C2

fragile

fragile [adjective]

easily damaged, broken, or harmed

US /ˈfrædʒ.əl/ 
UK /ˈfrædʒ.aɪl/ 

شكستنى‌، شكننده‌، آسيب‌پذير

مثال: 

Be careful with that vase - it's very fragile.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

fragile

fragile /ˈfrædʒaɪl $ -dʒəl/ BrE AmE adjective
[Date: 1400-1500; Language: Latin; Origin: fragilis; ⇨ ↑frail]
1. easily broken or damaged OPP strong:
Be careful with that vase – it’s very fragile.
fragile bones
2. a fragile situation is one that is weak or uncertain, and likely to become worse under pressure OPP strong:
the country’s fragile economy
Relations between the two countries are in a fragile state.
the party’s fragile unity
3. fragile health a weak physical condition because of illness
4. thin and delicate:
fragile beauty
5. British English if someone feels fragile they feel ill, especially because they have drunk too much alcohol
—fragility /frəˈdʒɪləti, frəˈdʒɪlɪti/ noun [uncountable]
• • •
THESAURUS
fragile easily broken or damaged: The documents are old and very fragile. | a fragile glass case | The seventeenth century wall hangings are extemely fragile.
delicate easily damaged – used especially about things that are made from thin material and look attractive: a delicate gold necklace | The plant has delicate blue flowers. | delicate fabrics
brittle brittle hair, nails, bones etc have a hard surface, but they break easily, especially because they are not in good condition: As you get older, your bones become more brittle. | a special shampoo for dry and brittle hair
breakable breakable objects must be handled carefully because they will break easily: Put breakable objects out of the reach of children. | breakable ornaments
flimsy made of thin material that tears easily, or badly-made and likely to break easily: a flimsy cotton shirt | a flimsy wooden table
frail especially literary not strong and therefore easy to break, damage, or hurt: The young trees are frail and need to be protected from the wind. | a frail little fishing boat | a frail old lady

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

fragile

fra·gile   [ˈfrædʒaɪl]    [ˈfrædʒl]  adjective
1. easily broken or damaged
• fragile china/glass/bones

• Be careful not to drop it; it's very fragile.

2. weak and uncertain; easily destroyed or spoilt
a fragile alliance/ceasefire/relationship
• The economy remains extremely fragile.

• In her job she was used to dealing with actors' fragile egos.

3. delicate and often beautiful
• fragile beauty

• The woman's fragile face broke into a smile.

4. not strong and likely to become ill/sick
Her father is now 86 and in fragile health.
(BrE, informal) I'm feeling a bit fragile after last night (= not well, perhaps because of drinking too much alcohol).
Derived Word: fragility  
Word Origin:
late 15th cent. (in the sense ‘morally weak’): from Latin fragilis, from frangere ‘to break’. The sense ‘liable to break’ dates from the mid 16th cent.  
Thesaurus:
fragile [fragile fragility] adj.
It's fragile, so don't drop it.
delicatebrittle
Opp: robust
fragile/delicate/brittle bones/glass
fragile/delicate china
(a) fragile/delicate thread
the fragile/delicate ecology
Fragile or delicate? Delicate fabrics, like silk, need special care
Use a cool wash for delicate fabrics.
Fragile fabrics need even more care, usually because they are very old.  
Example Bank:
• Be careful not to drop it, it's very fragile.

• fragile habitats threatened by pollution

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
 

fragile / ˈfrædʒ.aɪl /   / ˈfrædʒ. ə l / adjective

C2 easily damaged, broken, or harmed:

Be careful with that vase - it's very fragile.

The assassination could do serious damage to the fragile peace agreement that was signed last month.

I felt rather fragile (= weak) for a few days after the operation.

humorous No breakfast for me, thanks - I'm feeling rather fragile (= ill, upset, or tired) after last night's party.

 

fragility / frəˈdʒɪl.ɪ.ti /   / -t̬i / noun [ U ]

The collapse of the bank is an ominous reminder of the fragility of the world's banking system.

© Cambridge University Press 2013

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

fragile

[fræ̱ʤaɪl, AM -ʤ(ə)l]
 1) ADJ-GRADED If you describe a situation as fragile, you mean that it is weak or uncertain, and unlikely to be able to resist strong pressure or attack. [JOURNALISM]
  The fragile economies of several southern African nations could be irreparably damaged...
  The Prime Minister's fragile government was on the brink of collapse...
  His overall condition remained fragile.
  Syn:
  unstable
  Derived words:
  fragility [frəʤɪ̱lɪti] N-UNCOUNT oft N of n By mid-1988 there were clear indications of the extreme fragility of the Right-wing coalition.
 2) ADJ-GRADED Something that is fragile is easily broken or damaged.
  He leaned back in his fragile chair.
  Ant:
  sturdy
  Derived words:
  fragility N-UNCOUNT oft N of n Older drivers are more likely to be seriously injured because of the fragility of their bones.
 3) ADJ-GRADED Something that is fragile is very delicate or fine in appearance.
  The haircut emphasised her fragile beauty.
  Syn:
  delicate
 4) ADJ-GRADED: usu v-link ADJ If someone feels fragile, they feel weak, for example because they are ill or have drunk too much alcohol.
  He felt irritated and strangely fragile, as if he were recovering from a severe bout of flu.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

fragile

frag·ile /ˈfræʤəl, ˈfræˌʤajəl/ adj [more ~; most ~] : easily broken or damaged
• the flower's fragile petals
• Her health has always been very fragile.
fragile bones
• an artist with a fragile ego
• He is in an emotionally fragile state. : very delicate
• her fragile beauty : not strong
• The two countries have formed a fragile coalition.
• a fragile cease-fire
- fra·gil·i·ty /frəˈʤɪləti/ noun [noncount]
• the fragility of her health

reflection

reflection [noun] (THOUGHT)

serious and careful thought

US /rɪˈflek.ʃən/ 
UK /rɪˈflek.ʃən/ 

تفکر

مثال: 

After 30 years as a judge, her reflections on/about justice were well worth listening to.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

reflection

 noun

1 (plural reflections) a picture that you see in a mirror or on a shiny surface:
He admired his reflection in the mirror.

2 (no plural) sending back light, heat or sound

3 a thing that shows what somebody or something is like:
Your clothes are a reflection of your personality.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

reflection

reflection W3 /rɪˈflekʃən/ BrE AmE noun
[Word Family: noun: ↑reflection, ↑reflector; verb: ↑reflect; adjective: ↑reflective]

1. [countable] an image that you can see in a mirror, glass, or water:
Can you see your reflection in the glass?
2. [uncountable and countable] careful thought, or an idea or opinion based on this:
A moment’s reflection will show the stupidity of this argument.
on/upon reflection
At first I disagreed, but on reflection (=after thinking carefully about it), I realized she was right.
3. [countable] something that shows what something else is like, or that is a sign of a particular situation
reflection of
His speech was an accurate reflection of the public mood.
be a reflection on somebody/something (=show how good or bad someone or something is)
On some level, a student’s grades are a reflection on the teacher.
4. [uncountable] the action or process of light, heat, or sound being thrown back from a surface

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

reflection

re·flec·tion [reflection reflections] (BrE also old-fashioned re·flex·ion)  [rɪˈflekʃn]    [rɪˈflekʃn]  noun
1. countable an image in a mirror, on a shiny surface, on water, etc

• He admired his reflection in the mirror.

 

2. uncountable the action or process of sending back light, heat, sound, etc. from a surface

3. countable a sign that shows the state or nature of sth
• Your clothes are often a reflection of your personality.

• The increase in crime is a sad reflection on (= shows sth bad about) our society today.

4. uncountable careful thought about sth, sometimes over a long period of time
She decided on reflection to accept his offer after all.

• A week off would give him time for reflection.

5. countable, usually plural your written or spoken thoughts about a particular subject or topic

• a book of her reflections on childhood

6. countable an account or a description of sth
The article is an accurate reflection of events that day.
see on mature reflection/consideration at  mature  adj.
See also: reflexion  
Word Origin:
late Middle English: from Old French reflexion or late Latin reflexio(n-), from Latin reflex- ‘bent back’, from the verb reflectere.  
Example Bank:
Counselling should encourage reflection on the past.
He caught sight of her reflection in the window.
Her reflection in the mirror looked distorted.
His low level of performance is no reflection on his general ability.
I saw my reflection in the polished marble.
In the reflection on the glass door he could see the class behind him.
Kyle's reflection appears in the glass.
My reflection stared back at me.
On further reflection, I'm not so sure it's a good idea.
She caught him admiring his reflection in the mirror.
She has some interesting reflections about the spiritual state of the country.
Such decisions may be made after thoughtful reflection.
Such studies do not give a true reflection of population needs.
Teachers should encourage reflection on the part of their students.
The movie is a poor reflection of Kerouac's work.
The party needs a period of sober reflection about what went wrong.
There is reflection of heat from the metal surface.
They took a few minutes to offer their personal reflections.
This account is only a pale reflection of the true state of affairs.
This was a clear reflection of Marc's personality.
Young people's behaviour is a direct reflection of adults'.
the reflection of the mountains on the calm waters of the lake
A period of calm reflection is now needed.
After a moment's reflection he started to speak.
He published his reflections on war and peace last year.
She concludes by providing some reflections on the gains of the previous decade.
• She decided, on reflection, not to take the job.

• We asked them to give us their reflections about the state of the industry today.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

reflection / rɪˈflek.ʃ ə n / noun [ C or U ] formal (THOUGHT)

C2 serious and careful thought:

On reflection (= after considering it) , I decided I had been wrong.

After 30 years as a judge, her reflections on/about justice were well worth listening to.

 

reflection / rɪˈflek.ʃ ə n / noun [ C usually singular ] (SIGN)

C1 a sign or result of something:

The fact that soldiers are on the streets is a reflection of how terrified the government is.

 

reflection / rɪˈflek.ʃ ə n / noun [ C or U ] (IMAGE)

reflection

B2 the image of something in a mirror or on any reflective surface:

In Greek mythology, Narcissus fell in love with his own reflection in a pool of water.

He put silver foil around the fire to increase heat reflection.

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

reflection

[rɪfle̱kʃ(ə)n]
 reflections
 1) N-COUNT A reflection is an image that you can see in a mirror or in glass or water.
  Meg stared at her reflection in the bedroom mirror.
 2) N-UNCOUNT Reflection is the process by which light and heat are sent back from a surface and do not pass through it.
  ...the reflection of a beam of light off a mirror.
 3) N-COUNT: usu N of n If you say that something is a reflection of a particular person's attitude or of a situation, you mean that it is caused by that attitude or situation and therefore reveals something about it.
  Inhibition in adulthood seems to be very clearly a reflection of a person's experiences as a child.
 4) N-SING: usu N on n If something is a reflection or a sad reflection on a person or thing, it gives a bad impression of them.
  Infection with head lice is no reflection on personal hygiene...
  The library is unique and its break-up would be a sad reflection on the value we place on our heritage.
 5) N-UNCOUNT: also N in pl Reflection is careful thought about a particular subject. Your reflections are your thoughts about a particular subject.
  After days of reflection she decided to write back...
  He paused, absorbed by his reflections.
  ●
  PHRASE If someone admits or accepts something on reflection, they admit or accept it after having thought carefully about it.
  On reflection, he says, he very much regrets the comments.
 6) N-COUNT: usu pl Reflections on something are comments or writings that express someone's ideas about it.
  In his latest collection of poems readers are confronted with a series of reflections on death.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

reflection

[rɪfle̱kʃ(ə)n]
 reflections
 1) N-COUNT A reflection is an image that you can see in a mirror or in glass or water.
  Meg stared at her reflection in the bedroom mirror.
 2) N-UNCOUNT Reflection is the process by which light and heat are sent back from a surface and do not pass through it.
  ...the reflection of a beam of light off a mirror.
 3) N-COUNT: usu N of n If you say that something is a reflection of a particular person's attitude or of a situation, you mean that it is caused by that attitude or situation and therefore reveals something about it.
  Inhibition in adulthood seems to be very clearly a reflection of a person's experiences as a child.
 4) N-SING: usu N on n If something is a reflection or a sad reflection on a person or thing, it gives a bad impression of them.
  Infection with head lice is no reflection on personal hygiene...
  The library is unique and its break-up would be a sad reflection on the value we place on our heritage.
 5) N-UNCOUNT: also N in pl Reflection is careful thought about a particular subject. Your reflections are your thoughts about a particular subject.
  After days of reflection she decided to write back...
  He paused, absorbed by his reflections.
  ●
  PHRASE If someone admits or accepts something on reflection, they admit or accept it after having thought carefully about it.
  On reflection, he says, he very much regrets the comments.
 6) N-COUNT: usu pl Reflections on something are comments or writings that express someone's ideas about it.
  In his latest collection of poems readers are confronted with a series of reflections on death.

bribery

bribery [noun]

the act of giving bribes

US /ˈbraɪ.bɚ.i/ 
UK /ˈbraɪ.bər.i/ 

رشوه

مثال: 

The organization was rife with bribery and corruption .

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

bribery

bribery /ˈbraɪbəri/ BrE AmE noun [uncountable]
the act of giving bribes:
We tried everything – persuasion, bribery, threats.
He was found guilty of bribery and corruption (=bribery and dishonest behaviour).

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

bribery

brib·ery [bribery briberies]   [ˈbraɪbəri]    [ˈbraɪbəri]  noun uncountable
the giving or taking of bribes
She was arrested on bribery charges.

allegations of bribery and corruption

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

bribe / braɪb / noun [ C ]

C1 money or a present that you give to someone so that they will do something for you, usually something dishonest:

He was accused of accepting/taking bribes from wealthy businessmen.

 

bribery / ˈbraɪ.b ə r.i /   / -bɚ- / noun [ U ]

C2

The organization was rife with bribery and corruption .

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

bribery

[bra͟ɪbəri]
 N-UNCOUNT
 Bribery is the act of offering someone money or something valuable in order to persuade them to do something for you.
  He was jailed on charges of bribery.
  ...accusations of bribery and corruption.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

bribery

brib·ery /ˈbraɪbəri/ noun [noncount] : the act or crime of giving or accepting a bribe
• They were arrested on charges of bribery.
- often used before another noun
• a bribery charge/conviction

grain

grain [noun] (SEED)

a seed or seeds from a plant, especially a plant like a grass such as rice or wheat

US /ɡreɪn/ 
UK /ɡreɪn/ 

غلات (گندم‌ و ساير غلات‌), دانه

مثال: 

grains of wheat/rice

Oxford Essential Dictionary

grain

 noun

1 (no plural) the seeds of a plant that we eat, for example rice or wheat:
The animals are fed on grain.

2 (plural grains) a very small hard piece of something:
a grain of sand
grains of rice

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

grain

grain /ɡreɪn/ BrE AmE noun
[Date: 1200-1300; Language: Old French; Origin: Latin granum 'seed']
1. FOOD
a) [uncountable] the seeds of crops such as corn, wheat, or rice that are gathered for use as food, or these crops themselves:
big sacks of grain
Last year’s grain harvest was the biggest ever.
b) [countable] a single seed of corn, wheat etc:
grains of rice
2. LINES IN WOOD ETC [singular] the natural lines you can see in a substance such as wood, which are the result of its structure
along the grain (=in the same direction as the grain)
Cut along the grain of the wood.
across the grain (=at 90 degrees to the grain)
3. SMALL PIECE [countable] a single very small piece of a substance such as sand or salt
grain of
a grain of sand
There were crumbs and grains of sugar on the table.
4. a grain of something a very small amount of something:
The story wouldn’t have fooled anyone with a grain of sense.
There is a grain of truth in all folklore and legend.
5. against the grain if something goes against the grain, it is not what you would naturally or normally do:
Mary is always honest and it went against the grain to tell lies.
6. MEASURE [countable] the smallest unit for measuring weight, equal to about 0.06 grams. It is used for weighing medicines.
take something with a pinch/grain of salt at ↑salt1(3)

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

grain

grain [grain grains grained graining]   [ɡreɪn]    [ɡreɪn]  noun
1. uncountable, countable the small hard seeds of food plants such as wheat, rice, etc; a single seed of such a plant
America's grain exports
• a few grains of rice

see also  wholegrain

2. countable a small hard piece of particular substances

• a grain of salt/sand/sugar

3. countable (used especially in negative sentences) a very small amount
Syn:  iota
There isn't a grain of truth in those rumours.

• If he had a grain of sensitivity he wouldn't have asked her about her divorce.

4. countable a small unit of weight, equal to 0.00143 of a pound or 0.0648 of a gram, used for example for weighing medicines

• The analysis showed a few grains of arsenic in the solution.

5. uncountable the natural direction of lines in wood, cloth, etc. or of layers of rock; the pattern of lines that you can see

• to cut a piece of wood along/across the grain

6. uncountable, countable how rough or smooth a surface feels
wood of coarse/fine grain
Idiom: against the grain 
Word Origin:
Middle English (originally in the sense ‘seed, grain of corn’): from Old French grain, from Latin granum.  
Example Bank:
The journal reports that eating whole grains protects against diabetes.
This wood has a beautiful natural grain.
Grain production has been falling in recent years.
I got a grain of sand caught in my eye.
She sprinkled a few more grains of rice into the pan.
The government intends to import only five per cent of the country's grain.
The peasants had ceased to sow grain.
• There were just a few grains of corn left.

• a grain of rice/wheat/salt/sugar/sand

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

grain / ɡreɪn / noun [ C or U ] (SEED)

C2 a seed or seeds from a plant, especially a plant like a grass such as rice or wheat:

grains of wheat/rice

Grain (= the crop from food plants like grasses) is one of the main exports of the American Midwest.

→  See also wholegrain

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

grain

[gre͟ɪn]
 grains
 1) N-COUNT: usu with supp A grain of wheat, rice, or other cereal crop is a seed from it.
  ...a grain of wheat.
  ...rice grains.
 2) N-MASS Grain is a cereal crop, especially wheat or corn, that has been harvested and is used for food or in trade.
  ...a bag of grain.
  ...the best grains.
 3) N-COUNT A grain of something such as sand or salt is a tiny hard piece of it.
  ...a grain of sand.
  Derived words:
  -grained COMB in ADJ-GRADED ...coarse-grained salt.
 4) N-SING: N of n A grain of a quality is a very small amount of it.
  There's more than a grain of truth in that.
 5) N-SING: the N The grain of a piece of wood is the direction of its fibres. You can also refer to the pattern of lines on the surface of the wood as the grain.
  Brush the paint generously over the wood in the direction of the grain.
  Derived words:
  -grained COMB in ADJ-GRADED ...a hard, heavy, straight-grained wood.
 6) PHRASE: V inflects If you say that an idea or action goes against the grain, you mean that it is very difficult for you to accept it or do it, because it conflicts with your previous ideas, beliefs, or principles.
  Privatisation goes against the grain of their principle of opposition to private ownership of industry.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

grain
grain /ˈgreɪn/ noun, pl grains
1 a [noncount] : the seeds of plants (such as wheat, corn, and rice) that are used for food
• bread made from whole wheat grain
• The machine grinds grain into flour. also; [count] : a single seed of wheat, corn, rice, etc.
• a grain of rice
b : a plant that produces grain

[count]

• The farm grows a variety of grains.

[noncount]

• fields planted with grain
2 [count]
a : a small, hard piece of something
• a grain of sand/salt
- see also take (something) with a grain of salt at 1salt
b : a very small amount of something
• Anyone with a grain of sense knows that she's lying.
• There is not a grain of truth in what he said.
3 [count]
a : the way the lines or fibers in something (such as wood) are arranged - usually singular
• She sanded the wood in the direction of the grain.
b : the way that the surface of something feels when it is touched - usually singular
• The wood has a fine/coarse grain.
4 [count] : a unit of weight equal to 0.0648 grams
against the grain
1
✦To be/go against the grain is to be different or to act in a way that is different from what is normal or usual.
• It takes courage to go against the grain and stand up for what you believe in.
2
✦If something goes against your grain, it does not seem right or natural to you.
• It goes against his grain to question the boss's judgment.
- grained /ˈgreɪnd/ adj
• beautifully grained wood
• coarse-grained leather

ignorance

ignorance [noun]

lack of knowledge, understanding, or information about something

US /ˈɪɡ.nɚ.əns/ 
UK /ˈɪɡ.nər.əns/ 

جهالت، نادانی

مثال: 

Public ignorance about the disease is still a cause for concern.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

ignorance

 noun (no plural)
not knowing about something:
Her ignorance surprised me.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

ignorance

ignorance AC /ˈɪɡnərəns/ BrE AmE noun [uncountable]
[Word Family: noun: ↑ignorance; adverb: ↑ignorantly; adjective: ↑ignorant]
1. lack of knowledge or information about something:
Excuse my ignorance, but how does it actually work?
ignorance of
our ignorance of the true situation
in ignorance
I would have remained in ignorance if Shaun hadn’t mentioned it.
ignorance about
public fear and ignorance about AIDS
2. ignorance is bliss used to say that if you do not know about a problem, you cannot worry about it

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

ignorance

ig·nor·ance AW   [ˈɪɡnərəns]    [ˈɪɡnərəns]  noun uncountable ~ (of/about sth)
a lack of knowledge or information about sth
widespread ignorance of/about the disease
They fought a long battle against prejudice and ignorance.
She was kept in ignorance of her husband's activities.
Children often behave badly out of/through ignorance.
I hate to admit my ignorance, but how does it work?
Idiom: ignorance is bliss  
Word Origin:
Middle English: via Old French from Latin ignorantia, from ignorant- ‘not knowing’, from the verb ignorare ‘not know, ignore’, from in- ‘not’ + gno-, a base meaning ‘know’.  
Thesaurus:
ignorance [ignorance] noun U, sing. (sometimes disapproving)
There is widespread ignorance about the disease.
incomprehensioninexperience|often disapproving naivety|approving innocence
Opp: knowledge
ignorance/naivety/innocence about sth
betray/show (your) ignorance/inexperience
take advantage of sb's ignorance/inexperience/naivety/innocence 
Example Bank:
He pleaded ignorance of any wrongdoing.
He showed a remarkable ignorance of the facts.
He was kept in ignorance of his true identity.
I had to confess my ignorance.
I tried not to betray my ignorance.
Many lives are lost through ignorance.
Outsiders, in their ignorance, fail to understand this.
She remained in blissful ignorance of these events.
The sisters lived in total ignorance of each other.
There is still widespread ignorance about this disease.
These attitudes are based on ignorance and fear.
This showed a profound ignorance of local customs.
a policy based on wilful ignorance of history
mistakes due to ignorance
our appalling ignorance of international events
widespread ignorance of the causes of the Civil War
Children often behave badly out of ignorance.
I hate to confess my ignorance, but can you explain what ‘space-time’actually is?
I remained in blissful ignorance of what was going on.
Many of the comments betray an appalling ignorance of the reality of these children's lives.
She was kept in ignorance of her husband's activities.
• Some doctors believe that ignorance is bliss and do not tell their patients all the facts.

• The more he talks, the more he shows his ignorance.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

ignorance / ˈɪɡ.n ə r. ə ns /   / -nɚ- / noun [ U ]

C2 lack of knowledge, understanding, or information about something:

Public ignorance about the disease is still a cause for concern.

Patients, it is claimed, were kept/left in ignorance of what was wrong with them.

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

ignorance

[ɪ̱gnərəns]
 N-UNCOUNT: oft N of/about n
 Ignorance of something is lack of knowledge about it.
  I am beginning to feel embarrassed by my complete ignorance of non-European history...
  There is so much ignorance about mental illness...
  In my ignorance I had never heard country & western music.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

ignorance

ig·no·rance /ˈɪgnərəns/ noun : a lack of knowledge, understanding, or education : the state of being ignorant

[noncount]

• His racist attitudes were born out of ignorance.
- often + of
Ignorance of the law is no excuse (for violating it).
• Their decisions were made in ignorance of [=without knowing] the true nature of the situation.
• When asked about the reasons for these drastic changes, she pleaded/pled ignorance. [=she said that she did not know the reasons]

[singular]

• an appalling ignorance about/of other cultures
ignorance is bliss
- used to say that a person who does not know about a problem does not worry about it;

capitalism

capitalism [noun]

an economic, political, and social system in which property, business, and industry are privately owned, directed towards making the greatest possible profits for successful organizations and people

US /ˈkæp.ə.t̬əl.ɪ.zəm/ 
UK /ˈkæp.ɪ.təl.ɪ.zəm/ 

نظام سرمایه داری

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

capitalism

capitalism /ˈkæpətl-ɪzəm, ˈkæpɪtl-ɪzəm/ BrE AmE noun [uncountable]
an economic and political system in which businesses belong mostly to private owners, not to the government ⇨ communism, socialism

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

capitalism

cap·it·al·ism [capitalism]   [ˈkæpɪtəlɪzəm]    [ˈkæpɪtəlɪzəm]  noun uncountable
an economic system in which a country's businesses and industry are controlled and run for profit by private owners rather than by the government
the growth of industrial capitalism in the West
compare  socialism  
Example Bank:
He predicted the fall of world capitalism.
He was one of the leading advocates of laissez-faire capitalism.
She deplored unbridled capitalism as much as communism.
a protest against global capitalism

a study of the development of agriculture under capitalism

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

capitalism / ˈkæp.ɪ.t ə l.ɪ.z ə m /   / -t̬ ə l- / noun [ U ]

C2 an economic, political, and social system in which property, business, and industry are privately owned, directed towards making the greatest possible profits for successful organizations and people

→  Compare communism , socialism

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

capitalism

[kæ̱pɪtəlɪzəm]
 N-UNCOUNT
 Capitalism is an economic and political system in which property, business, and industry are owned by private individuals and not by the state.
  ...the two fundamentally opposed social systems, capitalism and socialism.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

capitalism

cap·i·tal·ism /ˈkæpətəˌlɪzəm/ noun [noncount] : a way of organizing an economy so that the things that are used to make and transport products (such as land, oil, factories, ships, etc.) are owned by individual people and companies rather than by the government - compare communism, socialism

ruthless

ruthless [adjective]

not thinking or worrying about any pain caused to others; cruel

US /ˈruːθ.ləs.li/ 
UK /ˈruːθ.ləs.li/ 

بی رحمانه، ظالم

مثال: 

Some people believe that to succeed in this world you have to be ruthless.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

ruthless

ruthless /ˈruːθləs/ BrE AmE adjective
[Date: 1300-1400; Origin: ruth 'pity' (12-19 centuries), from rue]
1. so determined to get what you want that you do not care if you have to hurt other people in order to do it:
a ruthless dictator
They have shown a ruthless disregard for basic human rights.
2. determined and firm when making unpleasant decisions:
He ran the company with ruthless efficiency.
Throw away clothes you don’t wear – be ruthless.
—ruthlessly adverb:
The uprising was ruthlessly suppressed.
—ruthlessness noun [uncountable]
• • •
THESAURUS
determined if you are determined to do something, you have decided that you are definitely going to do it, and you will not let anything stop you. Determined is also used about someone’s character, when they usually behave in this way: I was determined to be a doctor. | She’s a very determined woman.
stubborn determined not to change what you are doing, especially when other people think you are behaving in an unreasonable way. Stubborn is often used when you disapprove of someone. It is also sometimes used when you admire them: I wish you would stop being so stubborn! | Churchill’s stubborn refusal to surrender
single-minded someone who is single-minded works very hard in order to achieve one particular thing, and thinks that everything else is much less important: During a war, a leader must be single-minded and, if necessary, ruthless. | her single-minded pursuit of power
tough /tʌf/ determined to succeed, even if a situation is difficult or frightening: In competitive sports, it is as important to be mentally tough as it is to be physically fit. | Gorelick is known as a tough manager.
firm showing by your behaviour that you are determined not to change your mind, especially when you are telling someone what to do: What this country needs is firm leadership. | You have to be firm with young children.
feisty determined and full of energy, and not afraid to say what you think and argue with people - used especially when you admire this person. Feisty is often used about women: In the film she plays a feisty young woman who is smarter than all the men put together. | a feisty kid with a mind of his own | the city’s feisty mayor
headstrong determined to do what you want, without listening to other people’s advice or thinking about the results of your actions - used especially about young people: Her sister was headstrong and impulsive, and made a point of going out whenever and wherever she liked.
resolute formal doing something in a very determined way because you have very strong beliefs, aims etc: the soldiers’ resolute defence of the town
tenacious formal determined and refusing to give up: McTaggart was seen by many in the environment movement as a tenacious hero. | his tenacious grip on power
dogged [only before noun] dogged behaviour shows that you are very determined and that you will not give up - used especially in the following phrases: dogged determination/persistence/resistance/refusal: The team played with dogged determination. | his dogged refusal to admit defeat | the dogged persistence of the defenders
persistent continuing to do something, although this is difficult, or other people warn you not to do it: If you want to get a job, you have to be persistent. Don’t give up.
strong-willed always very determined to do what you want to do, even if other people think it is not a good idea to do it: She has always been a strong-willed child.
ruthless /ˈruːθləs/ someone who is ruthless is so determined to get what they want, that they do not care if they harm other people: a ruthless dictator | He was ruthless in his ambition.
mean business to be determined to do something and show other people that you are determined to do it, even if it involves harming someone: The one-day strike proved that the union meant business.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

ruthless

ruth·less   [ˈruːθləs]    [ˈruːθləs]  adjective (disapproving)
(of people or their behaviour) hard and cruel; determined to get what you want and not caring if you hurt other people
a ruthless dictator
The way she behaved towards him was utterly ruthless.
He has a ruthless determination to succeed.
We'll have to be ruthless if we want to make this company more efficient.
Derived Words: ruthlessly  ruthlessness  
Word Origin:
Middle English: from ruth ‘feeling of pity, distress or grief’ + -less.  
Thesaurus:
ruthless [ruthless ruthlessly ruthlessness] adj. (usually disapproving)
He's a violent, ruthless man who will stop at nothing.
cruelhardcallousheartlesscoldbloodedbrutal|especially written merciless
Opp: merciful, Opp: compassionate
a ruthless/cruel/hard/callous/heartless man/woman
a ruthless/coldblooded/merciless attack  
Example Bank:
She was pretty ruthless about sacking people.
He's a violent, ruthless man who will stop at nothing.
Like all great survivors, she has a ruthless streak.
She was ruthless about chucking out weaklings.
• The way she behaved to him was utterly ruthless.

• We'll have to be ruthless if we want to make this company more efficient.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

ruthless / ˈruːθ.ləs / adjective

C2 not thinking or worrying about any pain caused to others; cruel:

ruthless ambition

a ruthless dictator

Some people believe that to succeed in this world you have to be ruthless.

 

ruthlessly / -li / adverb

She ruthlessly pursued her ambition, letting nothing get in her way.

 

ruthlessness / -nəs / noun [ U ]

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

ruthless

[ru͟ːθləs]
 1) ADJ-GRADED: oft ADJ in n (disapproval) If you say that someone is ruthless, you mean that you disapprove of them because they are very harsh or cruel, and will do anything that is necessary to achieve what they want.
  The President was ruthless in dealing with any hint of internal political dissent.
  ...an invasion by a ruthless totalitarian power...
  The late newspaper tycoon is condemned for his ruthless treatment of employees.
  Syn:
  merciless, callous
  Derived words:
  ruthlessly ADV-GRADED ADV with v The Party has ruthlessly crushed any sign of organised opposition.
  ruthlessness N-UNCOUNT ...a powerful political figure with a reputation for ruthlessness.
 2) ADJ-GRADED: oft ADJ in n A ruthless action or activity is done forcefully and thoroughly, without much concern for its effects on other people.
  Her lawyers have been ruthless in thrashing out a divorce settlement...
  Successfully merging two banks requires a fast and ruthless attack on costs.
  Derived words:
  ruthlessly ADV-GRADED Ghislaine showed signs of turning into the ruthlessly efficient woman her father wanted her to be.
  ruthlessness N-UNCOUNT ...a woman with a brain and business acumen and a certain healthy ruthlessness.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

ruthless

ruth·less /ˈruːɵləs/ adj [more ~; most ~] : having no pity : cruel or merciless
• a ruthless killer
• The journalist was ruthless in his criticism.
- ruth·less·ly adv
• The slaves were ruthlessly abused by their owners.
- ruth·less·ness noun [noncount]

nostalgia

nostalgia [noun]

a feeling of pleasure and also slight sadness when you think about things that happened in the past

US /nɑːˈstæl.dʒə/ 
UK /nɒsˈtæl.dʒə/ 

حسرت گذشته، یاد گذشته، نوستالژی

مثال: 

Some people feel nostalgia for their schooldays.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

nostalgia

nostalgia /nɒˈstældʒə $ nɑː-/ BrE AmE noun [uncountable]
[Date: 1700-1800; Language: Modern Latin; Origin: Greek nostos 'returning home' + algos 'pain']
a feeling that a time in the past was good, or the activity of remembering a good time in the past and wishing that things had not changed
nostalgia for
nostalgia for the good old days
He looked back on his university days with a certain amount of nostalgia.
a wave of nostalgia for how great life was in the 1960s
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ verbs
feel nostalgia He didn't feel any nostalgia for his school days.
have nostalgia The immigrants I spoke to often had an intense nostalgia for their homeland.
■ adjectives
great nostalgia (=a strong feeling of nostalgia) I read the college newsletter with great nostalgia.
pure nostalgia (=used when talking about good things from the past that are not mixed with things from the present) It was an evening of pure nostalgia, as the band played hits from the 1940s.
■ phrases
a feeling/sense of nostalgia Did it give you a sense of nostalgia to see the play on Broadway again?
a pang of nostalgia (=a short feeling of nostalgia) She felt a pang of nostalgia for the time when they were all children.
a wave of nostalgia (=a strong feeling of nostalgia) As I drove into the city I felt a wave of nostalgia sweep over me.
■ nostalgia + NOUN
a nostalgia trip informal (=a situation or experience that reminds you of events in the past) Walking around campus was a great nostalgia trip for both of us.
a nostalgia buff informal (=someone who likes old things) The restaurant, which still has its 1930s décor, is a favorite with nostalgia buffs.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

nostalgia

nos·tal·gia [nostalgia nostalgias]   [nɒˈstældʒə]    [nəˈstældʒə]    [nɑːˈstældʒə]  noun uncountable
a feeling of sadness mixed with pleasure and affection when you think of happy times in the past
a sense/wave/pang of nostalgia
She is filled with nostalgia for her own college days.
Derived Words: nostalgic  nostalgically  
Word Origin:
late 18th cent. (in the sense ‘acute homesickness’): modern Latin (translating German Heimweh ‘homesickness’), from Greek nostos ‘return home’ + algos ‘pain’.  
Example Bank:
He thought back to his time as a student and felt no nostalgia for any of it.
I remember it with great nostalgia.
Nostalgia buffs gathered for the auction of wartime memorabilia.
She felt great nostalgia for the old way of life.
She remembers her life as a singer with a certain wistful nostalgia.
• The college reunion was a great nostalgia trip.

• an evening of pure nostalgia

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
 

nostalgia / nɒsˈtæl.dʒə /   / nɑːˈstæl- / noun [ U ]

C2 a feeling of pleasure and also slight sadness when you think about things that happened in the past:

Some people feel nostalgia for their schooldays.

Hearing that tune again filled him with nostalgia.

a wave (= sudden strong feeling) of nostalgia

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

nostalgia

[nɒstæ̱lʤə]
 N-UNCOUNT: oft N for n
 Nostalgia is an affectionate feeling you have for the past, especially for a particularly happy time.
  He might be influenced by nostalgia for the surroundings of his happy youth...
  He discerned in the novel an air of Sixties nostalgia.

 

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

nostalgia

nos·tal·gia /nɑˈstælʤə/ noun [noncount] : pleasure and sadness that is caused by remembering something from the past and wishing that you could experience it again
• A wave of nostalgia swept over me when I saw my childhood home.
• He was filled with nostalgia for his college days.
- nos·tal·gic /nɑˈstælʤɪk/ adj [more ~; most ~]
nostalgic memories
• Seeing pictures of my old friends made me feel very nostalgic.
• They remained nostalgic about the good old days.
- nos·tal·gi·cal·ly /nɑˈstælʤɪkli/ adv
• She spoke nostalgically about her childhood on the farm.

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