be V-ed into n, V n
If a group is absorbed into a larger group, it becomes part of the larger group
The Colonial Office was absorbed into the Foreign Office
an economy capable of absorbing thousands of immigrants
4 [VERB]
V n
If something absorbs a force or shock, it reduces its effect
footwear which does not absorb the impact of the foot striking the
Trang 24Collins COBUILD English Dictionary.txt
If something absorbs something valuable such as money, space, or time, it uses
up a great deal of it
It absorbed vast amounts of capital that could have been used for
If you absorb information, you learn and understand it
Too often he only absorbs half the information in the manual
see also absorbed, absorbing
absorbed absorbed absorbed
ab·sorbed
[ADJ]
v-link ADJ, usu ADJ in/by n
If you are absorbed in something or someone, you are very interested in them and they take up all your attention and energy
They were completely absorbed in each other
Absorbent material soaks up liquid easily
The towels are highly absorbent
absorber absorber absorber
ab·sorb·er
see shock absorber
absorbing absorbing absorbing
ab·sorb·ing
[ADJ]
An absorbing task or activity interests you a great deal and takes up all your attention and energy
`Two Sisters' is an absorbing read
absorption absorption absorption
Trang 25Collins COBUILD English Dictionary.txt usu with poss, oft N into/by n
The absorption of a group into a larger group is the process of it becoming
part of the larger group
abstain abstain abstain
ab·stain abstains abstaining abstained
1 [VERB]
V from n, V
If you abstain from something, usually something you want to do, you
deliberately do not do it (FORMAL)
Abstain from sex or use condoms
Do you drink alcohol, smoke, or abstain?
2 [VERB]
V
If you abstain during a vote, you do not use your vote
Three Conservative MPs abstained in the vote
abstemious abstemious abstemious
Abstention is a formal act of not voting either for or against a proposal
a vote of sixteen in favor, three against, and one abstention
abstinence abstinence abstinence
ab·sti·nence
[N-UNCOUNT]
Abstinence is the practice of abstaining from something such as alcoholic
drink or sex, often for health or religious reasons
six months of abstinence
total abstinence from alcohol
An abstract idea or way of thinking is based on general ideas rather than on
real things and events
abstract principles such as justice
It's not a question of some abstract concept
= theoretical
theoretical
&xSym1; abstractly ab·stract·ly [ADV]
It is hard to think abstractly in these conditions
2 [PHRASE]
PHR with cl/group
When you talk or think about something in the abstract, you talk or think
about it in a general way, rather than considering particular things or
events
Trang 26Collins COBUILD English Dictionary.txtMoney was a commodity she never thought about except in the abstract.
Someone who is abstracted is thinking so deeply that they are not fully aware
of what is happening around them (WRITTEN)
The same abstracted look was still on his face
= preoccupied
preoccupied
&xSym1; abstractedly ab·stract·ed·ly [ADV]
ADV with v
She nodded abstractedly
abstraction abstraction abstraction
ab·strac·tion abstractions
[N-VAR]
An abstraction is a general idea rather than one relating to a particular
object, person, or situation (FORMAL)
Is it worth fighting a big war, in the name of an abstraction like
absurd absurd absurd
ab·surd
[ADJ] disapproval
Trang 27Collins COBUILD English Dictionary.txt oft it v-link ADJ to-inf/that
If you say that something is absurd, you are criticizing it because you think that it is ridiculous or that it does not make sense
It is absurd to be discussing compulsory redundancy policies for
The absurd is something that is absurd (FORMAL)
Parkinson had a sharp eye for the absurd
&xSym1; absurdly ab·surd·ly [ADV]
Prices were still absurdly low, in his opinion
&xSym1; absurdity absurdities ab·surd·ity [N-VAR]
I find myself growing increasingly angry at the absurdity of the
An abundance of something is a large quantity of it
The area has an abundance of wildlife
Food was in abundance
Something that is abundant is present in large quantities
There is an abundant supply of cheap labour
Birds are abundant in the tall vegetation
If something is abundantly clear, it is extremely obvious
He made it abundantly clear that anybody who disagrees with his policies will not last long
2 [ADV]
usu ADV with v, also ADV adj
Trang 28Collins COBUILD English Dictionary.txt Something that occurs abundantly is present in large quantities.
a plant that grows abundantly in the United States
abuse ** abuse abuse
abuse abuses abusing abused The noun is pronounced The verb is pronounced
1 [N-UNCOUNT]
also N in pl, usu with supp
Abuse of someone is cruel and violent treatment of them
investigation of alleged child abuse
victims of sexual and physical abuse
controversy over human rights abuses
Abuse of something is the use of it in a wrong way or for a bad purpose
What went on here was an abuse of power
drug and alcohol abuse
4 [VERB]
be V-ed, V n, V-ed
If someone is abused, they are treated cruelly and violently
Janet had been abused by her father since she was eleven
parents who feel they cannot cope or might abuse their children
those who work with abused children
&xSym1; abuser abusers abus·er [N-COUNT]
a convicted child abuser
If you abuse something, you use it in a wrong way or for a bad purpose
He showed how the rich and powerful can abuse their position
&xSym1; abuser abus·er [N-COUNT]
the treatment of alcohol and drug abusers
abusive abusive abusive
abu·sive
1 [ADJ]
Someone who is abusive behaves in a cruel and violent way towards other people
He became violent and abusive toward Ben's mother
One in eight women lives in an abusive relationship
2 [ADJ]
Abusive language is extremely rude and insulting
= insulting
Trang 29Collins COBUILD English Dictionary.txt insulting
abut abut abut
abut abuts abutting abutted
v-link ADJ, usu ADJ with n
If someone says that a place is abuzz with rumours or plans, they mean that everyone there is excited about them (JOURNALISM)
abysmal abysmal abysmal
abys·mal
[ADJ]
If you describe a situation or the condition of something as abysmal, you think that it is very bad or poor in quality
our abysmal record at producing a scientifically trained workforce
The general standard of racing was abysmal
= dismal
dismal
&xSym1; abysmally abys·mal·ly [ADV]
ADV adj, ADV after v
The standard of education was abysmally low
As the chart shows, it has failed abysmally
abyss abyss abyss
AC is used to refer to an electric current that continually changes direction
as it flows AC is an abbreviation for `alternating current'
acacia acacia acacia
aca·cia acacias or acacia
Trang 30Collins COBUILD English Dictionary.txt The academic world of universities is sometimes referred to as academe
(FORMAL)
academia academia academia
aca·demia
[N-UNCOUNT]
Academia refers to all the academics in a particular country or region, the
institutions they work in, and their work
the importance of strong links between industry and academia
academic * academic academic
aca·dem·ic academics
1 [ADJ]
ADJ n
Academic is used to describe things that relate to the work done in schools,
colleges, and universities, especially work which involves studying and
reasoning rather than practical or technical skills
Their academic standards are high
I was terrible at school and left with few academic qualifications
&xSym1; academically aca·dem·ical·ly [ADV]
the start of the last academic year
I'd had enough of academic life
3 [ADJ]
Academic is used to describe work, or a school, college, or university, that
places emphasis on studying and reasoning rather than on practical or
technical skills
The author has settled for a more academic approach
4 [ADJ]
Someone who is academic is good at studying
The system is failing most disastrously among less academic children
You can say that a discussion or situation is academic if you think it is not
important because it has no real effect or cannot happen
Such is the size of the problem that these arguments are purely academic
Trang 31Collins COBUILD English Dictionary.txt acad·emy academies
1 [N-COUNT]
usu with supp, oft in names
Academy is sometimes used in the names of schools and colleges, especially those specializing in particular subjects or skills, or private high schools
in the United States
the Royal Academy of Music
her experience as a police academy instructor
2 [N-IN-NAMES]
Academy appears in the names of some societies formed to improve or maintain standards in a particular field
the American Academy of Psychotherapists
accede accede accede
ac·cede accedes acceding acceded
1 [VERB]
V to n
If you accede to someone's request, you do what they ask (FORMAL)
Britain would not accede to France's request
2 [VERB]
When a member of a royal family accedes to the throne, they become king or queen (FORMAL)
accelerate accelerate accelerate
ac·cel·er·ate accelerates accelerating accelerated
1 [VERB]
V, V n
If the process or rate of something accelerates or if something accelerates
it, it gets faster and faster
Growth will accelerate to 2.9 per cent next year
The government is to accelerate its privatisation programme
2 [VERB]
V, V prep/adv
When a moving vehicle accelerates, it goes faster and faster
Suddenly the car accelerated
She accelerated away from the kerb
acceleration acceleration acceleration
Acceleration is the rate at which a car or other vehicle can increase its
speed, often seen in terms of the time that it takes to reach a particular
Trang 32Collins COBUILD English Dictionary.txt ac·cel·era·tor accelerators
[N-COUNT]
The accelerator in a car or other vehicle is the pedal which you press with
your foot in order to make the vehicle go faster
He eased his foot off the accelerator
accent accent accent
ac·cent accents
1 [N-COUNT]
Someone who speaks with a particular accent pronounces the words of a language
in a distinctive way that shows which country, region, or social class they
come from
He had developed a slight American accent
2 [N-COUNT]
An accent is a short line or other mark which is written above certain letters
in some languages and which indicates the way those letters are pronounced
3 [N-SING]
oft N on n
If you put the accent on a particular feature of something, you emphasize it
or give it special importance
He is putting the accent on military readiness
Language or speech that is accented is spoken with a particular accent
I spoke rather good, but heavily accented English
see also accent
accentuate accentuate accentuate
ac·cen·tu·ate accentuates accentuating accentuated
[VERB]
V n
To accentuate something means to emphasize it or make it more noticeable
His shaven head accentuates his large round face
accept *** accept accept
ac·cept accepts accepting accepted
1 [VERB]
V n, V
If you accept something that you have been offered, you say yes to it or agree
to take it
Eventually Sam persuaded her to accept an offer of marriage
All those invited to next week's peace conference have accepted
2 [VERB]
V that, V n, V n as adj/n, V-ed
If you accept an idea, statement, or fact, you believe that it is true or
valid
I do not accept that there is any kind of crisis in British science
I don't think they would accept that view
He did not accept this reply as valid
a workforce generally accepted to have the best conditions in Europe
Trang 33Collins COBUILD English Dictionary.txt = acknowledge
Urban dwellers often accept noise as part of city life
I wasn't willing to accept that her leaving was a possibility
5 [VERB]
V n, V n
If a person, company, or organization accepts something such as a document, they recognize that it is genuine, correct, or satisfactory and agree to
consider it or handle it
We advised newspapers not to accept the advertising
Cheques can only be accepted up to the value guaranteed on the card
Ě reject
reject
6 [VERB]
V n, V n as n
If an organization or person accepts you, you are allowed to join the
organization or use the services that are offered
All-male groups will not be accepted
incentives to private landlords to accept young people as tenants
Ě reject
reject
7 [VERB]
V n, V n as n, V n into n
If a person or a group of people accepts you, they begin to be friendly
towards you and are happy with who you are or what you do
My grandparents have never had a problem accepting me
Many men still have difficulty accepting a woman as a business partner
Stephen Smith was accepted into the family like an adopted brother
Trang 34Collins COBUILD English Dictionary.txt
The telephone booths accept 10 and 20 pence coins
see also accepted
acceptable * acceptable acceptable
ac·cept·able
1 [ADJ]
Acceptable activities and situations are those that most people approve of or consider to be normal
It is becoming more acceptable for women to drink alcohol
The air pollution exceeds most acceptable levels by 10 times or more
Ě unacceptable
unacceptable
&xSym1; acceptability ac·cept·abil·ity [N-UNCOUNT]
usu N of n
an increase in the social acceptability of divorce
&xSym1; acceptably ac·cept·ably [ADV]
The aim of discipline is to teach children to behave acceptably
2 [ADJ]
oft ADJ to n
If something is acceptable to someone, they agree to consider it, use it, or allow it to happen
They have thrashed out a compromise formula acceptable to Moscow
They recently failed to negotiate a mutually acceptable new contract
On the far side of the street was a restaurant that looked acceptable
&xSym1; acceptably ac·cept·ably [ADV]
ADV adj, ADV with v
a method that provides an acceptably accurate solution to a problem
acceptance acceptance acceptance
ac·cept·ance acceptances
1 [N-VAR]
usu with supp, oft poss N, N of n
Acceptance of an offer or a proposal is the act of saying yes to it or
agreeing to it
The Party is being degraded by its acceptance of secret donations
a letter of acceptance
his acceptance speech for the Nobel Peace Prize
Trang 35Collins COBUILD English Dictionary.txt
a theory that is steadily gaining acceptance
There was a general acceptance that the defence budget would shrink
3 [N-UNCOUNT]
usu N of n
Your acceptance of a situation, especially an unpleasant or difficult one, is
an attitude or feeling that you cannot change it and that you must get used to it
his calm acceptance of whatever comes his way
oft adv ADJ
Accepted ideas are agreed by most people to be correct or reasonable
There is no generally accepted definition of life
It is accepted wisdom that science has been partly responsible for the
decline of religion
see also accept
access * access access
ac·cess accesses accessing accessed
1 [N-UNCOUNT]
usu N to n
If you have access to a building or other place, you are able or allowed to go into it
The facilities have been adapted to give access to wheelchair users
Scientists have only recently been able to gain access to the area
The Mortimer Hotel offers easy access to central London
Trang 36Collins COBUILD English Dictionary.txt
4 [VERB]
V n
If you access something, especially information held on a computer, you
succeed in finding or obtaining it
You've illegally accessed and misused confidential security files
access course access course access course
ac·cess course access courses
If a place or building is accessible to people, it is easy for them to reach
it or get into it If an object is accessible, it is easy to reach
The Centre is easily accessible to the general public
The premises are wheelchair accessible
&xSym1; accessibility ac·ces·sibil·ity [N-UNCOUNT]
the easy accessibility of the area
2 [ADJ]
oft ADJ to n
If something is accessible to people, they can easily use it or obtain it
The legal aid system should be accessible to more people
&xSym1; accessibility ac·ces·sibil·ity [N-UNCOUNT]
the quality and accessibility of health care
3 [ADJ] approval
oft ADJ to n
If you describe a book, painting, or other work of art as accessible, you
think it is good because it is simple enough for people to understand and
appreciate easily
literary books that are accessible to a general audience
&xSym1; accessibility ac·ces·sibil·ity [N-UNCOUNT]
Seminar topics are chosen for their accessibility to a general audience
accession accession accession
ac·ces·sion
[N-UNCOUNT]
with poss, oft N to n
Accession is the act of taking up a position as the ruler of a country
(FORMAL)
the 50th anniversary of the Queen's accession to the throne
accessorize accessorize accessorize
ac·ces·so·rize accessorizes accessorizing accessorized
[VERB]
V n, also V n with n
To accessorize something such as a set of furniture or clothing means to add other things to it in order to make it look more attractive
Use a belt to accessorise a plain dress
accessory accessory accessory
Trang 37Collins COBUILD English Dictionary.txt ac·ces·so·ry accessories
1 [N-COUNT]
usu pl
Accessories are items of equipment that are not usually essential, but which can be used with or added to something else in order to make it more
efficient, useful, or decorative
an exclusive range of hand-made bedroom and bathroom accessories
She was charged with being an accessory to the embezzlement of funds
= accomplice
accomplice
access road access road access road
ac·cess road access roads
[N-COUNT]
An access road is a road which enables traffic to reach a particular place or area
the access road to the airport
access time access time access time
ac·cess time access times
[N-COUNT]
Access time is the time that is needed to get information that is stored in a
computer (COMPUTING)
This system helps speed up access times
accident * accident accident
ac·ci·dent accidents
1 [N-COUNT]
An accident happens when a vehicle hits a person, an object, or another
vehicle, causing injury or damage
She was involved in a serious car accident last week
Six passengers were killed in the accident
2 [N-COUNT]
If someone has an accident, something unpleasant happens to them that was not intended, sometimes causing injury or death
5,000 people die every year because of accidents in the home
The police say the killing of the young man was an accident
3 [N-VAR]
usu by N
If something happens by accident, it happens completely by chance
She discovered the problem by accident
= chance
chance
accidental accidental accidental
Trang 38Collins COBUILD English Dictionary.txt ac·ci·den·tal
[ADJ]
An accidental event happens by chance or as the result of an accident, and is not deliberately intended
The jury returned a verdict of accidental death
His hand brushed against hers; it could have been either accidental or
acclaim acclaim acclaim
ac·claim acclaims acclaiming acclaimed
1 [VERB]
usu passive, be V-ed for n/-ing, be V-ed as n, be V-ed n
If someone or something is acclaimed, they are praised enthusiastically
(FORMAL)
She has been acclaimed for the TV drama `Prime Suspect'
He was acclaimed as England's greatest modern painter
The group's debut album was immediately acclaimed a hip hop classic
&xSym1; acclaimed ac·claimed [ADJ]
She has published six highly acclaimed novels
2 [N-UNCOUNT]
usu with supp, oft adj N
Acclaim is public praise for someone or something (FORMAL)
Angela Bassett has won critical acclaim for her excellent performance
Trang 39Collins COBUILD English Dictionary.txt Acclamation is a noisy or enthusiastic expression of approval for someone or something (FORMAL)
The news was greeted with considerable popular acclamation
At first it looked like I was going to win by acclamation
acclimatize acclimatize acclimatize
ac·cli·ma·tize acclimatizes acclimatizing acclimatized
[VERB]
V to n, V pron-refl, V
When you acclimatize or are acclimatized to a new situation, place, or
climate, you become used to it (FORMAL)
The athletes are acclimatising to the heat by staying in Monte Carlo
This year he has left for St Louis early to acclimatise himself
They have been travelling for two days and will need some time to
acclimatise
&xSym1; acclimatization ac·cli·ma·ti·za·tion [N-UNCOUNT]
Acclimatization to higher altitudes may take several weeks
&xSym1; acclimatized ac·cli·ma·tized [ADJ]
usu v-link ADJ, oft ADJ to n
It took her a while to get acclimatized to her new surroundings
accolade accolade accolade
accommodate accommodate accommodate
ac·com·mo·date accommodates accommodating accommodated
If something is planned or changed to accommodate a particular situation, it
is planned or changed so that it takes this situation into account (FORMAL)The roads are built to accommodate gradual temperature changes
Trang 40Collins COBUILD English Dictionary.txt
If you describe someone as accommodating, you like the fact that they are
willing to do things in order to please you or help you
Accommodation is used to refer to buildings or rooms where people live or
stay (BRIT; in AM, use accommodations)
The government will provide temporary accommodation for up to three
thousand people
Rates are higher for deluxe accommodations
2 [N-UNCOUNT]
Accommodation is space in buildings or vehicles that is available for certain
things, people, or activities (FORMAL)
The school occupies split-site accommodation on the main campus
accompaniment accompaniment accompaniment
ac·com·pa·ni·ment accompaniments
1 [N-COUNT]
usu with supp
The accompaniment to a song or tune is the music that is played at the same time as it and forms a background to it
He sang `My Funny Valentine' to a piano accompaniment
2 [N-COUNT]
usu with supp
An accompaniment is something which goes with another thing
This recipe makes a good accompaniment to ice-cream
[PREP-PHRASE]
If one thing happens to the accompaniment of another, they happen at the same time
The team came out to the accompaniment of fireworks
accompanist accompanist accompanist
ac·com·pa·nist accompanists
[N-COUNT]
An accompanist is a musician, especially a pianist, who plays one part of a
piece of music while someone else sings or plays the main tune
accompany * accompany accompany
ac·com·pa·ny accompanies accompanying accompanied
1 [VERB]