C Flashcards
candid
candid [ˈkæn.dɪd] approving adjective honest and telling the truth, especially about something difficult or painful • The two presidents have had candid talks about the current crisis. • To be candid with you, I think you’re making a dreadful mistake.
cereal
cereal [ˈsɪə.ri.əl] [ˈsɪr.i-] noun countable or uncountable [cereals] 1. < > a plant which is grown to produce grain • cereal crops Thesaurus+: ↑Cereals ↑Types of plant 2. < > a food that is made from grain and eaten with milk, especially in the morning Thesaurus+: ↑Cereals
chalk
chalk [tʃɔːk] [tʃɑːk] noun countable or uncountable [chalks] a type of soft white rock, or (a stick of) this rock or a similar substance used for writing or drawing Thesaurus+: ↑Types of rock ↑Precious and semi-precious stones ↑Writing implements Idiom: like chalk and cheese Derived: chalkiness ▪ chalky verb intransitive or transitive to write something with a piece of chalk Thesaurus+: ↑Writing and typing PhrasalVerb: chalk something up
chap
chap [tʃæp] (also chappie , also chappy) UK informal old-fashioned noun countable or [chaps] a man • He’s a friendly sort of a chap. Thesaurus+: ↑Kinds of men ↑Men and women Seealso: chappie ▪ chappy ▪ II. chap. noun countable written abbreviation for chapter • Chap. 21 Thesaurus+: ↑Books and parts of books ▪ III. chap [tʃæp] verb intransitive or transitive [-pp-] • The cold wind had chapped her lips. Thesaurus+: ↑Cutting and stabbing ↑Rough, irregular and uneven Mainentry: chapped derived
chapel
chapel [ˈtʃæp. ə l] noun countable [chapels] 1. < > a room within a larger building, which is used for Christian worship • The college/hospital/prison has its own chapel. • the Chapel of St Paul Thesaurus+: ↑Religious buildings and places 2. < > mainly UK a building which is used for Christian worship by Christians who do not belong to the Church of England or the Roman Catholic Church Thesaurus+: ↑Religious buildings and places • The chapel became a sanctuary for the refugees. • They meet in an old house, whose basement has been converted into a chapel. • We always went to chapel on Sundays. • They built a small chapel from the local rock.
cater
cater [ˈkeɪ.tə r ] [-t ̬ɚ] verb intransitive or transitive [caters catering catered] to provide, and sometimes serve, food • I’m catering for twelve on Sunday, all the family are coming. • Which firm will be catering at the wedding reception? • US Who catered your party? Thesaurus+: ↑Providing and serving meals PhrasalVerbs: cater for somebody ▪ cater to somebody Derived: caterer ▪ catering
cape
cape [keɪp] noun countable [capes] LAND 1. a very large piece of land sticking out into the sea • the Cape of Good Hope Thesaurus+: ↑Promontories and peninsulas COAT 2. a type of loose coat without sleeves, which is fastened at the neck and hangs from the shoulders
cherish
cherish [ˈtʃer.ɪʃ] verb transitive [cherishes cherishing cherished] 1. to love, protect and care for someone or something that is important to you • Although I cherish my children, I do allow them their independence. • Her most cherished possession is a 1926 letter from F. Scott Fitzgerald. • Freedom of speech is a cherished (= carefully protected) right in this country. Thesaurus+: ↑Loving and in love ↑Defending and protecting ↑Backing, supporting and defending ↑Preserving and saving 2. to keep hopes, memories or ideas in your mind because they are important to you and bring you pleasure • I cherish the memories of the time we spent together. Thesaurus+: ↑Remembering, reminding and reminders
chimney
himney chim|ney noun (pl. chimneys) 1) a vertical channel or pipe which conducts smoke and combustion gases up from a fire or furnace and typically through the roof of a building ■ a chimney stack 2) a glass tube protecting the flame of a lamp 3) a very steep narrow cleft by which a rock face may be climbed • Origin: Middle English (denoting a fireplace or furnace): from Old French cheminee ‘chimney, fireplace’, from late Latin caminata, perhaps from camera caminata ‘room with a fireplace’, from Latin caminus ‘forge, furnace’, from Greek kaminos ‘oven’
choke
[tʃo͟ʊk] chokes, choking, choked 1) V-ERG When you choke or when something chokes you, you cannot breathe properly or get enough air into your lungs. The coffee was almost too hot to swallow and made him choke for a moment… [V on ] A small child could choke on the doll’s hair… [V ] Dense smoke swirled and billowed, its rank fumes choking her… [V to ] The girl choked to death after breathing in smoke. 2) To choke someone means to squeeze their neck until they are dead. [V ] The men pushed him into the entrance of a nearby building where they choked him with his tie. Syn: strangle 3) usu If a place is choked with things or people, it is full of them and they prevent movement in it. [be with ] The village’s roads are choked with traffic… [be by ] His pond has been choked by the fast-growing weed. 4) usu , usu the N Thechoke in a car, truck, or other vehicle is a device that reduces the amount of air going into the engine and makes it easier to start.
chop
chop [tʃɒp] [tʃɑːp] verb transitive [-pp-] [chopping chopped chops] 1. < > to cut something into pieces with an axe , knife or other sharp instrument • He was chopping wood in the yard. • Add some fresh parsley, finely chopped. • Chop (up) the onions and carrots roughly. • informal Laura had her hair chopped (= cut) yesterday. Thesaurus+: ↑Cutting and stabbing 2. If something is chopped in finance or business, it is stopped or reduced • Because of lack of funding many long-term research projects are being chopped. Thesaurus+: ↑Causing something to end ↑Coming to an end
chuckle
chuckle [tʃʌ̱k(ə)l] chuckles, chuckling, chuckled When you chuckle, you laugh quietly. The banker chuckled and said, `Of course not.’… [V at/over ] He chuckled at her forthrightness. [Also V with ] Chuckle is also a noun. He gave a little chuckle.
churn
churn 1. noun 1) a machine for making butter by shaking milk or cream 2) a large metal container for milk 3) short for churn rate 2. verb [with obj.] 1) shake (milk or cream) in a machine in order to produce butter the cream is ripened before it is churned ■ produce (butter) by churning milk or cream 2) (with reference to liquid) move or cause to move about vigorously [no obj.] the seas churned her stomach was churning at the thought of the ordeal [with obj.] in high winds most of the loch is churned up ■ break up the surface of (an area of ground) the earth had been churned up where vehicles had passed through 3) (of a broker) encourage frequent turnover of (investments) in order to generate commission •
claim
claim [kleɪm] verb [claims claiming claimed] SAY 1. < > transitive to say that something is true or is a fact, although you cannot prove it and other people might not believe it • + (that) The company claims (that) it is not responsible for the pollution in the river. • + to infinitive He claims to have met the President, but I don’t believe him. • All parties have claimed success in yesterday’s elections. • An unknown terrorist group has claimed responsibility for this morning’s bomb attack. Thesaurus+: ↑Assertions and asserting 2. transitive If an organization or group claims a particular number of members, that number of people are believed to belong to it. Thesaurus+: ↑Having and owning - general words • Some people still claim that there is no firm evidence linking smoking with lung cancer. • They claim to be the biggest company in the world, which is true if you include their subsidiaries. • The study claims that British advertising stereotypes women. • It is claimed that the officers tortured a man to death in 1983 in a city police station. • Dean tricked the old lady into giving him eight hundred pounds, claiming that he would invest it for her.
clash
clash [klæʃ] verb [clashes clashing clashed] FIGHT 1. intransitive usually + adverb or preposition to fight or argue • Students clashed with police after demonstrations at five universities. • The government and the opposition parties have clashed over the cuts in defence spending. Thesaurus+: ↑Arguing and disagreeing 2. intransitive If two opinions, statements or qualities clash, they are very different from each other • This latest statement from the White House clashes with important aspects of US foreign policy.
clasp
clasp [klɑːsp] [klæsp] verb transitive [clasps clasping clasped] to hold someone or something firmly in your hands or arms • He was clasping the vase tightly, terrified of dropping it. • Lie on your back, clasp your knees and pull them down towards your chest. • She clasped her son in her arms. Thesaurus+: ↑Having in your hands noun 1. only singular a tight hold with your hand or arms • She held the child’s hand in a firm clasp as they crossed the road. Thesaurus+: ↑Having in your hands 2. countable a small metal device which is used to fasten a belt, bag or a piece of jewellery
clause
clause [klɔ͟ːz] clauses 1) oft N A clause is a section of a legal document. He has a clause in his contract which entitles him to a percentage of the profits. …a compromise document sprinkled with escape clauses. …a complaint alleging a breach of clause 4 of the code. 2) In grammar, a clause is a group of words containing a verb. Sentences contain one or more clauses. There are finite clauses and non-finite clauses. → See also main clause , relative clause , subordinate clause
claw
claw [klɔː] [klɑː] noun countable [claws] 1. one of the sharp curved nails at the end of each of the toes of some animals and birds • Our cat likes to sharpen her claws on the legs of the dining table. Thesaurus+: ↑The legs and feet of non-human animals 2. one of the two pointed parts, used for holding things, at the end of the legs of some insects and sea creatures • Keep your fingers away from the crab’s claws when you pick it up. Thesaurus+: ↑Miscellaneous animal body parts Idiom: get your claws into somebody
clay
clay [kleɪ] noun uncountable thick, heavy soil that is soft when wet, and hard when dry or baked, used for making bricks and containers
clench
clench [klen t ʃ] verb transitive [clenches clenching clenched] to close or hold something very tightly, often in a determined or angry way • The old man clenched his fist and waved it angrily at us. • With a knife clenched in/between his teeth, he climbed up the tree to cut some coconuts. • “Get out of here, “ she said through clenched teeth.
clinch
clinch [klɪn t ʃ] verb informal [clinches clinching clinched] WIN 1. transitive to finally get or win something • I hear he finally clinched the deal to buy the land he wanted. Thesaurus+: ↑Decisions and deciding ↑Getting, receiving and accepting ↑Capturing or taking possession of things DECIDE 2. clinch it to make someone decide what to do after a lot of thought or discussion • When they said the job would involve travelling to Paris, that clinched it (for her) (= that made her certain that she wanted the job) . Thesaurus+: ↑Decisions and deciding noun countable the position two people are in when they are holding each other tightly in their arms, when fighting or showing love
cling
cling [klɪŋ] (cling to/on to/on) hold on tightly to she clung to Joe’s arm we sat on the sofa clinging on to one another she clung on to life for 16 days ■ adhere or stick firmly or closely to; be hard to part or remove from the smell of smoke clung to their clothes the fabric clung to her smooth skin ■ remain very close to the fish cling to the line of the weed ■ remain persistently or stubbornly faithful to she clung resolutely to her convictions ■ be overly dependent on (someone) emotionally you are clinging to him for security
closure
closure [ˈkləʊ.ʒə r ] [ˈkloʊ.ʒɚ] noun [closures] 1. < > countable when a business, organization, etc. stops operating • factory/branch closures • The unions fought hard against the government’s programme of pit closures. Thesaurus+: ↑Starting, succeeding and failing in business 2. uncountable the feeling or act of bringing an unpleasant situation, time or experience to an end, so that you are able to start new activities • a sense of closure • to achieve/reach closure Thesaurus+: ↑Complete and whole ↑Very and extreme • The city suffered another blow last month with the closure of the local car factory. • The newspaper article touched a raw nerve - people still resent the closure of the local school. • We, the undersigned, strongly object to the closure of St. Mary’s Hospital: Jack James (Dr), Philippa Curry (Dr), Hugh Edwards. • The closure of the company’s German subsidiary caused a sharp wobble in its profits. • The closure of the factory brought poverty to the town.
clumsy
clumsy [ˈklʌm.zi] adjective [clumsier clumsiest] 1. < > awkward in movement or manner • The first mobile phones were heavy and clumsy to use, but nowadays they are much easier to handle. • My attempts to apologize were very clumsy (= not said well) . Thesaurus+: ↑Inability and awkwardness 2. < > describes someone who often has accidents because they do not behave in a careful, controlled way • That’s the third glass you’ve smashed this week - you’re so clumsy! Thesaurus+: ↑Inability and awkwardness • Her movements were rather clumsy. • You clumsy oaf! You’ve broken it! • She was clumsy and uncoordinated as a girl. • She made a clumsy curtsey and backed out of the room.
compel
compel [kəmˈpel] [-ll-] verb transitive [compelling compelled compels] 1. to force someone to do something • + to infinitive As a school boy he was compelled to wear shorts even in winter. • formal The new circumstances compelled a change in policy. See also compulsion Thesaurus+: ↑Causing somebody to act ↑Urging and persuading 2. formal to produce a strong feeling or reaction, sometimes unwillingly • Over the years her work has compelled universal admiration and trust.
complain
complain [kəmˈpleɪn] verb intransitive [complains complaining complained] 1. < > to say that something is wrong or not satisfactory • Lots of people have complained about the noise. • You’re always complaining! • + that He complained that his boss was useless and he had too much work. Thesaurus+: ↑Complaining 2. < > to tell someone formally that something is wrong • If the service was so bad why didn’t you complain to the manager? Thesaurus+: ↑Complaining
comply
comply [kəmˈplaɪ] formal verb intransitive [complies complying complied] < > to act according to an order, set of rules or request • He’s been ordered to have the dog destroyed because it’s dangerous, but he refuses to comply. • There are serious penalties for failure to comply with the regulations. Thesaurus+: ↑Obeying and breaking the law ↑Obedient and compliant ↑Disobedient ↑Bad and wrong behaviour • The court issued a contempt citation against city council members who refused to comply with a court order. • He was happy to comply without any further urging from me. • He was jailed for refusing to comply with the court order. • The builders have not complied with the architect’s instructions. • She had very set views about the funeral, and everyone was happy to comply with her wishes.
comprise
comprise [kəmˈpraɪz] formal verb transitive L only + noun not continuous [comprises comprising comprised] < > to have as parts or members, or to be those parts or members • The course comprises a class book, a practice book and an audio tape. • The class is comprised mainly of Italian and French students. • Italian students comprise 60% of the class. Thesaurus+: ↑Comprising and consisting of ↑Including and containing • The accommodation comprises six bedrooms and three living rooms. • His supporters are comprised mainly of evangelical Christians. • Our staff comprises many nationalities.
compulsory
compulsory [kəmˈpʌl.s ə r.i] [-sɚ-] adjective < > If something is compulsory, you must do it because of a rule or law • Swimming was compulsory at my school. • Wearing seat belts in cars is compulsory by law. Thesaurus+: ↑Court cases, orders and decisions ↑Duty, obligation and responsibility • English is compulsory for all students, but art and music are optional. • They proposed making secondary education compulsory up to the age of 18. • He has just finished a stint of compulsory military service. • Attendance at lectures is compulsory. • These books are compulsory reading for students of architecture.
conceal
conceal [kənˈsiːl] verb transitive [conceals concealing concealed] < > to prevent something from being seen or known about; to hide something • The listening device was concealed in a pen. • I tried to conceal my surprise when she told me her age. • It was said that the police concealed vital evidence. • Is there something you’re concealing from me? Thesaurus+: ↑Hiding and disguising • To conceal his identity, the man’s voice has been dubbed over. • Her brave smile concealed a deep hurt. • Her saintly manner concealed a devious mind. • He had a microphone concealed in his pocket. • The sewage tank was concealed behind a line of bushes.
concede
concede [kənˈsiːd] verb [concedes conceding conceded] 1. < > transitive to admit, often unwillingly, that something is true • + (that) The Government has conceded (that) the new tax policy has been a disaster. • + speech “Well okay, perhaps I was a little hard on her, “ he conceded. See also concession Thesaurus+: ↑Admitting and confessing 2. transitive to allow someone to have something, even though you do not want to • The president is not expected to concede these reforms. • He is not willing to concede any of his power/authority. • Britain conceded (= allowed) independence to India in 1947. Thesaurus+: ↑Accepting and agreeing reluctantly ↑Accepting and agreeing ↑Approving and approval 3. intransitive or transitive to admit that you have lost in a competition • He kept on arguing and wouldn’t concede defeat. • She conceded even before all the votes had been counted. Thesaurus+: ↑Admitting and confessing ↑Losing and being defeated ↑Scoring, winning and losing in sport 4. concede a goal/point to fail to stop an opposing team or person from winning a point or game • The team conceded two goals (to the other side) in the first five minutes of the game. Thesaurus+: ↑Scoring, winning and losing in sport ↑Winning and defeating ↑Losing and being defeated • She conceded defeat well before all the votes had been counted. • Hysen handled the ball and conceded the penalty that gave Manchester United the lead. • Clinton conceded, “We bit off more than we could chew in our original health care reform proposals.” • He conceded that he had been a little harsh. • Reluctantly she conceded that their idea was better.
conceited
conceited [kənˈsiː.tɪd] [-t ̬ɪd] disapproving adjective too proud of yourself and your actions and abilities • Without wishing to sound conceited, I am the best salesperson in the company.
conceivable
conceivable [kənˈsiː.və.bl ̩] adjective possible to imagine or to believe • Books on every conceivable subject lined one wall. • It’s just conceivable (= possible although difficult to imagine) (that) the hospital made a mistake. Thesaurus+: ↑Imagining and conceiving Derived: conceivably
conceive
conceive [kənˈsiːv] verb [conceives conceiving conceived] IMAGINE 1. intransitive or transitive to imagine something • I think my uncle still conceives of me as a four-year-old. • He couldn’t conceive of a time when he would have no job. • + question word I can’t conceive (= It is too shocking to imagine) how anyone could behave so cruelly. • + that I find it hard to conceive (= It is too shocking to imagine) that people are still treated so badly. Thesaurus+: ↑Imagining and conceiving INVENT 2. transitive to invent a plan or an idea • He conceived the plot for this film while he was still a student. • The exhibition was conceived by the museum’s director. See also concept Thesaurus+: ↑Imagining and conceiving BECOME PREGNANT 3. intransitive or transitive to become pregnant, or to cause a baby to begin to form • Do you know exactly when you conceived? • The baby was conceived in March, so will be born in December. See also conception Thesaurus+: ↑Pregnancy ↑Birth
concise
concise [kənˈsaɪs] adjective short and clear, expressing what needs to be said without unnecessary words • Make your answers clear and concise.
concrete
concrete [ˈkɒŋ.kriːt] [ˈkɑːn-] noun uncountable < > a very hard building material made by mixing together cement , sand, small stones and water • reinforced concrete • a concrete floor/path • a grey concrete building Thesaurus+: ↑Building materials • The bomb shelter has concrete walls that are three metres thick. • The foundation of the house is built from rubble overlaid with concrete. • A row of reinforced concrete pillars supports the bridge. • Weeds were pushing up through the cracks in the concrete. • Don’t walk on the concrete until it has set.
condemn
condemn [kənˈdem] verb transitive [condemns condemning condemned] < > to criticize something or someone strongly, usually for moral reasons • The terrorist action has been condemned as an act of barbarism and cowardice. • The film was condemned for its sexism. Thesaurus+: ↑Disapproving and criticizing ↑Damaging reputation • She was the only politician to condemn the proposed law on moral grounds. • The President took the unusual step of altering his prepared speech in order to condemn the terrorist attack. • Her refusal to condemn the violence left her open to the charge of positive support for the campaign. • Prince Charles condemned the assertively modernist style of architecture. • The Opposition has condemned the Government’s proposed tax increases.
condemnation
condemnation [ˌkɒn.dəmˈneɪ.ʃ ə n] [ˌkɑːn-] noun countable or uncountable 1) the expression of very strong disapproval; censure there was strong international condemnation of the attack 2) the action of condemning someone to a punishment; sentencing
confer
confer [kənˈfɜː r ] [-ˈfɝː] [-rr-] verb [conferring conferred confers] TALK 1. intransitive to exchange ideas on a particular subject, often in order to reach a decision on what action to take • I should like some time to confer with my lawyer. Thesaurus+: ↑Debate and discussion GIVE 2. transitive to give an official title, honour, or advantage to someone • An honorary doctorate was conferred on him by Edinburgh University. Thesaurus+: ↑Giving, providing and supplying
confess
confess [kənˈfes] verb intransitive or transitive [confesses confessing confessed] 1. < > to admit that you have done something wrong or something that you feel guilty or bad about • + that She confessed to her husband that she had sold her wedding ring. • He confessed to sleeping/having slept through most of the film. • He has confessed to the murder. • + (that) I have to confess (that) when I first met Ian I didn’t think he was very bright. • I found it all very confusing, I must confess. • reflexive The director confessed himself (to be) puzzled by the company’s losses. Thesaurus+: ↑Admitting and confessing 2. in the Christian religion, especially the Roman Catholic Church, to tell God or a priest what you have done wrong so that you can be forgiven • to confess your sins Thesaurus+: ↑Forgiveness in religion ↑Religious practices • I have to confess I’m a bit of a sucker for musicals. • I must confess that I got my sums wrong - the house extension is costing a lot more than I expected. • The killer confessed that he often drugged his victims before he killed them. • He was granted immunity from prosecution because he confessed the names of the other spies. • He confessed that he had sinful thoughts.
confide
confide [kənˈfaɪd] verb intransitive or transitive [confides confiding confided] to tell something secret or personal to someone who you trust not to tell anyone else • + that He confided (to her) that his hair was not his own. • + speech “My husband doesn’t know yet, but I’m going to leave him, “ she confided.
confine
confine [kənˈfaɪn] verb [confines confining confined] 1. < > transitive to limit an activity, person or problem in some way • Let’s confine our discussion to the matter in question, please! • Please confine your use of the telephone to business calls. • By closing the infected farms we’re hoping to confine the disease to the north of the region (= stop it from spreading to other areas) . Thesaurus+: ↑Limiting and restricting ↑Preventing and impeding 2. < > transitive usually passive to keep someone closed in a place, often by force • The hostages had been confined for so long that they couldn’t cope with the outside world. Thesaurus+: ↑Putting people in prison ↑Enclosing, surrounding and immersing 3. be confined to somewhere/sth to exist only in a particular area or group of people • We know that the illness is not confined to any one group in society. • This attitude seems to be confined to the upper classes. Thesaurus+: ↑Limiting and restricting ↑Preventing and impeding • Men have always played an active part in leading worship while women have been confined to more passive roles. • The campaign aims to dispel the prejudice that AIDS is confined to the homosexual community. • Let’s confine our remarks to the facts, shall we? • We confined our research to families with only one autistic child. • It was terrible for our research to be confined by lack of money.
conform
conform [kənˈfɔːm] [-ˈfɔːrm] verb intransitive [conforms conforming conformed] to behave according to the usual standards of behaviour which are expected by a group or society
congested
congested [kənˈdʒes.tɪd] adjective 1. too blocked or crowded and causing difficulties Thesaurus+: ↑Full 2. describes roads and towns where there is too much traffic and movement is made difficult Thesaurus+: ↑Traffic jams 3. describes someone who cannot breathe through their nose because it is blocked, usually during an infection Thesaurus+: ↑Colds and flu ↑Fevers and infectious diseases ↑Respiratory disorders 4. describes lungs or other body parts that have become too full of blood or other liquid Thesaurus+: ↑Respiratory disorders ↑Disorders and diseases of the heart and blood Derived: congestion
conjure
conjure [ˈkʌn.dʒə r ] [-dʒɚ] verb intransitive or transitive [conjures conjuring conjured] to make something appear by magic, or as if by magic • In an instant, the magician had conjured (up) a dove from his hat.
conquer
conquer [ˈkɒŋ.kə r ] [ˈkɑːŋ.kɚ] verb transitive [conquers conquering conquered] 1. to take control or possession of foreign land, or a group of people, by force • The Spanish conquered the New World in the 16th century. • The English were conquered by the Normans in 1066. Thesaurus+: ↑Attacking and invading ↑Winning and defeating ↑Scoring, winning and losing in sport 2. to deal with or successfully fight against a problem or an unreasonable fear • He has finally conquered his fear of spiders. • It may be many years before this dreadful disease is conquered.
conscience
conscience [ˈkɒn. t ʃ ə n t s] [ˈkɑːn-] noun countable or uncountable [consciences] < > the part of you that judges how moral your own actions are and makes you feel guilty about bad things that you have done or things you feel responsible for • a guilty conscience • a question/matter of conscience • You didn’t do anything wrong - you should have a clear conscience (= not feel guilty) . • My conscience would really trouble me if I wore a fur coat. • He’s got no conscience at all (= does not feel guilty) about leaving me to do the housework.
consecutive
consecutive [kənˈsek.jʊ.tɪv] [-t ̬ɪv] adjective < > describes events, numbers, etc. that follow one after another without an interruption • This is the fifth consecutive weekend that I’ve spent working, and I’m a bit fed up with it. Thesaurus+: ↑Simultaneous and consecutive ↑Order and sequence • Unemployment has risen again for the third consecutive month. • Coventry City have proved untouchable this season - they’ve just won their sixth consecutive game. • It was United’s sixth consecutive win this season. • We have visited your mother for five consecutive Christmases. • He did three hundred consecutive press-ups.
consent
consent [kənˈsent] noun uncountable slightly formal 1. < > permission or agreement • They can’t publish your name without your consent. • You can only come on the trip if your parents give their consent. Thesaurus+: ↑Accepting and agreeing ↑Accepting and agreeing reluctantly ↑Approving and approval 2. by common consent most people agree • Her latest film, by common consent, is her best yet. Thesaurus+: ↑Accepting and agreeing ↑Accepting and agreeing reluctantly ↑Approving and approval • The child’s parents or guardians must give their consent before she has the operation. • The agreement was terminated by mutual consent. • The airline requires children travelling alone to have a notarized letter of consent from one or both parents. • Her father’s blessing represented a bestowal of consent upon her marriage. • She gave her consent to the sale of the painting. verb intransitive to agree to do something, or to allow someone to do something • + to infinitive Very reluctantly, I’ve consented to lend her my car. • My aunt never married because her father wouldn’t consent to her marriage.
consolation
consolation [ˌkɒn.səˈleɪ.ʃ ə n] [ˌkɑːn-] noun countable or uncountable [consolations] something that makes someone who is sad or disappointed feel better; when you try to make someone who is sad or disappointed feel better by giving them comfort or sympathy • If it’s (of) any consolation (to you), you’re not the only one he was rude to. • I didn’t know what to say - I just offered a few words of consolation.
conspire
conspire [kənˈspaɪə r ] [-ˈspaɪr] verb intransitive [conspires conspiring conspired] to plan secretly with other people to do something bad, illegal or against someone’s wishes • + to infinitive He felt that his colleagues were conspiring together to remove him from his job. • As girls, the sisters used to conspire with each other against their brother.
construe
construe [kənˈstruː] formal verb [construes construing construed] construe sth as sth to understand the meaning, especially of other people’s actions and statements, in a particular way • Any change in plan would be construed as indecision.
contemplate
contemplate [ˈkɒn.təm.pleɪt] [ˈkɑːn.t ̬əm-] verb intransitive or transitive [contemplates contemplating contemplated] < > to spend time considering a possible future action, or to consider one particular thing for a long time in a serious and quiet way • + -ing verb I’m contemplating going abroad for a year. • You’re not contemplating a change of job, are you? • It’s too awful/horrific/dangerous to contemplate. Thesaurus+: ↑Thinking and contemplating • I’m contemplating leaving my job. • Losing a child is just too awful to contemplate. • I couldn’t contemplate living on my own. • He was contemplating his future.
contend
contend [kənˈtend] verb [contends contending contended] COMPETE 1. intransitive to compete in order to win something • There are three world-class tennis players contending for this title. • He’s contending against someone with twice his experience. Thesaurus+: ↑Competing and contending (non-sporting) ↑Competing in sport CLAIM 2. transitive + (that) formal to state that something is true or is a fact • The lawyer contended (that) her client had never been near the scene of the crime.
convene
convene [kənˈviːn] formal verb intransitive or transitive [convenes convening convened] to arrange (a group of people for) a meeting, or to meet for a meeting • The Prime Minister convened (a meeting of) his ministers to discuss the matter. • The council will be convening on the morning of the 25th.
converge
onverge [kənˈvɜːdʒ] [-ˈvɝːdʒ] verb intransitive [converges converging converged] 1. If lines, roads or paths converge, they move towards the same point where they join or meet • The paths all converge at the main gate of the park. • Due to roadworks, three lanes of traffic have to converge into two. Compare diverge Thesaurus+: ↑Connecting and combining ↑Variety and mixtures ↑Mixing and mixtures 2. If ideas and opinions converge, they gradually become similar. Thesaurus+: ↑Connecting and combining ↑Variety and mixtures ↑Mixing and mixtures 3. to come from other places to meet in a particular place • Ambulances, police cars and fire engines all converged on the scene. • 100,000 people are expected to converge on the town for the festival.
convey
convey [kənˈveɪ] verb transitive [conveys conveying conveyed] COMMUNICATE 1. < > to express a thought, feeling or idea so that it is understood by other people • His poetry conveys a great sense of religious devotion. • If you see James, do convey my apologies (to him). • + question word I tried to convey in my speech how grateful we all were for his help. • You don’t want to convey the impression that we’re not interested. Thesaurus+: ↑Defining and explaining • Few journalists have managed to convey the full horror of the situation. • What the book does convey very successfully is the horror of war. • No report can convey the unspeakable suffering that this war has caused. • Words alone cannot convey the untold misery endured by people in these refugee camps. • With a single wag of her finger she managed to convey her total disapproval. TAKE 2. to take or carry someone or something to a particular place • The goods are usually conveyed by sea. • Could you convey a message to Mr Merrick for me, please?
convict
convict verb transitive usually passive [kənˈvɪkt] [convicts convicting convicted] < > to decide officially in a court of law that someone is guilty of a crime • He has twice been convicted of robbery/arson. Compare acquit Thesaurus+: ↑Court cases, orders and decisions ↑Guilty • It was thought that he’d committed the crime but there wasn’t sufficient evidence to convict him. • She was convicted of murdering her drunken and allegedly violent husband. • He was convicted of felony. • An Italian court convicted him in absentia for his terrorist activities. • If convicted, she could be jailed for five years for living off immoral earnings. Derived: convicted
convince
convince [kənˈvɪn t s] verb transitive [convinces convincing convinced] < > to persuade someone or make them certain • He managed to convince the jury of his innocence. • + (that) It’s useless trying to convince her (that) she doesn’t need to lose any weight. • + to infinitive I hope this will convince you to change your mind. Thesaurus+: ↑Reassuring ↑Proving and disproving • Agricultural companies have failed to convince consumers that GM foods are safe. • His doctor tried to convince him that he wasn’t really ill and that it was all in the mind. • Autosuggestion is the power of mind over matter - if you convince yourself that you are cured, you will be. • It took a lot of persuasion to convince the committee of the advantages of the new scheme. • Sometimes my imagination runs away with me and I convince myself that they are having an affair.
cope
cope [kəʊp] [koʊp] verb intransitive [copes coping coped] < > to deal successfully with a difficult situation • It must be difficult to cope with three small children and a job. • The tyres on my car don’t cope very well on wet roads. • He had so much pressure on him in his job that eventually he just couldn’t cope. Thesaurus+: ↑Coping and not coping ↑Dealing with things or people ↑Tolerating and enduring • Will she be able to cope with the work? • The hostages had been confined for so long that they couldn’t cope with the outside world. • Get a good night’s sleep and you’ll feel better able to cope. • The teacher said that he found it difficult to cope with a class of disaffected teenagers. • The emergency services are working at full stretch today to cope with the accident.
cord
cord [kɔːd] [kɔːrd] noun [cords] ROPE/WIRE 1. countable or uncountable (a length of) rope or string made of twisted threads • Where’s the cord that ties back the curtains? • Have you got some cord that I can tie this parcel up with? Thesaurus+: ↑Cords, ropes, cables and string 2. countable or uncountable (UK also flex) a piece of wire covered in plastic, used to connect electrical equipment to a power supply • an extension cord • a telephone cord Thesaurus+: ↑Electrical switches and connections CLOTH 3. uncountable UK corduroy • a cord shirt/jacket Thesaurus+: ↑Textiles made from natural fibres 4. cords trousers made of corduroy material
corollary
corollary [kəˈrɒl. ə r.i] [ˈkɔːr.ə.ler.i] formal noun countable [corollaries] something that results from something else • Unfortunately, violence is the inevitable corollary of such a revolutionary change in society. Thesaurus+: ↑Outcomes and consequences
cosy
COMFORTABLE 1. < > comfortable and pleasant, especially (of a building) because small and warm • This room is nice and cosy in the winter. • He showed me into a cosy little room. Thesaurus+: ↑Comfortable and uncomfortable • It’s much better to have a small cosy room than a big cold one. • The room looked cosy and inviting. TOO CLOSE 2. disapproving describes a situation which is convenient for those involved but not always honest or legal • He has some cosy arrangement/deal with his supplier, which means he’s able to sell his goods more cheaply. Thesaurus+: ↑Excluding Seealso: cozy
counteract
counteract [ˌkaʊn.təˈrækt] [-t ̬ɚ.ækt] verb transitive [counteracts counteracting counteracted] to reduce or remove the effect of something unwanted by producing an opposite effect • Drinking a lot of water counteracts the dehydrating effects of hot weather.
coup
SUCCESS 1. < > an unexpectedly successful achievement • It was a tremendous coup for the local paper to get an exclusive interview with Prince Charles. • I got him to come to a party which was something of a coup. Thesaurus+: ↑Success and achievements ↑Higher and lower points of achievement ↑Failures • Their story about the princess was a real coup. • Winning the helicopter contract was a real coup for him. • Getting the chief executive job was a real coup for Jennifer. TAKE POWER 2. (also coup d’état [ˌkuː.deɪˈtɑː] [plural coups d’état]) a sudden illegal, often violent, taking of government power, especially by (part of) an army • a military coup
cracle
crackle [ˈkræk.l ̩] verb intransitive [crackles crackling crackled] to make a lot of short, dry, sharp sounds • The radio started to crackle. • The logs crackled and popped in the fireplace.
cram
cram [kræm] [-mm-] verb [cramming crammed crams] PUSH 1. transitive usually + adverb or preposition informal to force a lot of things into a small space, or to do many things in a short period of time • Eight children were crammed into the back of the car. • I managed to cram three countries into a week’s business trip. • The room was packed and we were crammed against the door. Thesaurus+: ↑Inserting and forcing things into other things LEARN 2. intransitive to try to learn a lot very quickly before an examination • She’s cramming for her history exam.
cramped
cramped [kræm p t] adjective not having enough space or time • a cramped room/house • We have six desks in this room, so we’re rather cramped (for space). • Meeting you before the end of the month will be difficult, because I have a very cramped schedule until then.
crate
crate [kreɪt] noun countable [crates] a box made of wood, plastic or metal, especially one divided into parts to hold bottles • a milk crate • a crate of empty bottles • a packing crate
crawl
crawl [krɔːl] [krɑːl] verb [crawls crawling crawled] MOVE 1. < > intransitive to move slowly or with difficulty, especially (of a person) with the body stretched out along the ground or on hands and knees • The child crawled across the floor. • The injured soldier crawled to safety. • The lorry crawled noisily up the hill. • Megan has just learned to crawl. Thesaurus+: ↑Moving on your hands and legs or on your stomach ↑Slow and moving slowly • With a wriggle, she managed to crawl through the gap. • The children crawled through an opening space in the fence. • The baby was crawling around on its hands and knees. TRY TO PLEASE 2. intransitive informal disapproving to try hard to please in order to get an advantage • I don’t like people who crawl. • UK He crawled to the group leader because he wanted a promotion. Thesaurus+: ↑Praising insincerely or too eagerly FILL 3. be crawling with sth informal to be completely covered with or full of a particular type of thing • The kitchen floor was crawling with ants.
crayon
crayon [ˈkreɪ.ɒn] [-ɑːn] noun countable [crayons] a small stick of coloured wax used for drawing or writing • wax crayons • children’s crayons Thesaurus+: ↑Writing implements verb intransitive or transitive UK to draw something with a crayon • When I left her she was busy crayoning.
creak
creak [kriːk] verb intransitive [creaks creaking creaked] When a door or floorboard, etc. creaks, it makes a long low sound when it moves or is moved • The door creaked on its hinges. • I heard the floorboards creak as he crept closer. Thesaurus+: ↑Sounds made by objects, movement or impact noun countable a noise made when something creaks • I heard a creak on the stairs.
creek
creek creek [kriːk] noun countable [creeks] 1. UK a narrow area of water that flows into the land from the sea, a lake, etc. Thesaurus+: ↑Watercourses and waterfalls 2. US a stream or narrow river Thesaurus+: ↑Watercourses and waterfalls Idiom: up the creek
creep
reep [kriːp] verb intransitive usually + adverb or preposition [crept], [crept] [crept creeps creeping] to move slowly, quietly and carefully, usually in order to avoid being noticed • She turned off the light and crept through the door. • Someone was creeping around outside my window. • The spider crept up the wall. • The traffic was creeping along at a snail’s pace. Thesaurus+: ↑Moving to avoid being seen ↑Slow and moving slowly PhrasalVerbs: creep in into something ▪ creep over somebody ▪ creep up ▪ creep up on somebody
cripple
cripple [ˈkrɪp.l ̩] noun countable [cripples] 1. offensive old-fashioned a person who cannot use their arms or legs in a normal way Thesaurus+: ↑Handicap and the disabled 2. emotional cripple informal someone who finds it difficult to have or express feelings Thesaurus+: ↑Not showing or feeling emotions ↑Controlling emotions verb transitive 1. to injure someone so that they are unable to walk or move in a normal way Thesaurus+: ↑Injuring and injuries 2. to cause serious damage to someone or something, making them weak and not effective • a country crippled by war
crisp
crisp [krɪsp] adjective mainly approving [crisper crispest] HARD 1. hard enough to be broken easily Thesaurus+: ↑Hard and firm 2. describes cooked foods, such as pastry and biscuits, that are well cooked so that they are just dry and hard enough Thesaurus+: ↑Hard and firm ↑Various qualities of food 3. describes fruit or vegetables that are fresh and firm • a crisp apple Thesaurus+: ↑Hard and firm 4. describes paper or cloth that is stiff and smooth • a crisp new £5 note/a crisp white tablecloth Thesaurus+: ↑Hard and firm CLEAR 5. describes sound or an image that is very clear • Now that we have cable, we get a wonderfully crisp picture, even on our old TV. Thesaurus+: ↑Apparent and obvious ↑Visible ↑Easy to understand 6. describes a way of speaking, writing or behaving that is quick, confident and effective • a crisp reply • a crisp, efficient manner Thesaurus+: ↑Not saying much ↑Blunt and direct in speech and behaviour ↑Not being friendly ↑Digressing and being indirect or evasive COLD 7. describes weather that is cold, dry and bright • a wonderful crisp spring morning Thesaurus+: ↑Cool 8. describes air that is cold, dry and fresh • I breathed in deeply the crisp mountain air. Thesaurus+: ↑Cool Derived: crisply ▪ crispness
crook
crook [krʊk] noun [crooks] CRIMINAL 1. countable informal a very dishonest person, especially a criminal or a cheat • These politicians are just a bunch of crooks. Thesaurus+: ↑Criminals - general words BEND 2. the crook of your arm the inside part of your arm where it bends Thesaurus+: ↑The arm STICK 3. countable a long stick with a curved end, especially one carried by a shepherd or a bishop Thesaurus+: ↑Poles, rods, shafts and sticks adjective Australian informal bad or ill Thesaurus+: ↑Not fit and healthy ↑Thin or slender (of people) ↑Informal words for bad ↑Rubbish and waste ↑Serious and unpleasant ↑Not of good quality verb transitive old-fashioned to bend your arm or finger • She delicately crooked her little finger as she picked up her tea cup.
crosswalk
crosswalk [ˈkrɒs.wɔːk] [ˈkrɑːs.wɑːk] noun countable [crosswalks] US for pedestrian crossing
crouch
▪ I. crouch [kraʊtʃ] verb intransitive [crouches crouching crouched] to bend your knees and lower yourself so that you are close to the ground and leaning forward slightly • She saw him coming and crouched (down) behind a bush. Thesaurus+: ↑Sitting and standing ↑Not holding the body upright ↑Reclining
crude
crude [kruːd] adjective [cruder crudest] SIMPLE 1. < > simple and not skilfully done or made • a crude device/weapon Thesaurus+: ↑Crude and basic • The M.P.’s speech was dismissed by her opponents as crude electioneering. • The constructed a crude shelter from branches. • The boxes were used as a crude table and chairs. RUDE 2. rude and offensive • a crude remark/comment Thesaurus+: ↑Rude and cheeky ↑Relating to sex and sexual desire Derived: crudely ▪ crudeness
cruel
cruel [ˈkruː.əl], [krʊəl] [crueller], [cruellest] or [crueler], [cruelest] adjective [crueller cruellest crueler cruelest] 1. < > extremely unkind and unpleasant and causing pain to people or animals intentionally • Don’t tease him about his weight - it’s cruel. • Children can be very cruel to each other. Thesaurus+: ↑Unkind, cruel and unfeeling ↑Violent or aggressive ↑Treating people or animals badly ↑Insults and abuse 2. causing suffering • His death was a cruel blow. Thesaurus+: ↑Unkind, cruel and unfeeling ↑Violent or aggressive ↑Treating people or animals badly ↑Insults and abuse • It’s so cruel to keep a pony chained up like that all the time. • Can’t you see that you’re really frightening your little brother? Don’t be so cruel. • We appear to have been the victims of a cruel practical joke. • Fate played a cruel trick on him when he was badly injured in his first international game. • Keeping animals in these conditions is unbelievably cruel - the farmer ought to be prosecuted.
crumble
crumble [ˈkrʌm.bl ̩] verb [crumbles crumbling crumbled] 1. intransitive or transitive to break, or cause something to break, into small pieces • She nervously crumbled the bread between her fingers. • The cliffs on which the houses are built are starting to crumble. Thesaurus+: ↑Tearing and breaking into pieces 2. intransitive to become weaker in strength or influence • Support for the government is crumbling. Thesaurus+: ↑Becoming and making less strong noun countable or uncountable UK (US crisp) a sweet dish made from fruit covered in a mixture of flour, butter and sugar rubbed together into small pieces, which is baked and eaten hot
crunchy
crunchy [ˈkrʌn.tʃi] adjective [crunchier crunchiest] describes food that is firm and makes a loud noise when it is eaten
crusade
crusade [kruːˈseɪd] noun [crusades] 1. countable a long and determined attempt to achieve something which you believe in strongly • They have long been involved in a crusade for racial equality. • a moral crusade against drugs Thesaurus+: ↑Backing, supporting and defending ↑Defending and protecting 2. countable often plural (also Crusade) a holy war fought by the Christians against the Muslims, often in Palestine, in the 11th, 12th, 13th and 17th centuries Thesaurus+: ↑Middle Ages (medieval Period) 501-1500 ↑War verb intransitive to make an effort to achieve something which you believe in strongly • She crusaded against sex and violence on television.
cub
cub [kʌb] noun countable [cubs] YOUNG ANIMAL 1. a young lion, bear, wolf , etc. Thesaurus+: ↑Animal young BOY 2. (also cub scout) a boy aged between 8 and 11 years old who is a member of the international organization called the Scouts
cue
cue [kjuː] noun countable [cues] SIGNAL 1. a word or action in a play or film, which is used as a signal by a performer to begin saying or doing something Thesaurus+: ↑Casting, roles and scripts 2. a signal for someone to do something • + to infinitive They started washing up, so that was our cue to leave the party. Thesaurus+: ↑Signs, signals and symbols ↑Specific signs and symbols 3. on cue If something happens on cue, it happens just after someone has said or thought it would happen • I was just wondering where Sarah was, when, right on cue, she came in. Thesaurus+: ↑At the right time ↑Planning, expecting and arranging ↑Plotting and trapping 4. take your cue from sb to take notice of someone’s words or behaviour so that you know what you should do • She watched his lips carefully and took her cue from him. Thesaurus+: ↑Paying attention and being careful ↑Cautious and vigilant STICK 5. a long thin wooden pole with a small piece of leather at one end, which is used for hitting the ball in games such as billiards or snooker Thesaurus+: ↑Snooker, pool and billiards Idiom: take your cue from somebody verb transitive [cueing], [cued], [cued] (also cue in) to give someone a signal to do something • With a nod of his head, the drummer cued the lead singer in.
cunning
cunning [ˈkʌn.ɪŋ] adjective CLEVER 1. describes people who are clever at planning something so that they get what they want, especially by tricking other people, or things that are cleverly made for a particular purpose • a cunning plan/ploy • He’s a very cunning man. Thesaurus+: ↑Sly and devious ATTRACTIVE 2. US old-fashioned attractive; cute • a cunning little child/puppy/kitten Thesaurus+: ↑Attractive ↑Sexual attraction ↑Smart and elegant Derived: cunningly noun uncountable the quality or skill of being clever at planning something so you get what you want, especially by tricking other people • We need to show a bit of cunning if we want to trick the enemy.
curb
curb [kɜːb] [kɝːb] verb transitive [curbs curbing curbed] < > to control or limit something that is not wanted • The Government should act to curb tax evasion. Thesaurus+: ↑Limiting and restricting ↑Preventing and impeding • He is someone who finds it difficult to curb his fleshly desires. • You really need to curb your spending. • The police are trying to curb under-age drinking.
curfew
curfew [ˈkɜː.fjuː] [ˈkɝː-] noun countable or uncountable [curfews] a rule that everyone must stay at home between particular times, usually at night, especially during a war or a period of political trouble • to impose/lift a curfew • a midnight curfew • He was shot for breaking (= not obeying) the curfew. • You’ll be in trouble if you get home after curfew.
cushion
cushion [ˈkʊʃ. ə n] noun countable [cushions] 1. < > a bag made of cloth, plastic or leather which is filled with soft material, often has an attractive cover, and is used especially on chairs for sitting or leaning on • She sank back against/into the cushions. See also pincushion See picture Thesaurus+: ↑Cushions and furniture coverings 2. cushion of air specialized a layer of air often used to support a machine or vehicle • A hovercraft travels on a cushion of air. Thesaurus+: ↑Coverings and layers • Stuff the cushion and then sew up the final seam. • My aunt was busy straightening furniture and plumping cushions. • The cushions blend well with the colour of the carpet. • The new yellow cushions nicely set off the pale green of the chair covers. verb transitive to make the effect or force of something softer • The soft grass cushioned his fall. Thesaurus+: ↑Defending and protecting ↑Backing, supporting and defending ↑Preserving and saving
curse
curse [kɜːs] [kɝːs] verb [curses cursing cursed] SPEAK ANGRILY 1. intransitive or transitive to say a word or an expression which is not polite and shows that you are very angry • We could hear him cursing and swearing as he tried to get the door open. • I could curse her for losing my key! Thesaurus+: ↑Swearing and blasphemy PERFORM MAGIC 2. transitive to say magic words which are intended to bring bad luck to someone • Things were going so badly - it was as if I’d been cursed. Thesaurus+: ↑Magic noun MAGIC 1. countable magic words which are intended to bring bad luck to someone • In the story, a wicked witch put a curse on the princess for 100 years. Thesaurus+: ↑Magic TROUBLE 2. countable a cause of trouble and unhappiness • Noise is the curse of modern city life. Thesaurus+: ↑Difficult situations and unpleasant experiences ↑Accidents and disasters BLOOD 3. the curse old-fashioned informal a woman’s period (= flow of blood each month) Thesaurus+: ↑Processes and stages connected with sexual reproduction ANGRY WORD 4. countable a rude word or phrase
custard
custard [ˈkʌs.təd] [-tɚd] noun uncountable a (usually warm) sweet sauce made from eggs, milk and sugar and poured over sweet dishes • apple pie and custard
