Definitions & Meanings - English Dictionary

acryl|ic / ækr'ɪlɪk / [N-UNCOUNT] usu N n Acrylic material is artificial and is manufactured by a chemical process.

♦♦♦ act / 'ækt / (acts acting acted) 1 [VERB] V, V adv/prep When you act , you do something for a particular purpose. The deaths occurred when police acted to stop widespread looting and vandalism... I do not doubt that the bank acted properly. 2 [VERB] V on/upon n If you act on advice or information, you do what has been advised or suggested. A patient will usually listen to the doctor's advice and act on it. 3 [VERB] V adv, V as if, V like n If someone acts in a particular way, they behave in that way. ...a gang of youths who were acting suspiciously... He acted as if he hadn't heard any of it... Open wounds act like a magnet to flies. = behave 4 [VERB] V as/like n If someone or something acts as a particular thing, they have that role or function. He acted both as the ship's surgeon and as chaplain for the men. 5 [VERB] V adj, V n If someone acts in a particular way, they pretend to be something that they are not. Ch...

act|ing / 'æktɪŋ / 1 [N-UNCOUNT] Acting is the activity or profession of performing in plays or films. She pursued an acting career after four years of modelling. 2 [ADJ] ADJ n You use acting before the title of a job to indicate that someone is doing that job temporarily. ...the new acting President.

♦♦♦ ac|tion / 'ækʃ ə n / (actions actioning actioned) 1 [N-UNCOUNT] usu with supp Action is doing something for a particular purpose. The government is taking emergency action to deal with a housing crisis... 2 [N-COUNT] An action is something that you do on a particular occasion. Jack was the sort of man who did not like his actions questioned. 3 [N-COUNT] To bring a legal action against someone means to bring a case against them in a court of law. (LEGAL) Two leading law firms are to prepare legal actions against tobacco companies. = suit, case 4 [N-SING] the N The action is all the important and exciting things that are happening in a situation. (INFORMAL) Hollywood is where the action is now. 5 [N-UNCOUNT] oft in N The fighting which takes place in a war can be referred to as action . Leaders in America have generally supported military action... 13 soldiers were killed and 10 wounded in action. 6 [ADJ] ADJ n An action movie is...

ac|tion|able / 'ækʃənəb ə l / [ADJ] usu v-link ADJ If something that you do or say to someone is actionable , it gives them a valid reason for bringing a legal case against you.

ac|ti|vate / 'æktɪveɪt / (activates activating activated) [VERB] usu passive, be V-ed, V-ed If a device or process is activated , something causes it to start working. Video cameras with night vision can be activated by movement. ...a voice-activated computer. ● activation [N-UNCOUNT] A computer controls the activation of an air bag.

♦♦ ac|tive / 'æktɪv / 1 [ADJ] Someone who is active moves around a lot or does a lot of things. Having an active youngster about the house can be quite wearing. ...a long and active life. 2 [ADJ] If you have an active mind or imagination, you are always thinking of new things. ...the tragedy of an active mind trapped by failing physical health. = lively 3 [ADJ] oft ADJ prep If someone is active in an organization, cause, or campaign, they do things for it rather than just giving it their support. ...a chance for fathers to play a more active role in childcare... ≠ passive ● actively [ADV] They actively campaigned for the vote. 4 [ADJ] ADJ n Active is used to emphasize that someone is taking action in order to achieve something, rather than just hoping for it or achieving it in an indirect way. Companies need to take active steps to increase exports. ...active discouragement from teachers. = positive ● actively [ADV] usu ADV with v ...

ac|tiv|ism / 'æktɪvɪzəm / [N-UNCOUNT] Activism is the process of campaigning in public or working for an organization in order to bring about political or social change.

♦ ac|tiv|ist / 'æktɪvɪst / (activists) [N-COUNT] An activist is a person who works to bring about political or social changes by campaigning in public or working for an organization. The police say they suspect the attack was carried out by animal rights activists.

♦♦ ac|tiv|ity / ækt'ɪvɪti / (activities) 1 [N-UNCOUNT] Activity is a situation in which a lot of things are happening or being done. ...an extraordinary level of activity in the government bonds market. ...the electrical activity of the brain. 2 [N-COUNT] An activity is something that you spend time doing. You can take part in activities from canoeing to bird watching. 3 [N-PLURAL] with supp The activities of a group are the things that they do in order to achieve their aims. ...a jail term for terrorist activities...

♦ ac|tor / 'æktə r / (actors) [N-COUNT] An actor is someone whose job is acting in plays or films. `Actor' in the singular usually refers to a man, but some women who act prefer to be called `actors' rather than `actresses'. His father was an actor in the Cantonese Opera Company... You have to be a very good actor to play that part. char|ac|ter ac|tor (character actors) [N-COUNT] A character actor is an actor who specializes in playing unusual or eccentric people.

♦ ac|tress / 'æktrəs / (actresses) [N-COUNT] An actress is a woman whose job is acting in plays or films. She's a very great dramatic actress.

♦ ac|tual / 'æktʃuəl / 1 [ADJ] ADJ n You use actual to emphasize that you are referring to something real or genuine. The segments are filmed using either local actors or the actual people involved... Officials admit the actual number of AIDS victims is much higher than statistics reflect. = real 2 [ADJ] ADJ n You use actual to contrast the important aspect of something with a less important aspect. She had compiled pages of notes, but she had not yet gotten down to doing the actual writing... 3 in actual fact: see fact

ac|tu|al|ity / 'æktʃu'ælɪti / (actualities) 1 [PHRASE] PHR with cl You can use in actuality to emphasize that what you are saying is true, when it contradicts or contrasts with what you have previously said. In actuality, Teddie did not have a disorder but merely a difficult temperament... = in reality, actually 2 [N-UNCOUNT] Actuality is the state of really existing rather than being imagined. It exists in dreams rather than actuality. = reality

♦♦♦ ac|tu|al|ly / 'æktʃuəli / 1 [ADV] ADV before v, ADV group You use actually to indicate that a situation exists or happened, or to emphasize that it is true. One afternoon, I grew bored and actually fell asleep for a few minutes... Interest is only payable on the amount actually borrowed. 2 [ADV] ADV with cl You use actually when you are correcting or contradicting someone. No, I'm not a student. I'm a doctor, actually... `So it's not a family show then?'--`Well, actually, I think that's exactly what it is.' 3 [ADV] ADV with cl You can use actually when you are politely expressing an opinion that other people might not have expected from you. `Do you think it's a good idea to socialize with one's patients?'--`Actually, I do, I think it's a great idea.' 4 [ADV] ADV with cl You use actually to introduce a new topic into a conversation. Well actually, John, I rang you for some advice...

ac|tu|ari|al / 'æktʃu'eəriəl / [ADJ] ADJ n Actuarial means relating to the work of an actuary. The company's actuarial report is available on demand.

ac|tu|ary / 'æktʃuəri, AM -tʃueri / (actuaries) [N-COUNT] An actuary is a person who is employed by insurance companies to calculate how much they should charge their clients for insurance.

ac|tu|ate / 'æktʃueɪt / (actuates actuating actuated) [VERB] be V-ed, V n If a person is actuated by an emotion, that emotion makes them act in a certain way. If something actuates a device, the device starts working. They were actuated by desire... The flow of current actuates the signal. = activate

acu|ity / ækj'uːɪti / [N-UNCOUNT] Acuity is sharpness of vision or hearing, or quickness of thought. (FORMAL) We work on improving visual acuity.

acu|men / 'ækjʊmen, AM əkj'uːmən / [N-UNCOUNT] usu supp N Acumen is the ability to make good judgments and quick decisions. His sharp business acumen meant he quickly rose to the top.

acu|pres|sure / 'ækjʊpreʃə r / [N-UNCOUNT] Acupressure is the treatment of pain by a type of massage in which pressure is put on certain areas of a person's body.

acu|punc|ture / 'ækjʊpʌŋktʃə r / [N-UNCOUNT] Acupuncture is the treatment of a person's illness or pain by sticking small needles into their body at certain places.

acu|punc|tur|ist / 'ækjʊpʌŋktʃərɪst / (acupuncturists) [N-COUNT] An acupuncturist is a person who performs acupuncture.

acute / əkj'uːt / 1 [ADJ] You can use acute to indicate that an undesirable situation or feeling is very severe or intense. The report has caused acute embarrassment to the government... The labour shortage is becoming acute. = severe 2 [ADJ] ADJ n An acute illness is one that becomes severe very quickly but does not last very long. Compare chronic . (MEDICAL) ...a patient with acute rheumatoid arthritis. 3 [ADJ] If a person's or animal's sight, hearing, or sense of smell is acute , it is sensitive and powerful. In the dark my sense of hearing becomes so acute. = keen 4 [ADJ] An acute angle is less than 90°. Compare obtuse angle. 5 [ADJ] ADJ n, n ADJ An acute accent is a symbol that is placed over vowels in some languages in order to indicate how that vowel is pronounced or over one letter in a word to indicate where it is stressed. You refer to a letter with this accent as, for example, e acute . For example, there is an acute acce...

acute|ly / əkj'uːtli / 1 [ADV] ADV adj, ADV with v If you feel or notice something acutely , you feel or notice it very strongly. He was acutely aware of the odour of cooking oil... = keenly 2 [ADV] ADV adj, ADV with v If a feeling or quality is acutely unpleasant, it is extremely unpleasant. It was an acutely uncomfortable journey back to London. = intensely

♦ ad / 'æd / (ads) [N-COUNT] An ad is an advertisement. (INFORMAL) She replied to a lonely hearts ad. ad hoc / 'æd h'ɒk / [ADJ] usu ADJ n An ad hoc activity or organization is done or formed only because a situation has made it necessary and is not planned in advance. The Council meets on an ad hoc basis to discuss problems. ad in|fi|ni|tum / 'æd ɪnfɪn'aɪtəm / [ADV] ADV after v If something happens ad infinitum , it is repeated again and again in the same way. This cycle repeats itself ad infinitum. ad nau|seam [PHRASE] PHR after v If someone does something ad nauseam , they do it repeatedly and over a long period of time so that it becomes annoying or boring. We discussed it ad nauseam. = endlessly ban|ner ad (banner ads) [N-COUNT] A banner ad is a large advertisement on a website that stretches across the top or down the side of the window. It usually contains a link to the advertiser's website. (COMPUTING) clas|si|fied ad ...

ad|age / 'ædɪdʒ / (adages) [N-COUNT] An adage is something which people often say and which expresses a general truth about some aspect of life. (OLD-FASHIONED) ...the old adage, `Every baby brings its own love'. = maxim, saying

ada|gio / əd'ɑːdʒioʊ, AM -dʒoʊ / (adagios) 1 [ADV] ADV after v Adagio written above a piece of music means that it should be played slowly. 2 [N-COUNT] usu sing An adagio is a piece of music that is played slowly. ...Samuel Barber's Adagio For Strings. ...the Adagio movement of his Sixth Symphony.

ada|mant / 'ædəmənt / [ADJ] usu v-link ADJ, oft ADJ that, ADJ about n/-ing If someone is adamant about something, they are determined not to change their mind about it. The prime minister is adamant that he will not resign... Sue was adamant about that job in Australia. ● adamantly [ADV] usu ADV with v, also ADV adj She was adamantly opposed to her husband travelling to Brussels.

a|dapt / əd'æpt / (adapts adapting adapted) 1 [VERB] V to n, V pron-refl to n, also V If you adapt to a new situation or adapt yourself to it, you change your ideas or behaviour in order to deal with it successfully. The world will be different, and we will have to be prepared to adapt to the change... They have had to adapt themselves to a war economy. = adjust 2 [VERB] V n, also V n to n If you adapt something, you change it to make it suitable for a new purpose or situation. Shelves were built to adapt the library for use as an office. = modify 3 [VERB] V n, V n If you adapt a book or play, you change it so that it can be made into a film or a television programme. The scriptwriter helped him to adapt his novel for the screen... The film has been adapted from a play of the same title. 4 see also adapted

adapt|able / əd'æptəb ə l / [ADJ] If you describe a person or animal as adaptable , you mean that they are able to change their ideas or behaviour in order to deal with new situations. ...a more adaptable and skilled workforce... = flexible ● adaptability [N-UNCOUNT] The adaptability of wool is one of its great attractions. = flexibility

ad|ap|ta|tion / 'ædæpt'eɪʃ ə n / (adaptations) 1 [N-COUNT] An adaptation of a book or play is a film or a television programme that is based on it. ...Branagh's screen adaptation of Shakespeare's Henry the Fifth. 2 [N-UNCOUNT] Adaptation is the act of changing something or changing your behaviour to make it suitable for a new purpose or situation. Most living creatures are capable of adaptation when compelled to do so.

a|dapt|ed / əd'æptɪd / [ADJ] v-link ADJ to/for n If something is adapted to a particular situation or purpose, it is especially suitable for it. The camel's feet, well adapted for dry sand, are useless on mud. = suited

adap|tion / əd'æpʃ ə n / (adaptions) [N-VAR] Adaption means the same as adaptation .

adap|tive / əd'æptɪv / [ADJ] Adaptive means having the ability or tendency to adapt to different situations. (FORMAL) Societies need to develop highly adaptive behavioural rules for survival.

adap|tor / əd'æptə r / (adaptors) also adapter 1 [N-COUNT] An adaptor is a special device for connecting electrical equipment to a power supply, or for connecting different pieces of electrical or electronic equipment together. 2 [N-COUNT] The adaptor of a book or play is the person who rewrites it for a film or a television programme.

♦♦♦ add / 'æd / (adds adding added) 1 [VERB] V n to n, be V-ed to n, V n to n, also V n If you add one thing to another, you put it in or on the other thing, to increase, complete, or improve it. Add the grated cheese to the sauce... Since 1908, chlorine has been added to drinking water... He wants to add a huge sports complex to Binfield Manor. 2 [VERB] V pl-n with together If you add numbers or amounts together , you calculate their total. Banks add all the interest and other charges together... Two and three added together are five. ≠ subtract [PHRASAL VERB] V P, V pl-n P, V P Add up means the same as add . More than a quarter of seven year-olds cannot add up properly... We just added all the numbers up and divided one by the other... He said the numbers simply did not add up. 3 [VERB] V to n If one thing adds to another, it makes the other thing greater in degree or amount. This latest incident will add to the pressure on the g...

add|ed / 'ædɪd / [ADJ] ADJ n You use added to say that something has more of a particular thing or quality. For added protection choose a lipstick with a sun screen. = extra add|ed value [N-UNCOUNT] In marketing, added value is something which makes a product more appealing to customers. (BUSINESS)

ad|den|dum / əd'endəm / (addenda / əd'endə /) [N-COUNT] An addendum is an additional section at the end of a book or document. = appendix

add|er / 'ædə r / (adders) [N-COUNT] In Europe and Asia, an adder is a small poisonous snake that has a black pattern on its back. In North America, a number of different poisonous and non-poisonous snakes are called adders . = viper

ad|dict / 'ædɪkt / (addicts) 1 [N-COUNT] oft supp N An addict is someone who takes harmful drugs and cannot stop taking them. He's only 24 years old and a drug addict. 2 [N-COUNT] usu supp N If you say that someone is an addict , you mean that they like a particular activity very much and spend as much time doing it as they can. She is a TV addict and watches as much as she can. drug ad|dict (drug addicts) [N-COUNT] A drug addict is someone who is addicted to illegal drugs.

ad|dict|ed / əd'ɪktɪd / 1 [ADJ] usu v-link ADJ, usu ADJ to n Someone who is addicted to a harmful drug cannot stop taking it. Many of the women are addicted to heroin and cocaine... = hooked 2 [ADJ] usu v-link ADJ, usu ADJ to n If you say that someone is addicted to something, you mean that they like it very much and want to spend as much time doing it as possible. She had become addicted to golf.

ad|dic|tion / əd'ɪkʃ ə n / (addictions) 1 [N-VAR] oft n N, N to n Addiction is the condition of taking harmful drugs and being unable to stop taking them. She helped him fight his drug addiction. ...long-term addiction to nicotine. 2 [N-VAR] oft N to n An addiction to something is a very strong desire or need for it. He needed money to feed his addiction to gambling...

ad|dic|tive / əd'ɪktɪv / 1 [ADJ] If a drug is addictive , people who take it cannot stop taking it. Cigarettes are highly addictive... Crack is the most addictive drug on the market. 2 [ADJ] Something that is addictive is so enjoyable that it makes you want to do it or have it a lot. Video movie-making can quickly become addictive.

♦♦ ad|di|tion / əd'ɪʃ ə n / (additions) 1 [PHRASE] PHR with cl, oft PHR to n You use in addition when you want to mention another item connected with the subject you are discussing. Part-time English classes are offered. In addition, students can take classes in word-processing and computing... There's a postage and packing fee in addition to the repair charge. 2 [N-COUNT] usu with supp, oft N to n An addition to something is a thing which is added to it. This is a fine book; a worthy addition to the Cambridge Encyclopedia series... 3 [N-UNCOUNT] the N of n The addition of something is the fact that it is added to something else. It was completely refurbished in 1987, with the addition of a picnic site. ≠ removal 4 [N-UNCOUNT] Addition is the process of calculating the total of two or more numbers. ...simple addition and subtraction problems.

♦ ad|di|tion|al / əd'ɪʃən ə l / [ADJ] usu ADJ n Additional things are extra things apart from the ones already present. The US is sending additional troops to the region... The insurer will also have to pay the additional costs of the trial. = supplementary, extra

ad|di|tion|al|ly / əd'ɪʃənəli / 1 [ADV] ADV with cl You use additionally to introduce something extra such as an extra fact or reason. (FORMAL) You can pay bills over the Internet. Additionally, you can check your balance or order statements... = further 2 [ADV] ADV with v Additionally is used to say that something happens to a greater extent than before. The birds are additionally protected in the reserves at Birsay...

ad|di|tive / 'ædɪtɪv / (additives) [N-COUNT] An additive is a substance which is added in small amounts to foods or other things in order to improve them or to make them last longer. Strict safety tests are carried out on food additives.

ad|dle / 'æd ə l / (addles addling addled) [VERB] V n If something addles someone's mind or brain, they become confused and unable to think properly. I suppose the shock had addled his poor old brain. = befuddle

ad|dled / 'æd ə ld / [ADJ] usu ADJ n If you describe someone as addled , you mean that they are confused or unable to think properly. You're talking like an addled romantic. = befuddled

♦♦ ad|dress / ədr'es, AM 'ædres / (addresses addressing addressed) 1 [N-COUNT] usu poss N Your address is the number of the house, flat, or apartment and the name of the street and the town where you live or work. The address is 2025 M Street, Northwest, Washington, DC, 20036... We require details of your name and address. 2 [VERB] usu passive, be V-ed to n If a letter, envelope, or parcel is addressed to you, your name and address have been written on it. Applications should be addressed to: The business affairs editor. 3 [N-COUNT] The address of a website is its location on the Internet, for example http://www.cobuild.collins.co.uk. (COMPUTING) 4 [VERB] V n If you address a group of people, you give a speech to them. He is due to address a conference on human rights next week. [N-COUNT] Address is also a noun. The President gave an address to the American people. 5 [VERB] V n, V n to n If you address someone or address a remark ...

stamped ad|dressed en|velope (stamped addressed envelopes) [N-COUNT] A stamped addressed envelope is an envelope with a stamp on it and your own name and address, which you send to someone so that something can be sent back to you. The abbreviation s.a.e. is also used. (BRIT; in AM, use SASE )

ad|dressee / 'ædres'iː / (addressees) [N-COUNT] usu the N in sing The addressee of a letter or parcel is the person or company that it is addressed to. (FORMAL)

ad|duce / ædj'uːs, AM -d'uːs / (adduces adducing adduced) [VERB] V n If you adduce something such as a fact or reason, you mention it in order to support an argument. (FORMAL) We can adduce evidence to support the claim. = cite

ad|enoids / 'ædɪnɔɪdz / [N-PLURAL] Adenoids are soft lumps of flesh at the back and top of a person's throat that sometimes become swollen and have to be removed.

adept / æd'ept / [ADJ] usu v-link ADJ, usu ADJ at -ing/n Someone who is adept at something can do it skilfully. He's usually very adept at keeping his private life out of the media... ● adeptly [ADV] ADV with v Mrs Marcos' lawyer adeptly exploited the prosecution's weakness.

ad|equa|cy / 'ædɪkwəsi / [N-UNCOUNT] usu N of n Adequacy is the quality of being good enough or great enough in amount to be acceptable. ≠ inadequacy

♦ ad|equate / 'ædɪkwət / [ADJ] oft ADJ to-inf, ADJ for n If something is adequate , there is enough of it or it is good enough to be used or accepted. One in four people worldwide are without adequate homes... The old methods weren't adequate to meet current needs... ≠ inadequate ● adequately [ADV] ADV with v Many students are not adequately prepared for higher education... I speak the language adequately.

ad|here / ædh'ɪə r / (adheres adhering adhered) 1 [VERB] V to n If you adhere to a rule or agreement, you act in the way that it says you should. All members of the association adhere to a strict code of practice... 2 [VERB] V to n If you adhere to an opinion or belief, you support or hold it. He urged them to adhere to the values of Islam which defend the dignity of man. 3 [VERB] V to n, V adv/prep, also V If something adheres to something else, it sticks firmly to it. Small particles adhere to the seed... This sticky compound adheres well on this surface.

ad|her|ence / ædh'ɪərəns / [N-UNCOUNT] usu N to n Adherence is the fact of adhering to a particular rule, agreement, or belief. ...strict adherence to the constitution.

ad|her|ent / ædh'ɪərənt / (adherents) [N-COUNT] An adherent is someone who holds a particular belief or supports a particular person or group. This idea is gaining adherents. = follower, supporter

ad|he|sion / ædh'iːʒ ə n / [N-UNCOUNT] Adhesion is the ability of one thing to stick firmly to another. (FORMAL) Better driving equipment will improve track adhesion in slippery conditions.

ad|he|sive / ædh'iːsɪv / (adhesives) 1 [N-MASS] An adhesive is a substance such as glue, which is used to make things stick firmly together. Glue the mirror in with a strong adhesive. 2 [ADJ] usu ADJ n An adhesive substance is able to stick firmly to something else. ...adhesive tape.

adieu / ədj'uː / (adieus) [CONVENTION] Adieu means the same as goodbye . (LITERARY, OLD-FASHIONED)

ad|ja|cent / ədʒ'eɪs ə nt / [ADJ] oft ADJ to n If one thing is adjacent to another, the two things are next to each other. He sat in an adjacent room and waited... ...offices adjacent to the museum.

ad|jec|ti|val / 'ædʒɪkt'aɪv ə l / [ADJ] usu ADJ n Adjectival means relating to adjectives or like an adjective. ...an adjectival phrase.

ad|jec|tive / 'ædʒɪktɪv / (adjectives) [N-COUNT] An adjective is a word such as `big', `dead', or `financial' that describes a person or thing, or gives extra information about them. Adjectives usually come before nouns or after link verbs. ad|jec|tive group (adjective groups) [N-COUNT] An adjective group or adjectival group is a group of words based on an adjective, such as `very nice' or `interested in football'. An adjective group can also consist simply of an adjective.

ad|join / ədʒ'ɔɪn / (adjoins adjoining adjoined) [VERB] If one room, place, or object adjoins another, they are next to each other. (FORMAL)

ad|journ / ədʒ'ɜː r n / (adjourns adjourning adjourned) [VERB] be V-ed, V If a meeting or trial is adjourned or if it adjourns , it is stopped for a short time. The proceedings have now been adjourned until next week... I am afraid the court may not adjourn until three or even later.

ad|journ|ment / ədʒ'ɜː r nmənt / (adjournments) [N-COUNT] An adjournment is a temporary stopping of a trial, enquiry, or other meeting. The court ordered a four month adjournment. = suspension

ad|judge / ədʒ'ʌdʒ / (adjudges adjudging adjudged) [VERB] usu passive, be V-ed to-inf, be V-ed n If someone is adjudged to be something, they are judged or considered to be that thing. (FORMAL) He was adjudged to be guilty... He was adjudged the winner by 54 votes to 3.

ad|ju|di|cate / ədʒ'uːdɪkeɪt / (adjudicates adjudicating adjudicated) [VERB] V prep, V n, also V If you adjudicate on a dispute or problem, you make an official judgment or decision about it. (FORMAL) ...a commissioner to adjudicate on legal rights... The international court of justice might be a suitable place to adjudicate claims. = decide ● adjudication [N-VAR] ...unbiased adjudication of cases of unfair dismissal. ● adjudicator [N-COUNT] ...an independent adjudicator.

ad|junct / 'ædʒʌŋkt / (adjuncts) 1 [N-COUNT] oft N to/of n Something that is an adjunct to something larger or more important is connected with it or helps to perform the same task. Physical therapy is an important adjunct to drug treatments... = appendage 2 [N-COUNT] In grammar, an adjunct is a word or group of words which indicates the circumstances of an action, event, or situation. An adjunct is usually a prepositional phrase or an adverb group.

♦ ad|just / ədʒ'ʌst / (adjusts adjusting adjusted) 1 [VERB] V n to n, V to n, V When you adjust to a new situation, you get used to it by changing your behaviour or your ideas. We have been preparing our fighters to adjust themselves to civil society... I felt I had adjusted to the idea of being a mother very well... It has been hard to adjust but now I'm getting satisfaction from my work. see also well-adjusted 2 [VERB] V n If you adjust something, you change it so that it is more effective or appropriate. To attract investors, Panama has adjusted its tax and labour laws. 3 [VERB] V n If you adjust something such as your clothing or a machine, you correct or alter its position or setting. Liz adjusted her mirror and then edged the car out of its parking bay. 4 [VERB] V n, V If you adjust your vision or if your vision adjusts , the muscles of your eye or the pupils alter to cope with changes in light or distance. He stopped to try to a...

ad|just|able / ədʒ'ʌstəb ə l / [ADJ] If something is adjustable , it can be changed to different positions or sizes. The bags have adjustable shoulder straps... The seats are fully adjustable. ≠ fixed

ad|just|er / ədʒ'ʌstə r / (adjusters) also adjustor [N-COUNT] An adjuster is a device which allows you to alter a piece of equipment's position or setting. ...a seat belt adjuster. see also loss adjustor claims ad|just|er (claims adjusters) also claims adjustor [N-COUNT] A claims adjuster is someone who is employed by an insurance company to decide how much money a person making a claim should receive. (AM BUSINESS; in BRIT, use loss adjuster ) = insurance adjuster in|sur|ance ad|just|er (insurance adjusters) [N-COUNT] An insurance adjuster is the same as a claims adjuster . (AM BUSINESS; in BRIT, use loss adjuster ) loss ad|just|er (loss adjusters) also loss adjustor [N-COUNT] A loss adjuster is someone who is employed by an insurance company to decide how much money should be paid to a person making a claim. (BRIT BUSINESS; in AM, use insurance adjuster , claims adjuster )

ad|just|ment / ədʒ'ʌstmənt / (adjustments) 1 [N-COUNT] oft N to/for/in n An adjustment is a small change that is made to something such as a machine or a way of doing something. Compensation could be made by adjustments to taxation... Investment is up by 5.7% after adjustment for inflation. 2 [N-COUNT] oft N to n An adjustment is a change in a person's behaviour or thinking. He will have to make major adjustments to his thinking if he is to survive in office.

ad|ju|tant / 'ædʒʊtənt / (adjutants) [N-COUNT] An adjutant is an officer in the army who deals with administrative work.

ad|man / 'ædmæn / (admen) [N-COUNT] An adman is someone who works in advertising. (INFORMAL)

ad|min|is|ter / ædm'ɪnɪstə r / (administers administering administered) 1 [VERB] V n If someone administers something such as a country, the law, or a test, they take responsibility for organizing and supervising it. The plan calls for the UN to administer the country until elections can be held... 2 [VERB] V n, also V n to n If a doctor or a nurse administers a drug, they give it to a patient. (FORMAL) Paramedics are trained to administer certain drugs.

♦♦ ad|min|is|tra|tion / ædm'ɪnɪstr'eɪʃ ə n / (administrations) 1 [N-UNCOUNT] Administration is the range of activities connected with organizing and supervising the way that an organization or institution functions. Too much time is spent on administration. ...a master's degree in business administration. 2 [N-UNCOUNT] The administration of something is the process of organizing and supervising it. Standards in the administration of justice have degenerated... 3 [N-SING] the N, usu n N The administration of a company or institution is the group of people who organize and supervise it. ... a member of the college administration. 4 [N-COUNT] oft the n N You can refer to a country's government as the administration ; used especially in the United States.

ad|min|is|tra|tive / ædm'ɪnɪstrətɪv, AM -streɪt- / [ADJ] usu ADJ n Administrative work involves organizing and supervising an organization or institution. Other industries have had to sack managers to reduce administrative costs...

ad|min|is|tra|tor / ædm'ɪnɪstreɪtə r / (administrators) [N-COUNT] An administrator is a person whose job involves helping to organize and supervise the way that an organization or institution functions.

ad|mi|rable / 'ædmɪrəb ə l / [ADJ] An admirable quality or action is one that deserves to be praised and admired. Beyton is an admirable character... ● admirably [ADV] ADV with v, ADV adj/adv Peter had dealt admirably with the sudden questions about Keith...

ad|mi|ral / 'ædmərəl / (admirals) [N-COUNT; N-TITLE] An admiral is a very senior officer who commands a navy. ...Admiral Hodges.

ad|mi|ra|tion / 'ædmɪr'eɪʃ ə n / [N-UNCOUNT] oft N for/of n, in N Admiration is a feeling of great liking and respect for a person or thing. I have always had the greatest admiration for him...

♦ ad|mire / ədm'aɪ'ə r / (admires admiring admired) 1 [VERB] V n, V n for n/-ing If you admire someone or something, you like and respect them very much. He admired the way she had coped with life... All those who knew him will admire him for his work. 2 [VERB] V n If you admire someone or something, you look at them with pleasure. We took time to stop and admire the view. 3 see also admiring

ad|mir|er / ədm'aɪ'ərə r / (admirers) [N-COUNT] If you are an admirer of someone, you like and respect them or their work very much. He was an admirer of her grandfather's paintings.

ad|mir|ing / ədm'aɪ'ərɪŋ / [ADJ] usu ADJ n An admiring expression shows that you like or respect someone or something. He cast her an admiring glance... = appreciative

ad|mis|sible / ædm'ɪsɪb ə l / [ADJ] usu v-link ADJ If evidence is admissible , it is allowed in a court of law. Convictions will rise steeply now photographic evidence is admissible. ≠ inadmissible

ad|mis|sion / ædm'ɪʃ ə n / (admissions) 1 [N-VAR] oft N to n Admission is permission given to a person to enter a place, or permission given to a country to enter an organization. Admission is also the act of entering a place. Students apply for admission to a particular college... ...an increase in hospital admissions of children. 2 [N-PLURAL] oft N n Admissions to a place such as a school or university are the people who are allowed to enter or join it. Each school sets its own admissions policy. 3 [N-UNCOUNT] Admission at a park, museum, or other place is the amount of money that you pay to enter it. Gates open at 10.30am and admission is free. [N-UNCOUNT] N n Admission is also used before a noun. The admission price is $8 for adults. 4 [N-VAR] oft N of n, N that An admission is a statement that something bad, unpleasant, or embarrassing is true. By his own admission, he is not playing well...

♦♦ ad|mit / ædm'ɪt / (admits admitting admitted) 1 [VERB] V that, V to -ing/n, V -ing, V n, V with quote If you admit that something bad, unpleasant, or embarrassing is true, you agree, often unwillingly, that it is true. I am willing to admit that I do make mistakes... Up to two thirds of 14 to 16 year olds admit to buying drink illegally... I'd be ashamed to admit feeling jealous... None of these people will admit responsibility for their actions... `Actually, most of my tennis is at club level,' he admitted. = confess ≠ deny 2 [VERB] usu passive, be V-ed to n, be V-ed If someone is admitted to hospital, they are taken into hospital for treatment and kept there until they are well enough to go home. She was admitted to hospital with a soaring temperature... He was admitted yesterday for treatment of blood clots in his lungs. 3 [VERB] be V-ed to n, V n If someone is admitted to an organization or group, they are allowed to join i...

ad|mit|tance / ædm'ɪt ə ns / [N-UNCOUNT] oft N into/to n Admittance is the act of entering a place or institution or the right to enter it. We had not been able to gain admittance to the flat. = admission

ad|mit|ted|ly / ædm'ɪtɪdli / [ADV] ADV with cl/group You use admittedly when you are saying something which weakens the importance or force of your statement. It's only a theory, admittedly, but the pieces fit together...

ad|mix|ture / ædm'ɪkstʃə r / [N-SING] usu N of n Admixture means the same as mixture . (FORMAL) ...an admixture of fact and fantasy. = mixture

ad|mon|ish / ædm'ɒnɪʃ / (admonishes admonishing admonished) [VERB] V n for n/-ing, V n with quote, also V n, V n to-inf If you admonish someone, you tell them very seriously that they have done something wrong. (FORMAL) They admonished me for taking risks with my health... She admonished him gently, `You should rest, not talk so much.' = rebuke ● admonishment [N-VAR] Sometimes he gave them a severe admonishment.

ad|moni|tion / 'ædmən'ɪʃ ə n / (admonitions) [N-VAR] An admonition is a warning or criticism about someone's behaviour. (FORMAL) She ignored the admonitions of her mother. = admonishment

ado / əd'uː / [PHRASE] PHR with v If you do something without further ado or without more ado , you do it at once and do not discuss or delay it any longer. (OLD-FASHIONED) `And now, without further ado, let me introduce our benefactor.'

ado|be / əd'oʊbi / [N-UNCOUNT] usu N n Adobe is a mixture of mud and straw that is dried into bricks in the sun and used for building, especially in hot countries. ...a few blocks of adobe houses.

ado|les|cence / 'ædəl'es ə ns / [N-UNCOUNT] Adolescence is the period of your life in which you develop from being a child into being an adult. Some people become very self-conscious in adolescence.

ado|les|cent / 'ædəl'es ə nt / (adolescents) [ADJ] usu ADJ n Adolescent is used to describe young people who are no longer children but who have not yet become adults. It also refers to their behaviour. It is important that an adolescent boy should have an adult in whom he can confide... = teenage [N-COUNT] An adolescent is an adolescent boy or girl. Young adolescents are happiest with small groups of close friends. = teenager

♦♦ adopt / əd'ɒpt / (adopts adopting adopted) 1 [VERB] V n If you adopt a new attitude, plan, or way of behaving, you begin to have it. Parliament adopted a resolution calling for the complete withdrawal of troops... ● adoption [N-UNCOUNT] ...the adoption of Japanese management practices by British manufacturing. 2 [VERB] V n, V-ed, also V If you adopt someone else's child, you take it into your own family and make it legally your son or daughter. There are hundreds of people desperate to adopt a child... The adopted child has the right to see his birth certificate. ● adopter [N-COUNT] A social worker is appointed to interview the prospective adopters. ● adoption [N-VAR] They gave their babies up for adoption...

adop|tive / əd'ɒptɪv / 1 [ADJ] ADJ n Someone's adoptive family is the family that adopted them. He was brought up by adoptive parents in London. 2 [ADJ] ADJ n Someone's adoptive country or city is the one that they choose for their home, although they were not born there. They threatened to expel him from his adoptive country...

ador|able / əd'ɔːrəb ə l / [ADJ] If you say that someone or something is adorable , you are emphasizing that they are very attractive and you feel great affection for them. We have three adorable children.

ado|ra|tion / 'ædɔːr'eɪʃ ə n / [N-UNCOUNT] Adoration is a feeling of great admiration and love for someone or something. He had been used to female adoration all his life.

adore / əd'ɔː r / (adores adoring adored) 1 [VERB] no cont, V n If you adore someone, you feel great love and admiration for them. She adored her parents and would do anything to please them. 2 [VERB] no cont, V n If you adore something, you like it very much. (INFORMAL) My mother adores bananas and eats two a day...

ador|ing / əd'ɔːrɪŋ / [ADJ] An adoring person is someone who loves and admires another person very much. She can still pull in adoring audiences. ● adoringly [ADV] ...gazing adoringly at him.

adorn / əd'ɔː r n / (adorns adorning adorned) [VERB] V n If something adorns a place or an object, it makes it look more beautiful. His watercolour designs adorn a wide range of books... = decorate

adorn|ment / əd'ɔː r nmənt / (adornments) 1 [N-VAR] An adornment is something that is used to make a person or thing more beautiful. It was a building without any adornment or decoration. 2 [N-UNCOUNT] Adornment is the process of making something more beautiful by adding something to it. Cosmetics are used for adornment.

adrift / ədr'ɪft / 1 [ADJ] v-link ADJ, v n ADJ If a boat is adrift , it is floating on the water and is not tied to anything or controlled by anyone. They were spotted after three hours adrift in a dinghy. 2 [ADJ] v-link ADJ, v n ADJ If someone is adrift , they feel alone with no clear idea of what they should do. Amy had the growing sense that she was adrift and isolated. 3 [ADJ] v-link ADJ, ADJ after v If something comes adrift , it is no longer attached to an object that it should be part of. (BRIT) Three insulating panels had come adrift from the base of the vehicle. = loose

adroit / ədr'ɔɪt / [ADJ] Someone who is adroit is quick and skilful in their thoughts, behaviour, or actions. She is a remarkably adroit and determined politician. = adept

adu|la|tion / 'ædʒʊl'eɪʃ ə n / [N-UNCOUNT] Adulation is uncritical admiration and praise of someone or something. The book was received with adulation by critics. = acclaim

adu|la|tory / 'ædʒʊl'eɪtəri, AM -tɔːri / [ADJ] usu ADJ n If someone makes an adulatory comment about someone, they praise them and show their admiration of them. ...adulatory reviews. = laudatory

♦♦ adult / 'ædʌlt, AM əd'ʌlt / (adults) 1 [N-COUNT] An adult is a mature, fully developed person. An adult has reached the age when they are legally responsible for their actions. Becoming a father signified that he was now an adult... Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. ≠ minor 2 [N-COUNT] oft N n An adult is a fully developed animal. ...a pair of adult birds. ≠ juvenile 3 [ADJ] ADJ n Adult means relating to the time when you are an adult, or typical of adult people. I've lived most of my adult life in London. 4 [ADJ] v-link ADJ If you say that someone is adult about something, you think that they act in a mature, intelligent way, especially when faced with a difficult situation. We were very adult about it. We discussed it rationally over a drink. = mature 5 [ADJ] You can describe things such as films or books as adult when they deal with sex in a very clear and open way. ...an adult movie. adult edu|ca|tio...

adul|ter|ate / əd'ʌltəreɪt / (adulterates adulterating adulterated) [VERB] usu passive, be V-ed If something such as food or drink is adulterated , someone has made its quality worse by adding water or cheaper products to it. The food had been adulterated to increase its weight... ● adulteration [N-UNCOUNT] ...the adulteration of tobacco.

adul|ter|er / əd'ʌltərə r / (adulterers) [N-COUNT] An adulterer is someone who commits adultery.

adul|ter|ess / əd'ʌltrɪs / (adulteresses) [N-COUNT] An adulteress is a woman who commits adultery. (OLD-FASHIONED)

adul|ter|ous / əd'ʌltərəs / [ADJ] usu ADJ n An adulterous relationship is a sexual relationship between a married person and someone they are not married to. An adulterous person is someone who commits adultery.

adul|tery / əd'ʌltəri / [N-UNCOUNT] If a married person commits adultery , they have sex with someone that they are not married to. She is going to divorce him on the grounds of adultery.

adult|hood / 'ædʌlthʊd, AM əd'ʌlt- / [N-UNCOUNT] Adulthood is the state of being an adult. Few people nowadays are able to maintain friendships into adulthood.

♦♦ ad|vance / ædv'ɑːns, -v'æns / (advances advancing advanced) 1 [VERB] V prep/adv, V, V-ing To advance means to move forward, often in order to attack someone. Reports from Chad suggest that rebel forces are advancing on the capital... The water is advancing at a rate of 5cm a day... ...a picture of a man throwing himself before an advancing tank. 2 [VERB] V To advance means to make progress, especially in your knowledge of something. Medical technology has advanced considerably... see also advanced = progress 3 [VERB] V n n, V n If you advance someone a sum of money, you lend it to them, or pay it to them earlier than arranged. I advanced him some money, which he would repay on our way home... The bank advanced $1.2 billion to help the country with debt repayments. = lend 4 [N-COUNT] An advance is money which is lent or paid to someone before they would normally receive it. She was paid a £100,000 advance for her next two novel...

♦ ad|vanced / ædv'ɑːnst, -v'ænst / 1 [ADJ] usu ADJ n An advanced system, method, or design is modern and has been developed from an earlier version of the same thing. Without more training or advanced technical skills, they'll lose their jobs. = up-to-date 2 [ADJ] A country that is advanced has reached a high level of industrial or technological development. ...a technologically advanced society. 3 [ADJ] usu ADJ n An advanced student has already learned the basic facts of a subject and is doing more difficult work. An advanced course of study is designed for such students. The course is suitable for beginners and advanced students... ≠ elementary 4 [ADJ] Something that is at an advanced stage or level is at a late stage of development. `Medicare' is available to victims of advanced kidney disease...

ad|vance|ment / ædv'ɑːnsmənt, -v'æns- / (advancements) 1 [N-UNCOUNT] oft adj N Advancement is progress in your job or in your social position. He cared little for social advancement. 2 [N-VAR] oft N of n The advancement of something is the process of helping it to progress or the result of its progress. ..her work for the advancement of the status of women.

♦♦ ad|van|tage / ædv'ɑːntɪdʒ, -v'æn- / (advantages) 1 [N-COUNT] An advantage is something that puts you in a better position than other people. They are deliberately flouting the law in order to obtain an advantage over their competitors... A good crowd will be a definite advantage to me and the rest of the team. ≠ disadvantage 2 [N-UNCOUNT] Advantage is the state of being in a better position than others who are competing against you. Men have created a social and economic position of advantage for themselves over women. 3 [N-COUNT] oft N of n An advantage is a way in which one thing is better than another. This custom-built kitchen has many advantages over a standard one. ≠ disadvantage 4 [PHRASE] V inflects, PHR n If you take advantage of something, you make good use of it while you can. I intend to take full advantage of this trip to buy the things we need. 5 [PHRASE] V inflects, PHR n If someone takes advantage of you, they tre...

ad|van|taged / ædv'ɑːntɪdʒd, -v'æn- / [ADJ] A person or place that is advantaged is in a better social or financial position than other people or places. Some cities are always going to be more advantaged. = privileged ≠ disadvantaged

ad|van|ta|geous / 'ædvənt'eɪdʒəs / [ADJ] oft ADJ to n If something is advantageous to you, it is likely to benefit you. Free exchange of goods was advantageous to all. = favourable ≠ unfavourable

ad|vent / 'ædvent / [N-UNCOUNT] usu the N of n The advent of an important event, invention, or situation is the fact of it starting or coming into existence. (FORMAL) ...the leap forward in communication made possible by the advent of the mobile phone.

ad|ven|ture / ædv'entʃə r / (adventures) 1 [N-COUNT] If someone has an adventure , they become involved in an unusual, exciting, and rather dangerous journey or series of events. I set off for a new adventure in the United States on the first day of the new year. 2 [N-UNCOUNT] Adventure is excitement and willingness to do new, unusual, or rather dangerous things. Their cultural backgrounds gave them a spirit of adventure. ad|ven|ture play|ground (adventure playgrounds) [N-COUNT] An adventure playground is an area of land for children to play in, usually in cities or in a park. It has wooden structures and equipment such as ropes, nets, and rubber tyres. (BRIT)