B2 (Upper-intermediate)

talk

talk [noun]

a speech given to a group of people to teach or tell them about a particular subject

US /tɑːk/ 
UK /tɔːk/ 
Example: 

He gave a talk about/on his visit to America.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

talk

 noun

1 when two or more people talk about something:
Dave and I had a long talk about the problem.
The two countries are holding talks to try and end the war.

2 when a person speaks to a group of people:
Professor Wilson gave an interesting talk on Chinese art.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

II. talk2 S1 W1 BrE AmE noun
[Word Family: noun: ↑talk, talks, ↑talker; verb: ↑talk; adjective: ↑talkative]
1. CONVERSATION [countable] a conversation:
After a long talk, we decided on divorce.
John, I’d like to have a talk with you.
talk about
We must have a talk about money.
2. DISCUSSION talks [plural] formal discussions between governments, organizations etc
peace/trade etc talks
The peace talks look promising.
The president held talks with Chinese officials.
talks with
Talks with the rebels have failed.
3. SPEECH [countable] a speech:
an entertaining talk
talk on/about
a talk on local history
give/do/deliver a talk
Dr. Howard will give a talk on herbal medicine.
4. NEWS [uncountable] information or news that people talk about and hear about a lot, but that is not official
talk of
Tickets sold so quickly there’s talk of a second concert.
talk of doing something
the administration’s talk of reducing weapons
talk that
There’s talk that she’s difficult to work with.
just/only talk
It’s just talk. He’ll never do it.
5. TYPE OF CONVERSATION [uncountable] type of conversation:
That’s enough of that kind of talk.
persuasive sales talk
That’s fighting talk (=brave and confident words) from Italy’s manager.
6. be all talk spoken someone who is all talk talks a lot about what they intend to do, but never actually does it
7. be the talk of the town/Paris etc someone who is the talk of the town has done something bad, shocking, exciting etc and everyone is talking about them:
She’s the talk of London’s theatre-goers since her last performance.
8. talk is cheap used to say that you do not believe someone will do what they say
⇨ ↑pep talk, ↑small talk, ⇨ idle talk at ↑idle1(2), ⇨ pillow talk at ↑pillow1(3)
• • •
COLLOCATIONS (for Meaning 1)
■ verbs
have a talk I must have a talk with Frank before I leave.
■ adjectives
a long talk I had a long talk with Nora this morning.
a little talk I’m glad we’ve had this little talk.
a serious talk Before she went to college, her father sat her down for a serious talk.
a quiet/private talk She asked if she could have a private talk.
a good talk (=a long talk about important or interesting things) She was upset, but we’ve had a good talk and things are okay now.
a nice talk We all had lunch together and a nice talk.
• • •
COLLOCATIONS (for Meaning 2)
■ verbs
have/hold talks He called on the rebels to hold talks with the government.
enter into talks (=start having talks) The Ambassador stated that France was prepared to enter into talks on the issue.
talks begin Talks began in October and Venezuela said it expects an agreement to be signed soon.
talks continue/are underway Talks will continue through the weekend.
talks break down/collapse (=stop because of disagreement) Talks broke down today between the Russian and Japanese delegations.
talks resume/are resumed Talks resumed in Geneva on April 19 after a month’s break.
talks end The talks ended without a settlement being reached.
■ ADJECTIVES/NOUN + talks
peace talks All four Arab delegations walked out of the Middle East peace talks yesterday.
trade talks Trade talks between the EU and the Americans have once again collapsed.
high-level talks (=involving important people) The announcement came after a morning of high-level talks.
budget talks The dollar fell as U.S. budget talks appeared unlikely to produce an agreement.
direct talks The President declared that he was now prepared to enter into direct talks with the rebels.
bilateral talks (=involving two groups or countries) Bilateral talks led to the resumption of diplomatic relations.
round-table talks (=when everyone can discuss things in an equal way) An election law, agreed during round-table talks, gave every voter the right to two votes.
urgent talks The Prime Minister called ministers together for urgent talks.
crisis talks (=talks to stop a situation getting worse or more dangerous) The unions will hold crisis talks with the company in a bid to save jobs.
■ phrases
a round of talks (=a series of talks that is part of a longer process) A third round of talks was held in May.
the breakdown/collapse of talks The collapse of the talks sent shock waves round the world.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

noun  

CONVERSATION
1. countable ~ (with sb) (about sth) a conversation or discussion
I had a long talk with my boss about my career prospects.
We need to have a serious talk about money matters.
• I had to have a heart-to-heart talk with her.

• She looked worried so we had a talk.  

 

FORMAL DISCUSSIONS

2. talks plural formal discussions between governments or organizations
arms/pay/peace, etc. talks
to hold talks
~ (between A and B) (on/over sth) Talks between management and workers broke down over the issue of holiday pay.
High-level talks on arms limitation will reopen next month.
A further round of talks will be needed if the dispute is to be resolved.

• Union representatives walked out of emergency talks aimed at reaching a pay settlement.  

 

SPEECH

3. countable ~ (on sth) a speech or lecture on a particular subject

• She gave a talk on her visit to China.  

 

WORDS WITHOUT ACTIONS

4. uncountable (informal) words that are spoken, but without the necessary facts or actions to support them
• It's just talk. He'd never carry out his threats.

• Don't pay any attention to her— she's all talk.  

 

STORIES/RUMOURS

5. uncountable ~ (of sth/of doing sth) | ~ (that…) stories that suggest a particular thing might happen in the future
There was talk in Washington of sending in troops.
• She dismissed the stories of her resignation as newspaper talk.

• There's talk that he's a difficult actor to work with.  

 

TOPIC/WAY OF SPEAKING

6. uncountable (often in compounds) a topic of conversation or a way of speaking
business talk
She said it was just girl talk that a man wouldn't understand.
The book teaches you how to understand Spanish street talk (= slang).
It was tough talk, coming from a man who had begun the year in a hospital bed.
see also  small talk, sweet talk, trash talk
more at fighting talk at  fight  v.  
Word Origin:
Middle English: frequentative verb from the Germanic base of tale  or tell.  
Synonyms:
discussion
conversation dialogue talk debate consultation chat gossip
These are all words for an occasion when people talk about sth.
discussiona detailed conversation about sth that is considered to be important: Discussions are still taking place between the two leaders.
conversationa talk, usually a private or informal one, involving two people or a small group; the activity of talking in this way: a telephone conversation
dialogueconversations in a book, play or film: The novel has long descriptions and not much dialogue. A dialogue is also a formal discussion between two groups, especially when they are trying to solve a problem or end a dispute: The President told waiting reporters there had been a constructive dialogue.
talka conversation or discussion, often one about a problem or sth important for the people involved: I had a long talk with my boss about my career prospects.
debatea formal discussion of an issue at a public meeting or in a parliament. In a debate two or more speakers express opposing views and then there is often a vote on the issue: a debate on prison reform
consultationa formal discussion between groups of people before a decision is made about sth: There have been extensive consultations between the two countries.
chata friendly informal conversation; informal talking. The countable use of chat is especially British English: I just called in for a chat about the kids.
gossipa conversation about other people and their private lives: We had a good gossip about the boss.
a discussion/conversation/dialogue/talk/debate/consultation/chat/gossip about sth
a discussion/conversation/dialogue/debate/consultation on sth
in (close) discussion/conversation/dialogue/debate/consultation with sb
to have a discussion/conversation/dialogue/talk/debate/consultation/chat/gossip with sb
to hold a discussion/conversation/debate/consultation 
Synonyms:
speech
lecture address talk sermon
These are all words for a talk given to an audience.
speecha formal talk given to an audience: Several people made speeches at the wedding.
lecturea talk given to a group of people to tell them about a particular subject, often as part of a university or college course: a lecture on the Roman army a course/series of lectures
addressa formal speech given to an audience: a televised presidential address
speech or address?
A speech can be given on a public or private occasion; an address is always public: He gave an address at the wedding.
talka fairly informal session in which sb tells a group of people about a subject: She gave an interesting talk on her visit to China.
sermona talk on a moral or religious subject, usually given by a religious leader during a service: to preach a sermon
a long/short speech/lecture/address/talk/sermon
a keynote speech/lecture/address
to write/prepare/give/deliver/hear a(n) speech/lecture/address/talk/sermon
to attend/go to a lecture/talk 
Example Bank:
A further round of talks is expected in March.
All this talk of the boss resigning is nonsense!
Did you go to the talk on Peru?
Don't you get enough shop talk at work?
For all the talk of bringing their children up the same, the boys ended up never doing any of the cooking.
For all their talk of equality, the boys ended up not doing any cooking.
He is currently in talks with two football clubs.
He was never very good at making small talk with her parents.
He's all talk. He's too scared to do anything.
I enjoyed our talk about the old days.
I need to have a heart-to-heart talk with her.
I never used baby talk to my little girl.
I will have to have a little talk with that young lady.
Let me end my talk with a prediction.
She gave a very entertaining talk entitled ‘My life and hard times’.
She gave an illustrated talk on Roman architecture.
She likes straight talk and hates hypocrites.
Talk turned to money and tempers began to fray.
Talks are being held over the political future of the province.
Talks produced agreement on an end to the occupation.
Talks were scheduled for Rome the following month.
The US authorities have increased the war talk.
The agreement was concluded during talks in Beijing.
The chairman's boasts about future profits was just cheap talk.
The delegation arrived for talks with their government.
The peace talks will take place in Cairo.
The president's true agenda was hidden in political double talk.
The talks centred on bilateral trade.
The talks foundered on the issue of compensation.
The talks remain deadlocked over spending plans.
The two governments held secret talks on the nuclear threat.
The union has broken off talks with the management.
There has been much public talk about bilingual education.
There is open talk of a leadership challenge.
There is ridiculous talk of her breaking the world record soon.
There was excited talk of emigrating to America.
We can have some girl talk until Joe gets here.
What all the fine talk came down to was hard cash.
You often hear talk of the north-south divide.
the crusade against dirty talk on TV
the failure of talks between the two communities
the latest round of talks aimed at ending the civil war
the pillow talk of lovers
Every week the sales reps go to their manager's office for a team talk.
I found the sales talk very persuasive.
• I had a long talk with my boss about my career prospects.

• She gave an interesting talk on her visit to China.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

talk / tɔːk /   / tɑːk / noun

B1 [ C ] a conversation between two people, often about a particular subject:

I asked him to have a talk with his mother about his plan.

B2 [ C ] a speech given to a group of people to teach or tell them about a particular subject:

He gave a talk about/on his visit to America.

talks C2 [ plural ] serious and formal discussions on an important subject, usually intended to produce decisions or agreements:

Talks were held in Madrid about the fuel crisis.

C2 [ U ] the action of talking about what might happen or be true, or the subject people are talking about:

Talk won't get us anywhere.

The talk/Her talk was all about the wedding.

Word partners for talk noun

have a talk ( with sb) • a talk about sth • a long / serious / short talk

Word partners for talks

begin / enter into / have / hold talks • resume / revive / reopen talks • talks take place • talks break down / collapse / fail / stall • talks aimed at doing sth • direct / face-to-face / secret / urgent talks • talks about / on sth • in talks ( with sb)

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

talk

[tɔ͟ːk]
 
 talks, talking, talked
 1) VERB When you talk, you use spoken language to express your thoughts, ideas, or feelings.
  He was too distressed to talk...
  A teacher reprimanded a girl for talking in class...
  The boys all began to talk at once...
  Though she can't talk yet, she understands what is going on.
 N-UNCOUNT
 Talk is also a noun. That's not the kind of talk one usually hears from accountants.
 2) V-RECIP If you talk to someone, you have a conversation with them. You can also say that two people talk.
  [pl-n V] We talked and laughed a great deal...
  [V to/with n] I talked to him yesterday...
  A neighbour saw her talking with Craven...
  [pl-n V about n] When she came back, they were talking about American food...
  [V (non-recip)] Can't you see I'm talking? Don't interrupt. [Also V to n about n]
  Syn:
  conversation
 N-COUNT
 Talk is also a noun. We had a long talk about her father, Tony, who was a friend of mine.
 3) V-RECIP If you talk to someone, you tell them about the things that are worrying you. You can also say that two people talk.
  [V to n] Your first step should be to talk to a teacher or school counselor...
  [V to n] There's no one she can talk to, and she's on the verge of collapse...
  [pl-n V] We need to talk alone...
  [V about n (non-recip)] Do ring if you want to talk about it...
  [V (non-recip)] I have to sort some things out. We really needed to talk.
 N-COUNT
 Talk is also a noun. I think it's time we had a talk.
 4) VERB If you talk on or about something, you make an informal speech telling people what you know or think about it.
  [V on/about n] She will talk on the issues she cares passionately about including education and nursery care...
  [V to n] He intends to talk to young people about the dangers of AIDS.
  Syn:
  speak
 N-COUNT: oft N on/about n
 Talk is also a noun. A guide gives a brief talk on the history of the site... He then set about campaigning, giving talks and fund-raising.
 5) N-PLURAL: oft N with/between n, N on/about n Talks are formal discussions intended to produce an agreement, usually between different countries or between employers and employees.
  ...the next round of Middle East peace talks...
  Talks between striking railway workers and the Polish government have broken down...
  They are holding hostages to try to force the authorities into talks on possible amnesties for drugs offences.
  Syn:
  negotiations
 6) V-RECIP If one group of people talks to another, or if two groups talk, they have formal discussions in order to do a deal or produce an agreement.
  [V to n about n/-ing] We're talking to some people about opening an office in London...
  [V with/to n] The company talked with many potential investors...
  [pl-n V] It triggered broad speculation that GM and Jaguar might be talking.
 7) V-RECIP When different countries or different sides in a dispute talk, or talk to each other, they discuss their differences in order to try and settle the dispute.
  [V to n] The Foreign Minister said he was ready to talk to any country that had no hostile intentions...
  [pl-n V] They are collecting information in preparation for the day when the two sides sit down and talk...
  [V to/with pron-recip] Croats and Serbs still aren't prepared to talk to each other...
  [V (non-recip)] The speed with which the two sides came to the negotiating table shows that they are ready to talk.
  Syn:
  negotiate
 8) VERB If people are talking about another person or are talking, they are discussing that person.
  [V about/of n] Everyone is talking about him...
  People will talk, but you have to get on with your life.
  Syn:
  gossip
 N-UNCOUNT: usu N about/of n/-ing, N that
 Talk is also a noun. There has been a lot of talk about me getting married... There was even talk that charges of fraud would be brought.
 9) VERB If someone talks when they are being held by police or soldiers, they reveal important or secret information, usually unwillingly.
  They'll talk, they'll implicate me.
 10) VERB: no passive If you talk a particular language or talk with a particular accent, you use that language or have that accent when you speak.
  [V n] You don't sound like a foreigner talking English...
  [V prep/adv] They were amazed that I was talking in an Irish accent.
 11) VERB: no passive If you talk something such as politics or sport, you discuss it.
  [V n] The guests were mostly middle-aged men talking business.
 12) VERB You can use talk to say what you think of the ideas that someone is expressing. For example, if you say that someone is talking sense, you mean that you think the opinions they are expressing are sensible.
  [V n] You must admit George, you're talking absolute rubbish.
 13) VERB: no passive You can say that you are talking a particular thing to draw attention to your topic or to point out a characteristic of what you are discussing. [SPOKEN]
  [V n] We're not talking ax murder here; we're talking poker machines or gambling - things that are misdemeanors in most states...
  [V n] We're talking megabucks this time.
 14) N-UNCOUNT If you say that something such as an idea or threat is just talk, or all talk, you mean that it does not mean or matter much, because people are exaggerating about it or do not really intend to do anything about it.
  Has much of this actually been tried here? Or is it just talk?...
  Conditions should be laid down. Otherwise it's all talk.
 15) PHRASE: PHR n/-ing (emphasis) You can say talk about before mentioning a particular expression or situation, when you mean that something is a very striking or clear example of that expression or situation. [INFORMAL]
  Took us quite a while to get here, didn't it? Talk about Fate moving in a mysterious way!...
  She threw the cake I'd made on the floor and stood on it. Talk about being humiliated!
 16) PHRASE: PHR n/-ing You can use the expression talking of to introduce a new topic that you want to discuss, and to link it to something that has already been mentioned.
  I'll give a prize to the best idea. Talking of good ideas, here's one to break the ice at a wedding party...
  As it says in the Bible, my cup is running over. Talking of which, I must get you a cup of tea.
  Syn:
  speaking of
 17) to talk shopsee shop
  Phrasal Verbs:
  - talk around
  - talk back
  - talk down
  - talk down to
  - talk into
  - talk out
  - talk out of
  - talk over
  - talk round
  - talk through
  - talk up

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

talk
2talk noun, pl talks
1 [count] : an occurrence in which one person talks about something with another person : a conversation or discussion - often + about
• After a long talk about our relationship, we decided to get married.
- often + with
• The boss would like to have a talk with you.
- see also pep talk
2 [count] : the act of talking formally about something before a group of people : a speech or lecture - often + on
• He gave a talk on organic farming.
• She is preparing a talk on Christianity in the 21st century.
3 [count] : a formal discussion between two or more groups that are trying to reach an agreement about something - usually plural
• The country refuses to participate in talks on nuclear disarmament.
• a round of trade talks
4 [noncount] : a particular way of speaking
• I will not allow that kind of talk in my house.
• The movie has plenty of action and tough talk.
street talk [=a way of speaking that is associated with people who live in a poor part of a city]
straight talk [=speech that is very honest and direct]
- see also shoptalk
5 [noncount]
a : discussion about what might happen
• There has been some talk of further delays. [=some people have been saying that there will/may be further delays]
• I've been hearing talk that she plans to run for president.
b : the act of talking about a subject with another person or group : discussion or conversation
• When they get together, the talk always turns to [=they always talk about] their years together in high school.
6 [noncount] : the things people say about what they want to do or are going to do
• It's not just talk. I'm serious about moving out.
• If we're ever going to solve these problems, we need less talk and more action.
• The town's last mayor was all talk (and no action). [=the mayor talked about doing things but never actually did them]
Talk is cheap. [=it is easy to say that you will do something] I need to see results.
talk the talk
- see 1talk
the talk of the town : a person or thing that many people in a town, city, etc., are talking about in an interested or excited way
• Last year at this time no one had ever heard of him, but now he's the talk of the town.
• The new restaurant is the talk of the town.

- see also baby talk, double-talk, pillow talk, small talk

store

store [verb]

to put or keep things in a special place for use in the future

US /stɔːr/ 
UK /stɔːr/ 
Example: 

The data is stored on a hard disk and backed up on a CD.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

store

 verb (stores, storing, stored )
to keep something to use later:
The information is stored on a computer.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

II. store2 S3 W3 BrE AmE verb [transitive]
[Date: 1200-1300; Language: Old French; Origin: estorer 'to build, supply, store', from Latin instaurare 'to make new, restore']
1. to put things away and keep them until you need them
store something away/up
Squirrels are storing up nuts for the winter.
Store the beans in an airtight jar.
2. to keep facts or information in your brain or a computer:
Standard letters can be stored on floppy discs.
3. store up trouble/problems etc to behave in a way that will cause trouble for you later:
Smokers may be storing up disease for their unborn children.
• • •
THESAURUS
keep to leave something in one particular place so that you can find it easily: Where do you keep the scissors? | The keys are kept in my office.
store to put things away and keep them until you need them: Villagers have begun storing wood for the winter.
save to keep something so that you can use or enjoy it in the future: He had been saving the bottle of champagne for a special occasion. | We can save the rest of the pie for later.
file to store papers or information in a particular order or a particular place: All the contracts are filed alphabetically.
collect to get and keep objects of the same type because you think they are attractive or interesting: Kate collects old postcards.
hold to keep something to be used when it is needed, especially something that many different people may need to use: Medical records are now usually held on computers.
reserve formal to keep part of something for use at a later time during a process such as cooking: Reserve some of the chocolate so that you can use it for decorating the cake.
hoard to keep large amounts of food, money etc because you think you may not be able to get them in the future – used when you do not approve of people doing this because it is not necessary or not fair to other people: People have been hoarding food and fuel in case there is another attack. | Rationing of basic food products was introduced to prevent hoarding.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

verb
1. ~ sth (away/up) to put sth somewhere and keep it there to use later
animals storing up food for the winter
• You can store coffee beans in the freezer to keep them fresh.

• He hoped the electronic equipment was safely stored away.

2. ~ sth to keep information or facts in a computer or in your brain
Thousands of pieces of data are stored in a computer's memory.
Verb forms:
 
Word Origin:
Middle English: shortening of Old French estore (noun), estorer (verb), from Latin instaurare ‘renew’; compare with restore.  
Example Bank:
Butane can be conveniently stored as a liquid in a can.
The paintings were carefully stored in crates dependent on their size.
electronically stored information
Each department has a different system for storing and retrieving data.
Each piece of information is stored in only one place in the database.
The squirrels are storing up food for the winter.
• Thousands of pieces of data are stored in a computer's memory.

• We are conducting research into how information is stored in the brain.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

store / stɔː r /   / stɔːr / verb [ T usually + adv/prep ]

B2 to put or keep things in a special place for use in the future:

The data is stored on a hard disk and backed up on a CD.

I stored my possessions in my mother's house while I was living in Spain.

I've stored my thick sweaters and jackets (away) until next winter.

Squirrels store (up) nuts for the winter.

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

store

[stɔ͟ː(r)]
 stores, storing, stored
 1) N-COUNT A store is a building or part of a building where things are sold. In British English, store is used mainly to refer to a large shop selling a variety of goods, but in American English a store can be any size of shop.
  Bombs were planted in stores in Manchester and Blackpool.
  ...grocery stores.
  ...a record store.
  Syn:
  shop
 2) VERB When you store things, you put them in a container or other place and leave them there until they are needed.
  [V n prep/adv] Store the cookies in an airtight tin...
  [V n prep/adv] Some types of garden furniture must be stored inside in the winter. [Also V n]
  Syn:
  keep
 PHRASAL VERB
 Store away means the same as store. V n P He simply stored the tapes away... V P n (not pron) He's stored away nearly one ton of potatoes.
 3) VERB When you store information, you keep it in your memory, in a file, or in a computer.
  [V n] Where in the brain do we store information about colours?
  [V n] ...chips for storing data in electronic equipment.
 4) N-COUNT: usu N of n A store of things is a supply of them that you keep somewhere until you need them.
  I handed over my secret store of chocolate biscuits...
  Dolly's store of drinking glasses had run out.
  Syn:
  supply, stock
 5) N-COUNT: usu with supp A store is a place where things are kept while they are not being used.
  ...a decision taken in 1982 to build a store for spent fuel from submarines.
  ...a grain store.
 6) N-COUNT: usu N of n If you have a store of knowledge, jokes, or stories, you have a large amount of them ready to be used.
  He possessed a vast store of knowledge...
  Jessica dipped into her store of theatrical anecdotes.
 7) → See also chain store, cold store, department store
 8) PHRASE: PHR after v, v-link PHR, usu PHR for n If something is in store for you, it is going to happen at some time in the future.
  Surprises were also in store for me.
 9) PHRASE: V inflects, PHR n If you set great store by something, you think that it is extremely important or necessary. [FORMAL]
  ...a retail group which sets great store by traditional values.
  Phrasal Verbs:
  - store away
  - store up

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

1store /ˈstoɚ/ verb stores; stored; stor·ing [+ obj]
1 a : to put (something that is not being used) in a place where it is available, where it can be kept safely, etc.
• I stored my furniture until I found a new apartment.
• She stores her jewels in a safe.
• The wine should be stored at room temperature.
- often + away
• The grain was stored away for the winter.
• We stored away her old toys in the attic.
b : to collect and put (something) into one location for future use
• The body stores fat.
• The solar panels store energy.
- often + up
• The squirrels are storing up nuts for the winter.
• Plants store up the sun's energy.
• (Brit) If you get yourself into debt, you're only storing up trouble/problems for the future.
2 : to place (information) in a person's memory or a computer's memory
• They're studying how our brains store memories.
- often + away
• He stored away his childhood memories.
• The file is stored away on the backup drive.

dismiss

dismiss [verb] (SEND AWAY)

to formally ask or order someone to leave

US /dɪˈsmɪs/ 
UK /dɪˈsmɪs/ 
Example: 

The teacher dismissed the class early because she had a meeting.

media: 

Oxford Essential Dictionary

dismiss

 verb (dismisses, dismissing, dismissed )

1 (formal) to make somebody leave their job  same meaning sack or fire:
He was dismissed for stealing money from the company.

2 to allow somebody to leave a place:
The lesson finished and the teacher dismissed the class.

 

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

dismiss

dismiss W3 /dɪsˈmɪs/ BrE AmE verb [transitive]
[Date: 1400-1500; Language: Latin; Origin: dimissus, past participle of dimittere 'to send away']
1. to refuse to consider someone’s idea, opinion etc, because you think it is not serious, true, or important:
The government has dismissed criticisms that the country’s health policy is a mess.
dismiss something as something
He just laughed and dismissed my proposal as unrealistic.
It’s an idea that shouldn’t be dismissed out of hand (=dismissed immediately and completely).
2. to remove someone from their job SYN fire, sack
dismiss somebody from something
Bryant was unfairly dismissed from his post.
dismiss somebody for something
Employees can be dismissed for sending obscene emails.
REGISTER
In everyday British English, people usually say sack someone, and in everyday American English, people usually say fire someone, rather than use dismiss:
▪ He was sacked (BrE)/fired (AmE) for being late all the time.
3. formal to tell someone that they are allowed to go, or are no longer needed:
The class was dismissed early today.
4. if a judge dismisses a court case, he or she stops it from continuing:
The case was dismissed owing to lack of evidence.
5. to end the ↑innings of a player or team in the game of ↑cricket
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ nouns
dismiss an idea/suggestion Both actors dismissed any idea of a romantic relationship between them.
dismiss a notion formal (=idea) The Minister dismissed the notion that he had cut petrol tax because of the forthcoming by-election.
dismiss a possibility The Prime Minister dismissed the possibility of an early election.
dismiss a claim An industrial tribunal dismissed his claim of unfair discrimination.
dismiss an allegation/charge She claimed that she was honest and dismissed the allegations against her.
dismiss a thought Was he lying? I tried to dismiss the thought.
dismiss fears The Transport Minister dismissed fears that the Cotswold railway line would close.
dismiss criticism He dismissed criticism of the country's human rights record.
■ adverbs
easily/lightly (=without much thought) This is a question that cannot be dismissed lightly.
■ phrases
dismiss something out of hand (=immediately, without thinking about it) It's an interesting idea so don't dismiss it out of hand.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

dismiss / dɪˈsmɪs / verb (SEND AWAY)

[ T ] to formally ask or order someone to leave:

The teacher dismissed the class early because she had a meeting.

[ T ] When a judge dismisses a court case, he or she formally stops the trial, often because there is not enough proof that someone is guilty:

The defending lawyer asked that the charge against his client be dismissed.

 

dismiss / dɪˈsmɪs / verb [ T often passive ] (END JOB)

C1 to remove someone from their job, especially because they have done something wrong:

He has been dismissed from his job for incompetence.

 

dismiss / dɪˈsmɪs / verb [ T ] (NOT TAKE SERIOUSLY)

C1 to decide that something or someone is not important and not worth considering:

I think he'd dismissed me as an idiot within five minutes of meeting me.

Let's not just dismiss the idea before we've even thought about it.

Just dismiss those thoughts from your mind - they're crazy and not worth thinking about.

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

dismiss

[dɪ̱smɪ̱s]

 dismisses, dismissing, dismissed
 1) VERB If you dismiss something, you decide or say that it is not important enough for you to think about or consider.
  [V n as n] Mr Wakeham dismissed the reports as speculation...
  [V n] I would certainly dismiss any allegations of impropriety by the Labour Party...
  [V n] I wouldn't dismiss it out of hand.
  Syn:
  discount
 2) VERB If you dismiss something from your mind, you stop thinking about it.
  [V n from n] I dismissed him from my mind...
  [V n] `It's been a lovely day,' she said, dismissing the episode.
  Syn:
  banish
 3) VERB When an employer dismisses an employee, the employer tells the employee that they are no longer needed to do the job that they have been doing.
  [V n] ...the power to dismiss civil servants who refuse to work...
  [V n] The military commander has been dismissed.
  Syn:
  sack, fire
 4) VERB If you are dismissed by someone in authority, they tell you that you can go away from them.
  [be V-ed] Two more witnesses were called, heard and dismissed...
  [be V-ed] The hired carriage was dismissed. [Also V n]
  Syn:
  sent away
 5) VERB When a judge dismisses a case against someone, he or she formally states that there is no need for a trial, usually because there is not enough evidence for the case to continue.
  [V n] An American judge yesterday dismissed murder charges against Dr Jack Kevorkian.
  [have n V-ed] ...their attempt to have the case against them dismissed.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

dismiss
dis·miss /dɪsˈmɪs/ verb -miss·es; -missed; -mis·sing [+ obj]
1 : to decide not to think about or consider (something or someone)
• We dismissed his accusations.
• We can't completely dismiss [=discount] the possibility that she's right.
• I don't think we should dismiss the matter lightly.
- often + as
• His idea was dismissed as impractical.
• For a long time they dismissed her as a silly old woman.
2 : to send (someone) away : to cause or allow (someone) to leave
• The students were dismissed early because of the snowstorm.
• Class is dismissed. [=the class is over and students are free to leave]
3 : to officially make (someone) leave a job : to end the employment or service of (someone)
• He was dismissed [=fired] from his job.
• Several employees were recently dismissed.
4 law : to officially end or stop (something, such as a legal case)
• The judge dismissed the case/suit.
• All charges were dismissed. [=dropped]
- dis·miss·al /dɪsˈmɪsəl/ noun, pl -als

[count]

• I was surprised by his dismissal of the idea.
• A small group is protesting the dismissals of several employees.
• the dismissal of the lawsuit

[noncount]

• He still hopes to win his claim for unfair dismissal.

immigrant

immigrant [noun]

a person who has come to a different country in order to live there permanently

US /ˈɪm.ə.ɡrənt/ 
UK /ˈɪm.ɪ.ɡrənt/ 
Example: 

Illegal immigrants are sent back across the border if they are caught.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

immigrant

 noun
a person who comes to another country to live there:
Many immigrants to Britain have come from Asia.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

immigrant

immigrant AC /ˈɪməɡrənt, ˈɪmɪɡrənt/ BrE AmE noun [countable]
[Word Family: noun: ↑immigration ≠ ↑emigration, ↑immigrant ≠ ↑emigrant; verb: ↑immigrate ≠ ↑emigrate]
someone who enters another country to live there permanently ⇨ emigrant:
an illegal immigrant
a new wave of immigrants from the Middle East
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ adjectives
an illegal immigrant Large numbers of illegal immigrants have found their way into the country.
a legal immigrant Two thirds of legal immigrants to the country came from Europe and Canada.
a recent immigrant The majority of workers at the factory are recent immigrants.
European/African etc immigrants There has been a recent increase in the number of African immigrants.
a first-generation immigrant (=someone who is an immigrant, or whose parents were immigrants) Her parents were first-generation immigrants from Poland.
a second-generation immigrant (=someone whose parents or grandparents were immigrants) These boys are second-generation immigrants who grew up speaking English.
■ phrases
a wave/influx of immigrants (=a large number of them) A new wave of immigrants arrived in the 1950s.
a flood of immigrants (=a very large number of immigrants that arrive at the same time) He suggested the country would experience a flood of immigrants.
■ immigrant + NOUN
an immigrant family A quarter of the school’s students are from immigrant families.
immigrant workers Many immigrant workers had to live in deprived areas.
an immigrant community There are shops catering for the various immigrant communities.
the immigrant population The immigrant population increased rapidly during the 1970s.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

immigrant

im·mi·grant AW [immigrant immigrants]   [ˈɪmɪɡrənt]    [ˈɪmɪɡrənt]  noun
a person who has come to live permanently in a country that is not their own
immigrant communities/families/workers
illegal immigrants
compare  emigrant, migrant  
Word Origin:
late 18th cent.: from Latin immigrant- ‘immigrating’, from the verb immigrare, on the pattern of emigrant.  
Collocations:
Race and immigration
Prejudice and racism
experience/encounter racism/discrimination/prejudice/anti-semitism
face/suffer persecution/discrimination
fear/escape from/flee racial/political/religious persecution
constitute/be a form of racial/race discrimination
reflect/reveal/show/have a racial/cultural bias
be biased/be prejudiced against (especially BrE) black people/(both especially NAmE) people of color/African Americans/Asians/Africans/Indians, etc.
discriminate against minority groups/minorities
perpetuate/conform to/fit/defy a common/popular/traditional/negative stereotype
overcome/be blinded by deep-seated/racial/(especially NAmE) race prejudice
entrench/perpetuate racist attitudes
hurl/shout (especially BrE) racist abuse; (especially NAmE) a racist/racial/ethnic slur
challenge/confront racism/discrimination/prejudice
combat/fight (against)/tackle blatant/overt/covert/subtle/institutional/systemic racism
Race and society
damage/improve (especially BrE) race relations
practise/ (especially US) practice (racial/religious) tolerance/segregation
bridge/break down/transcend cultural/racial barriers
encourage/promote social integration
outlaw/end discrimination/slavery/segregation
promote/embrace/celebrate cultural diversity
conform to/challenge/violate (accepted/established/prevailing/dominant) social/cultural norms
live in a multicultural society
attack/criticize multiculturalism
fight for/struggle for/promote racial equality
perpetuate/reinforce economic and social inequality
introduce/be for/be against (BrE) positive discrimination/(especially NAmE) affirmative action
support/be active in/play a leading role in the civil rights movement
Immigration
control/restrict/limit/encourage immigration
attract/draw a wave of immigrants
assist/welcome refugees
house/shelter refugees and asylum seekers
smuggle illegal immigrants into the UK
deport/repatriate illegal immigrants/failed asylum seekers
assimilate/integrate new immigrants
employ/hire migrant workers
exploit/rely on (cheap/illegal) immigrant labour/(especially US) labor
apply for/gain/obtain/be granted/be denied (full) citizenship
have/hold dual citizenship 
Example Bank:
Businesses may want to hire skilled immigrants.
European immigrants fleeing Nazism in the 1930s
European immigrants settled much of Australia.
First-generation immigrants may dream of returning ‘home’; their children say Britain is their home.
Italian immigrants assimilated easily into Brazilian society.
Like many first-generation immigrants, they worked hard and saved most of their earnings.
Mexican immigrants seeking farm work
She was the daughter of Chinese immigrants to America.
The company was founded by two immigrants from Bangladesh.
The government is eager to attract skilled immigrants.
These factors attracted new immigrants.
These were working-class immigrants, mainly from rural parts of Mexico.
They are trying to secure immigrant status for their families.
a careful mechanism for assimilating immigrants
a family of Turkish immigrants living in California
a law designed to exclude Chinese immigrants
a young Afghan immigrant who has worked at the store for years
anti-terrorist legislation that targeted immigrants
boats bringing illegal immigrants over from North Africa
different aspects of the immigrant experience
immigrants seeking to enter the country
poor immigrants from Latin American countries
recent immigrants who do not speak English
ships laden with would-be immigrants who were forcibly returned
the 11 million undocumented immigrants living in California
the circumstances under which immigrants were detained
the immigrants who poured into America
the issues faced by Dominican immigrants
the number of legal immigrants to the US
• Illegal immigrants are to be sent back to their country of origin.

• immigrant communities/families/workers

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

immigrant / ˈɪm.ɪ.ɡrənt / noun [ C ]

B2 a person who has come to a different country in order to live there permanently:

a large immigrant population

Illegal immigrants are sent back across the border if they are caught.

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

immigrant

[ɪ̱mɪgrənt]
 
 immigrants
 N-COUNT

 An immigrant is a person who has come to live in a country from some other country. Compare emigrant.
  ...illegal immigrants.
  ...immigrant visas.
 Syn:
 settler

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

immigrant

im·mi·grant /ˈɪməgrənt/ noun, pl -grants [count] : a person who comes to a country to live there
• Millions of immigrants came to America from Europe in the 19th century.
• The city has a large immigrant population.
• an illegal immigrant [=a person who enters and lives in a country without official permission]
- compare emigrant, migrant

flash

flash [noun] (BRIGHT LIGHT)

a sudden bright light that quickly disappears

Example: 

The bomb exploded in a flash of yellow light.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

flash

 noun (plural flashes)

1 a bright light that comes and goes quickly:
a flash of lightning

2 a bright light that you use with a camera for taking photographs

in a flash very quickly:
The weekend was over in a flash.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

II. flash2 BrE AmE noun
1. LIGHT [countable] a bright light that shines for a short time and then stops shining:
Two flashes mean danger.
flash of
A flash of lightning lit up the night sky.
brilliant/blinding flash
a brilliant flash of light
2. CAMERA [uncountable and countable] a special bright light used when taking photographs indoors or when there is not much light:
Did the flash go off?
3. in/like a flash (also quick as a flash) very quickly:
Just wait here. I’ll be back in a flash.
4. flash of inspiration/brilliance/insight/anger etc if someone has a flash of ↑brilliance, anger etc, they suddenly have a clever idea or a particular feeling
5. a flash in the pan a sudden success that ends quickly and is unlikely to happen again:
Beene’s new novel proves he isn’t just a flash in the pan.
6. BRIGHT COLOUR/SOMETHING SHINY [countable] if there is a flash of something brightly coloured or shiny, it appears suddenly for a short time
flash of
The bird vanished in a flash of blue.
7. COMPUTER [uncountable] trademark a system of instructions for a computer that is used especially to make pictures on a website appear to move:
Flash animation
8. LOOK [countable] British English a quick look – used humorously SYN glimpse
9. MILITARY [countable] British English a small piece of coloured cloth worn on the shoulder of a military uniform
⇨ ↑newsflash
III. flash3 BrE AmE adjective
1. flash flood/fire a flood or fire that happens very quickly or suddenly, and continues for only a short time
2. British English informal looking very new, bright, and expensive – used to show disapproval:
a big flash car
3. British English informal liking to have expensive clothes and possessions so that other people notice you – used to show disapproval:
Chris didn’t want to seem flash in front of his mates.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

LIGHT
1. countable a sudden bright light that shines for a moment and then disappears
a flash of lightning
• Flashes of light were followed by an explosion.

• There was a blinding flash and the whole building shuddered.  

 

SIGNAL

 

2. countable the act of shining a light on sth, especially as a signal  

IN PHOTOGRAPHY
3. countable, uncountable a piece of equipment that produces a bright light for a very short time, used for taking photographs indoors, when it is dark, etc; the use of this when taking a photograph
a camera with a built-in flash
• I'll need flash for this shot.

• flash photography  

 

OF BRIGHT COLOUR

4. countable ~ of sth the sudden appearance for a short time of sth bright
• a flash of white teeth

• On the horizon, she saw a flash of silver— the sea!  

 

SUDDEN IDEA/EMOTION

5. countable ~ of sth a particular feeling or idea that suddenly comes into your mind or shows in your face
a flash of anger/inspiration, etc.
• When she looked at me, I caught a flash of recognition in her eyes.

• ‘Did you really win first prize?’ he said with a flash of genuine admiration.  

 

NEWS

 

6. countable =  newsflash  

ON UNIFORM

7. countable (BrE) a band or small piece of cloth worn on a military uniform to show a person's rank  

ON BOOK/PACK

8. countable a band of colour or writing across a book, pack, etc.  

COMPUTING
9. Flash™ uncountable a program which creates moving images for websites
more at quick as a flash at  quick  adv.  
Word Origin:
Middle English (in the sense ‘splash water about’): probably imitative; compare with flush  ‘cleanse’ and splash.  
Example Bank:
He felt a brief flash of jealousy.
I don't think the picture will come out in this light. Try using the flash.
I took it with flash.
She had a sudden flash of inspiration.
She was experiencing hot flashes as part of menopause.
The flash didn't go off.
The flashes from the guns illuminated the sky.
We caught a flash of white in the bushes.
We were blinded by the flash.
• a camera with a built-in flash unit

• a rare flash of humour

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

flash / flæʃ / noun [ C ] (BRIGHT LIGHT)

B2 a sudden bright light that quickly disappears:

a flash of lightning

The bomb exploded in a flash of yellow light.

 

flash / flæʃ / noun [ C usually singular ] (SUDDEN EXPERIENCE)

CB a sudden, powerful emotional or mental experience:

The idea came to her in a flash of inspiration/genius.

 

flash / flæʃ / noun [ C or U ] (PHOTOGRAPHY)

B2 the device or system used to produce a bright light for a short time when taking a photograph:

Where's the flash for the camera?

It's quite dark in here, I'll have to use flash.

 

flash / flæʃ / noun [ C or U ] (PHOTOGRAPHY)

B2 the device or system used to produce a bright light for a short time when taking a photograph:

Where's the flash for the camera?

It's quite dark in here, I'll have to use flash.

 

flash / flæʃ / noun [ C ] humorous (QUICK LOOK)

a quick look at something:

She leaned over and I caught a flash of pink underwear.

 

flash / flæʃ / noun [ C ] UK (MILITARY SIGN)

a small object or piece of material worn on a military uniform as a sign of rank, or (on clothing) a strip or mark of colour different from the main colour
 

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

flash

[flæ̱ʃ]
 flashes, flashing, flashed
 1) N-COUNT: usu with supp A flash is a sudden burst of light or of something shiny or bright.
  A sudden flash of lightning lit everything up for a second...
  The wire snapped at the wall plug with a blue flash and the light fused...
  A jay emerged from the juniper bush in a flash of blue feathers.
 2) V-ERG If a light flashes or if you flash a light, it shines with a sudden bright light, especially as quick, regular flashes of light.
  Lightning flashed among the distant dark clouds...
  [V n] He lost his temper after a driver flashed her headlights as he overtook...
  [V n] He flashed his light into the boat and saw the fishing-line...
  [V-ing] He saw the flashing lights of the highway patrol car in his driving mirror.
 3) N-COUNT: with supp, N of n You talk about a flash of something when you are saying that it happens very suddenly and unexpectedly.
  `What did Moira tell you?' Liz demanded with a flash of anger...
  When pursued, he made his escape with a flash of speed...
  The essays could do with a flash of wit or humor.
  Syn:
  burst
 4) VERB If something flashes past or by, it moves past you so fast that you cannot see it properly.
  [V prep/adv] It was a busy road, cars flashed by every few minutes.
  [V prep/adv] ...the ball flashed across the face of the goal.
 5) VERB If something flashes through or into your mind, you suddenly think about it.
  [V through/into n] A ludicrous thought flashed through Harry's mind...
  [V through/into n] Those lines of Milton flashed into my mind.
 6) VERB If you flash something such as an identity card, you show it to people quickly and then put it away again. [INFORMAL]
  [V n] Halim flashed his official card, and managed to get hold of a soldier to guard the Land Rover.
 7) V-ERG If a picture or message flashes up on a screen, or if you flash it onto a screen, it is displayed there briefly or suddenly, and often repeatedly.
  [V up] The figures flash up on the scoreboard...
  [V prep] The words `Good Luck' were flashing on the screen...
  [V n prep] Researchers flash two groups of different letters on a computer screen...
  [V n] The screen flashes a message: Try again...
  [be V-ed up] A list of items is repeatedly flashed up on the screen. [Also V n up]
 8) VERB If you flash news or information to a place, you send it there quickly by computer, satellite, or other system.
  [V n] They had told their offices to flash the news as soon as it broke...
  [be V-ed prep/adv] This is, of course, international news and soon it was being flashed around the world. [Also V n prep/adv]
 9) VERB If you flash a look or a smile at someone, you suddenly look at them or smile at them. [WRITTEN]
  [V n at n] I flashed a look at Sue...
  [V n n] Meg flashed Cissie a grateful smile.
 10) VERB If someone's eyes flash, they suddenly show a strong emotion, especially anger. [LITERARY]
  Her dark eyes flashed and she spoke rapidly.
  Syn:
  glitter
 11) N-UNCOUNT: oft N n Flash is the use of special bulbs to give more light when taking a photograph.
  He was one of the first people to use high speed flash in bird photography.
 12) N-COUNT A flash is the same as a flashlight. [AM, INFORMAL]
  Stopping to rest, Pete shut off the flash.
 13) ADJ-GRADED If you describe something as flash, you mean that it looks expensive, fashionable, and new. [INFORMAL]
  ...a flash uptown restaurant...
  You can go for a `rostrum' system, which sounds flash, but can be assembled quite cheaply if you buy used equipment.
  Syn:
  smart
 14) PHRASE: usu v-link PHR (disapproval) If you describe an achievement or success as a flash in the pan, you mean that it is unlikely to be repeated and is not an indication of future achievements or success.
  People will be looking in to see how good we are now and whether our success has just been a flash in the pan.
  Syn:
  one-off
 15) PHRASE: usu PHR after v If you say that something happens in a flash, you mean that it happens suddenly and lasts only a very short time.
  The answer had come to him in a flash...
  It was done in a flash.
 16) PHRASE If you say that someone reacts to something quick as a flash, you mean that they react to it extremely quickly.
  Quick as a flash, the man said, `I have to, don't I?'
  Phrasal Verbs:
  - flash back

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

2flash noun, pl flashes
1 [count] : a sudden bright light
• A brilliant/blinding flash lit up the sky.
• a flash of lightning = a lightning flash
2 [count] : a sudden appearance or occurrence of something
• a flash of insight
• a flash of color
• a flash of wit
• a flash of anger
• The idea for the movie came to her in a flash of inspiration.
- see also hot flash
3 [noncount] usually disapproving : a fancy or exciting quality or appearance that is meant to attract attention to something that is usually not very good or interesting
• They relied on gimmicks and flash to get people's attention.
• a show with a lot of flash but little substance
4 : a device that is used to produce a brief and very bright flash of light for taking photographs

[count]

• a camera with a flash
• Use the flash when you're taking pictures indoors.

[noncount]

• a picture taken using flash
flash photography [=photography that is done with a flash]
- see picture at camera; compare flashbulb
5 [count] : newsflash
(as) quick as a flash informal : very quickly
• The waitress brought our order as quick as a flash.
flash in the pan : a person or thing that fails after being very popular or successful for a brief time
• He was a flash in the pan whose second album didn't sell very well.
in a flash informal : very quickly or suddenly
• I'll be back in a flash.
• The idea came to me in a flash.

limit

limit [verb] (MEANING)

to control something so that it is not greater than a particular amount, number, or level

US /ˈlɪm.ɪt/ 
UK /ˈlɪm.ɪt/ 
Example: 

I've been asked to limit my speech to ten minutes maximum.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

limit

 verb (limits, limiting, limited)
to do or have no more than a certain amount or number:
There are only 100 seats, so we must limit the number of tickets we sell.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

II. limit2 S3 W2 BrE AmE verb
[Word Family: noun: ↑limit, ↑limitation, ↑delimitation; adjective: ↑limited ≠ ↑unlimited, ↑limiting, ↑limitless; verb: ↑limit, ↑delimit]
1. [transitive] to stop an amount or number from increasing beyond a particular point:
a decision to limit imports of foreign cars
limit something to something
Seating is limited to 500.
2. [transitive] to stop someone from doing what they want or from developing and improving beyond a particular point:
A lack of formal education will limit your job opportunities.
limit yourself to something
I limit myself to two cups of coffee a day.
3. be limited to something to exist or happen only in a particular place, group, or area of activity:
The damage was limited to the roof.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

verb
1. ~ sth (to sth) to stop sth from increasing beyond a particular amount or level
Syn:  restrict
• measures to limit carbon dioxide emissions from cars

• The amount of money you have to spend will limit your choice.

2. ~ yourself/sb (to sth) to restrict or reduce the amount of sth that you or sb can have or use
Families are limited to four free tickets each.
I've limited myself to 1 000 calories a day to try and lose weight.
Verb forms:

 
Word Origin:
late Middle English: from Latin limes, limit- ‘boundary, frontier’. The verb is from Latin limitare, from limes.  
Thesaurus:
limit verb
1. T
This diet limits your calories to 1 000 a day.
restrictcontrolcurbcheckrein sth inhold/keep sth in check|especially BrE cap|written containsuppress
be limited/restricted to sth
limit/restrict/control/curb/check/rein in/cap spending
limit/restrict/control the size/number/extent/amount of sth
Limit or restrict? Limit is used both about controlling what people can do and also about controlling the effects of sth; restrict is used more often about controlling what people can do:
to limit carbon dioxide emissions
 ¤ to restrict carbon dioxide emissions
2. T, often passive
Free tickets are limited to three per family.
restrictconfine sb/sth to sth|formal constrain
limit/restrict/confine sb/sth to sth
limit/restrict/confine yourself to sth 
Example Bank:
As a scientist I refuse to limit myself to these barriers.
Rigid job descriptions can serve to limit productivity.
The change in the law was designed to limit the scope for corruption.
These regulations effectively limit our available strategic choices.
They are working to limit oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
Calorie intake is strictly limited to 1 000 a day.
Campaign spending was limited to a maximum of $500 000.
Such agreements seek to limit the liability of air carriers.
There are no regulations which limit the hours which ships' crews work.
There is no evidence that the restrictions have limited the effectiveness of the advertising.
• They introduced measures to limit carbon dioxide emissions from cars.

• I've limited myself to 1 000 calories a day to try and lose weight.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

limit / ˈlɪm.ɪt / verb [ T ]

B2 to control something so that it is not greater than a particular amount, number, or level:

I've been asked to limit my speech to ten minutes maximum.

Having so little money to spend on an apartment does limit you in your choice.

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

limit

[lɪ̱mɪt]
 limits, limiting, limited
 1) N-COUNT: usu sing, usu with supp A limit is the greatest amount, extent, or degree of something that is possible.
  Her love for him was being tested to its limits...
  There is no limit to how much fresh fruit you can eat in a day...
  Firefighters are being stretched to the limit as fire sweeps through the drought-stricken state.
 2) N-COUNT: usu with supp A limit of a particular kind is the largest or smallest amount of something such as time or money that is allowed because of a rule, law, or decision.
  The three month time limit will be up in mid-June...
  The economic affairs minister announced limits on petrol sales.
 3) N-COUNT: with supp The limit of an area is its boundary or edge.
  ...the city limits of Baghdad.
 4) N-PLURAL: usu N of n The limits of a situation are the facts involved in it which make only some actions or results possible.
  She has to work within the limits of a fairly tight budget...
  He outlined the limits of British power.
  Syn:
  confines
 5) VERB If you limit something, you prevent it from becoming greater than a particular amount or degree.
  [V n] He limited payments on the country's foreign debt...
  [V n to n] The view was that the economy would grow by 2.25 per cent. This would limit unemployment to around 2.5 million.
  Syn:
  restrict
 6) VERB If you limit yourself to something, or if someone or something limits you, the number of things that you have or do is reduced.
  [V pron-refl to n/-ing] It is now accepted that men should limit themselves to 20 units of alcohol a week...
  [V n to n/-ing] Voters cut councillors' pay and limited them to one staff member each. [Also V pron-refl]
  Derived words:
  limiting ADJ-GRADED The conditions laid down to me were not too limiting.
 7) VERB: usu passive If something is limited to a particular place or group of people, it exists only in that place, or is had or done only by that group.
  [be V-ed to n/-ing] The protests were not limited to New York...
  [be V-ed to n/-ing] Entry to this prize draw is limited to UK residents.
 8) → See also age limit, limited
 9) PHRASE: v-link PHR, oft PHR to n If an area or a place is off limits, you are not allowed to go there.
  A one-mile area around the wreck is still off limits...
  These establishments are off limits to ordinary citizens.
  Syn:
  out of bounds
 10) PHRASE: v-link PHR, PHR after v If you say that something is off limits, you mean that you are not allowed to do it.
  Smoking was off limits everywhere.
 11) PHRASE: usu v-link PHR If someone is over the limit, they have drunk more alcohol than they are legally allowed to when driving a vehicle. [BRIT]
  If police breathalyse me and find I am over the limit I face a long ban and a crippling fine...
  He was found to be three times over the limit.
 12) PHRASE: V inflects If you say the sky is the limit, you mean that there is nothing to prevent someone or something from being very successful.
  They have found that, in terms of both salary and career success, the sky is the limit.
 13) PHRASE: PHR with cl If you add within limits to a statement, you mean that it is true or applies only when talking about reasonable or normal situations.
  In the circumstances we'll tell you what we can, within limits, of course, and in confidence.
  Syn:
  within reason

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

limit

2limit verb -its; -it·ed; -it·ing [+ obj]
1 : to stop or prevent an increase in (something)
• We need to find ways to limit expenses. : to keep (something) from becoming greater
• He tried to limit the damage to his reputation by blaming other people.
• A factor limiting our country's economic performance is its lack of resources.
• His political enemies have tried to limit [=restrict] his power.
2 : to prevent (something) from being larger, longer, more, etc. : to place a limit on the size or extent of (something)
• The hospital limits [=restricts] visits to 30 minutes.
• Our lack of money limits our options.
- often used (be) limited to
• Visits are limited to 30 minutes. [=visits must not be longer than 30 minutes]
• The damage from the fire was limited to the rear of the building. [=only the rear of the building was damaged by the fire]
3 : to stop (someone) from having or doing more : to place a limit on (someone)
• Our lack of money limits [=restricts] us to fewer options.
• Because of our lack of money, we have to limit ourselves to fewer options.
- often used as (be) limited to
• Guests are limited to visits of no longer than 30 minutes.
• We are limited to fewer options by our lack of money.

kindness

kindness [noun]

the quality of being kind

US /ˈkaɪnd.nəs/ 
UK /ˈkaɪnd.nəs/ 
Example: 

I can’t thank you enough for your kindness.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

kindness

 noun
the quality of being kind:
Thank you for your kindness.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

kindness

kindness /ˈkaɪndnəs, ˈkaɪndnɪs/ BrE AmE noun
[Word Family: adjective: ↑kind ≠ ↑unkind, ↑kindly; noun: ↑kindness ≠ ↑unkindness; adverb: ↑kindly ≠ ↑unkindly]
1. [uncountable] kind behaviour towards someone:
I can’t thank you enough for your kindness.
REGISTER
In everyday English, when you are thanking people for helping you, the normal phrase to use is Thanks for (all) your help. The phrase Thank you for your kindness sounds very polite and slightly old-fashioned.
2. [countable] a kind action
do somebody a kindness
It would be doing him a kindness to tell him the truth.
kill somebody with kindness at ↑kill1(16)

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

kindness

kind·ness [kindness kindnesses]   [ˈkaɪndnəs]    [ˈkaɪndnəs]  noun
1. uncountable the quality of being kind

• to treat sb with kindness and consideration

2. countable a kind act
I can never repay your many kindnesses to me.
see kill sb/sth with kindness at  kill  v., the milk of human kindness at  milk  n.  
Example Bank:
I don't deserve your kindness.
I really appreciate your kindness.
I tried to think of a way to repay his kindness.
I went with her out of kindness.
I'll never forget your kindness to me.
She has always been kindness itself to me.
Show your appreciation by little acts of kindness.
Small kindnesses meant a lot to her.
They had shown him great kindness.
They treated us with kindness and courtesy.
They volunteer out of the kindness of their hearts.
This unexpected kindness touched her deeply.
We met with much kindness and help.
• He was overwhelmed by their kindness.

• She wanted to thank him for his kindness.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

kindness / ˈkaɪnd.nəs / noun

B2 [ U ] the quality of being kind:

love and kindness

[ C ] a kind action:

I wanted to thank them for all their kindnesses.

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

kindness

[ka͟ɪndnəs]
 kindnesses
 1) N-UNCOUNT Kindness is the quality of being gentle, caring, and helpful.
  We have been treated with such kindness by everybody.
 2) N-COUNT A kindness is a helpful or considerate act.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

kindness

kind·ness /ˈkaɪndnəs/ noun, pl -ness·es
1 [noncount] : the quality or state of being kind
• You should treat your elders with kindness and respect. = You should show kindness and respect to your elders.
• They did it out of the kindness of their hearts. [=they did it because they are kind people and not because they wanted something in return]
- see also the milk of human kindness at 1milk
2 [count] : a kind act
• We thanked her for her many kindnesses.
• You would be doing me a great kindness if you agreed to help.
kill (someone) with kindness
- see 1kill

adopted

adopted [adjective] (CHILD)

an adopted child has been legally taken by another family to be taken care of as their own child

US /əˈdɑːp.tɪd/ 
UK /əˈdɒp.tɪd/ 
Example: 

They've got two adopted children and one of their own.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

adopted

adopted /əˈdɒptəd, əˈdɒptɪd $ əˈdɑːp-/ BrE AmE adjective
1. an adopted child has been legally made part of a family that he or she was not born into:
his adopted son
2. your adopted country is one that you have chosen to live in permanently

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

adopted

adopt·ed [adopted]   [əˈdɒptɪd]    [əˈdɑːptɪd]  adjective
1. an adopted child has legally become part of a family which is not the one in which he or she was born

Danny is their adopted son.

 

2. an adopted country is one in which sb chooses to live although it is not the one they were born in

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

adopted / əˈdɒp.tɪd /   / -ˈdɑːp- / adjective (CHILD)

B2 an adopted child has been legally taken by another family to be taken care of as their own child:

They've got two adopted children and one of their own.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

- adopted adj
• an adopted child [=a child who has been adopted]
• She is their adopted daughter.
• “Mark Twain” was the adopted name of Samuel Clemens.
• Canada is his adopted country.

half-brother

half-brother [noun]

a brother who is the son of only one of your parents

US /ˈhæfˌbrʌð.ɚ/ 
UK /ˈhɑːfˌbrʌð.ər/ 

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

half-brother

ˈhalf-ˌbrother BrE AmE noun [countable]
a brother who is the son of only one of your parents ⇨ half-sister

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

half-brother

ˈhalf-brother [half-brother half-brothers]       noun
a person's half-brother is a boy or man with either the same mother or the same father as they have

compare  stepbrother

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

ˈ half- ˌ brother / ˈhɑːfˌbrʌð.ə r /   / ˈhæfˌbrʌð.ɚ / noun [ C ]

a brother who is the son of only one of your parents

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

half-brother

 half-brothers
 N-COUNT
 Someone's half-brother is a boy or man who has either the same mother or the same father as they have.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

half brother
 

half brother noun, pl ~ -ers [count] : a brother with the same father but a different mother or the same mother but a different father
• George is my half brother.

half-sister

half-sister [noun]

a sister who is the daughter of only one of your parents

US /ˈhæfˌsɪs.tɚ/ 
UK /ˈhɑːfˌsɪs.tər/ 
Example: 

She is my half sister.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

half-sister

ˈhalf-ˌsister BrE AmE noun [countable]
a sister who is the daughter of only one of your parents ⇨ half-brother

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

half-sister

ˈhalf-sister [half-sister half-sisters]       noun
a person's half-sister is a girl or woman who has either the same mother or the same father as them

compare  stepsister

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

ˈ half- ˌ sister / ˈhɑːfˌsɪs.tə r /   / ˈhæfˌsɪs.tɚ / noun [ C ]

a sister who is the daughter of only one of your parents

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

half-sister
 half-sisters
 N-COUNT: oft poss N
 Someone's half-sister is a girl or woman who has either the same mother or the same father as they have.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

half sister
 

half sister noun, pl ~ -ters [count] : a sister with the same father but a different mother or the same mother but a different father
• Emily is my half sister.

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