B1 (Intermediate)

care

care [verb] (WORRY)

to think that something is important and to feel interested in it or upset about it

US /ker/ 
UK /keər/ 
Example: 

She's never cared very much about her appearance.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

care

 verb (cares, caring, cared )
to think that somebody or something is important:
The only thing he cares about is money.
I don't care who wins – I'm not interested in football.

speaking
It is not polite to say I don't care, Who cares? or I couldn't care less. You can say I don't mind instead: Would you like tea or coffee? – I don't mind.

care for somebody to do the things for somebody that they need:
After the accident, her parents cared for her until she was better.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

II. care2 S1 W2 BrE AmE verb [intransitive and transitive]
[Word Family: noun: ↑care, ↑carer; adjective: ↑careful ≠ ↑careless, ↑caring ≠ UNCARING; verb: ↑care; adverb: ↑carefully ≠ ↑carelessly]
1. to think that something is important, so that you are interested in it, worried about it etc
care about
The only thing he seems to care about is money.
care what/how/whether etc
She didn’t care what her father thought.
‘He looked angry.’ ‘I don’t care!’
2. to be concerned about what happens to someone, because you like or love them ⇨ caring
care about
I care about him and hate to see him hurt like this.
She felt that nobody cared.
3. who cares? spoken used to say that something does not worry or upset you because it is not important:
It’s rather old and scruffy, but who cares?
4. see if I care! spoken used when you are angry or upset, to say that you do not care about what someone will do:
Go with William, then – see if I care!
5. somebody couldn’t care less spoken used to say that someone does not care at all about something:
I really couldn’t care less what you think!
6. what does somebody care? spoken used to say that someone does not care at all about something:
What do I care? It’s your responsibility now!
7. as if I cared! spoken used to say that something is not important to you at all:
As if I cared whether he comes with us or not!
8. for all somebody cares spoken used when you are angry that someone does not seem concerned about someone or something:
We could be starving for all they care!
9. not care to do something old-fashioned to not like doing something:
She doesn’t care to spend much time with her relatives.
I wouldn’t care to meet him in a dark alley!
I’ve experienced more reorganizations than I care to remember (=a lot of them).
10. any ... you care to name/mention any thing of a particular kind:
Virtually any piece of equipment you care to name can be hired these days.
11. would you care to do something? spoken formal used to ask someone politely whether they want to do something:
Would you care to join us for dinner?
• • •
THESAURUS
take care of somebody (also look after somebody especially British English) to make sure a child or an old or sick person is safe and has the things they need: I have to look after my little brother. | Taking care of a baby is hard work. | She is taking care of her grandmother while her grandfather is in hospital.
care for somebody to take care of someone. Care for somebody is less common and more formal than take care of/look after somebody: He was cared for by a team of nurses. | Caring for an elderly relative can be very rewarding.
nurse to look after someone who is ill: He nursed his wife through a long illness. | The monks nursed him back to health (=looked after him until he was well again).
babysit to look after children in the evening while their parents go out somewhere: I’ll ask Jane to babysit on Wednesday night. | He used to babysit for Mary when she worked nights.
mind British English to look after a child while their parents are not there, especially for a short time: Will you mind the baby while I go to the shop?
care for somebody/something phrasal verb
1. to look after someone who is not able to look after themselves SYN take care of:
He thanked the nurses who had cared for him.
The children are well cared for.
2. to do things that keep something in good condition:
Instructions on caring for your new sofa are included.
3. would you care for something? spoken formal used to ask someone politely if they would like something:
Would you care for another drink?
4. not care for somebody/something formal to not like someone or something:
I don’t much care for his parents.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

verb (not used in the progressive tenses)
1. intransitive, transitive to feel that sth is important and worth worrying about
I don't care (= I will not be upset) if I never see him again!
He threatened to fire me, as if I cared!
~ about sth She cares deeply about environmental issues.
~ what/whether, etc. I don't care what he thinks.

~ that… She doesn't seem to care that he's been married four times before.

2. intransitive ~ (about sb) to like or love sb and worry about what happens to them
• He genuinely cares about his employees.

• They care an awful lot about each other.

3. transitive ~ to do sth to make the effort to do sth
I've done this job more times than I care to remember.
more at not care/give a damn at  damn  n., not care/give a fig at  fig  n., not care/give a hootnot care/give two hoots at  hoot  n., not care/give tuppence for sb/sth at  tuppence 
Verb forms:

 
Word Origin:
Old English caru (noun), carian (verb), of Germanic origin; related to Old High German chara ‘grief, lament’, charon ‘grieve’, and Old Norse kǫr ‘sickbed’.  
Thesaurus:
care verb I
I don't care what he thinks!
mind|especially BrE, informal, spoken be bothered
care/mind/be bothered about sth
care/mind/be bothered that…
not care/mind/be bothered what people think
Care or mind? Mind is used in polite questions and answers. When answering a question I don't mind is polite; I don't care is very rude.  
Word Family:
care noun verb
careful adjective (≠ careless)
carefully adverb (≠ carelessly)
caring adjective (≠ uncaring) 
More About:
offers and invitations
Would you like…? is the most usual polite question form for offers and invitations, especially in BrE: Would you like a cup of coffee?
Do you want…? is less formal and more direct. It is more common in NAmE than in BrE: We’re going to a club tonight. Do you want to come with us?
Would you care…? is very formal and now sounds old-fashioned. 
Synonyms:
love
like be fond of sb adore be devoted to sb care for sb dote on sb
These words all mean to have feelings of love or affection for sb.
loveto have strong feelings of affection for sb: I love you.
liketo find sb pleasant and enjoy being with them: She's nice. I like her.
be fond of sbto feel affection for sb, especially sb you have known for a long time: I've always been very fond of your mother.
adoreto love sb very much: It's obvious that she adores him.
be devoted to sbto love sb very much and be loyal to them: They are devoted to their children.
care for sbto love sb, especially in a way that is based on strong affection or a feeling of wanting to protect them, rather than sex: He cared for her more than she realized.
Care for sb is often used when sb has not told anyone about their feelings or is just starting to be aware of them. It is also used when sb wishes that sb loved them, or doubts that sb does: If he really cared for you, he wouldn't behave like that.
dote on sbto feel and show great love for sb, ignoring their faults: He dotes on his children.
to really love/like/adore/care for/dote on sb
to be really/genuinely fond of/devoted to sb
to love/like/care for sb very much  
Example Bank:
He hardly cares what he does any more.
He really cares about the environment.
I don't know which she chose, nor do I greatly care.
I'm past caring what he does.
No one actually cared what I thought.
The information is there for anyone who cares enough to find it.
You genuinely care for him, don't you?
He genuinely cares about his customers.
He threatened to leave me, as if I cared!
I don't care what he thinks!
I don't care if I never see him again!
• She cares passionately about environmental issues.

• She doesn't seem to care that he's been married four times before.

See also: in care of somebody

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
 

care / keə r /   / ker / verb [ I ] (WORRY)

B1 to think that something is important and to feel interested in it or upset about it:

She's never cared very much about her appearance.

[ + question word ] I really don't care wh ether we go out or not.

I don't care how much it costs, just buy it.

"Was Lorna happy about the arrangements?" "I don't know and I don't care."

Your parents are only doing this because they care about (= love) you.

I couldn't care less C1 informal used to emphasize rudely that you are not interested in or worried about something or someone:

"Mike's really fed up about it." "I couldn't care less."

for all I care informal used to say that you are not interested in or worried about what someone else is doing:

You can go to the match with Paula, for all I care.

as if I care informal used to say that you are not interested in or worried about something that has happened or that someone has said:

He said he didn't approve of what I'd done, as if I cared.

who cares? B2 informal used to emphasize rudely that you do not think something is important:

"It looks as if we are going to lose." "Who cares?".

 

care / keə r /   / ker / verb [ I ] formal (WANT)

used in polite offers and suggestions:

Would you care for a drink?

[ + to infinitive ] Would you care to join us for dinner?

© Cambridge University Press 2013

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

care

[ke͟ə(r)]
 
 cares, caring, cared
 1) VERB: no cont If you care about something, you feel that it is important and are concerned about it.
  [V about n] ...a company that cares about the environment.
  [V wh] ...young men who did not care whether they lived or died...
  Does anybody know we're here, does anybody care?
 2) VERB: no cont (approval) If you care for someone, you feel a lot of affection for them.
  [V for/about n] He wanted me to know that he still cared for me.
  [V for/about n] ...people who are your friends, who care about you. [Also V]
  Derived words:
  caring N-UNCOUNT ...the `feminine' traits of caring and compassion.
 3) VERB If you care for someone or something, you look after them and keep them in a good state or condition.
  [V for n] They hired a nurse to care for her.
  [V for n] ...these distinctive cars, lovingly cared for by private owners.
  [V-ed] ...well-cared-for homes.
  Syn:
  look after
  Ant:
  neglect
 N-UNCOUNT: usu with supp
 Care is also a noun. Most of the staff specialise in the care of children. ...sensitive teeth which need special care... She denied the murder of four children who were in her care.
 4) N-UNCOUNT: oft in N Children who are in care are looked after by the state because their parents are dead or unable to look after them properly. [BRIT]
  ...a home for children in care...
  She was taken into care as a baby.
 5) VERB: no cont, with brd-neg If you say that you do not care for something or someone, you mean that you do not like them. [OLD-FASHIONED]
  [V for n] She had met both sons and did not care for either.
 6) VERB: no cont If you say that someone does something when they care to do it, you mean that they do it, although they should do it more willingly or more often.
  [V to-inf] The woman tells anyone who cares to listen that she's going through hell...
  [V to-inf] Experts reveal only as much as they care to.
  Syn:
  choose
 7) VERB: no cont (politeness) You can ask someone if they would care for something or if they would care to do something as a polite way of asking if they would like to have or do something.
  [V for n] Would you care for some orange juice?...
  [V to-inf] He said he was off to the beach and would we care to join him.
  Syn:
  like
 8) N-UNCOUNT: oft with N If you do something with care, you give careful attention to it because you do not want to make any mistakes or cause any damage.
  Condoms are an effective method of birth control if used with care...
  We'd taken enormous care in choosing the location.
  Syn:
  carefully
 9) N-COUNT Your cares are your worries, anxieties, or fears.
  Lean back in a hot bath and forget all the cares of the day...
  Johnson seemed without a care in the world.
  Syn:
  worries
 10) → See also caring, after-care, day care, intensive care
 11) PHRASE: V inflects, PHR with cl (emphasis) You can use for all I care to emphasize that it does not matter at all to you what someone does.
  You can go right now for all I care.
 12) PHRASE: V inflects, oft PHR about n (emphasis) If you say that you couldn't care less about someone or something, you are emphasizing that you are not interested in them or worried about them. In American English, you can also say that you could care less, with the same meaning.
  I couldn't care less about the bloody woman...
  Personally, I couldn't have cared less whether the ice-cream came from Italy or England...
  I used to be proud working for them; now I could care less. I'm just out here for the money...
  Personally, I could care less whether the Giants come or not.
 13) PHRASE: PHR n If someone sends you a letter or parcel care of a particular person or place, they send it to that person or place, and it is then passed on to you. In American English, you can also say in care of.
  Please write to me care of the publishers...
  I addressed their letters in care of the bars and clubs where I'd known them.
 14) PHRASE: V inflects, PHR n If you take care of someone or something, you look after them and prevent them from being harmed or damaged.
  There was no one else to take care of their children...
  You have to learn to take care of your possessions.
  Syn:
  look after
 15) CONVENTION (formulae) You can say `Take care' when saying goodbye to someone.
 16) PHRASE: V inflects, usu PHR to-inf If you take care to do something, you make sure that you do it.
  Foley followed Albert through the gate, taking care to close the latch.
 17) PHRASE: V inflects, PHR n To take care of a problem, task, or situation means to deal with it.
  They leave it to the system to try and take care of the problem...
  `Do you need clean sheets?' `No. Mrs. May took care of that.'
  Syn:
  deal with
 18) PHRASE: oft PHR about n (emphasis) You can say `Who cares?' to emphasize that something does not matter to you at all.
  Who cares about some stupid vacation...
  `But we might ruin the stove.' - `Who cares?'

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

care

2care verb cares; cared; car·ing
1 : to feel interest in something : to be interested in or concerned about something

[no obj]

• He doesn't care if he gets fired.
- often + about
• I don't care about your little problems.
• He cares deeply about religion.

[+ obj]

• I care what happens to her.
2 [no obj] : to feel affection for someone
• On Valentine's Day, send her flowers to show that you care.
• I didn't know you cared.
3 [no obj] somewhat formal : to want to do something or to be something
• I wouldn't care [=like] to have to make that decision.
• I wouldn't care to be in your shoes right now.
• I'm going for a walk. Would you care to join me?
• He'll show the photos to anyone who cares to see them.
• More factors influenced her decision than she cares to admit.
as if I cared informal
- used in angry speech to say that you do not care at all about something
• “She says she doesn't want to talk to you.” “As if I cared!”
care a damn
- see 3damn
care for [phrasal verb]
1 care for (someone or something) : to do the things that are needed to help and protect (a person or animal) : to look after (someone or something)
• She cares for [=takes care of] elderly patients.
• Who is caring for your son while you are at work?
• I cared for his cat while he was away.
2 care for (someone) : to feel affection for (someone)
• He sent flowers to show that he cares for you.
• I got the feeling he never really cared for me.
3 care for (something) somewhat formal
a : to like or enjoy (something) - often used in negative statements
• I don't care for [=like] jelly beans.
• He doesn't care for sports.
• I don't care for your tone of voice.
b : to want (something)
• Would you care for some pie?
• I don't care for any more coffee.
could/couldn't care less informal
✦If you could care less (US) or couldn't care less, you are not at all concerned about or interested in something.
• I could care less what happens. [=I don't care what happens]
• He says he couldn't care less if he gets fired.
for all (someone) cares informal
- used to say that someone does not care at all about something
For all I care, he can leave today. [=I don't care if he leaves today]
• She could quit the whole thing, for all he cares.
see if I care informal
- used in angry speech to say that you do not care at all about something
• Go ahead and call her. See if I care!
what does (someone) care? informal
- used to say that you do not think someone should have any interest in something
• “She said we should go.” “Well, what does she care?”
who cares? informal
- used to stress that something is not important.
• He can't carry a tune, but who cares? He's having fun and that's what matters.
Who cares what she says? [=what she says is not important]

realize

realize [verb] (BECOME AWARE)

to understand a situation, sometimes suddenly

US /ˈriː.ə.laɪz/ 
UK /ˈrɪə.laɪz/ 
Example: 

They didn't realize the danger they were in.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

realize

 verb (realizes, realizing, realized )
to understand or know something:
When I got home, I realized that I had lost my key.
I didn't realize you were American.

>> realization noun (no plural):
the sudden realization of what he had done

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

realize

realize S1 W1 BrE AmE (also realise British English) /ˈrɪəlaɪz/ verb [transitive not usually in progressive]
[Word Family: noun: ↑realism, ↑realist, ↑reality, ↑unreality, ↑realization; adverb: ↑real, ↑really, ↑realistically ≠ ↑unrealistically; adjective: ↑real, ↑unreal, ↑realistic ≠ ↑unrealistic; verb: ↑realize]
[Date: 1600-1700; Language: French; Origin: réaliser, from Old French real; ⇨ ↑real1]
1. UNDERSTAND to know and understand something, or suddenly begin to understand it
realize (that)
I suddenly realized that the boy was crying.
Do you realize you’re an hour late?
realize who/what/how etc
I’m sorry, I didn’t realize who you were.
It took us a while to realize the extent of the tragedy.
It was only later that I realized my mistake.
► Do not say that you ‘realize about/of something’. Say that you realize something.
2. ACHIEVE formal to achieve something that you were hoping to achieve:
She never realized her ambition of winning an Olympic gold medal.
a young singer who has not yet realized her full potential (=achieved as much as she can achieve)
3. sb’s worst fears were realized used to say that the thing that you were most afraid of has actually happened:
His worst fears were realized when he heard that Chris had been arrested.
4. MONEY
a) formal to obtain or earn an amount of money:
The campaign realized $5000.
We realized a small profit on the sale of the house.
b) realize an asset technical to change something that you own into money by selling it
• • •
THESAURUS
realize to begin to understand, notice, or know something that you did not understand etc before: I hadn’t realized that Ben was his brother. | She suddenly realized who the man in the photograph was.
become aware to gradually realize that something is happening or is true, over a period of time: He slowly became aware that he was not alone | People are becoming more aware of the harmful effects of cars on the environment.
dawn on somebody if something dawns on you, you realize it for the first time – often used in the phrase it dawned on somebody: It dawned on me that he could be lying. | It only dawned on her that she was in danger when she saw rescue workers running away from the building. | He thought about the dream for a long time before its meaning began to dawn on him.
sink in if something sinks in, you begin to realize its full meaning or importance, especially gradually: It took a few minutes for the doctor’s words to sink in. | The reality of what I had done slowly began to sink in.
hit if a fact hits you, you suddenly understand it and how important it is: It hit me one day that he didn’t care. He’d talk when I phoned him, but he’d never call me.
strike if an idea or thought strikes you, you suddenly think of it: It suddenly struck her what a risk she was taking. | A thought has just struck me - there must be other people with the same problem.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

realize

real·ize (BrE also -ise) [realize realizes realized realizing]   [ˈriːəlaɪz]    [ˈrɪəlaɪz]    [ˈriːəlaɪz]  verb

 

BE/BECOME AWARE
1. transitive, intransitive (not used in the progressive tenses) to understand or become aware of a particular fact or situation
~ (that)… I didn't realize (that) you were so unhappy.
The moment I saw her, I realized something was wrong.
~ how, what, etc… I don't think you realize how important this is to her.
~ (sth) I hope you realize the seriousness of this crime.
Only later did she realize her mistake.
The situation was more complicated than they had at first realized.
• They managed to leave without any of us realizing.

it is realized that… There was a cheer when it was realized that everyone was safely back.  

 

ACHIEVE STH

2. transitive ~ sth to achieve sth important that you very much want to do
• She never realized her ambition of becoming a professional singer.

• We try to help all students realize their full potential (= be as successful as they are able to be).  

 

HAPPEN

3. transitive, usually passive ~ sth if sb's fears are realized, the things that they are afraid will happen, do happen

• His worst fears were realized when he saw that the door had been forced open.  

 

SELL

4. transitive ~ your assets (formal) to sell things that you own, for example property, in order to get the money that you need for sth

Syn:  convert

5. transitive ~ sth (formal) (of goods, etc.) to be sold for a particular amount of money
Syn:  make

• The paintings realized $2 million at auction.  

 

MAKE STH REAL

6. transitive ~ sth (formal) to produce sth that can be seen or heard, based on written information or instructions
The stage designs have been beautifully realized.
See also: -ise
Verb forms:

 
Word Origin:
early 17th cent.: from real, on the pattern of French réaliser.  
Thesaurus:
realize (BrE also -ise) verb T (not used in the progressive tenses)
I didn't realize you were so unhappy.
knowappreciate
realize/know/appreciate that…
realize/know/appreciate what/how/why…
begin/come to realize/know/appreciate sth
Realize or know? To realize sth means to become or be aware of it. To know sth is to be aware of it: know can mean ‘become aware’ if it happens in a single moment; however, if the process of becoming aware takes any time use realize:
The moment I walked in the room I realized/knew something was wrong.
I soon/quickly/gradually realized my mistake.
 ¤ I soon/quickly/gradually knew my mistake.  
Example Bank:
I never realized how much it meant to you.
I realized for the first time how difficult this would be.
She dimly realized that she was trembling.
The experience made me realize that people did care.
They are constantly learning, without even realizing it.
We are constantly using historic buildings, without even realizing it.
You don't seem to realize the seriousness of the situation.
As soon as/The moment I walked in the room I knew/realized something was wrong.
Do you fully realize the seriousness of this crime?
I began to realize why the people seemed wary of us.
I didn't realize (that) you were so unhappy.
I don't think you realize how important this is to her.
I soon/quickly/gradually/slowly realized what he meant.
She soon realized her mistake.
Suddenly/All of a sudden/At once I knew/realized what he meant.
The paintings realized $2 million at auction.
• There was a cheer when it was realized that everyone had got back safely.

• We make assumptions all the time without realizing it.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
 

realize ( UK usually realise ) / ˈrɪə.laɪz /   / ˈriː.ə- / verb [ I or T ] (BECOME AWARE)

B1 to understand a situation, sometimes suddenly:

They didn't realize the danger they were in.

[ + (that) ] "Do you realize (that) this is the third time you've forgotten?" she said angrily.

[ + question word ] I realize how difficult it's going to be, but we must try.

As he watched the TV drama, he suddenly realized (that) he'd seen it before.

"You're standing on my foot." "Sorry, I didn't realize."
 

realize ( UK usually realise ) / ˈrɪə.laɪz /   / ˈriː.ə- / verb (ACHIEVE)

C1 [ T ] to achieve something you were hoping for:

Lots of money, a luxury house, a fast car - Danny had realized all his ambitions by the age of 25.

sb's worst fears are realized [ T ] used for saying that something that someone was worrying about really happened:

Ten years later her worst fears were realized.

 

realize ( UK usually realise ) / ˈrɪə.laɪz /   / ˈriː.ə- / verb (MONEY)

specialized to be sold for a particular amount of money:

The paintings are expected to realize £500,000 each.

realize assets legal to sell property in order to get some money:

He had to realize all his assets to pay off his debts.

© Cambridge University Press 2013

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

realize

[ri͟ːəlaɪz]
 
 realizes, realizing, realized
 (in BRIT, also use realise)
 1) VERB If you realize that something is true, you become aware of that fact or understand it.
  [V that] As soon as we realised something was wrong, we moved the children away...
  [V wh] People don't realize how serious this recession has actually been...
  [V n] Once they realised their mistake the phone was reconnected again...
  `That's my brother.' - `Oh, I hadn't realized.'
  Derived words:
  realization [ri͟ːəlaɪze͟ɪʃ(ə)n] plural N-VAR usu N that, N of n There is now a growing realisation that things cannot go on like this for much longer... He nearly cried out at the sudden realization of how much Randall looked like him.
 2) VERB: usu passive If your hopes, desires, or fears are realized, the things that you hope for, desire, or fear actually happen.
  [be V-ed] Straightaway our worst fears were realised...
  [be V-ed] Those are our hopes; we are starting this clinical trial to investigate whether those hopes will be realised.
  Derived words:
  realization N-UNCOUNT oft the N of n In Kravis's venomous tone he recognized the realization of his worst fears.
 3) VERB When someone realizes a design or an idea, they make or organize something based on that design or idea. [FORMAL]
  [V n] Various textile techniques will be explored to realise design possibilities...
  [V n] The kaleidoscopic quality of the book is brilliantly realised on stage.
 4) VERB If someone or something realizes their potential, they do everything they are capable of doing, because they have been given the opportunity to do so.
  [V n] The support systems to enable women to realize their potential at work are seriously inadequate...
  [V n] I think probably that the laser has not realised the potential that was expected of it in that domain.
  Syn:
  achieve
 5) VERB If something realizes a particular amount of money when it is sold, that amount of money is paid for it. [TECHNICAL]
  [V n] A selection of correspondence from P G Wodehouse realised ₤1,232.
  Syn:
  make, raise
  Derived words:
  realization N-VAR I have taken this course solely to assist the realisation of my assets for the benefit of all my creditors.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

realize

re·al·ize also Brit re·al·ise /ˈriːjəˌlaɪz/ verb -iz·es; -ized; -iz·ing [+ obj]
1 : to understand or become aware of (something)
• They did not realize the risk/danger that was involved.
• He finally realized the scope of the problem.
• I realize (that) this is an unusual situation.
• She realizes how much things have changed.
• Do you realize how difficult that stunt is?
• You just have to realize that you can't always get what you want.
• She slowly realized what he was trying to say.
2 : to cause (something) to become real - usually used as (be) realized
• Our worst fears have been realized. [=the things that we most feared have actually happened]
3 formal : to achieve (something, such as a goal, dream, etc.)
• He realized a lifelong dream/goal by winning an Olympic medal.
• He finally realized his ambition to start his own business.
• She hasn't yet realized her potential as a golfer. [=she hasn't become as good as she can be]
4 formal : to earn or get (money) by sale or effort
• We can realize a profit by selling the stock.
• The furniture of the estate realized $10,000 at the auction.

memory

memory [noun] (EVENT REMEMBERED)

omething that you remember from the past

US /ˈmem.ər.i/ 
UK /ˈmem.ər.i/ 
Example: 

I have vivid memories of that evening.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

memory

 noun (plural memories)

1 the ability to remember things:
Ruth's got a very good memory – she never forgets people's names.

2 something that you remember:
I have very happy memories of that holiday.

3 the part of a computer that holds information

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

memory

memory S2 W1 /ˈmeməri/ BrE AmE noun (plural memories)
[Word Family: noun: ↑memorial, ↑memory, ↑memo, ↑memoir, ↑memorabilia, ↑memorandum; adjective: ↑memorable, ↑memorial, ↑immemorial; verb: ↑memorize, ↑memorialize; adverb: ↑memorably]
[Date: 1200-1300; Language: Old French; Origin: memorie, from Latin memoria, from memor 'remembering']
1. ABILITY TO REMEMBER [uncountable and countable] someone’s ability to remember things, places, experiences etc
memory for
She has a terrible memory for names.
from memory
The pianist played the whole piece from memory.
in your memory
The image has remained in my memory ever since.
2. SOMETHING YOU REMEMBER [countable usually plural] something that you remember from the past about a person, place, or experience
memory of
She talked about her memories of the war.
He has lots of happy memories of his stay in Japan.
When I saw the pictures, the memories came flooding back (=I suddenly had many memories about something).
3. COMPUTER
a) [countable] the part of a computer where information can be stored:
The data is stored in the computer’s memory.
b) [uncountable] the amount of space that can be used for storing information on a computer:
128 Mb of memory
Personal computers now have much increased memory capacity.
4. in/within memory during the time that people can remember:
the worst floods in living memory (=since the earliest time that people now alive can remember)
It’s certainly the best England team in recent memory.
The disaster was within the memory of many men still working at the station.
5. in memory of somebody if something is done or made in memory of someone, it is done to remember them and remind other people of them after they have died:
a statue in memory of those who died in the war
She set up a charitable fund in her father’s memory.
6. sb’s memory the way you remember someone who has died:
She died over 40 years ago but her memory lives on (=people still remember her).
to sb’s memory
There’s a bench to his memory in the local park.
7. a walk/trip down memory lane when you spend some time remembering the past:
She returned to her old school yesterday for a trip down memory lane.
8. sb’s memory is playing tricks on them spoken used to say that someone is remembering things wrongly:
My memory must be playing tricks on me; I’m sure I put that book on the desk.
• • •
COLLOCATIONS (for Meaning 1)
■ adjectives
good/excellent I wish my memory was as good as yours.
bad/poor/terrible A student with a poor memory may struggle in school.
short-term memory (=your ability to remember things that you have just seen, heard, or done) The drug can damage your short-term memory.
long-term memory (=your ability to remember things that happened a long time ago) Most people's long-term memory is limited.
visual memory (=your ability to remember things you have seen) Poor spellers often have a weak visual memory.
a photographic memory (=the ability to remember every detail of things that you have seen) Unless you have a photographic memory, you forget half of what you read as soon as you close the book.
■ verbs
remain/stay/stick in your memory (=be remembered for a long time) That day will remain in my memory forever.
refresh/jog your memory (=help someone to remember something) Perhaps this photograph will refresh your memory?
lose your memory (=become unable to remember things that happened in the past) The blow on the head caused him to lose his memory.
commit something to memory formal (=make yourself remember something) I've already committed his name to memory.
■ phrases
have a short memory (=if you have a short memory, you soon forget things) Voters have short memories.
have a long memory (=if you have a long memory, you remember things for a long time) He has a long memory for people who have let him down.
have a memory like a sieve (=forget things very easily) I'm sorry, I have a memory like a sieve. I forgot you were coming today!
loss of memory/memory loss (=when you cannot remember things) The condition can cause dizziness and memory loss.
a lapse of memory/a memory lapse (=when you cannot remember something for a short time) The alcohol seemed to make him suffer lapses of memory.
if my memory serves (me correctly/right) (=used to say that you are almost certain you have remembered something correctly) If my memory serves me correctly, Johnson was also there.
something is etched in your memory (=it is impossible to forget) The date was etched in my memory.
• • •
COLLOCATIONS (for Meaning 2)
■ ADJECTIVES/NOUN + memory
good/bad etc memories He left school with good memories of his time there.
happy/unhappy memories Many people have unhappy memories of being forced to play team sports.
fond memories (=about someone or something you like) She had fond memories of her aunt and uncle.
a painful memory (=very upsetting) He sobbed as he relived the painful memory.
a vivid memory (=very clear and detailed) I have vivid memories of that summer.
a clear memory I have a clear memory of the first time I met David.
a dim/distant memory (=not clear, from a long time ago) He had only dim memories of his father, who had died when he was four.
a vague memory (=not clear) I have a vague memory of visiting them when I was small.
a childhood memory Going to the farm brought back happy childhood memories.
somebody's earliest memory My earliest memory is of being bitten by a dog.
an abiding/enduring/lasting memory (=that you will always have) The children's abiding memory of their father is of his patience and gentleness.
■ verbs
have a/have no memory of something (=remember/not remember something) She had no memory of the accident.
relive a memory (=talk about past events so you remember them again) Seeing her again was an excuse to relive old memories.
bring back memories (also rekindle/revive memories formal) (=make you remember something) For many older people, the film brought back memories of the war.
memories come flooding back (=you suddenly remember things clearly) Evelyn hugged her daughter, as memories came flooding back to her.
a memory fades (=becomes less clear and accurate) Write down how you felt before the memory fades.
■ phrases
a place is full of memories (=makes you remember things that happened there) My old home is full of unhappy memories.
be haunted by the memory of something (=be unable to forget something unhappy) He is haunted by memories of his unhappy childhood.
shudder/wince at the memory of something (=be upset by remembering something) She shuddered at the memory of her parents fighting.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

memory

mem·ory [memory memories]   [ˈmeməri]    [ˈmeməri]  (pl. mem·ories) noun

ABILITY TO REMEMBER
1. countable, uncountable ~ (for sth) your ability to remember things
I have a bad memory for names.
People have short memories (= they soon forget).
He had a long memory for people who had disappointed him.
She can recite the whole poem from memory.
He suffered loss of memory for weeks after the accident.
Are you sure? Memory can play tricks on you.
I quickly committed the number of the car to memory (= learned and remembered it).

• The drugs had a severe effect on her short-term memory.

2. uncountable the period of time that sb is able to remember events
There hasn't been peace in the country in/within my memory.
• It was the worst storm in recent memory.

• This hasn't happened in living memory (= nobody alive now can remember it happening).  

 

STH YOU REMEMBER

3. countable a thought of sth that you remember from the past
Syn:  recollection
childhood memories
I have vivid memories of my grandparents.
• What is your earliest memory?

• The photos bring back lots of good memories.

4. uncountable (formal) what is remembered about sb after they have died
Her memory lives on (= we still remember her).

• Their behaviour insults the memory of those who died for this country.  

 

COMPUTING

5. countable, uncountable the part of a computer where information is stored; the amount of space in a computer for storing information
Have you got enough memory available to run the program?
see also  RAM 
more at be etched on your heart/memory/mind at  etch, jog sb's memory at  jog  v., refresh your/sb's memory at  refresh, have a memory/mind like a sieve at  sieve  n.
Idioms: if memory serves me well/correctly  in memory of somebody  the memory of somebody  
Word Origin:
Middle English: from Old French memorie, from Latin memoria, from memor ‘mindful, remembering’.  
Thesaurus:
memory noun C, U
I have a bad memory for names.
happy memories of childhood
recallremniscencemind|formal recollectionremembrance
a memory/remniscence/recollection of sb/sth
in memory/remembrance of sb/sth
a vague/vivid/clear memory/recollection

have a …memory/recall/recollection

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

memory / ˈmem. ə r.i /   / -ɚ- / noun [ C ] (EVENT REMEMBERED)

B1 something that you remember from the past:

I have vivid memories of that evening.

That tune really brings back memories (= makes me remember past events) .

School is just a dim/distant memory for me now (= something I cannot remember very well) .

Word partners for memory (ABILITY TO REMEMBER)

have a bad / good memory • have a long / short memory • have a selective memory • lose your memory • sth fades from memory • sth lingers in / remains in the memory • memory impairment / loss • a memory lapse

Word partners for memory (EVENT REMEMBERED)

bad / bitter / painful / unhappy memories • fond / good / happy memories • a clear / vivid memory • a hazy / vague memory • a childhood memory • sth brings back / rekindles / revives memories • memories come flooding back • a memory of sth
 

memory / ˈmem. ə r.i /   / -ɚ- / noun [ C or U ] (ABILITY TO REMEMBER)

B1 the ability to remember information, experiences, and people:

a good/bad memory

After the accident he suffered from loss of memory/memory loss .

She has an excellent memory for names (= she can remember names easily) .

Word partners for memory (ABILITY TO REMEMBER)

have a bad / good memory • have a long / short memory • have a selective memory • lose your memory • sth fades from memory • sth lingers in / remains in the memory • memory impairment / loss • a memory lapse

Word partners for memory (EVENT REMEMBERED)

bad / bitter / painful / unhappy memories • fond / good / happy memories • a clear / vivid memory • a hazy / vague memory • a childhood memory • sth brings back / rekindles / revives memories • memories come flooding back • a memory of sth

 

memory / ˈmem. ə r.i /   / -ɚ- / noun [ C usually singular , U ] (COMPUTER)

A2 the part of a computer in which information or programs are stored either permanently or temporarily, or the amount of space available on it for storing information:

My computer has a gigabyte of memory.

Word partners for memory (ABILITY TO REMEMBER)

have a bad / good memory • have a long / short memory • have a selective memory • lose your memory • sth fades from memory • sth lingers in / remains in the memory • memory impairment / loss • a memory lapse

Word partners for memory (EVENT REMEMBERED)

bad / bitter / painful / unhappy memories • fond / good / happy memories • a clear / vivid memory • a hazy / vague memory • a childhood memory • sth brings back / rekindles / revives memories • memories come flooding back • a memory of sth

© Cambridge University Press 2013

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

memory

[me̱məri]
 memories
 1) N-VAR: oft poss N Your memory is your ability to remember things.
  All the details of the meeting are fresh in my memory...
  He'd a good memory for faces, and he was sure he hadn't seen her before...
  But locals with long memories thought this was fair revenge for the injustice of 1961...
  Two major areas in which mentally retarded children require help are memory and attention.
 2) N-COUNT: usu with supp, oft N of n A memory is something that you remember from the past.
  She cannot bear to watch the film because of the bad memories it brings back...
  Her earliest memory is of singing at the age of four to wounded soldiers...
  He had happy memories of his father.
 3) N-COUNT A computer's memory is the part of the computer where information is stored, especially for a short time before it is transferred to disks or magnetic tapes. [TECHNICAL]
  The data are stored in the computer's memory.
 4) N-SING: usu with poss, also in N of n If you talk about the memory of someone who has died, especially someone who was loved or respected, you are referring to the thoughts, actions, and ceremonies by which they are remembered.
  She remained devoted to his memory...
  The congress opened with a minute's silence in memory of those who died in the struggle.
 5) PHRASE: PHR after v If you do something from memory, for example speak the words of a poem or play a piece of music, you do it without looking at it, because you know it very well.
  Many members of the church sang from memory...
  Children write down the word, cover it up and then try to spell it from memory.
 6) PHRASE: n/adj PHR, usu with adj-superl/brd-neg (emphasis) If you say that something is, for example, the best, worst, or first thing of its kind in living memory, you are emphasizing that it is the only thing of that kind that people can remember.
  The floods are the worst in living memory...
  No-one in living memory has come back from that place alive.
 7) PHRASE: V inflects If you lose your memory, you forget things that you used to know.
  His illness caused him to lose his memory.
 8) commit something to memorysee commit

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

memory

mem·o·ry /ˈmɛməri/ noun, pl -ries
1 : the power or process of remembering what has been learned

[count]

• He began to lose his memory as he grew older.
• He has an excellent memory for faces. [=he is very good at remembering faces]
• Those people have long memories. [=they remember things that happened long ago]
• She has a short memory. [=she forgets things quickly]
• Dad has a selective memory: he remembers the times he was right and forgets the times he was wrong.

[noncount]

• They claim that these pills can improve (the) memory.
• short-term/long-term memory
• He committed the speech to memory. [=he memorized the speech]
If memory serves (me rightly/correctly), his name is John. [=if I remember accurately, his name is John]
- see also photographic memory
2 a [count] : something that is remembered
• We have pleasant memories of the trip.
• trying to repress bitter/painful memories
• childhood memories
• His name evokes memories of a happier time.
• That time is just a dim/faint memory to me now.
b [noncount] : the things learned and kept in the mind
• The happiness of those times is still vivid in my memory.
• Her name has faded from memory.
• I seem to have very little memory of that time in my life.
• Her name has faded from my memory. [=I cannot remember her name]
• That tragic day has become part of our collective memory. [=it is something that we all remember]
• He has no memory of what happened. [=he does not remember what happened]
• I can't remember exactly how much it costs. Could you refresh my memory? [=remind me]
• The sudden shock jogged his memory and everything came flooding back into his mind.
3 [count] : the things that are remembered about a person who has died
• Even though he is no longer with us, his memory lives on. [=we still remember him]
4 : the period of time that a person can remember

[count]

- usually singular
• These events occurred within their memory. [=occurred during the time that they can remember]

[noncount]

• These events occurred within living memory.
• The harbor froze over for the first time in (modern/recent) memory.
5 [noncount] computers
a : capacity for storing information
• a computer with 512MB of memory
• The computer needs more memory.
b : the part of a computer in which information is stored
• information stored in memory
- see also random-access memory
from memory : without reading or looking at notes
• She delivered the speech (entirely) from memory.
• He played the entire piece from memory.
• She can recite from memory the capitals of all the states of the U.S.
in memory of or in someone's memory : made or done to honor someone who has died
• The monument is in memory of the soldiers who died in battle on this field.
• He donated the painting in his wife's memory.
memory lane
✦If you take a stroll/trip/walk (etc.) down memory lane, you think or talk about pleasant things from the past.
• We took a stroll down memory lane, talking about our time at school together.

unhealthy

unhealthy [adjective]

not good for your health, or not strong and well

US /ʌnˈhel.θi/ 
UK /ʌnˈhel.θi/ 
Example: 

an unhealthy diet

Oxford Essential Dictionary

unhealthy

 adjective (unhealthier, unhealthiest)

1 not well; often ill:
an unhealthy child

2 that can make you ill:
unhealthy food
 opposite healthy

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

unhealthy

unhealthy /ʌnˈhelθi/ BrE AmE adjective (comparative unhealthier, superlative unhealthiest)
[Word Family: noun: ↑health, ↑healthiness; adverb: ↑healthily ≠ ↑unhealthily; adjective: ↑healthy ≠ ↑unhealthy]
1. likely to make you ill:
unhealthy living conditions
2. not normal or natural and likely to be harmful:
an unhealthy relationship
unhealthy interest/obsession/fear etc
Gareth had an unhealthy interest in death.
3. not physically healthy SYN ill, sick:
an unhealthy baby
4. unhealthy skin, hair etc shows that you are ill or not healthy:
an unhealthy pale complexion

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

unhealthy

 

un·healthy [unhealthy unhealthier unhealthiest]   [ʌnˈhelθi]    [ʌnˈhelθi]  adjective
1. not having good health; showing a lack of good health
They looked poor and unhealthy.
• unhealthy skin

• His eyeballs were an unhealthy yellow.

2. harmful to your health; likely to make you ill/sick
• unhealthy living conditions

• an unhealthy diet/lifestyle

3. not normal and likely to be harmful
Syn:  unwholesome
He had an unhealthy interest in disease and death.
Opp:  healthy
Derived Word: unhealthily  
Example Bank:
The miners worked in very unhealthy conditions.
Doctors say too many teenagers adopt an unhealthy lifestyle.
Just taking vitamin tablets will not turn an unhealthy diet into a good one.
• The unhealthy climate made it an unattractive place in which to settle.

• Tuberculosis often affects people in unhealthy living conditions.

 

 

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
 

unhealthy / ʌnˈhel.θi / adjective

B1 not good for your health, or not strong and well:

an unhealthy diet

 

unhealthily / -θɪ.li / adverb

© Cambridge University Press 2013

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

unhealthy

[ʌnhe̱lθi]
 unhealthier, unhealthiest
 1) ADJ-GRADED Something that is unhealthy is likely to cause illness or poor health.
  Avoid unhealthy foods such as hamburger and chips...
  He worked in the notoriously unhealthy environment of a coal mine.
  Ant:
  healthy
 2) ADJ-GRADED If you are unhealthy, you are not very fit or well.
  I'm quite unhealthy really.
  ...a poorly dressed, unhealthy looking fellow with a poor complexion.
  Ant:
  healthy
 3) ADJ-GRADED An unhealthy economy or company is financially weak and unsuccessful.
  The redundancy of skilled and experienced workers is a terrible waste and a clear sign of an unhealthy economy.
  Syn:
  weak
  Ant:
  strong
 4) ADJ-GRADED If you describe someone's behaviour or interests as unhealthy, you do not consider them to be normal and think they may involve mental problems.
  Frank has developed what I would term an unhealthy relationship with these people...
  This government has a developed an unhealthy obsession with secrecy...
  MacGregor believes it is unhealthy to lead a life with no interests beyond politics.
  Ant:
  healthy

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

unhealthy

un·healthy /ˌʌnˈhɛlɵi/ adj un·health·i·er; -est [or more ~; most ~] : not healthy: such as
a : not having or showing good health
• an unhealthy liver
unhealthy workers
• Her skin looks blotchy and unhealthy.
b : harmful to your health : likely to make you sick
unhealthy eating habits
• Tests revealed an unhealthy level of lead in the water.
• Eating honey can be unhealthy for babies.
c : not doing well : not successful
• an unhealthy economy
• a financially unhealthy company
d : involving or causing feelings and thoughts that are not normal and healthy
• He was stuck in an unhealthy relationship.
• She has an unhealthy interest in natural disasters.

recognize

recognize [noun] (KNOW)

to know someone or something because you have seen, heard, or experienced them before

US /ˈrek.əɡ.naɪz/ 
UK /ˈrek.əɡ.naɪz/ 
Example: 

I hadn't seen her for 20 years, but I recognized her immediately.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

recognize

 verb (recognizes, recognizing, recognized )

1 to know again somebody or something that you have seen or heard before:
I didn't recognize you without your glasses.

2 to know that something is true:
They recognize that there is a problem.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

recognize

recognize S1 W1 BrE AmE (also recognise British English) /ˈrekəɡnaɪz, ˈrekən-/ verb [transitive]
[Word Family: verb: ↑recognize; noun: ↑recognition; adverb: ↑recognizably; adjective: ↑recognizable ≠ ↑unrecognizable]
[Date: 1400-1500; Language: Old French; Origin: reconoistre, from Latin recognoscere, from cognoscere 'to know']
1. [not in progressive] to know who someone is or what something is, because you have seen, heard, experienced, or learned about them in the past:
I didn’t recognize you in your uniform.
It was malaria, but Dr Lee hadn’t recognized the symptoms.
REGISTER
In everyday English, people often say that they know (that) it is someone or something rather than say they recognize them:
▪ I knew it was her by the hat she was wearing.
2. to officially accept that an organization, government, document etc has legal or official authority:
British medical qualifications are recognized in Canada.
recognize something as something
The World Health Organization has recognized alcoholism as a disease since 1951.
3. to accept or admit that something is true
recognize (that)
One must recognise that homesickness is natural.
recognize what/how/who etc
It is important to recognize how little we know about this disease.
4. [usually in passive] if something is recognized by people, they realize that it is important or very good:
Alexander tried to get his work recognized by the medical profession.
be recognized as something
Lawrence’s novel was eventually recognized as a work of genius.
a recognized authority on Roman pottery
5. to officially and publicly thank someone for something they have done, by giving them a special honour:
He was recognized for having saved many lives.
—recognizable /ˈrekəɡnaɪzəbəl, -kən- ˌrekəɡˈnaɪ-/ adjective:
His face was instantly recognizable.
—recognizably adverb
• • •
THESAURUS
recognize to know who someone is or what something is, especially because you have seen or heard them before: I hadn’t seen her for ten years, but I recognized her immediately. | Do you recognize this song?
identify to recognize someone or something and say who or what they are: As they came closer, I was able to identify two of the group. | It’s delicious but I can’t quite identify the taste.
distinguish to recognize and understand the difference between two or more things or people: By this age, kids can usually distinguish between right and wrong. | It’s often difficult to distinguish identical twins from each other.
make something/somebody out to be able to see or hear something or someone – used when it is very difficult to do this: In the distance, I could just make out the outline of an island. | He whispered something but I couldn’t make out what it was.
discern /dɪˈsɜːn $ -ɜːrn/ formal to notice or understand something by looking carefully or thinking about it carefully: I thought I discerned a faint gleam of hope in his eyes. | A number of differences can be discerned in the data for the three countries.
know to recognize someone or something. Know is often used in everyday English instead of recognize: How do you know that it is real gold? | I know him from somewhere. | I can’t remember his name, but I know his face.
can tell to be able to recognize someone or something: I could tell that it was him by his voice. | Can you tell that it’s not real leather? | It’s difficult to be able to tell them apart (=to recognize that they are different).

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

recognize

rec·og·nize (BrE also -ise) [recognize recognizes recognized recognizing]   [ˈrekəɡnaɪz]    [ˈrekəɡnaɪz]  verb

(not used in the progressive tenses)

1. to know who sb is or what sth is when you see or hear them, because you have seen or heard them or it before
~ sb/sth I recognized him as soon as he came in the room.
• Do you recognize this tune?

~ sb/sth by/from sth I recognized her by her red hair.

2. to admit or to be aware that sth exists or is true
Syn:  acknowledge
~ sth They recognized the need to take the problem seriously.
~ sth as sth Drugs were not recognized as a problem then.
~ how, what, etc… Nobody recognized how urgent the situation was.
~ that… We recognized that the task was not straightforward.
it is recognized that… It was recognized that this solution could only be temporary.

~ sb/sth to be/have sth Drugs were not recognized to be a problem then.

3. to accept and approve of sb/sth officially
~ sb/sth (as sth) recognized qualifications
• The UK has refused to recognize the new regime.

be recognized to be/have sth He is recognized to be their natural leader.

4. be recognized (as sth) to be thought of as very good or important by people in general
• The book is now recognized as a classic.

• She's a recognized authority on the subject.

5. ~ sb/sth to give sb official thanks for sth that they have done or achieved
His services to the state were recognized with the award of a knighthood.
See also: -ise
Verb forms:
 
Word Origin:
late Middle English (earliest attested as a term in Scots law): from Old French reconniss-, stem of reconnaistre, from Latin recognoscere ‘know again, recall to mind’, from re- ‘again’ + cognoscere ‘learn’.  
Thesaurus:
recognize (BrE also -ise) verb
1. T (not used in the progressive tenses)
I recognized him by the way he walked.
knowidentifyplacepick sb/sth outmake sb/sth out|formal discern
recognize/know/identify sb/sth by sth
recognize/identify sb/sth as sb/sth
recognize/know/identify/make out/discern who/what/how…
Recognize or know? Know is used especially to talk about sounds, or when sb recognizes the quality or opportunity that sb/sth represents, as in the phrase sb knows a…when they see one:
I know that voice/laugh/tune!
He knows a lady when he sees one.
Recognize can also be used in this way but sounds slightly more formal. Know is not usually used to talk about people:
I recognized him as soon as he came in.
 ¤ I knew him as soon as he came in.
2. T (not used in the progressive tenses)
The directors recognize that there is a serious problem.
admitacknowledgegrantconcedeconfess
recognize/admit/acknowledge/grant/concede/confess that…
It is/was (generally) recognized/admitted/acknowledged/granted/conceded that…
you must recognize/admit/acknowledge/grant/concede/confess sth
3. T (not used in the progressive tenses)
These qualifications are internationally recognized.
approveconfirmratifycertify|formal validate
recognize/approve/confirm/ratify/certify/validate sth as sth
recognize/approve/validate a course
officially recognize/approve/confirm/ratify sth 
Example Bank:
All rivers should be officially recognized as public rights of way.
Criminal law implicitly recognizes a difference between animals and property.
Do any US states currently recognize gay marriage?
He readily recognizes the influence of Freud on his thinking.
He recognized the man as one of the police officers.
I immediately recognized the building.
I recognized them from a television show.
I vaguely recognized his voice, but couldn't think of his name.
It's important to recognize that obesity isn't necessarily caused by overeating.
She recognized the song correctly.
Stella hardly recognized her brother.
The 1970s are rightly recognized as a golden era of Hollywood film-making.
The Medway estuary is recognized internationally as a conservation area.
The company had been slow to recognize the opportunities available to it.
The company should publicly recognize its mistake.
The court explicitly recognized the group's right to exist.
The estuary is recognized internationally as an important area for wildlife.
The government has belatedly recognized the danger to health of passive smoking.
The law clearly recognizes that a company is separate from those who invest in it.
The strength of this argument is being increasingly recognized.
They fully recognize the need to proceed carefully.
This is the only species of flamingo in the region, easily recognized by its pink plumage.
This issue must be recognized as a priority for the next administration.
You learn to recognize the calls of different birds.
I recognized him by the way he walked.
• The qualifications are internationally recognized.

• We barely recognized her— she had changed so much in ten years.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
 

recognize ( UK usually recognise ) / ˈrek.əɡ.naɪz / verb [ T ] (KNOW)

B1 to know someone or something because you have seen, heard, or experienced them before:

I hadn't seen her for 20 years, but I recognized her immediately.

Do you recognize this song?

Doctors are trained to recognize the symptoms of different diseases.

 

recognize ( UK usually recognise ) / ˈrek.əɡ.naɪz / verb (ACCEPT)

B2 [ T ] to accept that something is legal, true, or important:

The international community has refused to recognize (= officially accept the existence of) the newly independent nation state.

[ + (that) ] He sadly recognized (that) he would die childless.

You must recognize the seriousness of the problems we are facing.

C1 [ T often passive ] If a person's achievements are recognized, official approval is shown for them:

The prime minister recognized her services to her country by awarding her an MBE.

© Cambridge University Press 2013

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

recognize

[re̱kəgnaɪz]
 ♦♦
 recognizes, recognizing, recognized

 (in BRIT, also use recognise)
 1) VERB: no cont If you recognize someone or something, you know who that person is or what that thing is.
  [V n] The receptionist recognized him at once...
  [V n] He did not think she could recognize his car in the snow...
  [V n as n] A man I easily recognized as Luke's father sat with a newspaper on his lap.
 2) VERB: no cont If someone says that they recognize something, they acknowledge that it exists or that it is true.
  [V n] I recognize my own shortcomings...
  [V that] Well, of course I recognize that evil exists.
  Syn:
  accept
 3) VERB If people or organizations recognize something as valid, they officially accept it or approve of it.
  [V n as n] Most doctors appear to recognize homeopathy as a legitimate form of medicine...
  [V n] France is on the point of recognizing the independence of the Baltic States.
  [V-ed] ...a nationally recognized expert on psychology. [Also V that]
  Syn:
  accept
 4) VERB When people recognize the work that someone has done, they show their appreciation of it, often by giving that person an award of some kind.
  [V n as n] The RAF recognized him as an outstandingly able engineer...
  [V n] He had the insight to recognize their talents...
  [V n] Nichols was recognized by the Hall of Fame in 1949.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

recognize

rec·og·nize also Brit rec·og·nise /ˈrɛkɪgˌnaɪz/ verb -niz·es; -nized; -niz·ing [+ obj]
1 not used in progressive tenses : to know and remember (someone or something) because of previous knowledge or experience
• I didn't recognize you at first with your new haircut.
• I can always recognize him from far away by/from the way he walks.
• They recognized the odor at once.
2 : to accept or be aware that (something) is true or exists
• It's important to recognize [=be aware of] your own faults.
• They started talking and quickly recognized [=realized] how much they had in common.
3 : to accept and approve of (something) as having legal or official authority
• The U.S. government has now recognized the newly formed country.
• They refused to recognize the treaty.
4 : to think of (someone or something) as being something specified
• The institute is an internationally recognized authority on eye surgery.
• Walt Whitman is recognized as one of America's great poets.
5 : to publicly give special attention or notice to (someone or something)
• They recognized her years of service with a special award.
• We want to find an appropriate way to recognize his achievements.
- rec·og·niz·able also Brit rec·og·nis·able /ˈrɛkɪgˌnaɪzəbəl/ adj [more ~; most ~]
• She has one of the most recognizable faces in the movie industry.
• The bird is easily recognizable because of its bright red feathers.
- rec·og·niz·ably also Brit rec·og·nis·ably /ˈrɛkɪgˌnaɪzəbli/ adv
recognizably different versions

English translation unavailable for option.

spicy

spicy [adjctive] (FOOD)

containing strong flavours from spices

US /ˈspaɪ.si/ 
UK /ˈspaɪ.si/ 
Example: 

Do you like spicy food?

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

spicy

spicy /ˈspaɪsi/ BrE AmE adjective
1. food that is spicy has a pleasantly strong taste, and gives you a pleasant burning feeling in your mouth SYN hotspice:
a spicy tomato sauce
2. a story or picture that is spicy is slightly shocking or rude because it tells about or shows something relating to sex
• • •
THESAURUS
■ describing the taste of something
delicious having a very good taste: This cake is delicious! | a delicious meal
disgusting/revolting having a very bad taste: The medicine tasted disgusting. | They had to eat revolting things, like fish eyes.
sweet tasting full of sugar: The oranges were very sweet.
tasty especially spoken tasting good and with plenty of flavour: She cooked us a simple but tasty meal. | That was really tasty!
sour/tart having a taste that stings your tongue slightly, like lemon does – used especially when this is rather unpleasant: The apples were a little sour. | The wine has rather a tart taste, which not everyone will like.
tangy having a taste that stings your tongue slightly, like lemon does, in a way that seems good: The dressing was nice and tangy.
bitter having a strong taste which is not sweet and is sometimes rather unpleasant – used for example about black coffee, or chocolate without sugar: bitter chocolate | The medicine had rather a bitter taste. | Hops give beer its distinctive bitter taste.
salty containing a lot of salt: Danish salami has a salty flavour.
hot/spicy having a burning taste because it contains strong spices: I love hot curries. | a spicy tomato sauce
piquant /ˈpiːkənt/ formal a little spicy – used especially by people who write about food. This word can sound rather ↑pretentious in everyday conversation: cooked vegetables in a piquant sauce
mild not having a strong or hot taste – usually used about foods that can sometimes be spicy: a mild curry
bland not having an interesting taste: I found the sauce rather bland.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

spicy

 

spicy [spicy spicier spiciest]   [ˈspaɪsi]    [ˈspaɪsi]  adjective (spici·er, spici·est)
1. (of food) having a strong taste because spices have been used to flavour it
Syn:  hot

• spicy chicken wings

2. (informal) (of a story, piece of news, etc.) exciting and slightly shocking
spicy stories about the sex lives of the stars
Derived Word: spiciness  
Thesaurus:
spicy adj.
a plate of spicy chicken wings
hotstrong|BrE savoury|AmE savory
Opp: mild, Opp: bland
a spicy/hot/strong/savoury flavour
a spicy/strong/savoury taste
a spicy/savoury food/dish/sauce  
Example Bank:
The soup tasted mildly spicy.
a deliciously spicy aroma
• She tends to cook very spicy food.

• a plate of spicy chicken wings

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
 

spicy / ˈspaɪ.si / adjective (FOOD)

B1 containing strong flavours from spices:

Do you like spicy food?

 

spiciness / -nəs / noun [ U ]

© Cambridge University Press 2013

 

spicy / ˈspaɪ.si / adjective (EXCITING)

exciting and interesting, especially because of being shocking or dealing with sexual matters:

a spicy novel

spicy details

 

spiciness / -nəs / noun [ U ]

© Cambridge University Press 2013

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

spicy

[spa͟ɪsi]
 spicier, spiciest
 ADJ-GRADED

 Spicy food is strongly flavoured with spices.
  Thai food is hot and spicy.
  ...a spicy tomato and coriander sauce.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

spicy

 

spicy /ˈspaɪsi/ adj spic·i·er; -est
1 of food : flavored with or containing strong spices and especially ones that cause a burning feeling in your mouth
• This salsa is too spicy [=hot] for me.
2 : exciting and somewhat shocking
• a spicy sex scandal
• a spicy story/tale

supposed

supposed [adjective] (INTENDED)

to be intended to

US /səˈpoʊzd/ 
UK /səˈpəʊzd/ 
Example: 

You think he was gonna

let you off without a scratch?

فکر کردی بدون این که بلایی سرت بیاره میذاشت بری

You'd still be standing there

if I hadn't hit you.

اگه نزده بودمت که الان اونجا ایستاده بودی

So am I supposed to thank you?

پس باید ازت تشکر کنم؟

You're supposed to be smart.

باید حواست باشه.

If I wanted to hurt you,

I would have.

اگه میخواستم بهت آسیبی بزنم، زده بودم.

These batteries are supposed to last for a year.

media: 

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

be supposed to do/be something
a) used to say what someone should or should not do, especially because of rules or what someone in authority has said:
We’re supposed to check out of the hotel by 11 o'clock.
I’m not supposed to tell anyone.
What time are you supposed to be there?
b) used to say what was or is expected or intended to happen, especially when it did not happen:
No one was supposed to know about it.
The meeting was supposed to take place on Tuesday, but we’ve had to postpone it.
The new laws are supposed to prevent crime.
c) used to say that something is believed to be true by many people, although it might not be true or you might disagree:
The castle is supposed to be haunted.
‘Dirty Harry’ is supposed to be one of Eastwood’s best films.
Mrs Carver is supposed to have a lot of money.
GRAMMAR
Do not say 'be suppose to do something'. Use be supposed to:
▪ You’re supposed to take your shoes off.
▪ He’s supposed to be very clever.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Idioms
 be supposed to do/be something
1  to be expected or required to do/be something according to a rule, a custom, an arrangement, etc You're supposed to buy a ticket, but not many people do.
 I thought we were supposed to be paid today.
 The engine doesn't sound like it's supposed to.
 You were supposed to be here an hour ago!
 How was I supposed to know you were waiting for me?
 ‘Yes and no.’ ‘What is that supposed to mean?’ (= showing that you are annoyed)

+ EXPRESS YOURSELF

2  to be generally believed or expected to be/do something I haven't seen it myself, but it's supposed to be a great movie.
 She's supposed to have had hundreds of lovers.

 not be supposed to do something
to not be allowed to do something You're not supposed to walk on the grass.
Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary 9th edition © Oxford University Press, 2015

 

supposed

sup·posed [supposed]   [səˈpəʊzd]    [səˈpoʊzd]  adjective only before noun
used to show that you think that a claim, statement or way of describing sb/sth is not true or correct, although it is generally believed to be
Syn:  alleged
This is the opinion of the supposed experts.

When did this supposed accident happen?

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
 

supposed / səˈpəʊzd /   / -ˈpoʊzd / adjective (INTENDED)

be supposed to B1 to be intended to:

These batteries are supposed to last for a year.

We were supposed to have gone away this week, but Debbie's ill so we couldn't go.

How am I supposed to (= how can I) find that much money by the end of the week?

© Cambridge University Press 2013

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

supposed

 ♦♦
 (Pronounced [səpo͟ʊzd] or [səpo͟ʊst] for meanings 1 to 4, and [səpo͟ʊzɪd] for meaning 5.)
 1) PHR-MODAL If you say that something is supposed to happen, you mean that it is planned or expected. Sometimes this use suggests that the thing does not really happen in this way.
  He produced a hand-written list of nine men he was supposed to kill...
  Public spending is supposed to fall, not rise, in the next few years.
  Syn:
  is meant to
 2) PHR-MODAL If something was supposed to happen, it was planned or intended to happen, but did not in fact happen.
  He was supposed to go back to Bergen on the last bus, but of course the accident prevented him...
  The first debate was supposed to have been held on Tuesday.
 3) PHR-MODAL If you say that something is supposed to be true, you mean that people say it is true but you do not know for certain that it is true.
  `The Whipping Block' has never been published, but it's supposed to be a really good poem...
  `The President cannot be disturbed,' his son is supposed to have told an early morning caller.
  Syn:
  be meant to
 4) PHR-MODAL (feelings) You can use `be supposed to' to express annoyance at someone's ideas, or because something is not happening in the proper way.
  You're supposed to be my friend!...
  Don't try to tell me what I'm supposed to be feeling...
  What am I supposed to have done wrong now?
 5) ADJ: ADJ n You can use supposed to suggest that something that people talk about or believe in may not in fact exist, happen, or be as it is described.
  Not all indigenous regimes were willing to accept the supposed benefits of British trade.
  ...when the rule of law is broken by its supposed guardians.
  Syn:
  alleged
  Derived words:
  supposedly [səpo͟ʊzɪdli] ADV ADV with v, ADV with cl/group He was more of a victim than any of the women he supposedly offended... Supposedly his last words to her were: `You must not pity me.'

 

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

supposed
 

sup·posed /səˈpoʊzəd/ adj always used before a noun : claimed to be true or real - used to say that a particular description is probably not true or real even though many people believe that it is
• a supposed cure for cancer
supposed experts

talent

talent [noun] (NATURAL ABILITY)

(someone who has) a natural ability to be good at something, especially without being taught

US /ˈtæl.ənt/ 
UK /ˈtæl.ənt/ 
Example: 

Her talent for music showed at an early age.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

talent

 noun
a natural ability to do something very well:
She has a talent for drawing.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

talent

talent W3 /ˈtælənt/ BrE AmE noun
[Date: 1400-1500; Origin: talent unit of weight or money in the ancient world (9-21 centuries), from Latin talentum, from Greek talanton; from a story in the Bible in which a man gives talents to his three servants, and two of them use them well]
1. [uncountable and countable] a natural ability to do something well:
He has a lot of talent, and his work is fresh and interesting.
talent for
She showed a talent for acting at an early age.
a persuasive speaker with a natural talent for leadership
His latest book reveals hidden talents.
Sadly, she inherited none of her father’s musical talent.
Your brother is a man of many talents.
There’s a wealth of talent in English football.
talent for
She showed a talent for acting at an early age.
2. [uncountable] a person or people with a natural ability or skill:
Britain’s footballing talent
3. [uncountable] British English informal sexually attractive people
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ verbs
have talent Greg has a real talent for drawing.
show talent Zach was the only one who showed any natural talent.
use your talents They have been using their artistic talents to brighten up the school.
develop your talent Education allows people to develop their talents to the full.
waste your talents They felt their son was wasting his talents and his time.
sb’s talents flourish (=develop successfully) The school created an atmosphere in which young talent could flourish.
■ adjectives
great/considerable/exceptional talent He had a great talent for making money.
real talent She has real talent and with a little help she could go far.
natural talent Ronaldo is a player of immense natural talent.
raw talent (=used to describe someone with natural ability who has not had much training) He’s got lots of raw talent but he needs a good coach.
a hidden talent Have a go – you may discover a hidden talent!
musical/artistic/creative etc talent It was at school that Brian’s musical talents were spotted.
■ talent + NOUN
a talent contest/show/competition Don’t assume winning a talent contest is a passport to success.
■ phrases
a wealth of talent (=a large amount of talent) There’s a wealth of musical talent in New York and other large American cities.
a pool of talent (=lots of talented people) Employers can draw on an enormous pool of talent in this area.
• • •
THESAURUS
skill [uncountable and countable] an ability to do something well, especially because you have learned and practised it: He plays the piano with great skill. | communication/language/computer etc skills | The course will help you improve your communication skills.
talent [uncountable and countable] a natural ability to do something well which can be developed with practice: She was a young artist with a lot of talent. | She showed a talent for acting from an early age. | He is a man of many talents.
genius [uncountable] very great ability, which only a few people have: The opera shows Mozart’s genius as a composer. | Picasso was a painter of genius.
gift [countable] a natural ability to do something very well, which you were born with: You can see that he has a gift for the game. | Winterson has great gifts as a writer.
flair [singular, uncountable] skill for doing something, especially something that needs imagination and creativity: The job does require some creative flair. | She has a flair for languages.
expertise [uncountable] specialized knowledge of a technical subject, which you get from experience of doing that type of work: The technical expertise for building the dam is being provided by a US company.
a/the knack /næk/ [singular] informal a special skill for doing a particular thing, especially a simple everyday thing: Breadmaking is easy once you get the knack. | He has a knack for making people feel relaxed.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

talent

tal·ent [talent talents]   [ˈtælənt]    [ˈtælənt]  noun
1. countable, uncountable a natural ability to do sth well
to have great artistic talent
a man of many talents
~ (for sth/for doing sth) She showed considerable talent for getting what she wanted.

• a talent competition/contest/show (= in which people perform, to show how well they can sing, dance, etc.)

2. uncountable, countable people or a person with a natural ability to do sth well
There is a wealth of young talent in British theatre.

• He is a great talent.

3. uncountable (BrE, slang) people who are sexually attractive
He likes to spend his time chatting up the local talent.  
Word Origin:
Old English talente, talentan (as a unit of weight), from Latin talenta, plural of talentum ‘weight, sum of money’, from Greek talanton. The current sense is a figurative use based on the parable of the talents in the Bible (Matt. 25:14–30).  
Example Bank:
Hard work is important, but it is no substitute for raw talent.
He has been putting his artistic talents to good use.
He is a violinist of exceptional talent.
Her talents lay in organization.
His parents accused him of wasting his talents and abilities.
Hollywood directors have a marvellous pool of acting talent to draw from.
It takes real talent to write a great pop song.
She has a keen eye for spotting talent.
The banquet gave the chef a chance to flaunt his talents.
The boy has undoubted talent.
The company is always looking out for new talent.
The festival attracts talent from all over the world.
The theatre visits schools to tap young talent.
There is a shortage of new comedy talent coming through.
There is a wealth of talent out there in our schools.
United have unearthed a real talent in this young defender.
We are losing our top talent to other countries who pay more.
Where does her musical talent come from?
You have a natural talent for storytelling.
an effort to develop his creative talents to the full
kids with musical talent
one of the few teams that relies on home-grown talent
As a boy, Elvis was entered for a talent contest at the Mississippi-Alabama Fair.
• He's a man of many talents.

• She has great artistic talent.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

talent / ˈtæl. ə nt / noun [ C or U ] (NATURAL ABILITY)

B1 (someone who has) a natural ability to be good at something, especially without being taught:

Her talent for music showed at an early age.

His artistic talents were wasted in his boring job.

 

talentless / -ləs / adjective
 

talent / ˈtæl. ə nt / noun [ U ] UK slang mainly humorous (ATTRACTIVE PEOPLE)

people who are sexually attractive:

There was plenty of talent at the party last night.

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

talent

[tæ̱lənt]
 talents
 N-VAR: oft N for n

 Talent is the natural ability to do something well.
 → See also talent show
  She is proud that both her children have a talent for music...
  The player was given hardly any opportunities to show off his talents...
  He's got lots of talent.

 

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

talent

tal·ent /ˈtælənt/ noun, pl -ents
1 : a special ability that allows someone to do something well

[noncount]

• a singer with an enormous amount of talent
• I have no musical talent.
• Her artistic/creative talent has been obvious ever since she was a child.
• athletic talent
• a person of talent = a person who has talent
• They sang a duet in the talent show/contest.

[count]

• She has a job that makes the most of her talents.
• His experience, skills, and talents make him perfectly suited for the job.
• He has many talents. = He's a man of many talents.
• He seems to have a talent for getting into trouble. [=he often gets into trouble]
2 : a person or group of people with a special ability to do something well : a talented person or group

[count]

• There are many good players on the team, but she's a special talent.

[noncount]

• The company has hired some expensive legal talent for the trial.
• The team has recruited some of the best talent around.
• The company is doing a talent search to find the right person for the job.
3 [noncount] Brit slang : people who are sexually attractive
• checking out the local talent

coconut

coconut [noun]

a large fruit like a nut with a thick, hard, brown shell containing hard, white flesh that can be eaten and a clear liquid B1 [ U ] the white flesh of the coconut, often used in cooking

US /ˈkoʊ.kə.nʌt/ 
UK /ˈkəʊ.kə.nʌt/ 
Example: 

grated/shredded coconut

Oxford Essential Dictionary

coconut

 noun
a large fruit that grows on trees in hot countries. Coconuts are brown and hard on the outside, and they have sweet white food and liquid inside.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

coconut

coconut /ˈkəʊkənʌt $ ˈkoʊ-/ BrE AmE noun
[Date: 1600-1700; Origin: coco 'coconut' (16-18 centuries) (from Portuguese, 'grinning face'; because the bottom of a coconut, with its three spots, looks like a face) + nut]

1. [countable] the large brown seed of a tropical tree, which has a hard shell containing white flesh that you can eat and a milky liquid that you can drink:
large tropical gardens of coconut palms
2. [uncountable] the white flesh of a coconut, often used in cooking:
desiccated coconut (=dried coconut)

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

coconut

co·co·nut [coconut coconuts]   [ˈkəʊkənʌt]    [ˈkoʊkənʌt]  noun
 

1. countable the large nut of a tropical tree called a coconut palm. It grows inside a hard shell and contains a soft white substance that can be eaten and juice that can be drunk.

2. uncountable the soft white substance inside a coconut, used in cooking
desiccated coconut
coconut biscuits/cookies
coconut oil  
Example Bank:
She broke open the coconut and drank its sweet milk.
a bay fringed with swaying coconut palms

huge bunches of fresh coconuts

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

coconut / ˈkəʊ.kə.nʌt /   / ˈkoʊ- / noun

coconut

B1 [ C ] a large fruit like a nut with a thick, hard, brown shell containing hard, white flesh that can be eaten and a clear liquid B1 [ U ] the white flesh of the coconut, often used in cooking:

grated/shredded coconut

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

coconut

[ko͟ʊkənʌt]
 coconuts
 1) N-COUNT A coconut is a very large nut with a hairy shell, which has white flesh and milky juice inside it.
  ...the smell of roasted meats mingled with spices, coconut oil and ripe tropical fruits.
 2) N-UNCOUNT Coconut is the white flesh of a coconut.
  Desiccated coconut is used by confectioners and cake makers for its flavour.

 

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

coconut

co·co·nut /ˈkoʊkəˌnʌt/ noun, pl -nuts
1 [count] : a large fruit that has a thick shell with white flesh and liquid inside it and that grows on a palm tree - see color picture 
2 [noncount] : the white flesh of a coconut
• The pastry is covered with shredded coconut.
• a piece of coconut

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