Tài liệu English Dictionary docx

Collins COBUILD English Dictionary.txt
Collins COBUILD English DictionaryA, a A, a A, a
A, a A's, a's
1 [N-VAR]
A is the first letter of the English alphabet.
2 [N-VAR]
In music, A is the sixth note in the scale of C major.
3 [N-VAR]
If you get an A as a mark for a piece of work or in an exam, your work is
extremely good.
4 A or a is used as an abbreviation for words beginning with a, such as
`acceleration', `ampčre', or `answer'.
5 [PHRASE]
PHR after v
People talk about getting from A to B when they are referring generally to
journeys they need to make, without saying where the journeys will take them.
Cars are for getting people from A to B in maximum safety.
a *** a a
a WEAK STRONG
1 [DET]
DET sing-n
You use a or an when you are referring to someone or something for the first
time or when people may not know which particular person or thing you are
talking about.
A waiter entered with a tray...
He started eating an apple...
Today you've got a new teacher taking you...
I manage a hotel.
2 [DET]
DET sing-n
You use a or an when you are referring to any person or thing of a particular

type and do not want to be specific.
I suggest you leave it to an expert...
Bring a sleeping bag...
I was waiting for a bus.
3 [DET]
DET n-uncount with supp
You use a or an in front of an uncount noun when that noun follows an
adjective, or when the noun is followed by words that describe it more fully.
There was a terrible sadness in her eyes...
4 [DET]
DET n-mass
You use a or an in front of a mass noun when you want to refer to a single
type or make of something.
Bollinger `RD' is a rare, highly prized wine.
5 [DET]
DET in quant
You use a in quantifiers such as a lot, a little, and a bit.
I spend a lot on expensive jewelry and clothing...
I've come looking for a bit of advice.
6 [DET]
Strana 1
Collins COBUILD English Dictionary.txt
DET sing-n
You use a or an to refer to someone or something as a typical member of a
group, class, or type.
Some parents believe a boy must learn to stand up and fight like a man.
7 [DET]
DET sing-n
You use a or an in front of the names of days, months, or festivals when you
are referring to one particular instance of that day, month, or festival.

The interview took place on a Friday afternoon...
8 [DET]
DET sing-n
You use a or an when you are saying what someone is or what job they have.
I explained that I was an artist...
He was now a teacher and a respectable member of the community.
9 [DET]
DET n-proper
You use a or an in front of the names of artists to refer to one individual
painting or sculpture created by them.
Most people have very little difficulty in seeing why a Van Gogh is a
work of genius.
10 [DET]
DET sing-n
You use a or an instead of the number `one', especially with words of
measurement such as `hundred', `hour', and `metre', and with fractions such as
`half', `quarter', and `third'.
...more than a thousand acres of land.
...a quarter of an hour...
11 [DET]
num DET sing-n
You use a or an in expressions such as eight hours a day to express a rate or
ratio.
Prices start at Ł13.95 a metre for printed cotton...
The helicopter can zip along at about 150 kilometres an hour.
a- a- a-
a-
[PREFIX]
A- is added to the beginning of some adjectives in order to form adjectives
that describe someone or something that does not have the feature or quality

indicated by the original word.
I'm a completely apolitical man...
...asymmetrical shapes.
aah aah aah
aah
see ah
A & E A & E A & E
A & E
[N-UNCOUNT]
In Britain, A & E is the part of a hospital that deals with accidents and
emergencies. A & E is an abbreviation for `accident and emergency'. (BRIT; in
AM, use ER)
Strana 2
Collins COBUILD English Dictionary.txt
AB AB AB
AB ABs
[N-COUNT]
In some American universities, an AB is the same as a BA.
aback aback aback
aback
[PHRASE]
usu v-link PHR, oft PHR by n
If you are taken aback by something, you are surprised or shocked by it and
you cannot respond at once.
Roland was taken aback by our strength of feeling...
abacus abacus abacus
aba·cus abacuses
[N-COUNT]
An abacus is a frame used for counting. It has rods with sliding beads on
them.

abalone abalone abalone
aba·lo·ne abalones
[N-VAR]
Abalone is a shellfish that you can eat and that has a shiny substance called
mother-of-pearl inside its shell.
abandon * abandon abandon
aban·don abandons abandoning abandoned
1 [VERB]
V n, V-ed
If you abandon a place, thing, or person, you leave the place, thing, or
person permanently or for a long time, especially when you should not do so.
He claimed that his parents had abandoned him...
The road is strewn with abandoned vehicles.
2 [VERB]
V n
If you abandon an activity or piece of work, you stop doing it before it is
finished.
The authorities have abandoned any attempt to distribute food...
= give up Ě continue
give up continue
3 [VERB]
V n
If you abandon an idea or way of thinking, you stop having that idea or
thinking in that way.
Logic had prevailed and he had abandoned the idea.
= give up
give up
4 [N-UNCOUNT] disapproval
usu with N
If you say that someone does something with abandon, you mean that they behave

in a wild, uncontrolled way and do not think or care about how they should
behave.
He has spent money with gay abandon...
see also abandoned
Strana 3
Collins COBUILD English Dictionary.txt
6 [PHRASE]
v inflects
If people abandon ship, they get off a ship because it is sinking.
abandoned * abandoned abandoned
aban·doned
[ADJ]
usu ADJ n
An abandoned place or building is no longer used or occupied.
All that digging had left a network of abandoned mines and tunnels.
abandonment abandonment abandonment
aban·don·ment
1 [N-UNCOUNT]
oft N of n
The abandonment of a place, thing, or person is the act of leaving it
permanently or for a long time, especially when you should not do so.
...memories of her father's complete abandonment of her.
2 [N-UNCOUNT]
oft N of n
The abandonment of a piece of work or activity is the act of stopping doing it
before it is finished.
Constant rain forced the abandonment of the next day's competitions.
3 [N-UNCOUNT]
oft N of n
The abandonment of an idea or way of thinking is the act of stopping having

the idea or of stopping thinking in that way.
abashed abashed abashed
abashed
[ADJ]
usu v-link ADJ
If you are abashed, you feel embarrassed and ashamed. (WRITTEN)
He looked abashed, uncomfortable.
abate abate abate
abate abates abating abated
[VERB]
V
If something bad or undesirable abates, it becomes much less strong or severe.
(FORMAL)
The storms had abated by the time they rounded Cape Horn.
abatement abatement abatement
abate·ment
[N-UNCOUNT]
also a N
Abatement means a reduction in the strength or power of something or the
reduction of it. (FORMAL)
...the abatement of carbon dioxide emissions.
...noise abatement.
abattoir abattoir abattoir
ab·at·toir abattoirs
[N-COUNT]
An abattoir is a place where animals are killed in order to provide meat.
Strana 4
Collins COBUILD English Dictionary.txt
(BRIT; in AM, use slaughterhouse)
= slaughterhouse

slaughterhouse
abbess abbess abbess
ab·bess abbesses
[N-COUNT]
An abbess is the nun who is in charge of the other nuns in a convent.
abbey abbey abbey
ab·bey abbeys
[N-COUNT]
An abbey is a church with buildings attached to it in which monks or nuns live
or used to live.
abbot abbot abbot
ab·bot abbots
[N-COUNT]
An abbot is the monk who is in charge of the other monks in a monastery or
abbey.
abbreviate abbreviate abbreviate
ab·bre·vi·ate abbreviates abbreviating abbreviated
[VERB]
V n to n, also V n
If you abbreviate something, especially a word or a piece of writing, you make
it shorter.
He abbreviated his first name to Alec.
= shorten
shorten
abbreviation abbreviation abbreviation
ab·bre·via·tion abbreviations
[N-COUNT]
An abbreviation is a short form of a word or phrase, made by leaving out some
of the letters or by using only the first letter of each word.
The postal abbreviation for Kansas is KS.

ABC ABC ABC
ABC ABCs
1 [N-SING]
N of n
The ABC of a subject or activity is the parts of it that you have to learn
first because they are the most important and basic.
...the ABC of Marxism.
2 [N-COUNT]
poss N
Children who have learned their ABC or their ABCs have learned to recognize,
write, or say the alphabet. (INFORMAL)
abdicate abdicate abdicate
ab·di·cate abdicates abdicating abdicated
1 [VERB]
V, also V n
If a king or queen abdicates, he or she gives up being king or queen.
The last French king was Louis Philippe, who abdicated in 1848.
&xSym1; abdication ab·di·ca·tion [N-UNCOUNT]
Strana 5
Collins COBUILD English Dictionary.txt
usu with poss
...the most serious royal crisis since the abdication of Edward VIII.
2 [VERB] disapproval
V n
If you say that someone has abdicated responsibility for something, you
disapprove of them because they have refused to accept responsibility for it
any longer. (FORMAL)
Many parents simply abdicate all responsibility for their children.
&xSym1; abdication ab·di·ca·tion [N-UNCOUNT]
N of n

There had been a complete abdication of responsibility.
abdomen abdomen abdomen
ab·do·men abdomens
[N-COUNT]
oft poss N
Your abdomen is the part of your body below your chest where your stomach and
intestines are. (FORMAL)
He was suffering from pains in his abdomen.
abdominal abdominal abdominal
ab·domi·nal
[ADJ]
ADJ n
Abdominal is used to describe something that is situated in the abdomen or
forms part of it. (FORMAL)
...vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain.
abdominals abdominals abdominals
ab·domi·nals
[N-PLURAL]
You can refer to your abdominal muscles as your abdominals when you are
talking about exercise.
abduct abduct abduct
ab·duct abducts abducting abducted
[VERB]
be V-ed, V n
If someone is abducted by another person, he or she is taken away illegally,
usually using force.
His car was held up and he was abducted by four gunmen...
She was charged with abducting a six-month-old child.
= kidnap
kidnap

&xSym1; abduction abductions ab·duc·tion [N-VAR]
...the abduction of four youths.
&xSym1; abductor abductors ab·duc·tor [N-COUNT]
She co-operated with her abductor.
aberrant aberrant aberrant
ab·er·rant
[ADJ]
usu ADJ n
Aberrant means unusual and not socially acceptable. (FORMAL)
Ian's rages and aberrant behavior worsened.
Strana 6
Collins COBUILD English Dictionary.txt
aberration aberration aberration
ab·er·ra·tion aberrations
[N-VAR]
An aberration is an incident or way of behaving that is not typical. (FORMAL)
It became very clear that the incident was not just an aberration, it was
not just a single incident.
abet abet abet
abet abets abetting abetted
[VERB]
V n
If one person abets another, they help or encourage them to do something
criminal or wrong. Abet is often used in the legal expression `aid and abet'.
(LEGAL FORMAL)
His wife was sentenced to seven years imprisonment for aiding and
abetting him...
abeyance abeyance abeyance
abey·ance
[PHRASE]

v-link PHR, PHR after v
If something is in abeyance, it is not operating or being used at the present
time. (FORMAL)
The Russian threat is, at the least, in abeyance...
abhor abhor abhor
ab·hor abhors abhorring abhorred
[VERB]
V n
If you abhor something, you hate it very much, especially for moral reasons.
(FORMAL)
He was a man who abhorred violence and was deeply committed to
reconciliation...
= detest
detest
abhorrence abhorrence abhorrence
ab·hor·rence
[N-UNCOUNT]
usu with supp, oft poss N, N of n
Someone's abhorrence of something is their strong hatred of it. (FORMAL)
They are anxious to show their abhorrence of racism.
= hatred
hatred
abhorrent abhorrent abhorrent
ab·hor·rent
[ADJ]
usu v-link ADJ, oft ADJ to n
If something is abhorrent to you, you hate it very much or consider it
completely unacceptable. (FORMAL)
Racial discrimination is abhorrent to my council and our staff...
abide abide abide

abide abides abiding abided
[PHRASE]
Strana 7
Collins COBUILD English Dictionary.txt
with brd-neg
If you can't abide someone or something, you dislike them very much.
I can't abide people who can't make up their minds...
see also abiding, law-abiding
= can't stand
can't stand
abide by abide by abide by
abide by
[PHRASAL VERB]
V P n
If you abide by a law, agreement, or decision, you do what it says you should
do.
They have got to abide by the rules.
= observe
observe
abiding abiding abiding
abid·ing
[ADJ]
ADJ n
An abiding feeling, memory, or interest is one that you have for a very long
time.
He has a genuine and abiding love of the craft...
= lasting Ě short-lived
lasting short-lived
ability ** ability ability
abil·ity abilities

1 [N-SING]
N to-inf, oft with poss
Your ability to do something is the fact that you can do it.
The public never had faith in his ability to handle the job...
He has the ability to bring out the best in others.
= capability
capability
2 [N-VAR]
oft with poss
Your ability is the quality or skill that you have which makes it possible for
you to do something.
Her drama teacher spotted her ability...
They repeatedly questioned his leadership abilities...
Does the school cater for all abilities?
3 [PHRASE]
If you do something to the best of your abilities or to the best of your
ability, you do it as well as you can.
I take care of them to the best of my abilities...
-ability -ability -ability
-ability -abilities
[SUFFIX]
-ability replaces `-able' at the end of adjectives to form nouns. Nouns formed
in this way refer to the state or quality described by the adjectives.
...the desirability of global co-operation...
Strana 8
Collins COBUILD English Dictionary.txt
No one ever questioned her capability.
abject abject abject
ab·ject
[ADJ] emphasis

usu ADJ n
You use abject to emphasize that a situation or quality is extremely bad.
Both of them died in abject poverty...
This scheme was an abject failure.
= total
total
&xSym1; abjectly ab·ject·ly [ADV]
Both have failed abjectly.
abjure abjure abjure
ab·jure abjures abjuring abjured
[VERB]
V n
If you abjure something such as a belief or way of life, you state publicly
that you will give it up or that you reject it. (FORMAL)
...a formal statement abjuring military action.
ablaze ablaze ablaze
ablaze
1 [ADJ]
v n ADJ, v-link ADJ
Something that is ablaze is burning very fiercely.
Shops, houses, and vehicles were set ablaze.
2 [ADJ]
v-link ADJ, usu ADJ with n
If a place is ablaze with lights or colours, it is very bright because of
them.
The chamber was ablaze with light...
able *** able able
able abler ablest
1 [PHRASE]
If you are able to do something, you have skills or qualities which make it

possible for you to do it.
The older child should be able to prepare a simple meal...
The company say they're able to keep pricing competitive...
They seemed able to work together very efficiently.
= can
can
2 [PHRASE]
If you are able to do something, you have enough freedom, power, time, or
money to do it.
You'll be able to read in peace...
It would be nice to be able to afford to retire earlier.
= can
can
3 [ADJ]
Someone who is able is very clever or very good at doing something.
...one of the brightest and ablest members of the government...
Strana 9
Collins COBUILD English Dictionary.txt
= capable
capable
-able -able -able
-able
[SUFFIX]
-able combines with verbs to form adjectives. Adjectives formed in this way
describe someone or something that can have a particular thing done to them.
For example, if something is avoidable, it can be avoided.
These injuries were avoidable...
He was an admirable chairman.
able-bodied able-bodied able-bodied
able-bodied

[ADJ]
An able-bodied person is physically strong and healthy, rather than weak or
disabled.
The gym can be used by both able-bodied and disabled people.
Ě disabled
disabled
[N-PLURAL]
the N
The able-bodied are people who are able-bodied.
ablutions ablutions ablutions
ab·lu·tions
[N-PLURAL]
oft poss N
Someone's ablutions are all the activities that are involved in washing
himself or herself. (FORMAL or HUMOROUS)
ably ably ably
ably
[ADV]
ADV with v
Ably means skilfully and successfully.
He was ably assisted by a number of other members.
abnormal abnormal abnormal
ab·nor·mal
[ADJ]
Someone or something that is abnormal is unusual, especially in a way that is
worrying. (FORMAL)
...abnormal heart rhythms and high anxiety levels.
...a child with an abnormal fear of strangers.
&xSym1; abnormally ab·nor·mal·ly [ADV]
usu ADV adj/adv, also ADV with v

...abnormally high levels of glucose...
abnormality abnormality abnormality
ab·nor·mal·ity abnormalities
[N-VAR]
An abnormality in something, especially in a person's body or behaviour, is an
unusual part or feature of it that may be worrying or dangerous. (FORMAL)
Further scans are required to confirm the diagnosis of an abnormality...
aboard aboard aboard
Strana 10
Collins COBUILD English Dictionary.txt
aboard
[PREP]
If you are aboard a ship or plane, you are on it or in it.
She invited 750 people aboard the luxury yacht, the Savarona...
They said goodbye to him as he got aboard the train at Union Station.
= on board
on board
[ADV]
ADV after v
Aboard is also an adverb.
It had taken two hours to load all the people aboard...
= on board
on board
abode abode abode
abode abodes
1 [N-COUNT]
usu poss N
Your abode is the place where you live. (FORMAL)
I went round the streets and found his new abode.
2 [PHRASE]

oft of PHR
If someone has no fixed abode, they are homeless. (LEGAL)
30 per cent of psychiatric hospital beds are occupied by people of no
fixed abode.
abolish abolish abolish
abol·ish abolishes abolishing abolished
[VERB]
V n
If someone in authority abolishes a system or practice, they formally put an
end to it.
The following year Parliament voted to abolish the death penalty for
murder...
abolition abolition abolition
abo·li·tion
[N-UNCOUNT]
also a N, usu with supp, oft N of n
The abolition of something such as a system or practice is its formal ending.
...the abolition of slavery in Brazil and the Caribbean.
abolitionist abolitionist abolitionist
abo·li·tion·ist abolitionists
[N-COUNT]
oft N n
An abolitionist is someone who campaigns for the abolition of a particular
system or practice.
As long as most people are happy to have the monarchy, the abolitionist
position is an arrogant fantasy.
A-bomb A-bomb A-bomb
A-bomb A-bombs
[N-COUNT]
An A-bomb is an atomic bomb.

Strana 11
Collins COBUILD English Dictionary.txt
abominable abominable abominable
abomi·nable
[ADJ]
Something that is abominable is very unpleasant or bad.
The President described the killings as an abominable crime...
&xSym1; abominably abomi·nably [ADV]
ADV after v, ADV -ed/adj
Chloe has behaved abominably...
Wallis was often abominably rude.
abomination abomination abomination
abom·ina·tion abominations
[N-COUNT] disapproval
If you say that something is an abomination, you think that it is completely
unacceptable. (FORMAL)
= outrage
outrage
aboriginal aboriginal aboriginal
abo·rigi·nal aboriginals
1 [N-COUNT]
An Aboriginal is an Australian Aborigine.
He remained fascinated by the Aboriginals' tales.
= Aborigine
Aborigine
2 [ADJ]
ADJ n
Aboriginal means belonging or relating to the Australian Aborigines.
...Aboriginal art.
3 [ADJ]

ADJ n
The aboriginal people or animals of a place are ones that have been there from
the earliest known times or that were there before people or animals from
other countries arrived.
= native, indigenous
native indigenous
Aborigine Aborigine Aborigine
Abo·rigi·ne Aborigines
[N-COUNT]
usu pl
Aborigines are members of the tribes that were living in Australia when
Europeans arrived there.
abort abort abort
abort aborts aborting aborted
1 [VERB]
V n, V-ed
If an unborn baby is aborted, the pregnancy is ended deliberately and the baby
is not born alive. (FORMAL)
Her lover walked out on her after she had aborted their child.
...tissue from aborted fetuses.
2 [VERB]
V n
Strana 12
Collins COBUILD English Dictionary.txt
If someone aborts a process, plan, or activity, they stop it before it has
been completed.
The decision was made to abort the mission...
abortion * abortion abortion
abor·tion abortions
[N-VAR]

If a woman has an abortion, she ends her pregnancy deliberately so that the
baby is not born alive.
His girlfriend had an abortion.
abortionist abortionist abortionist
abor·tion·ist abortionists
[N-COUNT]
An abortionist is someone who performs abortions, usually illegally.
see also anti-abortionist
abortive abortive abortive
abor·tive
[ADJ]
usu ADJ n
An abortive attempt or action is unsuccessful. (FORMAL)
...an abortive attempt to prevent the current President from taking
office.
= unsuccessful
unsuccessful
abound abound abound
abound abounds abounding abounded
[VERB]
V, V with/in n
If things abound, or if a place abounds with things, there are very large
numbers of them. (FORMAL)
Stories abound about when he was in charge...
The book abounds with close-up images from space.
about *** about about
about
1 [PREP]
You use about to introduce who or what something relates to or concerns.
She came in for a coffee, and told me about her friend Shona...

She knew a lot about food...
He never complains about his wife.
2 [PREP]
When you mention the things that an activity or institution is about, you are
saying what it involves or what its aims are.
Leadership is about the ability to implement change.
3 [PREP]
You use about after some adjectives to indicate the person or thing that a
feeling or state of mind relates to.
`I'm sorry about Patrick,' she said...
I feel so guilty and angry about the whole issue.
4 [PREP]
If you do something about a problem, you take action in order to solve it.
Rachel was going to do something about Jacob...
Strana 13
Collins COBUILD English Dictionary.txt
5 [PREP]
When you say that there is a particular quality about someone or something,
you mean that they have this quality.
I think there's something a little peculiar about the results of your
test.
6 [ADV]
ADV num
About is used in front of a number to show that the number is not exact.
In my local health centre there's about forty parking spaces...
The rate of inflation is running at about 2.7 percent.
= approximately, around Ě precisely
approximately around precisely
7 [ADV]
ADV after v

If someone or something moves about, they keep moving in different directions.
Everyone was running about.
= around
around
[PREP]
v PREP n
About is also a preposition.
From 1879 to 1888 he wandered about Germany, Switzerland, and Italy...
= around
around
8 [PREP]
If you put something about a person or thing, you put it around them.
Helen threw her arms about him...
= round, around
round around
9 [ADJ]
v-link ADJ
If someone or something is about, they are present or available.
There's lots of money about these days for schemes like this.
10 [ADJ]
v-link ADJ to-inf
If you are about to do something, you are going to do it very soon. If
something is about to happen, it will happen very soon.
I think he's about to leave...
The film was about to start.
11
how about: see how
what about: see what
just about: see just
12 [PHRASE]

usu PHR after v, also v-link PHR
If someone is out and about, they are going out and doing things, especially
after they have been unable to for a while.
Despite considerable pain she has been getting out and about almost as
normal...
13 [PHRASE]
Strana 14
Collins COBUILD English Dictionary.txt
usu PHR after v, also v-link PHR
If someone is out and about, they are going to a lot of different places,
often as part of their job.
They often saw me out and about.
about-face about-face about-face
about-face about-faces
[N-COUNT]
An about-face is a complete change of attitude or opinion.
Few observers believe the president will do an about-face and start
spending more.
= U-turn, volte-face
U-turn volte-face
about-turn about-turn about-turn
about-turn about-turns
[N-COUNT]
An about-turn is the same as an about-face. (BRIT; in AM, use about-face)
above ** above above
above
1 [PREP]
If one thing is above another one, it is directly over it or higher than it.
He lifted his hands above his head...
Apartment 46 was a quiet apartment, unlike the one above it...

He was staring into the mirror above him.
Ě below
below
[ADV]
ADV after v, from ADV
Above is also an adverb.
A long scream sounded from somewhere above.
...a picture of the new plane as seen from above...
Ě below
below
2 [ADV]
ADV after v, n ADV
In writing, you use above to refer to something that has already been
mentioned or discussed.
Several conclusions could be drawn from the results described above...
Ě below
below
[N-SING-COLL]
the N
Above is also a noun.
For additional information, contact any of the above.
[ADJ]
ADJ n
Above is also an adjective.
For a copy of their brochure, write to the above address.
3 [PREP]
If an amount or measurement is above a particular level, it is greater than
that level.
Strana 15
Collins COBUILD English Dictionary.txt

The temperature crept up to just above 40 degrees...
Victoria Falls has had above average levels of rainfall this year...
Government spending is planned to rise 3 per cent above inflation.
Ě below
below
[ADV]
amount and ADV
Above is also an adverb.
Banks have been charging 25 percent and above for unsecured loans.
4 [PREP]
If you hear one sound above another, it is louder or clearer than the second
one.
Then there was a woman's voice, rising shrilly above the barking.
= over
over
5 [PREP]
If someone is above you, they are in a higher social position than you or in a
position of authority over you.
I married above myself -- rich county people...
Ě below
below
[ADV]
from ADV
Above is also an adverb.
The policemen admitted beating the student, but said they were acting on
orders from above.
6 [PREP] disapproval
If you say that someone thinks they are above something, you mean that they
act as if they are too good or important for it.
I'm not above doing my own cleaning.

7 [PREP]
v-link PREP n
If someone is above criticism or suspicion, they cannot be criticized or
suspected because of their good qualities or their position.
He was a respected academic and above suspicion.
= beyond
beyond
8 [PREP]
If you value one person or thing above any other, you value them more or
consider that they are more important.
...his tendency to put the team above everything...
9
over and above: see over
above the law: see law
above board: see board
above-the-line promotion above-the-line promotion above-the-line promotion
above-the-line pro·mo·tion above-the-line promotions
[N-VAR]
Above-the-line promotion is the use of promotional methods that cannot be
directly controlled by the company selling the goods or service, such as
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television or press advertising. Compare below-the-line promotion. (BUSINESS)
For all maternity clothing retailers, most above-the-line promotion is
conducted through focused sources such as mother and baby magazines.
abracadabra abracadabra abracadabra
ab·ra·ca·dab·ra
[EXCLAM]
Abracadabra is a word that someone says when they are performing a magic trick
in order to make the magic happen.

abrade abrade abrade
abrade abrades abrading abraded
[VERB]
be V-ed
To abrade something means to scrape or wear down its surface by rubbing it.
(FORMAL)
My skin was abraded and very tender.
abrasion abrasion abrasion
abra·sion abrasions
[N-COUNT]
An abrasion is an area on a person's body where the skin has been scraped.
(FORMAL)
He had severe abrasions to his right cheek.
= graze, cut
graze cut
abrasive abrasive abrasive
abra·sive
1 [ADJ]
Someone who has an abrasive manner is unkind and rude.
His abrasive manner has won him an unenviable notoriety...
2 [ADJ]
An abrasive substance is rough and can be used to clean hard surfaces.
...a new all-purpose, non-abrasive cleaner.
abreast abreast abreast
abreast
1 [ADV]
ADV after v, num ADV
If people or things walk or move abreast, they are next to each other, side by
side, and facing in the same direction.
The steep pavement was too narrow for them to walk abreast.

2 [PREP-PHRASE]
If you are abreast of someone or something, you are level with them or in line
with them.
As he drew abreast of the man he pretended to stumble.
3 [PREP-PHRASE]
If you keep abreast of a subject, you know all the most recent facts about it.
He will be keeping abreast of the news...
abridged abridged abridged
abridged
[ADJ]
usu ADJ n
An abridged book or play has been made shorter by removing some parts of it.
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This is an abridged version of her new novel `The Queen and I'.
= shortened
shortened
abroad * abroad abroad
abroad
[ADV]
ADV after v, n ADV, be ADV, from ADV
If you go abroad, you go to a foreign country, usually one which is separated
from the country where you live by an ocean or a sea.
I would love to go abroad this year, perhaps to the South of France.
...public opposition here and abroad...
About 65 per cent of its sales come from abroad.
= overseas
overseas
abrogate abrogate abrogate
ab·ro·gate abrogates abrogating abrogated

[VERB]
V n
If someone in a position of authority abrogates something such as a law,
agreement, or practice, they put an end to it. (FORMAL)
The next prime minister could abrogate the treaty.
= revoke
revoke
abrupt abrupt abrupt
ab·rupt
1 [ADJ]
An abrupt change or action is very sudden, often in a way which is unpleasant.
Rosie's idyllic world came to an abrupt end when her parents' marriage
broke up...
&xSym1; abruptly ab·rupt·ly [ADV]
ADV with v
He stopped abruptly and looked my way.
= suddenly
suddenly
2 [ADJ]
Someone who is abrupt speaks in a rather rude, unfriendly way.
He was abrupt to the point of rudeness...
Cross was a little taken aback by her abrupt manner.
= brusque
brusque
&xSym1; abruptly ab·rupt·ly [ADV]
`Good night, then,' she said abruptly.
abs abs abs
abs
[N-PLURAL]
Abs are the same as abdominals. (INFORMAL)

Throughout the exercise, focus on keeping your abs tight.
abscess abscess abscess
ab·scess abscesses
[N-COUNT]
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An abscess is a painful swelling containing pus.
abscond abscond abscond
ab·scond absconds absconding absconded
1 [VERB]
V, V from n
If someone absconds from somewhere such as a prison, they escape from it or
leave it without permission. (FORMAL)
He was ordered to appear the following day, but absconded...
A dozen inmates have absconded from Forest Jail in the past year.
= run away
run away
2 [VERB]
V with n
If someone absconds with something, they leave and take it with them, although
it does not belong to them. (FORMAL)
Unfortunately, his partners were crooks and absconded with the funds.
= run off
run off
abseil abseil abseil
ab·seil abseils abseiling abseiled
[VERB]
To abseil down a cliff or rock face means to slide down it in a controlled way
using a rope, with your feet against the cliff or rock. (BRIT; in AM, use
rappel)

absence * absence absence
ab·sence absences
1 [N-VAR]
with supp
Someone's absence from a place is the fact that they are not there.
...a bundle of letters which had arrived for me in my absence...
Eleanor would later blame her mother-in-law for her husband's frequent
absences.
Ě presence
presence
2 [N-SING]
with supp
The absence of something from a place is the fact that it is not there or does
not exist.
The presence or absence of clouds can have an important impact on heat
transfer...
In the absence of a will the courts decide who the guardian is.
= lack Ě presence
lack presence
3
conspicuous by one's absence: see conspicuous
see also leave of absence
absent absent absent
ab·sent
1 [ADJ]
usu v-link ADJ, oft ADJ from n
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If someone or something is absent from a place or situation where they should
be or where they usually are, they are not there.

He has been absent from his desk for two weeks...
Any soldier failing to report would be considered absent without leave
and punished accordingly.
2 [ADJ]
If someone appears absent, they are not paying attention because they are
thinking about something else.
`Nothing,' Rosie said in an absent way.
&xSym1; absently ab·sent·ly [ADV]
He nodded absently.
3 [ADJ]
ADJ n
An absent parent does not live with his or her children.
...absent fathers who fail to pay towards the costs of looking after
their children.
4 [PREP]
If you say that absent one thing, another thing will happen, you mean that if
the first thing does not happen, the second thing will happen. (AM FORMAL)
Absent a solution, people like Sue Godfrey will just keep on fighting.
= without
without
absentee absentee absentee
ab·sen·tee absentees
1 [N-COUNT]
An absentee is a person who is expected to be in a particular place but who is
not there.
2 [ADJ]
ADJ n
Absentee is used to describe someone who is not there to do a particular job
in person.
Absentee fathers will be forced to pay child maintenance.

3 [ADJ]
ADJ n
In elections in the United States, if you vote by absentee ballot or if you
are an absentee voter, you vote in advance because you will be away. (AM)
absenteeism absenteeism absenteeism
ab·sen·tee·ism
[N-UNCOUNT]
Absenteeism is the fact or habit of frequently being away from work or school,
usually without a good reason.
Ě attendance
attendance
absentia absentia absentia
ab·sen·tia
[PHRASE]
PHR after v
If something is done to you in absentia, it is done to you when you are not
present. (FORMAL)
He was tried in absentia and sentenced to seven years in prison.
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absent-minded absent-minded absent-minded
absent-minded
[ADJ]
Someone who is absent-minded forgets things or does not pay attention to what
they are doing, often because they are thinking about something else.
In his later life he became even more absent-minded.
= forgetful
forgetful
&xSym1; absent-mindedly absent-mindedly [ADV]
ADV with v

Elizabeth absent-mindedly picked a thread from his lapel.
absinthe absinthe absinthe
ab·sinthe
[N-UNCOUNT]
Absinthe is a very strong alcoholic drink that is green and tastes bitter.
absolute * absolute absolute
ab·so·lute absolutes
1 [ADJ]
usu ADJ n
Absolute means total and complete.
It's not really suited to absolute beginners...
A sick person needs absolute confidence and trust in a doctor.
= complete
complete
2 [ADJ] emphasis
ADJ n
You use absolute to emphasize something that you are saying.
About 12 inches wide is the absolute minimum you should consider...
I think it's absolute nonsense.
= complete
complete
3 [ADJ]
ADJ n
An absolute ruler has complete power and authority over his or her country.
He ruled with absolute power.
4 [ADJ]
usu ADJ n
Absolute is used to say that something is definite and will not change even if
circumstances change.
They had given an absolute assurance that it would be kept secret.

5 [ADJ]
ADJ n
An amount that is expressed in absolute terms is expressed as a fixed amount
rather than referring to variable factors such as what you earn or the effects
of inflation.
In absolute terms British wages remain low by European standards.
Ě real
real
6 [ADJ]
usu ADJ n
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Absolute rules and principles are believed to be true, right, or relevant in
all situations.
There are no absolute rules.
Ě relative
relative
7 [N-COUNT]
An absolute is a rule or principle that is believed to be true, right, or
relevant in all situations.
see also decree absolute
absolutely ** absolutely absolutely
ab·so·lute·ly
1 [ADV] emphasis
usu ADV adj/adv, also ADV with v
Absolutely means totally and completely.
Jill is absolutely right...
I absolutely refuse to get married...
There is absolutely no difference!
2 [ADV] emphasis

ADV as reply
Some people say absolutely as an emphatic way of saying yes or of agreeing
with someone. They say absolutely not as an emphatic way of saying no or of
disagreeing with someone.
`It's worrying, isn't it?' --- `Absolutely.'...
absolute majority absolute majority absolute majority
ab·so·lute ma·jor·ity absolute majorities
[N-COUNT]
usu sing
If a political party wins an absolute majority, they obtain more seats or
votes than the total number of seats or votes gained by their opponents in an
election.
absolute zero absolute zero absolute zero
ab·so·lute zero
[N-UNCOUNT]
Absolute zero is a theoretical temperature that is thought to be the lowest
possible temperature.
absolution absolution absolution
ab·so·lu·tion
[N-UNCOUNT]
If someone is given absolution, they are forgiven for something wrong that
they have done. (FORMAL)
She felt as if his words had granted her absolution.
= forgiveness
forgiveness
absolutism absolutism absolutism
ab·so·lut·ism
1 [N-UNCOUNT]
Absolutism is a political system in which one ruler or leader has complete
power and authority over a country.

...royal absolutism.
2 [N-UNCOUNT] disapproval
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You can refer to someone's beliefs as absolutism if they think that their
beliefs are true, right, or relevant in all situations, especially if you
think they are wrong to behave in this way.
&xSym1; absolutist ab·so·lut·ist [ADJ]
This absolutist belief is replaced by an appreciation that rules can
vary.
absolve absolve absolve
ab·solve absolves absolving absolved
[VERB]
V n of/from n, V n
If a report or investigation absolves someone from blame or responsibility, it
formally states that he or she is not guilty or is not to blame.
A police investigation yesterday absolved the police of all blame in the
incident.
...the inquiry which absolved the soldiers.
= excuse
excuse
absorb absorb absorb
ab·sorb absorbs absorbing absorbed
1 [VERB]
V n, be V-ed into n
If something absorbs a liquid, gas, or other substance, it soaks it up or
takes it in.
Plants absorb carbon dioxide from the air and moisture from the soil...
Refined sugars are absorbed into the bloodstream very quickly.
= soak up

soak up
2 [VERB]
V n
If something absorbs light, heat, or another form of energy, it takes it in.
A household radiator absorbs energy in the form of electric current and
releases it in the form of heat.
3 [VERB]
be V-ed into n, V n
If a group is absorbed into a larger group, it becomes part of the larger
group.
The Colonial Office was absorbed into the Foreign Office.
...an economy capable of absorbing thousands of immigrants.
4 [VERB]
V n
If something absorbs a force or shock, it reduces its effect.
...footwear which does not absorb the impact of the foot striking the
ground.
5 [VERB]
V n
If a system or society absorbs changes, effects, or costs, it is able to deal
with them.
The banks would be forced to absorb large losses...
6 [VERB]
V n
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If something absorbs something valuable such as money, space, or time, it uses
up a great deal of it.
It absorbed vast amounts of capital that could have been used for
investment...

= consume
consume
7 [VERB]
V n
If you absorb information, you learn and understand it.
Too often he only absorbs half the information in the manual...
= digest, assimilate
digest assimilate
8 [VERB]
V n
If something absorbs you, it interests you a great deal and takes up all your
attention and energy.
...a second career which absorbed her more completely than her acting
ever had.
see also absorbed, absorbing
absorbed absorbed absorbed
ab·sorbed
[ADJ]
v-link ADJ, usu ADJ in/by n
If you are absorbed in something or someone, you are very interested in them
and they take up all your attention and energy.
They were completely absorbed in each other...
= engrossed
engrossed
absorbent absorbent absorbent
ab·sor·bent
[ADJ]
Absorbent material soaks up liquid easily.
The towels are highly absorbent.
absorber absorber absorber

ab·sorb·er
see shock absorber
absorbing absorbing absorbing
ab·sorb·ing
[ADJ]
An absorbing task or activity interests you a great deal and takes up all your
attention and energy.
`Two Sisters' is an absorbing read...
absorption absorption absorption
ab·sorp·tion
1 [N-UNCOUNT]
oft N of n
The absorption of a liquid, gas, or other substance is the process of it being
soaked up or taken in.
Vitamin C increases the absorption of iron from food.
2 [N-UNCOUNT]
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usu with poss, oft N into/by n
The absorption of a group into a larger group is the process of it becoming
part of the larger group.
abstain abstain abstain
ab·stain abstains abstaining abstained
1 [VERB]
V from n, V
If you abstain from something, usually something you want to do, you
deliberately do not do it. (FORMAL)
Abstain from sex or use condoms...
Do you drink alcohol, smoke, or abstain?
2 [VERB]

V
If you abstain during a vote, you do not use your vote.
Three Conservative MPs abstained in the vote.
abstemious abstemious abstemious
ab·ste·mi·ous
[ADJ]
Someone who is abstemious avoids doing too much of something enjoyable such as
eating or drinking. (FORMAL)
abstention abstention abstention
ab·sten·tion abstentions
[N-VAR]
Abstention is a formal act of not voting either for or against a proposal.
...a vote of sixteen in favor, three against, and one abstention...
abstinence abstinence abstinence
ab·sti·nence
[N-UNCOUNT]
Abstinence is the practice of abstaining from something such as alcoholic
drink or sex, often for health or religious reasons.
...six months of abstinence.
...total abstinence from alcohol.
= abstention
abstention
abstract abstract abstract
ab·stract abstracts
1 [ADJ]
An abstract idea or way of thinking is based on general ideas rather than on
real things and events.
...abstract principles such as justice...
It's not a question of some abstract concept.
= theoretical

theoretical
&xSym1; abstractly ab·stract·ly [ADV]
It is hard to think abstractly in these conditions.
2 [PHRASE]
PHR with cl/group
When you talk or think about something in the abstract, you talk or think
about it in a general way, rather than considering particular things or
events.
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