UNITS 3&4 • TOPIC Flashcards
adapt
uk |əˈdæpt| us |əˈdæpt|
verb
1. to change, or to change something, to suit different conditions or uses [T]
* “Davies is busy adapting Brinkworth’s latest novel for television.”
* “The play had been adapted for (= changed to make it suitable for) children.”
* “[adapt from] The recipe here is a pork roast adapted from Caroline O’Neill’s book “Louisiana Kitchen”.”
* “Many software companies have adapted popular programs to the new operating system.”
* ”[+ to infinitive] We had to adapt our plans to fit Jack’s timetable.”
2. to change your ideas or behaviour to make them suitable for a new situation [I]
* “[adapt to] The good thing about children is that they adapt very easily to new environments.”
* “It took me a while to adapt to the new job.”
3. If a living thing adapts, it changes slightly over time so it can continue to exist in a particular environment [I biology specialized]
* “[adapt to] Species have adapted to climate changes throughout history.”
* “The ways in which organisms have adapted to survive in this extreme environment are not well understood.”
adjust
uk |əˈdʒʌst| us |əˈdʒʌst|
verb
1. to change something slightly, especially to make it more correct, effective, or suitable [T]
* “If the chair is too high you can adjust it to suit you.”
* “As a teacher you have to adjust your methods to suit the needs of slower children.”
2. to arrange your clothing to make yourself look tidy [T]
* “She adjusted her skirt, took a deep breath, and walked into the room.”
3. to become more familiar with a new situation [I]
* “I can’t adjust to living on my own.”
* “Her eyes slowly adjusted to the dark.”
* “The lifestyle is so very different - it takes a while to adjust.”
alternate
uk |ˈɒl.tə.neɪt| us |ˈɑːl.tɚ.neɪt|
verb
1. to happen or exist one after the other repeatedly [I usually + adv/prep]
* “She alternated between cheerfulness and deep despair.”
2. to make something happen or exist one after the other repeatedly [T usually + adv/prep]
* “He alternated working in the office with long tours overseas.”
alternate
uk |ɒlˈtɜː.nət| us |ˈɑːl.tɝː.nət|
adjective
1. with first one thing, then another thing, and then the first thing again
* “a dessert with alternate layers of chocolate and cream”
2. If something happens on alternate days, it happens every second day
* “Private cars are banned from the city on alternate days.”
3. An alternate plan or method is one that you can use if you do not want to use another one. [US (UK alternative)]
alternative
uk |ɒlˈtɜː.nə.tɪv| us |ɑːlˈtɝː.nə.t̬ɪv|
adjective
1. An alternative plan or method is one that you can use if you do not want to use another one (US also alternate)
* “The opposition parties have so far failed to set out an alternative strategy.”
* “An alternative venue for the concert is being sought.”
2. Alternative things are considered to be unusual and often have a small but enthusiastic group of people who support them
* “alternative comedy”
alternative
uk |ɒlˈtɜː.nə.tɪv| us |ɑːlˈtɝː.nə.t̬ɪv|
noun
1. something that is different from something else, especially from what is usual, and offering the possibility of choice
* “[an alternative to] an alternative to coffee”
* “There must be an alternative to people sleeping on the streets.”
* “You’ve given me no alternative. I’m afraid we have to let you go.”
* “I’m afraid I have no alternative but to ask you to leave (= that is what I have to do).”
amend
uk |əˈmend| us |əˈmend|
verb
1. to change the words of a text, especially a law or a legal document
* “MPs were urged to amend the law to prevent another oil tanker disaster.”
* “In line 20, “men” should be amended (= changed) to “people”.”
* “Until the constitution is amended, the power to appoint ministers will remain with the president.”
conservative
uk |kənˈsɜː.və.tɪv| us |kənˈsɝː.və.t̬ɪv|
adjective
1. not usually liking or trusting change, especially sudden change
* “a conservative society/outlook”
* “Older people tend to be more conservative and a bit suspicious of anything new.”
Conservative
uk |kənˈsɜː.və.tɪv| us |kənˈsɝː.və.t̬ɪv|
adjective
1. belonging to or supporting the British political party that traditionally supports business and opposes high taxes and government involvement in industry
* “the Conservative Party”
* “Conservative policies”
* “a Conservative MP/government”
* “Did you vote Conservative at the last election?”
convert
uk |kənˈvɜːt| us |kənˈvɝːt|
verb
1. to (cause something or someone to) change in form or character [I/T]
* “[convert something into something] Could we convert the small bedroom into a second bathroom?”
* “What’s the formula for converting pounds into kilograms?”
2. to change to a new religion, belief, opinion, etc., or to make someone do this [I/T]
* “[convert to] He converted to (= started believing in) Catholicism when he got married.”
* “[convert someone (to something)] I used to hate exercise, but my sister has converted me (to it).”
3. in sport , to score extra points such as a conversion, free throw, or penalty shot [T]
convert
uk |ˈkɒn.vɜːt| us |ˈkɑːn.vɝːt|
noun
1. someone who changes their beliefs, habits, or way of living
* “a Christian/Buddhist convert”
* “[convert to] I’m a recent convert to vegetarianism/organic gardening, and I need some advice.”
decay
uk |dɪˈkeɪ| us |dɪˈkeɪ|
verb
1. to become gradually damaged, worse, or less; to cause something to do this [I/T]
* “Sugar makes your teeth decay.”
* “The role of the extended family has been decaying for some time.”
* “Pollution has decayed the surface of the stonework on the front of the cathedral.”
* “the smell of decaying meat”
2. If a radioactive substance decays, it changes to a different form, producing radiation [I physics specialized]
* “[decay into] Radioactive uranium decays into stable lead at a known rate.”
* “As the actinium-225 decays, it gives off short-lived, highly energized alpha particles.”
decay
uk |dɪˈkeɪ| us |dɪˈkeɪ|
noun
1. the process of decaying
* “environmental/industrial/moral/urban decay”
* “dental/tooth decay”
* “[fall into decay] The buildings had started to fall into decay.”
* “This industry has been in decay for some time.”
2. the process by which a radioactive substance changes to a different form, producing radiation [physics specialized]
* “Radon is emitted in the natural decay of radioactive materials in rock and soil.”
* “the decay rate of beryllium-7”
deteriorate
uk |dɪˈtɪə.ri.ə.reɪt| us |dɪˈtɪr.i.ə.reɪt|
verb
1. to become worse
* “[condition deteriorates] She was taken into hospital last week when her condition suddenly deteriorated.”
* “[situation deteriorates] The political situation in the region has deteriorated rapidly.”
distort
uk |dɪˈstɔːt| us |dɪˈstɔːrt|
verb
1. to change the shape of something so that it looks strange or unnatural
* “The map distorted Greenland to appear four times its actual size.”
* “a distorting mirror”
dynamic
uk |daɪˈnæm.ɪk| us |daɪˈnæm.ɪk|
adjective
1. having a lot of ideas and enthusiasm
* “She’s young and dynamic and will be a great addition to the team.”
* “We need a dynamic expansion of trade with other countries.”
endure
uk |ɪnˈdʒʊər| us |ɪnˈdʊr|
verb
1. to suffer something difficult, unpleasant, or painful [T]
* “We had to endure a nine-hour delay at the airport.”
* “She’s already had to endure three painful operations on her leg.”
2. to continue to exist for a long time [I formal]
* “The political system established in 1400 endured until about 1650.”
evolve
uk |ɪˈvɒlv| us |ɪˈvɑːlv|
verb
1. to develop gradually, or to cause something or someone to develop gradually
* “[evolve from] Did humans evolve from apes?”
* “[evolve into] The company has evolved over the years into a multi-million dollar organization.”
* “Bacteria are evolving resistance to antibiotics.”
influence
uk |ˈɪn.flu.əns| us |ˈɪn.flu.əns|
noun
1. the power to have an effect on people or things, or a person or thing that is able to do this
* “[bad/good influence on] Helen’s a bad/good influence on him.”
* “[have influence over] He has a huge amount of influence over the city council.”
* “[exert influence] Christopher hoped to exert his influence to make them change their minds.”
* “[under the influence of] At the time she was under the influence of her father.”
influence
uk |ˈɪn.flu.əns| us |ˈɪn.flu.əns|
verb
1. to affect or change how someone or something develops, behaves, or thinks
* “She’s very good at making friends and influencing people.”
* ”[+ obj + to infinitive] What influenced you to choose a career in nursing?”
innovation
uk |ˌɪn.əˈveɪ.ʃən| us |ˌɪn.əˈveɪ.ʃən|
noun
1. a new idea or method [C]
* “Another innovation for the Olympics was sprint suits for runners.”
* “Technological innovations have allowed for drilling with less disturbance to the environment.”
* “the latest innovations in computer technology”
2. the creating and use of new ideas or methods [U]
* “He says he wants to stimulate creativity and innovation.”
* “Business leaders are blaming high taxes for stifling economic success and innovation.”
innovative
uk |ˈɪn.ə.və.tɪv| us |ˈɪn.ə.veɪ.t̬ɪv|
adjective
1. using new methods or ideas
* “innovative ideas/methods”
* “She was an imaginative and innovative manager.”
last
uk |lɑːst| us |læst|
verb
1. to continue to exist
* “The meeting lasted two hours.”
* “The drought lasted for several months.”
* “They say the snow will last until the end of next week.”
* “I can’t see the ceasefire lasting.”
* “They haven’t had an argument for two weeks, but it’s too good to last (= they’ll have an argument soon).”
* “I doubt their enthusiasm will last.”
* “He’s working very efficiently at the moment, but it won’t last.”
2. to continue being good or suitable
* “There’s no point buying something that isn’t going to last.”
* “The cheaper washing machines should last about five years.”
* “This pen should last (you) a lifetime if you take care of it.”
* “Her previous secretary only lasted a month (= left after this period).”
maintain
uk |meɪnˈteɪn| us |meɪnˈteɪn|
verb
1. to continue to have; to keep in existence, or not allow to become less
* “The army has been brought in to maintain order in the region.”
* “We have standards to maintain.”
* “Despite living in different countries, the two families have maintained close links.”
* “The film has maintained its position as the critics’ favourite for another year.”
2. to keep a road, machine, building, etc. in good condition
* “A large house costs a lot to maintain.”
* “The roads in the town have been very poorly maintained.”
3. to express firmly your belief that something is true
* “Throughout his prison sentence, Dunn has always maintained his innocence.”
* ”[+ that] He maintains that he has never seen the woman before.”
4. to provide someone with food and whatever is necessary for them to live on
* “They barely earn enough to maintain themselves and their four children.”
mature
uk |məˈtʃʊər| us |məˈtʃʊr| |məˈtʃɔːr|
adjective
1. Mature people behave like adults in a way that shows they are well developed emotionally
* “He’s very mature for his age.”
2. A mature decision is one that is made after a lot of careful thought
* “Upon mature reflection, we find the accused guilty.”
3. completely grown physically
* “[mature adult] After ten years, the young boy had grown into a mature adult.”
* “[sexually mature] Female rats are sexually mature (= able to reproduce and have babies) at three months.”
* “Mature male gorillas have silver-grey hairs on their backs.”
* “mature oak trees”
4. having a flavour that is completely developed
* “Do you prefer mild or mature cheddar?”
5. A mature investment is ready to be paid. [finance & economics specialized]
mature
uk |məˈtʃʊər| us |məˈtʃʊr|
verb
1. to become more developed mentally and emotionally and behave in a responsible way [I/T]
* “Girls are said to mature faster than boys.”
* “He matured a lot while he was in college.”
2. If ideas, opinions, etc. mature, they reach an advanced or developed state [I]
* “It took several years for her ideas to mature.”
3. to become completely grown physically [I]
* “Humans take longer to mature than most other animals.”
4. to allow food and wine to become old enough for the flavour to develop completely [I/T]
* “The wine has been matured in oak vats.”
* “The cheese is left to mature for two years.”
5. If an insurance agreement or an investment matures, it becomes ready to be paid [I finance & economics specialized]
* “The policy matures after 15 years.”
modify
uk |ˈmɒd.ɪ.faɪ| us |ˈmɑː.də.faɪ|
verb
1. to change something such as a plan, opinion, law, or way of behaviour slightly, usually to improve it or make it more acceptable
* “Instead of simply punishing them, the system encourages offenders to modify their behaviour.”
* “The proposals were unpopular and were only accepted in a modified form.”
2. If a word or phrase modifies another word or phrase used with it, it limits or adds to its meaning [language specialized]
* “In the sentence “She ran quickly” the adverb “quickly” modifies the verb “ran”.”
novel
uk |ˈnɒv.əl| us |ˈnɑː.vəl|
adjective
1. new and original, not like anything seen before
* “a novel idea/suggestion”
* “Keeping a sheep in the garden is a novel way of keeping the grass short!”
2. used to refer to a new strain (= type) of a virus that has not been seen before [medical specialized]
* “The COVID-19 pathogen is a novel coronavirus.”
* “A novel virus in swine is closely related to the human hepatitis E virus.”
persist
uk |pəˈsɪst| us |pɚˈsɪst|
verb
1. If an unpleasant feeling or situation persists, it continues to exist
* “If the pain persists, consult a doctor.”
* “The cold weather is set to persist throughout the week.”
2. to try to do or continue doing something in a determined but often unreasonable way
* “If he persists in asking awkward questions, then send him to the boss.”
* “The government is persisting with its ambitious public works programme.”
potential
uk |pəˈten.ʃəl| us |poʊˈten.ʃəl|
adjective
1. possible when the necessary conditions exist
* “A number of potential buyers have expressed interest in the company.”
* “Many potential customers are waiting for a fall in prices before buying.”
* “The accident is a grim reminder of the potential dangers involved in North Sea oil production.”
potential
uk |pəˈten.ʃəl| us |poʊˈten.ʃəl|
noun
1. someone’s or something’s ability to develop, achieve, or succeed
* “The region has enormous potential for economic development.”
* “I don’t feel I’m achieving my full potential in my present job.”
* ”[+ to infinitive] You have the potential to reach the top of your profession.”
* “I think this room has got a lot of potential (= could be very nice if some changes were made to it).”
2. the amount of electricity passing through an electric circuit, measured in volts [physics specialized]
progress
uk |ˈprəʊ.ɡres| us |ˈprɑː.ɡres|
noun
1. movement to an improved or more developed state, or to a forward position
* “Technological progress has been so rapid over the last few years.”
* “I’m not making much progress with my Spanish.”
* “The doctor said that she was making good progress (= getting better after a medical operation or illness).”
* “The recent free elections mark the next step in the country’s progress towards democracy.”
* “The yacht’s crew said that they were making relatively slow progress.”
progress
uk |prəˈɡres| us |prəˈɡres|
verb
1. to improve or develop in skills, knowledge, etc. [I]
* “My Spanish never really progressed beyond the stage of being able to order drinks at the bar.”
radical
uk |ˈræd.ɪ.kəl| us |ˈræd.ɪ.kəl|
adjective
1. believing or expressing the belief that there should be great or extreme social or political change
* “He was known as a radical reformer/thinker/politician.”
* “These people have very radical views.”
2. relating to the most important parts of something or someone; complete or extreme
* “We need to make some radical changes to our operating procedures.”
* “I’m just having my hair trimmed - nothing radical.”
3. aimed at removing all diseased tissue [medical specialized]
* “Cervical cancer may be cured with radical surgery when it is confined to the pelvis or regional lymph nodes.”
refine
uk |rɪˈfaɪn| us |rɪˈfaɪn|
verb
1. to make something pure or improve something, especially by removing unwanted material
* “Crude oil is industrially refined to purify it and separate out the different elements, such as benzene.”
2. to improve an idea, method, system, etc. by making small changes
* “Engineers spent many months refining the software.”
reform
uk |rɪˈfɔːm| us |rɪˈfɔːrm|
noun
1. an improvement, especially in a person’s behaviour or in the structure of something
* “Some reforms of/to the system will be necessary.”
* “The education system was crying out for reform.”
remain
uk |rɪˈmeɪn| us |rɪˈmeɪn|
verb
1. to stay in the same place or in the same condition [I/L formal]
* “The doctor ordered him to remain in bed for a few days.”
* “Most commentators expect the basic rate of tax to remain at 25 percent.”
* ”[+ to infinitive] A great many things remain to be done (= have not yet been done).”
* “He remained silent.”
* “It remains a secret.”
* “The bank will remain open while renovations are carried out.”
2. to continue to exist when other parts or other things no longer exist [I]
* “After the flood, nothing remained of the village.”
* “Only a few hundred of these animals remain today.”
revise
uk |rɪˈvaɪz| us |rɪˈvaɪz|
verb
1. to look at or consider again an idea, piece of writing, etc. in order to correct or improve it [T]
* “His helpfulness today has made me revise my original opinion/impression of him.”
* “His publishers made him revise his manuscript three times.”
2. to study again something you have already learned, in preparation for an exam [I/T UK (US review)]
* “We’re revising (algebra) for the test tomorrow.”
revolution
uk |ˌrev.əˈluː.ʃən| us |ˌrev.əˈluː.ʃən|
noun
1. a change in the way a country is governed, usually to a different political system and often using violence or war [C/U]
* “The French Revolution changed France from a monarchy to a republic.”
* “The country seems to be heading towards revolution.”
2. a very important change in the way that people do things [C]
* “a technological revolution”
* “Penicillin produced a revolution in medicine.”
3. a circular movement [S]
* “The revolution of the earth around the sun was proposed by Copernicus.”
4. one complete circular movement of something, for example a wheel [C]
* “[abbreviation] Engine speed can be measured in revolutions per minute (abbreviation rpm).”
shift
uk |ʃɪft| us |ʃɪft|
noun
1. a group of workers who do a job for a period of time during the day or night, or the period of time itself [C, + sing/pl verb]
* “[night/day shift] As the night shift leave/leaves, the day shift arrive/arrives.”
* “Are you on the night shift or the day shift? (= Do you work during the night period or the day period?)”
2. a change in position or direction [C]
* “[shift in] a shift in the wind/temperature”
* “The shift in the balance of power in the region has had far-reaching consequences.”
* “There has been a dramatic shift in public opinion towards peaceful negotiations.”
3. a simple dress that hangs loosely from the shoulders [C (also shift dress)]
spoil
uk |spɔɪl| us |spɔɪl|
verb
1. to destroy or reduce the pleasure, interest, or beauty of something [T]
* “He tried not to let the bad news spoil his evening.”
* “The oil spill has spoiled the whole beautiful coastline.”
* “[spoil something for someone] I haven’t seen the film, so don’t spoil it for me by telling me what happens.”
* “[spoil your appetite] You’ll spoil your appetite for dinner if you have a cake now.”
2. When food spoils or is spoiled, it is no longer good enough to eat [I/T]
* “The dessert will spoil if you don’t keep it in the fridge.”
3. to mark a ballot paper so that it cannot be officially counted as a vote [T politics UK specialized]
* “Since she supported none of the candidates, she spoiled her ballot paper.”
4. to treat someone very or too well, especially by being extremely generous [T]
* “When I’m feeling miserable I go shopping and spoil myself - a couple of new dresses always make me feel better.”
5. to allow a child to do or have everything that it wants to, usually so that it expects to get everything it wants and does not show respect to other people [T disapproving]
* “[spoiled child] Mr Harvey, unable for once to do exactly as he wanted, sulked just like a spoiled child.”
the status quo
uk |ˌsteɪ.təs ˈkwəʊ| us |ˌsteɪ.t̬əs ˈkwoʊ|
noun
1. the present situation
* “Certain people always want to maintain the status quo.”
steady
uk |ˈsted.i| us |ˈsted.i|
adjective
1. happening in a smooth, gradual, and regular way, not suddenly or unexpectedly
* “The procession moved through the streets at a steady pace.”
* “Orders for new ships are rising, after several years of steady decline.”
* “[steady flow/stream/trickle] Over the last ten years he has produced a steady flow/stream/trickle of articles and papers.”
* “[slow but steady] Progress has been slow but steady.”
2. not moving or changing suddenly
* “[hold something steady] I’ll hold the boat steady while you climb in.”
* “[hold steady] Most rental prices have held steady this year.”
* “[steady relationship] Young people assume that if you are in a steady relationship, you don’t have to worry about HIV.”
steady
uk |ˈsted.i| us |ˈsted.i|
verb
1. to make something stop shaking or moving
* “He wobbled around on the bike and then steadied himself.”
* “He steadied his rifle on the wall and fired.”
2. to become calm and controlled, or to make someone do this
* “Some people say that a drink will steady your nerves.”
substitute
uk |ˈsʌb.stɪ.tʃuːt| us |ˈsʌb.stə.tuːt|
verb
1. to use something or someone instead of another thing or person [T]
* “[substitute something for something] You can substitute oil for butter (= use oil instead of butter) in this recipe.”
* “[substitute something with something] You can substitute the wheat flour with almond flour (= use almond flour instead of wheat flour).”
* “[be substituted for] He made his film debut when he was substituted for the actor who was originally cast.”
* “I took out the words “he” and “his” and substituted them with “they” and “their”.”
substitute
uk |ˈsʌb.stɪ.tʃuːt| us |ˈsʌb.stə.tuːt|
noun
1. a thing or person that is used instead of another thing or person
* “Tofu can be used as a meat substitute in vegetarian recipes.”
* “[substitute for] Vitamins should not be used as a substitute for a healthy diet.”
2. in sports, a player who is used for part of a game instead of another player (informal sub)
* “[come on as a substitute] Johnson came on as a substitute towards the end of the game.”
* “[bring on a substitute] The manager brought on another substitute in the final minutes of the game.”
sustain
uk |səˈsteɪn| us |səˈsteɪn|
verb
1. to cause or allow something to continue for a period of time
* “The economy looks set to sustain its growth into next year.”
* “He seems to find it difficult to sustain relationships with women.”
* “[US] The judge sustained (= accepted) the lawyer’s objection.”
2. to keep alive
* “The soil in this part of the world is not rich enough to sustain a large population.”
3. to suffer or experience, especially damage or loss [formal]
* “She sustained multiple injuries in the accident.”
* “Most buildings sustained only minimal damage in the earthquake.”
* “The company has sustained heavy losses this year.”
4. to support emotionally
* “She was sustained by the strength of her religious faith.”
* “The love of my family and friends sustained me through my ordeal.”
switch
uk |swɪtʃ| us |swɪtʃ|
noun
1. a small device, usually pushed up or down with your finger, that controls and turns on or off an electric current [C]
* “a light switch”
* “Can you flip the switch?”
switch
uk |swɪtʃ| us |swɪtʃ|
verb
1. to use a switch to change a device from one state or type of operation to another
* “switch the TV off/on”
2. to change suddenly or completely, especially from one thing to another, or to exchange by replacing one person or thing with another
* “She started studying English, but switched to History in her second year.”
* “In 1971, Britain switched over (= changed completely) to a decimal currency.”
* “After the bank robbery, the gang switched cars (= left one car and got into another).”
transform
uk |trænsˈfɔːm| us |trænsˈfɔːrm|
verb
1. to change completely the appearance or character of something or someone, especially so that that thing or person is improved
* “The reorganization will transform the entertainment industry.”
* “the power of art to transform experience”
* “Whenever a camera was pointed at her, Marilyn would instantly transform herself into a radiant star.”
trend
uk |trend| us |trend|
noun
1. a general development or change in a situation or in the way that people are behaving
* “[trend away from] Surveys show a trend away from home-ownership and toward rented accommodation.”
* “[downward/upward trend] There’s been a downward/upward trend in sales in the last few years.”
uniform
uk |ˈjuː.nɪ.fɔːm| us |ˈjuː.nə.fɔːrm|
adjective
1. the same; not changing or different in any way
* “The office walls and furniture are a uniform grey.”
* “Small businesses are demanding that they receive uniform treatment from the banks.”
breakthrough
uk |ˈbreɪk.θruː| us |ˈbreɪk.θruː|
noun
1. an important discovery or event that helps to improve a situation or provide an answer to a problem
* “Scientists are hoping for a breakthrough in the search for a cure for cancer.”
* “A major breakthrough in negotiations has been achieved.”
broadband
uk |ˈbrɔːd.bænd| us |ˈbrɑːd.bænd|
noun
1. a system that makes it possible for many messages or large amounts of information to be sent at the same time and very quickly between computers or other electronic devices
* “Internet connection via broadband offers many advantages.”
* “broadband services/networks/technology/transmission”
click
uk |klɪk| us |klɪk|
verb
1. to carry out a computer operation by pressing a button on the mouse or keyboard [I/T]
* “[click on] If you want to open a file, click twice on the icon for it.”
* “When you have selected the file you want, click the “Open” box.”
2. to make a short, sharp sound, or to make something do this [I/T]
* “The door clicked shut behind her.”
* “Can you hear that strange clicking noise?”
* “[UK] Paul clicked his fingers (= moved his thumb against his middle finger to make a short sharp sound) to attract the waiter’s attention.”
* “[click your heels] Soldiers click their heels (= bring them sharply together) when they stand to attention.”
3. to like and understand someone, especially the first time you meet [I informal]
* “[click with] He didn’t really click with his new boss.”
* “Liz and I really clicked the first time we met.”
* “I met her at school and we just clicked.”
4. to be liked by someone [I informal]
* “[click with] The new daytime soap opera has yet to show signs that it’s clicking with the television audience.”
5. to be understood, or become clear suddenly [I informal]
* “Suddenly everything clicked and I realized where I’d met him.”
* ”[+ question word] As he talked about his schooldays, it suddenly clicked where I had met him before.”
* ”[+ that] So it’s finally clicked that you’re going to have to get yourself a job, has it?”
* “[click into place] In the last act of the play, everything clicks into place.”
complex
uk |ˈkɒm.pleks| |kəmˈpleks| us |kɑːmˈpleks| |ˈkɑːm.pleks|
adjective
1. involving a lot of different but related parts
* “a complex molecule/carbohydrate”
* “a complex network of roads”
* “a complex procedure”
* “The company has a complex organizational structure.”
2. difficult to understand or find an answer to because of having many different parts
* “It’s a very complex issue to which there is no straightforward answer.”
* “The film’s plot was so complex that I couldn’t follow it.”
craft
uk |krɑːft| us |kræft|
noun
1. skill and experience, especially in relation to making objects; a job or activity that needs skill and experience, or something produced using skill and experience [C/U plural crafts]
* “the craft of furniture making/sewing/glassblowing”
* “political/literary craft”
* “rural/ancient/traditional crafts”
* “craft workers (= skilled workers)”
2. a vehicle for travelling on water or through the air [C plural craft]
* “naval/civilian/patrol/rescue craft”
* “18 craft (= boats) set out in the race.”
craft
uk |krɑːft| us |kræft|
verb
1. to make objects, especially in a skilled way
* “These bracelets were crafted by Native Americans.”
* “a beautifully crafted silver brooch”
data
uk |ˈdeɪ.tə| us |ˈdeɪ.t̬ə| |dæt̬.ə|
noun
1. information, especially facts or numbers, collected to be examined and considered and used to help decision-making, or information in an electronic form that can be stored and used by a computer
* “The data was/were collected by various researchers.”
* “Now the data is/are being transferred from magnetic tape to hard disk.”
download
uk |ˌdaʊnˈləʊd| |ˈdaʊn.ləʊd| us |ˈdaʊn.loʊd|
verb
1. to copy or move programs or information into a computer’s memory, especially from the internet or a larger computer
download
uk |ˈdaʊn.ləʊd| us |ˈdaʊn.loʊd|
noun
1. a computer program or information that has been or can be copied into a computer’s memory [C]
* “a free download”
2. the act or process of copying programs or information into a computer’s memory [U]
* “All of our products are available for download on our website.”
file
uk |faɪl| us |faɪl|
noun
1. any of several different types of container used to store papers, letters, and other documents in an ordered way, especially in an office [C/U]
* “a box/envelope file”
* “secret/confidential/personnel files”
* “[in the files] You’ll find it in the files under “C”.”
* “We keep your records on file for five years.”
2. written records that are kept about a particular person or subject [C]
* “[open a file on] The police have opened a file on local burglaries.”
3. information stored on a computer as one unit with one name [C]
* “What’s the file name?”
* “I’m going to copy/save this file.”
4. a long line of people or animals, one behind another [C/U]
* “[file of] They were horrified to see files of ants marching through the kitchen.”
* “They walked in single file (= one behind another).”
* “[US] Soldiers marched across the bridge in file (= one behind the other).”
5. a thin, flat or rounded metal tool with rough surfaces for rubbing wooden or metal objects to make them smooth or to change their shape [C]
game console
uk |ˈɡeɪm ˌkɒn.səʊl| us |ˈɡeɪm ˌkɑːn.soʊl|
noun
1. a piece of electronic equipment for playing games on
* “Most of the kids had a Playstation, Xbox, or other game console.”
manual
uk |ˈmæn.ju.əl| us |ˈmæn.ju.əl|
adjective
1. done with the hands
* “the manual sorting of letters”
* “She tried to cure the pain in my knee by putting manual pressure on the joint.”
2. A manual machine is operated with the hands rather than by electricity or a motor
* “He still works on an old manual typewriter.”
3. involving physical work rather than mental work
* “unskilled manual labour”
* “750 manual workers will lose their jobs as a result of company cutbacks.”
* “Computer-controlled robots are taking over manual jobs in many industries.”
4. used to describe a vehicle in which the driver has to change the gears, or a feature of such a vehicle
* “He was driving a manual car when he only had a licence for an automatic.”
* “She has a Jeep with a 5-speed manual transmission.”
* “Only 10 percent of the vehicles sold in Canada had a manual gearbox.”
manual
uk |ˈmæn.ju.əl| us |ˈmæn.ju.əl|
noun
1. a book that gives you practical instructions on how to do something or how to use something, such as a machine
* “a DIY manual”
* “The computer comes with a 600-page instruction manual.”
2. a vehicle in which the driver has to change the gears
* “Can you drive a manual?”
network
uk |ˈnet.wɜːk| us |ˈnet.wɝːk|
noun
1. a large system consisting of many similar parts that are connected together to allow movement or communication between or along the parts, or between the parts and a control centre
* “a television network”
* “a road/rail network”
* “Massive investment is needed to modernize the country’s phone network.”
* “We could reduce our costs by developing a more efficient distribution network.”
* “a network of spies/a spy network”
2. a number of computers that are connected together so that they can share information
* “We’ve just spent £1.9 million on improving our computer network.”
3. people that you know, considered as a group whose members exchange information with each other
* “Use your networks - tell everyone you know that you are looking for a job.”
* “I hope that you will participate and share this message with your networks.”
network
uk |ˈnet.wɜːk| us |ˈnet.wɝːk|
verb
1. to connect computers together so that they can share information [T]
* “Our computer system consists of about 20 personal computers networked to a powerful file-server.”
2. to meet people who might be useful to know, especially in your job [I]
* “I don’t really enjoy these conferences, but they’re a good opportunity to network.”
nuclear
uk |ˈnjuː.klɪər| us |ˈnuː.kliː.ɚ|
adjective
1. being or using the power produced when the nucleus of an atom is divided or joined to another nucleus
* “nuclear energy/power”
* “a nuclear power plant”
* “the nuclear industry”
2. relating to weapons, or the use of weapons, which use the power produced when the nucleus of an atom is divided or joined to another nucleus
* “a nuclear war/attack”
* “nuclear disarmament”
* “How many nations have a nuclear capability (= have nuclear weapons)?”
3. relating to the nucleus of an atom [physics specialized]
* “nuclear fission/fusion/physics”
offline
uk |ˌɒfˈlaɪn| us |ˌɑːfˈlaɪn|
adjective
1. (of a computer) not connected to or directly controlled by a central system, or not connected to the internet
online
uk |ˈɒn.laɪn| us |ˈɑːn.laɪn|
adjective
1. Online products, services, or information can be bought or used on the internet [before noun]
* “an online newspaper/magazine/dictionary”
* “online banking/shopping”
2. relating to a person’s use of the internet, especially on social media (= websites and computer programs that allow people to communicate and share things on the internet) [before noun]
* “His parents have no access to his online life.”
* “People with a big online presence often have bad things written about them.”
3. spending a lot of time using the internet, especially on social media (= websites and computer programs that allow people to communicate and share things on the internet), and therefore very influenced by it
* “Am I too online?”
* “Relationships work best when only one partner is very online.”
online
uk |ˌɒnˈlaɪn| us |ˌɑːnˈlaɪn|
adverb
1. bought, used, etc. using the internet
* “Do you like to shop online?”
* “[go online] This dictionary went online in 1999.”
primitive
uk |ˈprɪm.ɪ.tɪv| us |ˈprɪm.ə.t̬ɪv|
adjective
1. relating to human society at a very early stage of development, with people living in a simple way without machines or a writing system
* “Primitive races colonized these islands 2,000 years ago.”
* “primitive man”
* “The spiny anteater is a mammal, although a very primitive one.”
2. Primitive living conditions are basic, unpleasant, and uncomfortable [disapproving]
* “Early settlers had to cope with very primitive living conditions.”
programmer
uk |ˈprəʊ.ɡræm.ər| us |ˈproʊ.ɡræm.ɚ|
noun
1. a person whose job is to produce computer programs
resource
uk |rɪˈzɔːs| |ˈriː.sɔːs| us |ˈriː.sɔːrs| |ˈriː.zɔːrs|
noun
1. a useful or valuable possession or quality of a country, organization, or person [C usually plural]
* “The country’s greatest resource is the dedication of its workers.”
* “Britain’s mineral resources include coal and gas deposits.”
2. [formal for] resourcefulness approving [U]
technique
uk |tekˈniːk| us |tekˈniːk|
noun
1. a way of doing an activity that needs skill
* “We have developed a new technique for detecting errors in the manufacturing process.”
* “She’s a wonderfully creative dancer but she doesn’t have the technique of a truly great performer.”
upload
uk |ʌpˈləʊd| us |ʌpˈloʊd|
verb
1. to copy or move programs or information to a larger computer system or to the internet
back someone up
uk |bæk| us |bæk|
verb
1. to support or help someone
* “My family backed me up throughout the court case.”
2. to say that someone is telling the truth
* “Honestly, that’s exactly what happened - Claire will back me up.”
* “Will you back me up if I say that I never saw him?”
back something up
uk |bæk| us |bæk|
verb
1. to prove something is true
* “His claims are backed up by recent research.”
2. to make an extra copy of computer information
* “Make sure you back up your files.”
back up
uk |bæk| us |bæk|
verb
1. If traffic backs up, the vehicles have to wait in a long line because there are too many of them
* “The traffic is starting to back up on the M25.”
change something around
uk |tʃeɪndʒ| us |tʃeɪndʒ|
verb
1. to move objects such as furniture into different positions
* “The room looks very different since you’ve changed the furniture around.”
plunge someone/something into darkness
collocation
1. to suddenly remove the light from someone or something
* “The city centre was plunged into darkness by the power cut.”
* “An overload to the power grid plunged millions of people into darkness.”
do away with something
uk |də| |du| |duː| us |də| |du| |duː|
verb
1. to get rid of something or stop using something
* “These ridiculous rules and regulations should have been done away with years ago.”
* “Computerization has enabled us to do away with a lot of paperwork.”
* “How could they do away with a beautiful old building like that and put a car park there instead?”
do away with someone
uk |də| |du| |duː| us |də| |du| |duː|
verb
1. to murder someone
up-do
uk |ˈʌp.duː| us |ˈʌp.duː|
noun
1. a woman’s hairstyle in which the hair is arranged on top of the head, especially for a special occasion such as a wedding
fade away
uk |feɪd| us |feɪd|
verb
1. to slowly disappear, lose importance, or become weaker
* “The voices became louder and closer and then faded away again.”
* “As the years passed, the memories faded away.”
key something in
uk |kiː| us |kiː|
verb
1. to put information into a computer, phone, or other machine using a keyboard or touchscreen (also key sth into sth)
* “I keyed the number in, but nothing happened.”
* “I gave my name and she keyed it into her computer.”
make something into something
uk |meɪk| us |meɪk|
verb
1. to change something into something else
* “They’ve made the spare room into an office.”
mix someone/something up
uk |mɪks| us |mɪks|
verb
1. to fail to recognize two people or things correctly by thinking that one person or thing is the other person or thing
* “People often mix us up because we look so similar.”
* “I think you’re mixing me up with my sister.”
mix someone up
uk |mɪks| us |mɪks|
verb
1. to confuse, worry, or upset someone
* “The directions he gave me mixed me up and I went the wrong way.”
mix something up
uk |mɪks| us |mɪks|
verb
1. to make a group of things untidy or badly organized, or to move them into the wrong order
* “Don’t mix up the bottles - you’ll have to repeat the experiment if you do.”
* “Your jigsaw puzzles and games are all mixed up together in that box.”
mix-up
uk |ˈmɪks.ʌp| us |ˈmɪks.ʌp|
noun
1. a mistake that causes confusion
* “There was a mix-up at the office and we all received the wrong forms.”
switch sth off/on
uk |swɪtʃ|
verb
1. to make a machine or piece of equipment stop or start working by pressing a switch
* “Mobiles must remain switched off throughout the flight.”
take something apart
uk |teɪk| us |teɪk|
verb
1. to separate something into its different parts
* “We took the engine apart to see what the problem was.”
take someone apart
uk |teɪk| us |teɪk|
verb
1. to defeat someone very easily in a sport
* “He took their defence apart, scoring three goals in the first 20 minutes.”
test something out
uk |test| us |test|
verb
1. to test something, especially a theory or an idea, to find out how it works in a practical situation or how people react to it
* “The students tested out their cost-cutting ideas in several companies.”
turn (someone/something) into someone/something
uk |tɜːn| us |tɝːn|
verb
1. to change and become someone or something different, or to make someone or something do this
* “The council was hoping to turn a children’s home into a residence for adolescent girls.”
* “[turn from something into something] The town turned from a small seaside resort into a major commercial centre when oil was discovered.”
use something up
uk |juːz| us |juːz|
verb
1. to finish a supply of something
* “Don’t use up all the milk - we need some for breakfast.”
* “The earth’s resources are being used up at an alarming rate.”
wear someone out
uk |weər| us |wer|
verb
1. to make someone extremely tired
* “Walking around a museum all day really wears you out.”
wear (something) out
uk |weər| us |wer|
verb
1. to use something so much that it is damaged and cannot be used any more, or to become damaged in this way
* “Moving parts in engines wear out much more quickly than stationary parts.”
