Oyz's idioms

a act as beside bring call carry come do draw drive enter fault get give go have help hold impose keep kind lay let live look make meet pay put rule run set show stand take tell the turn use well

Main Entry: ²a
Pronunciation: &, (')A, Canad 'a
Function: indefinite article
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English An one -- more at ONE
Date: before 12th century
1 -- used as a function word before singular nouns when the referent is unspecified <a man overboard> and before number collectives and some numbers <a dozen>
2 : the same <birds of a feather> <swords all of a length>
3 a -- used as a function word before a singular noun followed by a restrictive modifier <a man who was here yesterday> b : ANY <a man who is sick can't work> c -- used as a function word before a mass noun to denote a particular type or instance <a bronze made in ancient times> <glucose is a simple sugar> d -- used as a function word before a proper noun representing an example or type <the attractions of a Boston or a Cleveland>
4 -- used as a function word with nouns to form adverbial phrases of quantity, amount, or degree <felt a little tired>
usage In speech and writing a is used before a consonant sound <a door> <a human>. Before a vowel sound an is usual <an icicle> <an honor> but especially in speech a is used occasionally, more often in some dialects than in others <a apple> <a hour> <a obligation>. Before a consonant sound represented by a vowel letter a is usual <a one> <a union> but an also occurs though less frequently now than formerly <an unique> <such an one>. Before unstressed or weakly stressed syllables with initial h both a and an are used in writing <a historic> <an historic> but in speech an is more frequent whether \h\ is pronounced or not. In the King James Version of the Old Testament and occasionally in writing and speech an is used before h in a stressed syllable <an huntress> <an hundred> <children are an heritage of the Lord -- Psalms 127:3(Authorized Version)>.
Main Entry: ³a
Pronunciation: & also (')A
Function: preposition
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English a-, an, on
Date: before 12th century
1 chiefly dialect : ON, IN, AT
2 : in, to, or for each <twice a week> <five dollars a dozen>
usage see ²a
Main Entry: act out
Function: transitive verb
Date: 1611
1 a : to represent in action <children act out what they read> b : to translate into action <unwilling to act out their beliefs>
2 : to express (as an impulse or a fantasy) directly in overt behavior without modification to comply with social norms
Main Entry: act up
Function: intransitive verb
Date: 1903
1 : to act in a way different from that which is normal or expected: as a : to behave in an unruly, recalcitrant, or capricious manner b : SHOW OFF c : to function improperly <this typewriter is acting up again>
2 : to become active or acute after being quiescent <her rheumatism started to act up>
Main Entry: ¹as
Pronunciation: &z, (")az
Function: adverb
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English eallswA likewise, just as -- more at ALSO
Date: before 12th century
1 : to the same degree or amount <as deaf as a post> <twice as long>
2 : for instance <various trees, as oak or pine>
3 : when considered in a specified form or relation -- usually used before a preposition or a participle <my opinion as distinguished from his>
Main Entry: ²as
Function: conjunction
Date: 12th century
1 : AS IF <looks as he had seen a ghost -- S. T. Coleridge>
2 : in or to the same degree in which <deaf as a post> -- usually used as a correlative after an adjective or adverb modified by adverbial as or so <as cool as a cucumber>
3 : in the way or manner that <do as I do>
4 : in accordance with what or the way in which <quite good as boys go>
5 : WHILE, WHEN <spilled the milk as she got up>
6 : regardless of the degree to which : THOUGH <improbable as it seems, it's true>
7 : for the reason that : BECAUSE, SINCE <stayed home as she had no car>
8 : that the result is <so clearly guilty as to leave no doubt>
usage see LIKE
- as is : in the presently existing condition without modification <bought the clock at an auction as is>
- as it were : as if it were so : in a manner of speaking
Main Entry: ³as
Function: pronoun
Date: 12th century
1 : THAT, WHO, WHICH -- used after same or such <in the same building as my brother> <tears such as angels weep -- John Milton> and chiefly dial. after a substantive not modified by same or such <that kind of fruit as maids call medlars -- Shakespeare>
2 : a fact that <is a foreigner, as is evident from his accent>
Main Entry: ⁴as
Function: preposition
Date: 13th century
1 a : LIKE 2 <all rose as one man> b : LIKE 1a <his face was as a mask -- Max Beerbohm>
2 : in the capacity, character, condition, or role of <works as an editor>
Main Entry: ¹be·side
Pronunciation: bi-sId
Function: preposition
Etymology: Middle English, adverb & preposition, from Old English be sIdan at or to the side, from be at (from bI) + sIdan, dative & accusative of sIde side -- more at BY
Date: 13th century
1 a : by the side of <walk beside me> b : in comparison with c : on a par with
2 : BESIDES
3 : not relevant to <beside the point>
- beside oneself : in a state of extreme excitement
Main Entry: bring
Pronunciation: 'bri[ng]
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): brought /'brot/; bring·ing /'bri[ng]-i[ng]/
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English bringan; akin to Old High German bringan to bring, Welsh hebrwng to accompany
Date: before 12th century
transitive senses
1 a : to convey, lead, carry, or cause to come along with one toward the place from which the action is being regarded b : to cause to be, act, or move in a special way: as (1) : ATTRACT <her screams brought the neighbors> (2) : PERSUADE, INDUCE (3) : FORCE, COMPEL (4) : to cause to come into a particular state or condition <bring water to a boil> c dialect : ESCORT, ACCOMPANY
2 : to cause to exist or occur: as a : to be the occasion of <winter brings snow> b : to result in c : INSTITUTE <bring legal action> d : ADDUCE <bring an argument>
3 : PREFER <bring charges>
4 : to procure in exchange : sell for
intransitive senses, chiefly Midland : YIELD, PRODUCE
- bring·er noun
- bring forth 1 : BEAR <brought forth fruit> 2 : to give birth to : PRODUCE 3 : ADDUCE <bring forth persuasive arguments>
- bring forward 1 : to produce to view : INTRODUCE <brought new evidence forward> 2 : to carry (a total) forward
- bring home : to make unmistakably clear
- bring to account 1 : to bring to book 2 : REPRIMAND
- bring to bear : to use with effect <bring pressure to bear>
- bring to book : to compel to give an account
- bring to light : DISCLOSE, REVEAL
- bring to mind : RECALL
- bring to terms : to compel to agree, assent, or submit
- bring up the rear : to come last or behind
Main Entry: bring about
Function: transitive verb
Date: 14th century
: to cause to take place : EFFECT
Main Entry: bring around
Function: transitive verb
Date: 1862
1 : to restore to consciousness : REVIVE
2 : PERSUADE
Main Entry: bring down
Function: transitive verb
Date: 14th century
1 : to cause to fall by or as if by shooting
2 : to carry (a total) forward
- bring down the house : to win the enthusiastic approval of the audience
Main Entry: bring in
Function: transitive verb
Date: 14th century
1 : INCLUDE, INTRODUCE
2 : to produce as profit or return <each sale brought in $5>
3 : to enable (a base runner) to reach home plate by hitting the ball
4 : to report to a court <the jury brought in a verdict>
5 a : to cause (as an oil well) to be productive b : to win tricks with the cards of (a long suit) in bridge
6 : EARN <brings in a good salary>
Main Entry: bring off
Function: transitive verb
Date: 1606
1 : to cause to escape : RESCUE
2 : to carry to a successful conclusion : ACHIEVE, ACCOMPLISH
Main Entry: bring on
Function: transitive verb
Date: 1602
: to cause to appear or occur
Main Entry: bring out
Function: transitive verb
Date: 1605
1 a : to make apparent b : to effectively develop (as a quality)
2 a : to present to the public b : to introduce formally to society
3 : UTTER
Main Entry: bring to
Function: transitive verb
Date: 1753
1 : to cause (a boat) to lie to or come to a standstill
2 : to restore to consciousness : REVIVE
Main Entry: bring up
Date: 14th century
transitive senses
1 : to bring (a person) to maturity through nurturing care and education
2 : to cause to stop suddenly
3 : to bring to attention : INTRODUCE
4 : VOMIT
intransitive senses : to stop suddenly
Main Entry: ¹call
Pronunciation: 'kol
Function: verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Old Norse kalla; akin to Old English hildecalla battle herald, Old High German kallOn to talk loudly, Old Church Slavonic glasu voice
Date: before 12th century
intransitive senses
1 a : to speak in a loud distinct voice so as to be heard at a distance : SHOUT <call for help> b : to make a request or demand <call for an investigation> c of an animal : to utter a characteristic note or cry d : to get or try to get into communication by telephone -- often used with up e : to make a demand in card games (as for a particular card or for a show of hands) f : to give the calls for a square dance
2 : to make a brief visit <called to pay his respects> <called on a friend>
transitive senses
1 a (1) : to utter in a loud distinct voice -- often used with out <call out a number> (2) : to announce or read loudly or authoritatively <call the roll> <call off a row of figures> b (1) : to command or request to come or be present <called to testify> (2) : to cause to come : BRING <calls to mind an old saying> c : to summon to a particular activity, employment, or office <was called to active duty> d : to invite or command to meet : CONVOKE <call a meeting> e : to rouse from sleep or summon to get up f (1) : to give the order for : bring into action <call a strike against the company> <call a pitchout> (2) : to manage by giving the signals or orders <that catcher calls a good game> g (1) : to make a demand in bridge for (a card or suit) (2) : to require (a player) to show the hand in poker by making an equal bet (3) : to challenge to make good on a statement (4) : to charge with or censure for an offense <deserves to be called on that> h : to attract (as game) by imitating the characteristic cry i : to halt (as a baseball game) because of unsuitable conditions j : to rule on the status of (as a pitched ball or a player's action) <call balls and strikes> <call a base runner safe> k : to give the calls for (a square dance) -- often used with off l (1) : to demand payment of especially by formal notice <call a loan> (2) : to demand presentation of (as a bond or option) for redemption m (1) : to get or try to get in communication with by telephone (2) : to generate signals for (a telephone number) in order to reach the party to whom the number is assigned <call 911> (3) : to make a signal to in order to transmit a message <call the flagship>
2 a : to speak of or address by a specified name : give a name to <call her Kitty> b (1) : to regard or characterize as of a certain kind : CONSIDER <can hardly be called generous> (2) : to estimate or consider for purposes of an estimate or for convenience <call it an even dollar> c (1) : to describe correctly in advance of or without knowledge of the event : PREDICT (2) : to name or specify in advance <call the toss of a coin>
3 : to temporarily transfer control of computer processing to (as a subroutine or procedure)
synonym see SUMMON
- call a spade a spade : to speak frankly
- call for 1 : to call (as at one's house) to get <I'll call for you after dinner> 2 : to require as necessary or appropriate <the job calls for typing skills> <the design calls for three windows>
- call forth : ELICIT, EVOKE <these events call forth great emotions>
- call in question or call into question : to cast doubt upon
- call it a day : to stop for the remainder of the day or for the present whatever one has been doing
- call it quits : to call it a day : QUIT
- call names : to address or speak of a person or thing contemptuously or offensively
- call on 1 : to call upon 2 : to elicit a response from (as a student) <the teacher called on her first>
- call one's bluff : to challenge in order to expose an empty pretense or threat
- call the shots : to be in charge or control : determine the policy or procedure
- call the tune : to call the shots
- call time : to ask for or grant a time-out
- call to account : to hold responsible : REPRIMAND
- call upon 1 : REQUIRE, OBLIGE <may be called upon to do several jobs> 2 : to make a demand on : depend on <universities are called upon to produce trained professionals>
Main Entry: call down
Function: transitive verb
Date: 1810
1 : to cause or entreat to descend <call down a blessing>
2 : REPRIMAND <called me down for being late>
Main Entry: call in
Date: 1597
transitive senses
1 : to order to return or to be returned: as a : to withdraw from an advanced position <call in the outposts> b : to withdraw from circulation <call in bank notes and issue new ones>
2 : to summon to one's aid or for consultation <call in a mediator>
3 : to deliver (a message) by telephone <call in an order for pizza>
intransitive senses : to communicate with a person by telephone
- call in sick : to report by telephone that one will be absent because of illness
Main Entry: call off
Function: transitive verb
Date: 1633
1 : to draw away : DIVERT <her attention was called off by a new arrival>
2 : CANCEL <call the trip off>
Main Entry: call out
Function: transitive verb
Date: 15th century
1 : to summon into action <call out troops>
2 : to challenge to a duel
3 : to order on strike <call out the workers>
Main Entry: call up
Function: transitive verb
Date: 1632
1 : to bring to mind : EVOKE
2 : to summon before an authority
3 : to summon together (as for a united effort) <call up all his forces for the attack>
4 : to summon for active military duty
5 : to bring forward for consideration or action
6 : to retrieve from the memory of a computer especially for display and user interaction
Main Entry: ¹car·ry
Pronunciation: 'kar-E, 'ker-
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): car·ried; car·ry·ing
Etymology: Middle English carien, from Old North French carier to transport in a vehicle, from car vehicle, from Latin carrus -- more at CAR
Date: 14th century

Main Entry: carry away
Function: transitive verb
Date: 1570
1 : to arouse to a high and often excessive degree of emotion or enthusiasm
2 : CARRY OFF 1
Main Entry: carry off
Function: transitive verb
Date: circa 1680
1 : to cause the death of <the plague carried off thousands>
2 : to perform or manage successfully : BRING OFF <tried to look suave but couldn't carry it off>
Main Entry: carry on
Date: 1644
transitive senses : to continue doing, pursuing, or operating <carry on research> <carried on the business>
intransitive senses
1 : to behave or speak in a foolish, excited, or improper manner <shocked at how he carries on>
2 : to continue especially in spite of hindrance or discouragement
Main Entry: carry out
Function: transitive verb
Date: 1605
1 : to put into execution <carry out a plan>
2 : to bring to a successful issue : COMPLETE, ACCOMPLISH <carried out the assignment>
3 : to continue to an end or stopping point
Main Entry: carry over
Date: 1745
transitive senses
1 a : to transfer (an amount) to the next column, page, or book relating to the same account b : to hold over (as goods) for another time or season
2 : to deduct (a loss or an unused credit) from taxable income of a later period
intransitive senses : to persist from one stage or sphere of activity to another
Main Entry: carry through
Date: 1605
transitive sense : CARRY OUT
intransitive sense : PERSIST, SURVIVE <feelings that carry through to the present>
Main Entry: ¹come
Pronunciation: 'k&m
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): came /'kAm/; come; com·ing /'k&-mi[ng]/
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English cuman; akin to Old High German queman to come, Latin venire, Greek bainein to walk, go
Date: before 12th century
intransitive senses
1 a : to move toward something : APPROACH <come here> b : to move or journey to a vicinity with a specified purpose <come see us> <come and see what's going on> c (1) : to reach a particular station in a series <now we come to the section on health> (2) : to arrive in due course <the time has come> d (1) : to approach in kind or quality <this comes near perfection> (2) : to reach a condition or conclusion <came to regard him as a friend> <come to think of it, you may be right> e (1) : to advance toward accomplishment <learning new ways doesn't come easy> <the job is coming nicely> (2) : to advance in a particular manner <come running when I call> (3) : to advance, rise, or improve in rank or condition <has come a long way> f : to get along : FARE -- often used with along g : EXTEND <her dress came to her ankles>
2 a (1) : to arrive at a particular place, end, result, or conclusion <came to his senses> <come untied> (2) : AMOUNT <the taxes on it come to more than it's worth> b (1) : to appear to the mind <the answer came to them> (2) : to appear on a scene : make an appearance <children come equipped to learn any language> c (1) : HAPPEN, OCCUR <no harm will come to you> (2) : to come to pass : take place -- used in the subjunctive with inverted subject and verb to express the particular time or occasion <come spring the days will be longer> d : ORIGINATE, ARISE <wine comes from grapes> <come of sturdy stock> e : to enter or assume a condition <artillery came into action> f : to fall within a field of view or a range of application <this comes within the terms of the treaty> g : to issue forth <a sob came from her throat> h : to take form <churn till the butter comes> i : to be available <this model comes in several sizes> <as good as they come> j often vulgar : to experience orgasm
3 : to fall to a person in a division or inheritance of property
4 obsolete : to become moved favorably : RELENT
5 : to turn out to be <good clothes come high>
6 : BECOME <a dream that came true>
transitive senses
1 : to approach or be near (an age) <a child coming eight years old>
2 : to take on the aspect of <come the stern parent>
- come a cropper : to fail completely
- come clean : to tell the whole story : CONFESS
- come into : to acquire as a possession or achievement <come into a fortune>
- come into one's own : to achieve one's potential also : to gain recognition
- come of age : to reach maturity
- come off it : to cease foolish or pretentious talk or behavior
- come over : to seize suddenly and strangely <what's come over you>
- come to : to be a question of <when it comes to pitching horseshoes, he's the champ>
- come to grips with : to meet or deal with firmly, frankly, or straightforwardly <come to grips with the unemployment problem>
- come to oneself : to get hold of oneself : regain self-control
- come to pass : HAPPEN
- come to terms 1 : to reach an agreement -- often used with with 2 : to become adjusted especially emotionally or intellectually -- usually used with with <come to terms with modern life>
Main Entry: come about
Function: intransitive verb
Date: 14th century
1 : HAPPEN
2 : to change direction <the wind has come about into the north>
3 : to shift to a new tack
Main Entry: come across
Function: intransitive verb
Date: 1910
1 : to give over or furnish something demanded; especially : to pay over money
2 : to produce an impression <comes across as a good speaker>
3 : COME THROUGH 2
Main Entry: come along
Function: intransitive verb
Date: 1694
1 : to accompany someone who leads the way <asked me to come along on the trip>
2 : to make progress <work is coming along well>
3 : to make an appearance <won't just marry the first man that comes along>
Main Entry: come around
Function: intransitive verb
Date: 1873
1 : COME ROUND
2 : MENSTRUATE
Main Entry: come back
Function: intransitive verb
Date: 1850
1 : to return to life or vitality
2 : to return to memory <it's all coming back to me now>
3 : REPLY, RETORT <when questioned, he came back with a vehement denial>
4 : to regain a former favorable condition or position
Main Entry: come by
Date: 1863
intransitive senses : to make a visit
transitive senses : to get possession of : ACQUIRE <a good job is hard to come by>
Main Entry: come down
Function: intransitive verb
Date: 1711
1 a : to pass by tradition <a story that has come down from medieval times> b : to pass from a usually high source <word came down that the strike was over>
2 a : to reduce itself : AMOUNT <it comes down to this> b : to deal with a subject directly <when you come down to it, we all depend on others>
3 : to lose or fall in estate or condition <has come down in the world>
4 : to place oneself in opposition <came down hard on gambling>
5 : to become ill <came down with measles>
6 : COME OUT 2
Main Entry: come in
Function: intransitive verb
Date: 14th century
1 a : to arrive on a scene <new models coming in> b : to become available <data began coming in>
2 : to place among those finishing <came in last>
3 a : to function in an indicated manner <come in handy> b of a telecommunications signal : to be received <came in loud and clear>
4 : to assume a role or function <that's where you come in>
5 : to attain maturity, fruitfulness, or production
- come in for : to become subject to <coming in for increasing criticism>
Main Entry: come off
Date: 1596
intransitive senses
1 a : to acquit oneself : FARE <came off well in the contest> b : APPEAR, SEEM
2 : SUCCEED <a television series that never came off -- TV Guide>
3 : HAPPEN, OCCUR
transitive senses : to have recently completed or recovered from <coming off a good year>
Main Entry: come on
Function: intransitive verb
Date: 15th century
1 a : to advance by degrees <darkness came on> b : to begin by degrees <rain came on toward noon>
2 a : PLEASE -- used in cajoling or pleading b -- used interjectionally to express astonishment, incredulity, or recognition of a put-on
3 : to project an indicated personal image <comes on as a conservative>
4 : to show sexual interest in someone; also : to make sexual advances <tried to come on to her>
Main Entry: come out
Function: intransitive verb
Date: 13th century
1 a : to come into public view : make a public appearance <a new magazine has come out> b : to become evident <his pride came out in his refusal to accept help>
2 : to declare oneself especially in public utterance <came out in favor of the proposal>
3 : to turn out in an outcome : end up <everything came out all right>
4 : to make a debut
5 : to openly declare one's homosexuality
- com·ing-out /"k&-mi[ng]-'aut/ adjective
- come out with 1 : to give expression to <came out with a new proposal> 2 : PUBLISH
Main Entry: come over
Function: intransitive verb
Date: 1576
1 a : to change from one side (as of a controversy) to the other b : to visit casually : DROP IN <come over whenever you like>
2 British : BECOME
Main Entry: come round
Function: intransitive verb
Date: 1818
1 : to change direction
2 : to return to a former condition; especially : COME TO 1
3 : to accede to a particular opinion or course of action <knew you'd come round to our side eventually>
Main Entry: come through
Function: intransitive verb
Date: 1914
1 : to do what is needed or expected <came through in the clutch>
2 : to become communicated
Main Entry: come to
Function: intransitive verb
Date: circa 1572
1 : to recover consciousness
2 a : to bring a ship's head nearer the wind : LUFF b : to come to anchor or to a stop
Main Entry: come up
Function: intransitive verb
Date: 14th century
1 : RISE 6
2 : to come near : make an approach <came up and introduced himself>
3 : to rise in rank or status <an officer who came up from the ranks>
4 a : to come to attention or consideration <the question never came up> b : to occur in the course of time <any problem that may come up>
5 : to turn out to be <the coin came up tails>
- come up with : to produce especially in dealing with a problem or challenge <came up with a solution>
Main Entry: ¹do
Pronunciation: 'dü, d&(-w)
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): did /'did, d&d/; done /'d&n/; do·ing /'dü-i[ng]/; does /'d&z/
Etymology: Middle English don, from Old English dOn; akin to Old High German tuon to do, Latin -dere to put, facere to make, do, Greek tithenai to place, set
Date: before 12th century
transitive senses
1 : to bring to pass : CARRY OUT
2 : PUT -- used chiefly in do to death
3 a : PERFORM, EXECUTE <do some work> <did his duty> b : COMMIT <crimes done deliberately>
4 a : BRING ABOUT, EFFECT <trying to do good> <do violence> b : to give freely : PAY <do honor to her memory>
5 : to bring to an end : FINISH -- used in the past participle <the job is finally done>
6 : to put forth : EXERT <did her best to win the race>
7 a : to wear out especially by physical exertion : EXHAUST <at the end of the race they were pretty well done> b British : to attack physically : BEAT; also : KILL
8 : to bring into existence : PRODUCE <do a biography on the general>
9 -- used as a substitute verb especially to avoid repetition <if you must make such a racket, do it somewhere else>
10 a : to play the role or character of b : MIMIC; also : to behave like <do a Houdini and disappear> c : to perform in or serve as producer of <do a play>
11 : to treat unfairly; especially : CHEAT <did him out of his inheritance>
12 : to treat or deal with in any way typically with the sense of preparation or with that of care or attention: a (1) : to put in order : CLEAN <was doing the kitchen> (2) : WASH <did the dishes after supper> b : to prepare for use or consumption; especially : COOK <like my steak done rare> c : SET, ARRANGE <had her hair done> d : to apply cosmetics to <wanted to do her face before the party> e : DECORATE, FURNISH <did the living room in Early American>
13 : to be engaged in the study or practice of <do science>; especially : to work at as a vocation <what to do after college>
14 a : to pass over (as distance) : TRAVERSE b : to travel at a speed of <doing 55 on the turnpike>
15 : TOUR <doing 12 countries in 30 days>
16 : to spend or serve out (a period of time) <did ten years in prison>
17 : to serve the needs of : SUIT, SUFFICE <worms will do us for bait>
18 : to approve especially by custom, opinion, or propriety <you oughtn't to say a thing like that ... it's not done -- Dorothy Sayers>
19 : to treat with respect to physical comforts <did themselves well>
20 : USE transitive sense 3 <doesn't do drugs>
intransitive senses
1 : ACT, BEHAVE <do as I say>
2 a : GET ALONG, FARE <do well in school> b : to carry on business or affairs : MANAGE <we can do without your help>
3 : to take place : HAPPEN <what's doing across the street>
4 : to come to or make an end : FINISH -- used in the past participle
5 : to be active or busy <let us then be up and doing -- H. W. Longfellow>
6 : to be adequate or sufficient : SERVE <half of that will do>
7 : to be fitting : conform to custom or propriety <won't do to be late>
8 -- used as a substitute verb to avoid repetition <wanted to run and play as children do> -- used especially in British English following a modal auxiliary or perfective have <a great many people had died, or would do -- Bruce Chatwin>
9 -- used in the imperative after an imperative to add emphasis <be quiet do>
verbal auxiliary
1 a -- used with the infinitive without to to form present and past tenses in legal and parliamentary language <do hereby bequeath> and in poetry <give what she did crave -- Shakespeare> b -- used with the infinitive without to to form present and past tenses in declarative sentences with inverted word order <fervently do we pray -- Abraham Lincoln>, in interrogative sentences <did you hear that>, and in negative sentences <we don't know> <don't go>
2 -- used with the infinitive without to to form present and past tenses expressing emphasis <do be careful>
- do·able /'dü-&-b&l/ adjective
- do a number on : to defeat or confound thoroughly especially by indirect or deceptive means
- do away with 1 : to put an end to : ABOLISH 2 : to put to death : KILL
- do by : to deal with : TREAT
- do for chiefly British 1 : to attend to the wants and needs of : take care of 2 : to bring about the death or ruin of
- do it : to have sexual intercourse
- do justice 1 a : to act justly b : to treat fairly or adequately c : to show due appreciation for 2 : to acquit in a way worthy of one's abilities
- do proud : to give cause for pride or gratification
- do the trick : to produce a desired result
- do with : to make good use of : benefit by <could do with a cup of coffee>
- to do : necessary to be done <I've done my best and all's to do again -- A. E. Housman>
Main Entry: do in
Function: transitive verb
Date: 1905
1 a : to bring about the defeat or destruction of; also : KILL b : EXHAUST, WEAR OUT
2 : CHEAT
Main Entry: do up
Function: transitive verb
Date: 1666
1 : to prepare (as by cleaning or repairing) for wear or use <do up a shirt>
2 a : to wrap up <do up a package> b : PUT UP, CAN
3 a : to deck out : CLOTHE b : to furnish with something ornamental : DECORATE
4 : EXHAUST, WEAR OUT
Main Entry: ¹draw
Pronunciation: 'dro
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): drew /'drü/; drawn /'dron, 'drän/; draw·ing
Etymology: Middle English drawen, dragen, from Old English dragan; akin to Old Norse draga to draw, drag
Date: before 12th century
transitive senses
1 : to cause to move continuously toward or after a force applied in advance : PULL <draw your chair up by the fire>: as a : to move (as a covering) over or to one side <draw the drapes> b : to pull up or out of a receptacle or place where seated or carried <draw water from the well> <drew a gun>; also : to cause to come out of a container <draw water for a bath>
2 : to cause to go in a certain direction (as by leading) <drew him aside>
3 a : to bring by inducement or allure : ATTRACT <honey draws flies> b : to bring in or gather from a specified group or area <a college that draws its students from many states> c : BRING ON, PROVOKE <drew enemy fire> d : to bring out by way of response : ELICIT <drew cheers from the audience> e : to receive in the course of play <the batter drew a walk> <draw a foul>
4 : INHALE <drew a deep breath>
5 a : to extract the essence from <draw tea> b : EVISCERATE <plucking and drawing a goose before cooking> c : to derive to one's benefit <drew inspiration from the old masters>
6 : to require (a specified depth) to float in <a ship that draws 12 feet of water>
7 a : ACCUMULATE, GAIN <drawing interest> b : to take (money) from a place of deposit c : to use in making a cash demand <drawing a check against his account> d : to receive regularly or in due course <draw a salary>
8 a : to take (cards) from a stack or from the dealer b : to receive or take at random <drew a winning number>
9 : to bend (a bow) by pulling back the string
10 : to cause to shrink, contract, or tighten
11 : to strike (a ball) so as to impart a backward spin
12 : to leave (a contest) undecided : TIE
13 a (1) : to produce a likeness or representation of by making lines on a surface <draw a picture> <draw a graph with chalk> (2) : to give a portrayal of : DELINEATE <a writer who draws characters well> b : to write out in due form <draw a will> c : to design or describe in detail : FORMULATE <draw comparisons>
14 : to infer from evidence or premises <draw a conclusion>
15 : to spread or elongate (metal) by hammering or by pulling through dies; also : to shape (as plastic) by stretching or by pulling through dies
intransitive senses
1 : to come or go steadily or gradually <night draws near>
2 a : to move something by pulling <drawing at the well> b : to exert an attractive force <the play is drawing well>
3 a : to pull back a bowstring b : to bring out a weapon <drew, aimed, and fired>
4 a : to produce a draft <the chimney draws well> <draw on a cigar> b : to swell out in a wind <all sails drawing>
5 a : to wrinkle or tighten up : SHRINK b : to change shape by pulling or stretching
6 : to cause blood or pus to localize at one point
7 : to create a likeness or a picture in outlines : SKETCH
8 : to come out even in a contest
9 a : to make a written demand for payment of money on deposit b : to obtain resources (as of information) <drawing from a common fund of knowledge>
- draw·able /-&-b&l/ adjective
- draw a bead on : to take aim at
- draw a blank : to fail to gain a desired object (as information sought) also : to be unable to think of something
- draw on or draw upon : to use as a source of supply <drawing on the whole community for support>
- draw straws : to decide or assign something by lottery in which straws of unequal length are used
- draw the line or draw a line 1 : to fix an arbitrary boundary between things that tend to intermingle 2 : to fix a boundary excluding what one will not tolerate or engage in
Main Entry: draw back
Pronunciation: dro-'bak
Function: intransitive verb
Date: 14th century
: to avoid an issue or commitment
Main Entry: draw down
Pronunciation: "dro-'daun
Function: transitive verb
Date: 1949
: to deplete by using or spending
Main Entry: draw in
Date: 1558
transitive senses
1 : to cause or entice to enter or participate
2 : to sketch roughly
intransitive senses
1 a : to draw to an end <the day drew in> b : to shorten seasonally <the evenings are already drawing in>
2 : to become more cautious or economical
Main Entry: draw off
Date: 13th century
transitive senses : REMOVE, WITHDRAW
intransitive senses : to move apart or ahead
Main Entry: draw on
Date: 15th century
intransitive senses : APPROACH <night draws on>
transitive senses : BRING ON, CAUSE
Main Entry: draw out
Function: transitive verb
Date: 14th century
1 : REMOVE, EXTRACT
2 : to extend beyond a minimum in time : PROTRACT 2
3 : to cause to speak freely <a reporter's ability to draw a person out>
Main Entry: draw up
Date: 1605
transitive senses
1 : to bring (as troops) into array
2 : to prepare a draft or version of <draw up plans>
3 : to bring to a halt
4 : to straighten (oneself) to an erect posture especially as an assertion of dignity or resentment
intransitive senses : to come to a halt
Main Entry: ¹drive
Pronunciation: 'drIv
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): drove /'drOv/; driv·en /'dri-v&n/; driv·ing /'drI-vi[ng]/
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English drIfan; akin to Old High German trIban to drive
Date: before 12th century
transitive senses
1 a : to frighten or prod (as game or cattle) into moving in a desired direction b : to go through (a district) driving game animals
2 : to carry on or through energetically <drives a hard bargain>
3 a : to impart a forward motion to by physical force <waves drove the boat ashore> b : to repulse, remove, or cause to go by force, authority, or influence <drive the enemy back> c : to set or keep in motion or operation <drive machinery by electricity>
4 a : to direct the motions and course of (a draft animal) b : to operate the mechanism and controls and direct the course of (as a vehicle) c : to convey in a vehicle d : to float (logs) down a stream
5 a : to exert inescapable or coercive pressure on : FORCE b : to compel to undergo or suffer a change (as in situation or emotional state) <drove him crazy> <drove her out of business> c : to urge relentlessly to continuous exertion <the sergeant drove his recruits> d : to press or force into an activity, course, or direction <the drug habit drives addicts to steal> e : to project, inject, or impress incisively <drove her point home>
6 : to force (a passage) by pressing or digging
7 a : to propel (an object of play) swiftly b : to hit (a golf ball) from the tee especially with a driver; also : to drive a golf ball onto (a green) c : to cause (a run or runner) to be scored in baseball -- usually used with in
8 : to give shape or impulse to <factors that drive the business cycle>
intransitive senses
1 a : to dash, plunge, or surge ahead rapidly or violently b : to progress with strong momentum <the rain was driving hard>
2 a : to operate a vehicle b : to have oneself carried in a vehicle
3 : to drive a golf ball
synonym see MOVE
- driv·abil·i·ty also drive·abil·i·ty /"drI-v&-'bi-l&-tE/ noun
- driv·able also drive·able /'drI-v&-b&l/ adjective
- drive at : to intend to express, convey, or accomplish <did not understand what she was driving at -- Eric Goldman>
Main Entry: en·ter
Pronunciation: 'en-t&r
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): en·tered; en·ter·ing /'en-t(&-)ri[ng]/
Etymology: Middle English entren, from Old French entrer, from Latin intrare, from intra within; akin to Latin inter between -- more at INTER-
Date: 13th century
intransitive senses
1 : to go or come in
2 : to come or gain admission into a group : JOIN -- often used with into
3 a : to make a beginning <entering upon a career> b : to begin to consider a subject -- usually used with into or upon
4 : to go upon land for the purpose of taking possession
5 : to play a part : be a factor <other considerations enter when money is involved>
transitive senses
1 : to come or go into <enter a room>
2 : INSCRIBE, REGISTER <enter the names of qualified voters>
3 : to cause to be received or admitted <enter a child at a school>
4 : to put in : INSERT <enter the new data into the computer>
5 a : to make a beginning in <enter politics> b : to go into (a particular period of time) <enter middle age>
6 : to become a member of or an active participant in <enter the university> <enter a race>
7 : to make report of (a ship or its cargo) to customs authorities
8 : to place in proper form before a court of law or upon record <enter a writ>
9 : to go into or upon and take actual possession of (as land)
10 : to put formally on record <entering a complaint>
- en·ter·able /'en-t(&-)r&-b&l/ adjective
- enter into 1 : to make oneself a party to or in <enter into an agreement> 2 : to form or be part of <your prejudices shouldn't enter into it> 3 : to participate or share in <enter into the spirit of the occasion>
- enter the lists : to engage in a fight or struggle
synonyms ENTER, PENETRATE, PIERCE, PROBE mean to make way into something. ENTER is the most general of these and may imply either going in or forcing a way in <entered the city in triumph>. PENETRATE carries a strong implication of an impelling force or compelling power that achieves entrance <the enemy penetrated the fortress>. PIERCE means an entering or cutting through with a sharp pointed instrument <pierced the boil with a lancet>. PROBE implies penetration to investigate or explore something hidden from sight or knowledge <probed the depths of the sea>.
Main Entry: ¹fault
Pronunciation: 'folt, in poetry also 'fot
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English faute, from Middle French, from (assumed) Vulgar Latin fallita, from feminine of fallitus, past participle of Latin fallere to deceive, disappoint
Date: 14th century
1 obsolete : LACK
2 a : WEAKNESS, FAILING; especially : a moral weakness less serious than a vice b : a physical or intellectual imperfection or impairment : DEFECT c : an error especially in service in a net or racket game
3 a : MISDEMEANOR b : MISTAKE
4 : responsibility for wrongdoing or failure <the accident was the driver's fault>
5 : a fracture in the crust of a planet (as the earth) or moon accompanied by a displacement of one side of the fracture with respect to the other usually in a direction parallel to the fracture
- at fault 1 : unable to find the scent and continue chase 2 : open to blame : RESPONSIBLE <couldn't determine who was really at fault>
- to a fault : to an excessive degree <precise to a fault>
synonyms FAULT, FAILING, FRAILTY, FOIBLE, VICE mean an imperfection or weakness of character. FAULT implies a failure, not necessarily culpable, to reach some standard of perfection in disposition, action, or habit <a writer of many virtues and few faults>. FAILING suggests a minor shortcoming in character <being late is a failing of mine>. FRAILTY implies a general or chronic proneness to yield to temptation <human frailties>. FOIBLE applies to a harmless or endearing weakness or idiosyncrasy <an eccentric's charming foibles>. VICE can be a general term for any imperfection or weakness, but it often suggests violation of a moral code or the giving of offense to the moral sensibilities of others <compulsive gambling was his vice>.
[fault illustration]
Main Entry: ²fault
Date: 15th century
intransitive senses
1 : to commit a fault : ERR
2 : to fracture so as to produce a geologic fault
transitive senses
1 : to find a fault in <easy to praise this book and to fault it -- H. G. Roepke>
2 : to produce a geologic fault in
3 : BLAME, CENSURE <can't fault them for not coming>
Main Entry: ¹get
Pronunciation: 'get, ÷'git
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): got /'gät/; got or got·ten /'gä-t^&n/; get·ting
Etymology: Middle English, from Old Norse geta to get, beget; akin to Old English bigietan to beget, Latin prehendere to seize, grasp, Greek chandanein to hold, contain
Date: 13th century
transitive senses
1 a : to gain possession of b : to receive as a return : EARN <he got a bad reputation for carelessness>
2 a : to obtain by concession or entreaty <get your mother's permission to go> b : to become affected by (a disease or bodily condition) : CATCH <got measles from his sister>
3 a : to seek out and obtain <hoped to get dinner at the inn> b : to obtain and bring where wanted or needed <get a pencil from the desk>
4 : BEGET
5 a : to cause to come or go <quickly got his luggage through customs> b : to cause to move <get it out of the house> c : to cause to be in a certain position or condition <got his feet wet> d : to make ready : PREPARE <get breakfast>
6 a : to be subjected to <got a bad fall> b : to receive by way of punishment c : to suffer a specified injury to <got my nose broken>
7 a : to achieve as a result of military activity b : to obtain or receive by way of benefit or advantage <he got little for his trouble> <get the better of an enemy>
8 a : SEIZE b : OVERCOME c : to have an emotional effect on <the final scene always gets me> d : IRRITATE <the delays were starting to get her> e : PUZZLE f : to take vengeance on; specifically : KILL g : HIT
9 : to prevail on : CAUSE <finally got them to tidy up their room>
10 a : HAVE -- used in the present perfect tense form with present meaning <I've got no money> b : to have as an obligation or necessity -- used in the present perfect tense form with present meaning <you have got to come>
11 a : to find out by calculation <get the answer to a problem> b : MEMORIZE <got the verse by heart> c : HEAR d : UNDERSTAND
12 : to establish communication with
13 : to put out in baseball
14 : DELIVER 6b <the car gets 20 miles to the gallon>
intransitive senses
1 a : to succeed in coming or going : to bring or move oneself <get away to the country> <got into the car> b : to reach or enter into a certain condition <got to sleep after midnight> c : to make progress <hasn't gotten far with the essay>
2 : to acquire wealth
3 a : to be able <never got to go to college> b : to come to be -- often used with following present participle <got talking about old times>
4 a : to succeed in becoming : BECOME <how to get clear of all the debts I owe -- Shakespeare> b : to become involved <people who get into trouble with the law>
5 : to leave immediately <told them to get>
verbal auxiliary -- used with the past participle of transitive verbs as a passive voice auxiliary <they got caught in the act>
- get a bead on : to gain a precise and telling knowledge or understanding of <got a bead on his motives>
- get after : to pursue with exhortation, reprimand, or attack
- get ahead : to achieve success <determined to get ahead in life>
- get a move on : HURRY
- get at 1 : to reach effectively 2 : to influence corruptly : BRIBE 3 : to turn one's attention to 4 : to try to prove or make clear <what is he getting at>
- get away with : to avoid criticism or punishment for or the consequences of (as a reprehensible act)
- get cracking : to make a start : get going <ought to get cracking on that assignment>
- get even : to get revenge
- get even with : to repay in kind
- get going : to make a start
- get into : to become strongly involved with or deeply interested in
- get it : to receive a scolding or punishment
- get it on 1 : to become enthusiastic, energetic, or excited 2 : to engage in sexual intercourse
- get on : to produce an unfortunate effect on : UPSET <the noise got on my nerves>
- get one's act together 1 : to put one's life, thoughts, or emotions in order : cease to be confused or misdirected 2 : to begin to function in a skillful or efficient manner <the company finally got its act together>
- get one's goat : to make one angry or annoyed
- get over 1 a : OVERCOME, SURMOUNT b : to recover from c : to reconcile oneself to : become accustomed to 2 : to move or travel across
- get somewhere : to be successful
- get there : to be successful
- get through : to reach the end of : COMPLETE
- get to 1 a : BEGIN <gets to worrying over nothing at all> b : to be ready to begin or deal with <I'll get to the accounts as soon as I can> 2 : to have an effect on: as a : INFLUENCE b : BOTHER
- get together 1 : to bring together : ACCUMULATE 2 : to come together : ASSEMBLE, MEET 3 : to reach agreement
- get wind of : to become aware of
- get with it : to become alert or aware : show sophisticated consciousness
usage The pronunciation \'git\ has been noted as a feature of some British and American dialects since the 16th century. In the phonetic spelling of his own speech Benjamin Franklin records git. However, since at least 1687 some grammarians and teachers have disapproved this pronunciation. It nonetheless remains in widespread and unpredictable use in many dialects, often, but not exclusively, when get is a passive auxiliary (as in get married) or an imperative (as in get up!).
Main Entry: get about
Function: intransitive verb
Date: 1816
1 : to become current : CIRCULATE
2 : to be up and about : begin to walk <able to get about again>
Main Entry: get across
Date: 1913
intransitive senses : to become clear or convincing
transitive senses : to make clear or convincing <we couldn't get our point across>
Main Entry: get along
Function: intransitive verb
Date: 1768
1 a : to proceed toward a destination : PROGRESS b : to approach an advanced stage; especially : to approach old age
2 : to meet one's needs : MANAGE <we got along on a minimum of clothing>
3 : to be or remain on congenial terms
Main Entry: get around
Date: 1875
transitive senses
1 : CIRCUMVENT, EVADE
2 : to get the better of
intransitive senses
1 a : to find or take the necessary time or effort -- used with to b : to give attention or consideration -- used with to
2 : to go from place to place
3 : to become known or current <word got around that he was resigning>
Main Entry: get back
Date: 1605
intransitive senses
1 : to come or go again to a person, place, or condition : RETURN, REVERT <getting back to the main topic of the lecture>
2 : to gain revenge : RETALIATE -- used with at
transitive senses : to regain possession of : RECOVER
Main Entry: get by
Function: intransitive verb
Date: 1908
1 : to succeed with the least possible effort or accomplishment
2 : to make ends meet : SURVIVE
3 : to proceed without being discovered, criticized, or punished
Main Entry: get down
Date: 1757
intransitive senses
1 : to alight especially from a vehicle : DESCEND
2 : to give one's attention or consideration -- used with to <get down to business>
transitive senses
1 : to cause to be physically, mentally, or emotionally exhausted : DEPRESS <the weather was getting her down>
2 : to manage to swallow
3 : to commit to writing : DESCRIBE
Main Entry: get in
Date: circa 1533
intransitive senses
1 a : ENTER b : ARRIVE
2 a : to become friendly b : to become involved
3 : to become accepted for membership or chosen for office
transitive senses
1 : to succeed in doing, making, or delivering
2 : to include in one's schedule
3 : INVOLVE 2a, b
Main Entry: get off
Date: 1640
intransitive senses
1 : to avoid the most serious consequences of a dangerous situation or punishment <got off with a light sentence>
2 : START, LEAVE <got off on the trip early>
3 : to leave work with permission or as scheduled
4 : to get high on a drug
5 : to experience orgasm
6 : to experience great pleasure -- often used with on
transitive senses
1 : to secure the release of or procure a modified penalty for <his lawyers got him off>
2 a : UTTER <get off a joke> b : to write and send
3 : to succeed in doing, making, or delivering
4 : to cause to get off
Main Entry: get on
Function: intransitive verb
Date: 1816
1 : GET ALONG <was getting on in years> <got on well with the boss> <get on with the game>
2 : to gain knowledge or understanding <got on to the racket>
Main Entry: get out
Date: 14th century
intransitive senses
1 : LEAVE, ESCAPE <doubted that he would get out alive>
2 : to become known : leak out <their secret got out>
transitive senses
1 : to cause to leave or escape
2 : to bring before the public; especially : PUBLISH
Main Entry: get round
Function: intransitive verb
Date: 1748
: GET AROUND
Main Entry: get through
Function: intransitive verb
Date: 1694
1 : to reach a destination
2 : to gain approval or a desired outcome
3 a : to make something clear b : to complete a communications connection
Main Entry: get up
Date: 14th century
intransitive senses
1 a : to arise from bed b : to rise to one's feet c : CLIMB, ASCEND
2 : to go ahead or faster -- used in the imperative as a command especially to driven animals
transitive senses
1 : to make preparations for : ORGANIZE <got up a party for the newcomers>
2 : to arrange as to external appearance : DRESS
3 : to acquire a knowledge of
4 : to create in oneself <cannot get up the courage to tell them>
Main Entry: ¹give
Pronunciation: 'giv
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): gave /'gAv/; giv·en /'gi-v&n/; giv·ing
Etymology: Middle English, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Swedish giva to give; akin to Old English giefan, gifan to give, and perhaps to Latin habEre to have, hold
Date: 13th century
transitive senses
1 : to make a present of <give a doll to a child>
2 a : to grant or bestow by formal action <the law gives citizens the right to vote> b : to accord or yield to another <gave him her confidence>
3 a : to put into the possession of another for his use b (1) : to administer as a sacrament (2) : to administer as a medicine c : to commit to another as a trust or responsibility and usually for an expressed reason d : to transfer from one's authority or custody <the sheriff gave the prisoner to the warden> e : to execute and deliver <all employees must give bond> f : to convey to another <give them my regards>
4 a : to offer to the action of another : PROFFER <gave her his hand> b : to yield (oneself) to a man in sexual intercourse
5 a : to present in public performance <give a concert> b : to present to view or observation <gave the signal to start>
6 : to provide by way of entertainment <give a party>
7 : to propose as a toast
8 a : to designate as a share or portion : ALLOT <all the earth to thee and to thy race I give -- John Milton> b : to make assignment of (a name) c : to set forth as an actual or hypothetical datum <give the dimensions of the room> d : to attribute in thought or utterance : ASCRIBE <gave the credit to you>
9 a : to yield as a product, consequence, or effect : PRODUCE <cows give milk> <84 divided by 12 gives 7> b : to bring forth : BEAR
10 a : to yield possession of by way of exchange : PAY b : to dispose of for a price : SELL
11 a : to deliver by some bodily action <gave him a push> b : to carry out (as a bodily movement) <gave a cynical smile> c : to inflict as punishment d : to award by formal verdict <judgment was given against the plaintiff>
12 : to offer for consideration, acceptance, or use <gives no reason for his absence>
13 a : to suffer the loss of : SACRIFICE b : to offer as appropriate or due especially to something higher or more worthy <gave his spirit to God> c : to apply freely or fully : DEVOTE <gave themselves to their work> d : to offer as a pledge 
14 a : to cause one to have or receive <mountains always gave him pleasure> b : to cause a person to catch by contagion, infection, or exposure
15 a : to allow one to have or take <give me time> b : to lead or attempt to lead -- used with an infinitive <you gave me to understand you'd be late>
16 : to care to the extent of <didn't give a hang>
intransitive senses
1 : to make gifts or presents
2 a : to yield to physical force or strain b : to collapse from the application of force or pressure c : to undergo or submit to change <for the strike to be settled, something has to give>
3 : to afford a view or passage : OPEN
4 : to enter wholeheartedly into an activity
5 slang : GO ON, HAPPEN <wants to know what gives>
- give a good account of : to acquit (oneself) well
- give birth : to have a baby <gave birth last Thursday>
- give birth to 1 : to produce as offspring <gave birth to a son> 2 : to be the source of
- give chase : to set off in pursuit
- give ground : to withdraw before superior force : RETREAT
- give of : to make available : provide generously <freely gave of their time>
- give or take : as an estimate accurate within (an amount to be added or subtracted)
- give place to : to be replaced or succeeded by <optimism gave place to worry>
- give rise to : to be the cause or source of : PRODUCE
- give the gun : to open the throttle of : speed up
- give the lie to 1 : to accuse of falsehood 2 : to show to be false, inaccurate, or invalid
- give tongue of hounds : to begin barking on the scent
- give way 1 a : RETREAT b : to yield the right of way 2 : to yield oneself without restraint or control 3 a : to yield to or as if to physical stress b : to yield to entreaty or insistence 4 : to yield place 5 : to begin to row
synonyms GIVE, PRESENT, DONATE, BESTOW, CONFER, AFFORD mean to convey to another as a possession. GIVE, the general term, is applicable to any passing over of anything by any means <give alms> <gave her a ride on a pony> <give my love to your mother>. PRESENT carries a note of formality and ceremony <present an award>. DONATE is likely to imply a publicized giving (as to charity) <donate a piano to the orphanage>. BESTOW implies the conveying of something as a gift and may suggest condescension on the part of the giver <bestow unwanted advice>. CONFER implies a gracious giving (as of a favor or honor) <confer an honorary degree>. AFFORD implies a giving or bestowing usually as a natural or legitimate consequence of the character of the giver <the trees afford shade> <a development that affords us some hope>.
Main Entry: give away
Function: transitive verb
Date: 14th century
1 : to make a present of
2 : to deliver (a bride) ceremonially to the bridegroom at a wedding
3 a : BETRAY b : DISCLOSE, REVEAL
4 : to give (as weight) by way of a handicap
Main Entry: give back
Date: 1548
intransitive senses : RETIRE, RETREAT
transitive senses : to send in return or reply : RESTORE, RETURN
Main Entry: give in
Date: 1602
transitive senses : DELIVER, SUBMIT <gave in his resignation>
intransitive senses : to yield under insistence or entreaty : SURRENDER
Main Entry: give off
Date: 1831
transitive senses
1 : to send out as a branch
2 : EMIT <gave off an unpleasant smell>
intransitive senses : to branch off
Main Entry: give out
Date: 14th century
transitive senses
1 a : DECLARE, PUBLISH <giving out that the doctor ... required a few days of complete rest -- Charles Dickens> b : to read aloud the words of (a hymn or psalm) for congregational singing
2 : EMIT <gave out a constant hum>
3 : ISSUE <gave out new uniforms>
intransitive senses
1 : BREAK DOWN, FAIL
2 : to become exhausted : COLLAPSE
Main Entry: give over
Date: 14th century
transitive senses
1 : CEASE
2 : ENTRUST
3 a : to yield without restraint or control : ABANDON <gave themselves over to laughter> b : to set apart for a particular purpose or use
4 archaic : to pronounce incurable
intransitive senses, British : to cease an activity : STOP <told him to give over and let me alone -- Brendan Behan>
Main Entry: give up
Date: 13th century
transitive senses
1 : to yield control or possession of : SURRENDER <forced to give up his job>
2 : to desist from : ABANDON <refused to give up her efforts>
3 : to declare incurable or insoluble
4 a : to abandon (oneself) to a particular feeling, influence, or activity <gave himself up to despair> b : to devote to a particular purpose or use
5 : to despair of seeing <we'd given you up>
6 : to allow (a hit or run in baseball) while pitching
intransitive senses : to cease doing or attempting something especially as an admission of defeat : QUIT -- often used with on <don't give up on the project>
- give up the ghost : to cease to live or function : DIE
Main Entry: ¹go
Pronunciation: 'gO
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): went /'went/; gone /'gon also 'gän/; go·ing /'gO-i[ng], 'go(-)i[ng]; "going to" in sense 13 is often 'gO&-n& or 'go-n& or 'g&-n&/; goes /'gOz/
Etymology: Middle English gon, from Old English gAn; akin to Old High German gAn to go, Greek kichanein to reach, attain
Date: before 12th century
intransitive senses
1 : to move on a course : PROCEED <go slow> <went by train> -- compare STOP
2 : to move out of or away from a place expressed or implied : LEAVE, DEPART <went from school to the party> <going away for vacation>
3 a : to take a certain course or follow a certain procedure <reports go through channels to the president> b : to pass by means of a process like journeying <the message went by wire> c : to proceed without delay and often in a thoughtless or reckless manner -- used especially to intensify a complementary verb <why did you go and spoil it> <go jump in a lake> d (1) : to extend from point to point or in a certain direction <the road goes to the lake> (2) : to give access : LEAD <that door goes to the cellar>
4 obsolete : WALK
5 : to be habitually in a certain state or condition <go bareheaded>
6 a : to become lost, consumed, or spent <our time has gone> b : DIE c : to slip away : ELAPSE <the evening went quickly> d : to come to be given up or discarded <these slums have to go> e : to pass by sale <went for a good price> f : to become impaired or weakened <his hearing started to go> g : to give way especially under great force or pressure : BREAK <the roof went>
7 a : to move along in a specified manner : FARE <everything was going well> b : to be in general or on an average <cheap, as yachts go> c : to be or become especially as the result of a contest <the election went in her favor> d : to turn out well : SUCCEED <worked hard to make the party go>
8 a : to apply oneself <went to work> b : to put or subject oneself <went to unnecessary expense> c chiefly Southern & Midland : INTEND 
9 : to have recourse to another for corroboration, vindication, or decision : RESORT <go to court to recover damages>
10 a : to begin an action or motion <here goes> b : to maintain or perform a certain action or motion <still going strong> c : to function in the proper or expected manner : RUN <the motor won't go>
11 : to be known <goes by an alias>
12 a : to act in accordance or harmony <a good rule to go by> b : to come to be determined <dreams go by contraries> c : to come to be applied or appropriated <all proceeds go to charity> d : to pass by award, assignment, or lot <the prize went to a sophomore> e (1) : to contribute to an end or result <qualities that go to make a hero> (2) : to be of advantage <has a lot going for her>
13 : to be about, intending, or expecting something -- used in a progressive tense before an infinitive <is going to leave town>
14 a : EXTEND <his knowledge fails to go very deep> b : to come or arrive at a certain state or condition <go to sleep> c : to come to be : BECOME <the tire went flat> -- often used to express conversion to specified values or a specified state <gone Hollywood> <go condo> d : to undergo a change <leaves go from green to red>
15 a : to be in phrasing or expression : READ <as the story goes> b : to be capable of being sung or played <the tune goes like this>
16 : to be compatible, suitable, or becoming : HARMONIZE <the tie goes with his suit>
17 a : to be capable of passing, extending, or being contained or inserted <will these clothes go in your suitcase> b : to have a usual or proper place or position : BELONG <these books go on the top shelf>
18 : to have a tendency : CONDUCE <it goes to show>
19 a (1) : to carry authority <what she said went> (2) : to be acceptable, satisfactory, or adequate <anything goes here> b : to hold true : be valid <the rule goes for you, too>
20 : to empty the bladder or bowels
transitive senses
1 : to proceed along or according to : FOLLOW <if I were going his way> <went the conventional route>
2 : to travel through or along : TRAVERSE <went the length of the street>
3 a : to make a wager of : BET <go a dollar on the outcome> b : to make an offer of : BID <willing to go $50 for the clock>
4 a : to assume the function or obligation of <promised to go bail for his friend> b : to participate to the extent of <decided to go halves on the winnings>
5 : YIELD, WEIGH <this fish goes ten pounds>
6 a : to put up with : TOLERATE <couldn't go the noise> b : AFFORD <can't go the price> c : ENJOY 
7 a : to cause (a characteristic sound) to occur <the gun went bang> b : SAY -- used chiefly in oral narration of speech
8 : to engage in <don't go telling everyone>
9 of a sports team or player : to have a record of <went 11-0 last season>
- go·er /'gO(-&)r/ noun
- go about : to set about
- go after : to try to get : SEEK
- go all the way 1 : to enter into complete agreement 2 : to engage in sexual intercourse
- go at 1 a : to make an attack on b : to make an approach to 2 : UNDERTAKE
- go back on 1 : ABANDON 2 : BETRAY 3 : FAIL
- go begging : to be in little demand
- go by the board 1 : to be carried over a ship's side 2 : to be discarded
- go down the line : to give wholehearted support
- go easy : to be sparing <go easy with the sugar> <go easy on the kid>
- go fly a kite : to stop being an annoyance or disturbance <told him to go fly a kite>
- go for 1 : to pass for or serve as 2 : to try to secure or attain (as a goal) <go for the prize> 3 a : FAVOR, ACCEPT <cannot go for your idea> b : to have an interest in or liking for <she went for him in a big way -- Chandler Brossard> 4 : ATTACK, ASSAIL <my dog went for the intruder>
- go for broke : to put forth all one's strength or resources
- go great guns : to achieve great success
- go hang : to cease to be of interest or concern
- go into : to be contained in <5 goes into 60 12 times>
- go it 1 : to behave in a reckless, excited, or impromptu manner 2 : to proceed in a rapid or furious manner 3 : to conduct one's affairs : ACT <insists on going it alone>
- go missing chiefly British : to become lost : DISAPPEAR
- go one better : OUTDO, SURPASS
- go over 1 : EXAMINE 2 a : REPEAT b : STUDY, REVIEW
- go places : to be on the way to success
- go public 1 of a close corporation : to offer shares for sale to the general public 2 : to make a public disclosure
- go steady : to date one person exclusively and frequently
- go the vole : to risk all for great gains
- go through 1 : to subject to thorough examination, consideration, or study 2 : EXPERIENCE, UNDERGO 3 : CARRY OUT, PERFORM <went through his work in a daze>
- go to bat for : to give active support or assistance to : DEFEND, CHAMPION
- go to bed with : to have sexual intercourse with
- go to one's head 1 : to cause one to become confused, excited, or dizzy 2 : to cause one to become conceited or overconfident
- go to pieces : to become shattered (as in nerves or health)
- go to the mat : to make an all-out combative effort (as in support of a position)
- go to town 1 : to work or act rapidly or efficiently 2 : to be markedly successful 3 : to indulge oneself excessively
- go with 1 : DATE 2 : CHOOSE 2 <went with an iron off the tee>
- go without saying : to be self-evident
- go with the flow : CONFORM 2b
- to go 1 : still remaining <ten minutes to go> 2 of prepared food : sold for consumption off the premises
Main Entry: go along
Function: intransitive verb
Date: 1602
1 : to move along : PROCEED
2 : to go or travel as a companion
3 : to act in cooperation or express agreement <go along with the crowd>
Main Entry: go around
Function: intransitive verb
Date: circa 1520
1 a : to pass from place to place : go here and there b : to have currency : CIRCULATE <an amusing story is going around>
2 : to satisfy demand : fill the need <not enough jobs to go around>
Main Entry: go by
Function: intransitive verb
Date: 1508
: PASS 3b <as time goes by>
Main Entry: go down
Function: intransitive verb
Date: 14th century
1 a : to go below the horizon : SET <the sun went down> b : to fall to or as if to the ground <the plane went down in flames> c : to become submerged : SINK <the ship went down with all hands>
2 : to admit of being swallowed <the medicine went down easily>
3 a : to find acceptance <will the plan go down with the farmers> b : to come to be remembered especially in posterity <will he go down in history as a great president>
4 British : to leave a university
5 a : to undergo defeat or failure b chiefly British : to become incapacitated <went down with ... acute tonsillitis -- Helen Cathcart>
6 slang : to take place : HAPPEN
- go down on : to perform fellatio or cunnilingus on
Main Entry: go in
Function: intransitive verb
Date: 1812
1 : to make an approach (as in attacking)
2 a : to take part in a game or contest b : to call the opening bet in poker : STAY
3 of a celestial body : to become obscured by a cloud
4 : to form a union or alliance : JOIN -- often used with with <asked the rest of us to go in with them>
- go in for 1 : to give support to : ADVOCATE 2 : to have or show an interest in or a liking for 3 : to engage in : take part in
Main Entry: go off
Function: intransitive verb
Date: 1579
1 : EXPLODE
2 : to burst forth or break out suddenly or noisily
3 : to go forth, out, or away : LEAVE
4 : to undergo decline or deterioration
5 : to follow the expected or desired course : PROCEED <the party went off well>
6 : to make a characteristic noise : SOUND
- go off the deep end 1 : to enter recklessly on a course 2 : to become very much excited
Main Entry: go on
Function: intransitive verb
Date: 15th century
1 a : to continue on or as if on a journey <life goes on> <went on to greater things> b : to keep on : CONTINUE <went on smoking> c : PROCEED <went on to win the election>
2 : to take place : HAPPEN <what's going on>
3 : to talk especially in an effusive manner <the way people go on about their ancestors -- Hamilton Basso>
Main Entry: go out
Function: intransitive verb
Date: before 12th century
1 a : to go forth, abroad, or outdoors; specifically : to leave one's house b (1) : to take the field as a soldier (2) : to participate as a principal in a duel c : to travel as or as if a colonist or immigrant d : to work away from home
2 a : to come to an end b : to give up office : RESIGN c : to become obsolete or unfashionable d (1) : to play the last card of one's hand (2) : to reach or exceed the total number of points required for game in cards
3 : to take part in social activities
4 : to go on strike
5 : BREAK, COLLAPSE
6 : to become a candidate <went out for the football team>
Main Entry: go over
Function: intransitive verb
Date: 1645
1 : to go on a journey
2 : to become converted
3 : to receive approval : SUCCEED <his plan went over well>
Main Entry: go through
Function: intransitive verb
Date: 1513
1 : to continue firmly or obstinately to the end 
2 a : to receive approval or sanction : PASS b : to come to a desired or satisfactory conclusion
Main Entry: go to
Function: intransitive verb
Date: 15th century
1 archaic -- used interjectionally as an exhortation <and they said one to another, go to, let us make brick -- Gen 11:3 (Authorized Version)>
2 archaic -- used interjectionally to express disapproval or disbelief <go to, go to; you have known what you should not -- Shakespeare>
Main Entry: go under
Function: intransitive verb
Date: 1848
: to be overwhelmed, destroyed, or defeated : FAIL
Main Entry: go up
Function: intransitive verb
Date: 15th century
1 chiefly British : to attend a university
2 of an actor : to become confused
- go up in flames : BURN
- go up in smoke : to be destroyed by or as if by burning
Main Entry: ¹have
Pronunciation: 'hav, (h)&v, v; in "have to" meaning "must" usually 'haf
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): had /'had, (h)&d, d/; hav·ing /'ha-vi[ng]/; has /'haz, (h)&z, z, s; in "has to" meaning "must" usually 'has/
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English habban; akin to Old High German habEn to have, and perhaps to hevan to lift -- more at HEAVE
Date: before 12th century
transitive senses
1 a : to hold or maintain as a possession, privilege, or entitlement <they have a new car> b : to hold in one's use, service, regard, or at one's disposal <the group will have enough tickets for everyone> <we don't have time to stay> c : to hold, include, or contain as a part or whole <the car has power brakes> <April has 30 days>
2 : to feel obligation in regard to -- usually used with an infinitive with to <we have things to do> <have a deadline to meet>
3 : to stand in a certain relationship to <has three fine children> <we will have the wind at our backs>
4 a : to acquire or get possession of : OBTAIN <these shoes are the best to be had> b : RECEIVE <had news> c : ACCEPT; specifically : to accept in marriage d : to copulate with
5 a : to be marked or characterized by (a quality, attribute, or faculty) <both have red hair> <has a way with words> b : EXHIBIT, SHOW <had the gall to refuse> c : USE, EXERCISE <have mercy on us>
6 a : to experience especially by submitting to, undergoing, or suffering b : to make the effort to perform (an action) or engage in (an activity) <have a look at that cut> c : to entertain in the mind <have an opinion>
7 a : to cause or command to do something -- used with the infinitive without to <have the children stay> b : to cause to be in a certain place or state <has people around at all times>
8 : ALLOW <we'll have no more of that>
9 : to be competent in <has only a little French>
10 a : to hold in a position of disadvantage or certain defeat <we have him now> b : to take advantage of : TRICK, FOOL <been had by a partner>
11 : BEGET, BEAR <have a baby>
12 : to partake of <have dinner> <have a smoke>
13 : BRIBE, SUBORN <can be had for a price>
verbal auxiliary
1 -- used with the past participle to form the present perfect, past perfect, or future perfect <has gone home> <had already eaten> <will have finished dinner by then>
2 : to be compelled, obliged, or required -- used with an infinitive with to or to alone <we had to go> <do what you have to> <it has to be said>
- had better or had best : would be wise to
- have at : to go at or deal with : ATTACK
- have coming : to deserve or merit what one gets, benefits by, or suffers <he had that coming>
- have done : FINISH, STOP
- have done with : to bring to an end : have no further concern with <let us have done with name-calling>
- have had it 1 : to have had or have done all one is going to be allowed to 2 : to have experienced, endured, or suffered all one can
- have it : ASSERT, CLAIM <rumor has it that he was drunk>
- have it in for : to intend to do harm to
- have it out : to settle a matter of contention by discussion or a fight
- have none of : to refuse to have anything to do with
- have one's eye on 1 a : to look at b : to watch constantly and attentively 2 : to have as an objective
- have to do with 1 : to deal with <the story has to do with real people -- Alice M. Jordan> 2 : to have a specified relationship with or effect on <the size of the brain has nothing to do with intelligence -- Ruth Benedict>
Main Entry: ¹help
Pronunciation: 'help; Southern often 'hep also 'he&p
Function: verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English helpan; akin to Old High German helfan to help, and perhaps to Lithuanian selpti
Date: before 12th century
transitive senses
1 : to give assistance or support to <help a child with homework>
2 a : to make more pleasant or bearable : IMPROVE, RELIEVE <bright curtains will help the room> <took an aspirin to help her headache> b archaic : RESCUE, SAVE
3 a : to be of use to : BENEFIT b : to further the advancement of : PROMOTE
4 a : to change for the better b : to refrain from : AVOID c : to keep from occurring : PREVENT <they couldn't help the accident> d : to restrain (oneself) from doing something <knew they shouldn't go but couldn't help themselves>
5 : to serve with food or drink especially at a meal <told the guests to help themselves>
6 : to appropriate something for (oneself) <helped himself to the car keys>
intransitive senses
1 : give assistance or support -- often used with out
2 : to be of use or benefit
synonym see IMPROVE
- so help me : upon my word : believe it or not
Main Entry: can·not
Pronunciation: 'ka-(")nät; k&-'nät, ka-'
Date: 15th century
: can not
- cannot but or cannot help but also cannot help : to be unable to do otherwise than
Main Entry: ¹hold
Pronunciation: 'hOld
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): held /'held/; hold·ing
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English healdan; akin to Old High German haltan to hold, and perhaps to Latin celer rapid, Greek klonos agitation
Date: before 12th century
transitive senses
1 a : to have possession or ownership of or have at one's disposal <holds property worth millions> <the bank holds the title to the car> b : to have as a privilege or position of responsibility <hold a professorship> c : to have as a mark of distinction <holds the record for the 100-yard dash> <holds a PhD>
2 : to keep under restraint <hold price increases to a minimum>: as a : to prevent free expression of <hold your temper> b : to prevent from some action <ordered the troops to hold fire> <the only restraining motive which may hold the hand of a tyrant -- Thomas Jefferson> c : to keep back from use <ask them to hold a room for us> <I'll have a hot dog, and hold the mustard> d : to delay temporarily the handling of <please hold all my calls>
3 : to make liable or accountable or bound to an obligation <I'll hold you to your promise>
4 a : to have or maintain in the grasp <hold my hand> <this is how you hold the racket>; also : AIM, POINT <held a gun on them> b : to support in a particular position or keep from falling or moving <hold me up so I can see> <hold the ladder steady> <a clamp holds the whole thing together> <hold your head up> c : to bear the pressure of : SUPPORT <can the roof hold all of that weight>
5 : to prevent from leaving or getting away <hold the train>: as a : to avoid emitting or letting out <how long can you hold your breath> b : to restrain as or as if a captive <the suspect was held without bail> <held them at gunpoint>; also : to have strong appeal to <the book held my interest throughout>
6 a : to enclose and keep in a container or within bounds : CONTAIN <the jug holds one gallon> <this corral will not hold all of the horses> b : to be able to consume easily or without undue effect <can't hold any more pie>; especially : to be able to drink (alcoholic beverages) without becoming noticeably drunk <can't hold your liquor> c : ACCOMMODATE <the restaurant holds 400 diners> d : to have as a principal or essential feature or attribute <the book holds a number of surprises>; also : to have in store <no one knows what the future holds>
7 a : to have in the mind or express as a judgment, opinion, or belief <hold a grudge> <holding that it is nobody's business but his -- Jack Olsen> -- often used with against <in America they hold everything you say against you -- Paul McCartney> b : to think of in a particular way : REGARD <were held in high esteem>
8 a : to assemble for and carry on the activity of <held a convention> b : to cause to be carried on : CONDUCT <will hold a seminar> c : to produce or sponsor especially as a public exhibition <will hold an art show>
9 a : to maintain occupation, control, or defense of <the troops held the ridge>; also : to resist the offensive efforts or advance of <held the opposing team to just two points> b : to maintain (a certain condition, situation, or course of action) without change <hold a course due east>
10 : to cover (a part of the body) especially for protection <had to hold their ears because of the cold>
intransitive senses
1 a : to maintain position : refuse to give ground <the defensive line is holding> b : to continue in the same way or to the same degree : LAST <hopes the weather will hold> -- often used with up
2 : to derive right or title -- often used with of or from
3 : to be or remain valid : APPLY <the rule holds in most cases> -- often used in the phrase hold true
4 : to maintain a grasp on something : remain fastened to something <the anchor held in the rough sea>
5 : to go ahead as one has been going <held south for several miles>
6 : to bear or carry oneself <asked him to hold still>
7 : to forbear an intended or threatened action : HALT, PAUSE -- often used as a command
8 : to stop counting during a countdown
9 slang : to have illicit drug material in one's possession
synonym see CONTAIN
- hold a candle to : to qualify for comparison with
- hold court : to be the center of attention among friends or admirers
- hold forth : to speak at length : EXPATIATE
- hold hands : to engage one's hand with another's especially as an expression of affection
- hold one's horses : to slow down or stop for a moment -- usually used in the imperative
- hold one's own : to do well in the face of difficulty or opposition
- hold one's tongue : to keep silent
- hold sway : to have a dominant influence : RULE
- hold the bag 1 : to be left empty-handed 2 : to bear alone a responsibility that should have been shared by others
- hold the fort 1 : to maintain a firm position 2 : to take care of usual affairs <is holding the fort until the manager returns>
- hold the line : to maintain the current position or situation <hold the line on prices>
- hold to : to give firm assent to : adhere to strongly <holds to his promise>
- hold to account : to hold responsible
- hold water : to stand up under criticism or analysis
- hold with : to agree with or approve of
Main Entry: hold back
Date: 1535
transitive senses
1 : to hinder the progress or achievement of : RESTRAIN
2 : to refrain from revealing or parting with
intransitive senses
1 : to keep oneself in check
2 : to refrain from revealing or parting with something
Main Entry: hold down
Function: transitive verb
Date: 1533
1 : to keep within limits <hold the noise down>
2 : to assume the responsibility for <holding down two jobs>
Main Entry: hold off
Date: 15th century
transitive senses
1 : to block from an objective : DELAY
2 : to defer action on : POSTPONE
3 : to fight to a standoff : WITHSTAND
intransitive senses : to defer or temporarily stop doing something
Main Entry: hold on
Function: intransitive verb
Date: 13th century
1 a : to maintain a condition or position : PERSIST b : to maintain a grasp on something : HANG ON
2 : to await something (as a telephone connection) desired or requested; broadly : WAIT
- hold on to : to maintain possession of or adherence to
Main Entry: hold out
Date: 1585
intransitive senses
1 : to remain unsubdued or operative : continue to cope or function
2 : to refuse to go along with others in a concerted action or to come to an agreement <holding out for a shorter workweek>
transitive senses
1 : to present as something realizable : PROFFER
2 : to represent to be
- hold out on : to withhold something (as information) from
Main Entry: hold over
Date: 1647
intransitive senses : to continue (as in office) for a prolonged period
transitive senses
1 a : POSTPONE, DEFER b : to retain in a condition or position from an earlier period
2 : to prolong the engagement of <the film was held over another week>
Main Entry: hold up
Date: 1851
transitive senses
1 : to rob at gunpoint
2 : DELAY, IMPEDE
3 : to call attention to : single out <his work was held up to ridicule> <hold this up as perfection -- Times Literary Supplement>
intransitive senses : to continue in the same condition without failing or losing effectiveness or force <you seem to be holding up under the strain>
Main Entry: im·pose
Pronunciation: im-'pOz
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): im·posed; im·pos·ing
Etymology: Middle French imposer, from Latin imponere, literally, to put upon (perfect indicative imposui), from in- + ponere to put -- more at POSITION
Date: 1581
transitive senses
1 a : to establish or apply by authority <impose a tax> <impose new restrictions> <impose penalties> b : to establish or bring about as if by force <those limits imposed by our own inadequacies -- C. H. Plimpton>
2 a : PLACE, SET b : to arrange (as pages) in the proper order for printing
3 : PASS OFF <impose fake antiques on the public>
4 : to force into the company or on the attention of another <impose oneself on others>
intransitive senses : to take unwarranted advantage of something <imposed on his good nature>
- im·pos·er noun
Main Entry: ¹keep
Pronunciation: 'kEp
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): kept /'kept/; keep·ing
Etymology: Middle English kepen, from Old English cEpan; perhaps akin to Old High German chapfEn to look
Date: before 12th century
transitive senses
1 : to take notice of by appropriate conduct : FULFILL: as a : to be faithful to <keep a promise> b : to act fittingly in relation to <keep the Sabbath> c : to conform to in habits or conduct <keep late hours> d : to stay in accord with (a beat) <keep time>
2 : PRESERVE, MAINTAIN: as a : to watch over and defend <keep us from harm> b (1) : to take care of : TEND <keep a garden> (2) : SUPPORT (3) : to maintain in a good, fitting, or orderly condition -- usually used with up c : to continue to maintain <keep watch> d (1) : to cause to remain in a given place, situation, or condition <keep him waiting> (2) : to preserve (food) in an unspoiled condition e : to have or maintain in one's service or at one's disposal <keep a mistress> -- often used with on <kept the cook on>; also : to lodge or feed for pay <keep boarders> f (1) : to maintain a record in <keep a diary> (2) : to enter in a book <keep records> g : to have customarily in stock for sale
3 a : to restrain from departure or removal : DETAIN <keep children in after school> b : HOLD BACK, RESTRAIN <keep them from going> <kept him back with difficulty> c : SAVE, RESERVE <keep some for later> <kept some out for a friend> d : to refrain from revealing <keep a secret>
4 a : to retain in one's possession or power <kept the money we found> b : to refrain from granting, giving, or allowing <kept the news back> c : to have in control <keep your temper>
5 : to confine oneself to <keep my room>
6 a : to stay or continue in <keep the path> <keep your seat> b : to stay or remain on or in usually against opposition : HOLD <kept her ground>
7 : CONDUCT, MANAGE <keep a tearoom>
intransitive senses
1 chiefly British : LIVE, LODGE
2 a : to maintain a course, direction, or progress <keep to the right> b : to continue usually without interruption <keep talking> <keep quiet> <keep on smiling> c : to persist in a practice <kept bothering them> <kept on smoking in spite of warnings>
3 : STAY, REMAIN <keep out of the way> <keep off the grass>: as a : to stay even -- usually used with up <keep up with the Joneses> b : to remain in good condition <meat will keep in the freezer> c : to remain secret <the secret would keep> d : to call for no immediate action <the matter will keep until morning>
4 : ABSTAIN, REFRAIN <can't keep from talking>
5 : to be in session <school will keep through the winter -- W. M. Thayer>
6 of a quarterback : to retain possession of a football especially after faking a handoff
- keep an eye on : WATCH
- keep at : to persist in doing or concerning oneself with
- keep company : to go together as frequent companions or in courtship
- keep house : to manage a household
- keep one's distance or keep at a distance : to stay aloof : maintain a reserved attitude
- keep one's eyes open or keep one's eyes peeled : to be on the alert : be watchful
- keep one's hand in : to keep in practice
- keep pace : to stay even also : KEEP UP
- keep step : to keep in step
- keep to 1 a : to stay in b : to limit oneself to 2 : to abide by
- keep to oneself 1 : to keep secret <kept the facts to myself> 2 : to remain solitary or apart from other people
synonyms KEEP, OBSERVE, CELEBRATE, COMMEMORATE mean to notice or honor a day, occasion, or deed. KEEP stresses the idea of not neglecting or violating <kept the Sabbath by refraining from work>. OBSERVE suggests marking the occasion by ceremonious performance <not all holidays are observed nationally>. CELEBRATE suggests acknowledging an occasion by festivity <traditionally celebrates Thanksgiving with a huge dinner>. COMMEMORATE suggests that an occasion is marked by observances that remind one of the origin and significance of the day <commemorate Memorial Day with the laying of wreaths>.
synonyms KEEP, RETAIN, DETAIN, WITHHOLD, RESERVE mean to hold in one's possession or under one's control. KEEP may suggest a holding securely in one's possession, custody, or control <keep this while I'm gone>. RETAIN implies continued keeping, especially against threatened seizure or forced loss <managed to retain their dignity even in poverty>. DETAIN suggests a delay in letting go <detained them for questioning>. WITHHOLD implies restraint in letting go or a refusal to let go <withheld information from the authorities>. RESERVE suggests a keeping in store for future use <reserve some of your energy for the last mile>.
Main Entry: keep back
Function: intransitive verb
Date: 1837
: to refrain from approaching or advancing near something <police asked the spectators to keep back>
Main Entry: keep down
Function: transitive verb
Date: 1581
1 : to keep in control <keep expenses down>
2 : to prevent from growing, advancing, or succeeding
Main Entry: keep up
Date: 15th century
transitive senses : to persist or persevere in <kept up the good work>; also : MAINTAIN, SUSTAIN <keep standards up>
intransitive senses
1 : to keep adequately informed or up-to-date <keep up on international affairs>
2 : to continue without interruption <rain kept up all night>
3 : to maintain contact or relations with <keep up with old friends>
Main Entry: ¹kind
Pronunciation: 'kInd
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English kinde, from Old English cynd; akin to Old English cynn kin
Date: before 12th century
1 a archaic : NATURE b archaic : FAMILY, LINEAGE
2 archaic : MANNER
3 : fundamental nature or quality : ESSENCE
4 a : a group united by common traits or interests : CATEGORY b : a specific or recognized variety <what kind of car do you drive> c : a doubtful or barely admissible member of a category <a kind of gray>
5 a : goods or commodities as distinguished from money <payment in kind> b : the equivalent of what has been offered or received
synonym see TYPE
- all kinds of 1 : MANY <likes all kinds of sports> 2 : plenty of <has all kinds of time>
Main Entry: kind of
Function: adverb
Date: 1775
1 : to a moderate degree : SOMEWHAT <it's kind of late to begin>
2 : in a way that approximates : MORE OR LESS <kind of sneaked up on us>
Main Entry: ¹lay
Pronunciation: 'lA
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): laid /'lAd/; lay·ing
Etymology: Middle English leyen, from Old English lecgan; akin to Old English licgan to lie -- more at LIE
Date: before 12th century
transitive senses
1 : to beat or strike down with force
2 a : to put or set down b : to place for rest or sleep; especially : BURY
3 : to bring forth and deposit (an egg)
4 : CALM, ALLAY <lay the dust>
5 : BET, WAGER
6 : to press down giving a smooth and even surface
7 a : to dispose or spread over or on a surface <lay track> <lay plaster> b : to set in order or position <lay a table for dinner> <lay brick> c : to put (strands) in place and twist to form a rope, hawser, or cable; also : to make by so doing <lay up rope>
8 a : to impose as a duty, burden, or punishment <lay a tax> b : to put as a burden of reproach <laid the blame on her> c : to advance as an accusation : IMPUTE <the disaster was laid to faulty inspection>
9 : to place (something immaterial) on something <lay stress on grammar>
10 : PREPARE, CONTRIVE <a well-laid plan>
11 a : to bring against or into contact with something : APPLY <laid the watch to his ear> b : to prepare or position for action or operation <lay a fire in the fireplace>; also : to adjust (a gun) to the proper direction and elevation
12 : to bring to a specified condition <lay waste the land>
13 a : ASSERT, ALLEGE <lay claim to an estate> b : to submit for examination and judgment <laid her case before the commission>
14 sometimes vulgar : to copulate with
intransitive senses
1 : to produce and deposit eggs
2 nonstandard : ¹LIE
3 : WAGER, BET
4 dialect : PLAN, PREPARE
5 a : to apply oneself vigorously <laid to his oars> b : to proceed to a specified place or position on a ship <lay aloft>
- lay on the table 1 : to remove (a parliamentary motion) from consideration indefinitely 2 British : to put (as legislation) on the agenda
usage LAY has been used intransitively in the sense of "lie" since the 14th century. The practice was unremarked until around 1770; attempts to correct it have been a fixture of schoolbooks ever since. Generations of teachers and critics have succeeded in taming most literary and learned writing, but intransitive lay persists in familiar speech and is a bit more common in general prose than one might suspect. Much of the problem lies in the confusing similarity of the principal parts of the two words. Another influence may be a folk belief that lie is for people and lay is for things. Some commentators are ready to abandon the distinction, suggesting that lay is on the rise socially. But if it does rise to respectability, it is sure to do so slowly: many people have invested effort in learning to keep lie and lay distinct. Remember that even though many people do use lay for lie, others will judge you unfavorably if you do.
Main Entry: lay away
Function: transitive verb
Date: circa 1928
: to put aside for future use or delivery
Main Entry: lay by
Function: transitive verb
Date: 15th century
1 : to lay aside : DISCARD
2 : to store for future use : SAVE
3 : to cultivate (as corn) for the last time
Main Entry: lay down
Date: 13th century
transitive senses
1 : to give up : SURRENDER <lay down your arms>
2 a : ESTABLISH, PRESCRIBE <lay down a scale for a map> b : to assert or command dogmatically <lay down the law>
3 : STORE, PRESERVE
4 a : to direct toward a target <lay down a barrage> b : to hit along the ground <laid down a sacrifice bunt>
intransitive senses, nonstandard : to lie down
Main Entry: lay in
Function: transitive verb
Date: 1579
: LAY BY, SAVE
Main Entry: lay off
Date: 1748
transitive senses
1 : to mark or measure off
2 : to cease to employ (a worker) often temporarily
3 of a bookie : to place all or part of (an accepted bet) with another bookie to reduce the risk
4 a : to leave undisturbed b : AVOID, QUIT <was advised to lay off smoking and alcohol>
intransitive senses
1 : to stop doing or taking something
2 : to leave one alone <wish you'd just lay off>
Main Entry: lay on
Date: 1600
transitive senses
1 a : to apply by or as if by spreading on a surface <laying it on thick> b : PROVIDE, ARRANGE <food laid on in abundance> c : HAND OUT <laid on awards>
2 chiefly British : HIRE
intransitive senses : ATTACK, BEAT
Main Entry: lay out
Function: transitive verb
Date: 15th century
1 : DISPLAY, EXHIBIT
2 : SPEND
3 a : to prepare (a corpse) for viewing b : to knock flat or unconscious
4 : to plan in detail <lay out a campaign>
5 : ARRANGE, DESIGN
6 : to mark (work) for drilling, machining, or filing
Main Entry: lay over
Date: 1838
transitive senses : POSTPONE
intransitive senses : to make a stopover
Main Entry: lay to
Date: 1796
intransitive senses : LIE TO
transitive senses : to bring (a ship) into the wind and hold stationary
Main Entry: lay up
Function: transitive verb
Date: 14th century
1 : to store up : LAY BY
2 : to disable or confine with illness or injury
3 : to take out of active service
Main Entry: ³let
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): let; let·ting
Etymology: Middle English leten, from Old English l[AE]tan; akin to Old High German lAzzan to permit, and perhaps to Lithuanian lenas tranquil
Date: before 12th century
transitive senses
1 : to cause to : MAKE <let me know>
2 a : to offer or grant for rent or lease <let rooms> b : to assign especially after bids <let a contract>
3 a : to give opportunity to or fail to prevent <live and let live> <a break in the clouds let us see the summit> <let the opportunity slip> b -- used in the imperative to introduce a request or proposal <let us pray> c -- used as an auxiliary to express a warning <let him try>
4 : to free from or as if from confinement <let out a scream> <let blood>
5 : to permit to enter, pass, or leave <let them through> <let them off with a warning>
6 : to make an adjustment to <let out the waist>
intransitive senses
1 : to become rented or leased
2 : to become awarded to a contractor
synonym see HIRE
- let alone : to leave undisturbed also : to leave to oneself
- let fly : to hurl an object
- let go : to dismiss from employment <the firm let him go at the end of the month>
- let it all hang out : to reveal one's true feelings : act without dissimulation
- let one have it : to subject to vigorous assault
- let rip 1 : to utter or release without restraint <let 'er rip> 2 : to do or utter something without restraint <let rip at the press>
- let the cat out of the bag : to give away a secret
Main Entry: let alone
Function: conjunction
Date: 1812
: to say nothing of : not to mention -- used to add an example of narrower range by way of contrast especially in negative contexts <believed that he would never walk again let alone play golf -- Sports Illus.> <great to read but bloody to speak, let alone sing -- Robertson Davies>
Main Entry: let down
Function: transitive verb
Date: 12th century
1 : to allow to descend gradually
2 a : to fail to support <felt her parents had let her down> b : to fall short of the expectations of <the plot lets you down at the end>
Main Entry: let on
Function: intransitive verb
Date: 1725
1 : to make acknowledgment : ADMIT <knows more than he lets on>
2 : to reveal a secret <nobody let on about the surprise party>
3 : PRETEND <let on to being a stranger>
Main Entry: let out
Function: intransitive verb
Date: 1888
: to conclude a session or performance <school let out in June>
Main Entry: let up
Function: intransitive verb
Date: 1787
1 a : to diminish or slow down : SLACKEN b : CEASE, STOP
2 : to become less severe -- used with on
Main Entry: ¹live
Pronunciation: 'liv
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): lived; liv·ing
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English libban; akin to Old High German lebEn to live
Date: before 12th century
intransitive senses
1 : to be alive : have the life of an animal or plant
2 : to continue alive
3 : to maintain oneself : SUBSIST
4 : to occupy a home : DWELL <living in a shabby room> <they had always lived in the country>
5 : to attain eternal life <though he die, yet shall he live -- John 11:25 (Revised Standard Version)>
6 : to conduct or pass one's life <lived only for his work>
7 : to remain in human memory or record <the past lives in us all -- W. R. Inge>
8 : to have a life rich in experience
9 : COHABIT
transitive senses
1 : to pass through or spend the duration of <lived their lives alone>
2 : ACT OUT, PRACTICE -- often used with out <to live out their fantasies>
3 : to exhibit vigor, gusto, or enthusiasm in <lived life to the fullest>
- live it up : to live with gusto and usually fast and loose <lived it up with wine and song -- Newsweek>
- live up to : to act or be in accordance with <had no intention of living up to his promise>
Main Entry: live down
Function: transitive verb
Date: 1842
: to live so as to wipe out the memory or effects of <made a mistake and couldn't live it down>
Main Entry: ¹look
Pronunciation: 'luk
Function: verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English lOcian; akin to Old Saxon lOcOn to look
Date: before 12th century
transitive senses
1 : to make sure or take care (that something is done)
2 : to ascertain by the use of one's eyes
3 a : to exercise the power of vision upon : EXAMINE b archaic : to search for
4 a : EXPECT, ANTICIPATE <we look to have a good year> b : to have in mind as an end <looking to win back some lost profits>
5 archaic : to bring into a place or condition by the exercise of the power of vision
6 : to express by the eyes or facial expression
7 : to have an appearance that befits or accords with
intransitive senses
1 a : to exercise the power of vision : SEE b : to direct one's attention <look upon the future with hope> c : to direct the eyes
2 : to have the appearance or likelihood of being : SEEM <it looks unlikely> <looks to be hard work>
3 : to have a specified outlook <the house looked east>
4 : to gaze in wonder or surprise : STARE
5 : to show a tendency <the evidence looks to acquittal>
synonym see EXPECT
- look after : to take care of
- look at : CONSIDER 1 <looking at the possibility of relocating>
- look down one's nose : to view something with arrogance, disdain, or disapproval
- look for : to await with hope or anticipation
- look forward : to anticipate with pleasure or satisfaction <looking forward to your visit>
- look into : EXPLORE 1a
- look the other way : to direct one's attention away from something unpleasant or troublesome
- look to 1 : to direct one's attention to <looking to the future> 2 : to rely upon <looks to reading for relaxation>
Main Entry: look down
Function: intransitive verb
Date: 14th century
1 : to be in a position that affords a downward view
2 : to regard with contempt : DESPISE -- used with on or upon
Main Entry: look out
Function: intransitive verb
Date: 1602
: to take care or concern oneself -- used with for <looking out for number one>
Main Entry: look over
Function: transitive verb
Date: 14th century
: to inspect or examine especially in a cursory way
Main Entry: look up
Date: 14th century
intransitive senses
1 : to cheer up <look up--things are not all bad>
2 : to improve in prospects or conditions <business is looking up>
transitive senses
1 : to search for in or as if in a reference work <look up a phone number>
2 : to seek out especially for a brief visit
Main Entry: ¹make
Pronunciation: 'mAk
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): made /'mAd/; mak·ing
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English macian; akin to Old High German mahhOn to prepare, make, Greek magEnai to be kneaded, Old Church Slavonic mazati to anoint, smear
Date: before 12th century
transitive senses
1 a obsolete : BEHAVE, ACT b : to seem to begin (an action) <made to go>
2 a : to cause to happen to or be experienced by someone <made trouble for us> b : to cause to exist, occur, or appear : CREATE <make a disturbance> c : to favor the growth or occurrence of <haste makes waste> d : to fit, intend, or destine by or as if by creating <was made to be an actor>
3 a : to bring into being by forming, shaping, or altering material : FASHION <make a dress> b : COMPOSE, WRITE <make verses> c : to lay out and construct <make a road>
4 : to frame or formulate in the mind <make plans>
5 : to put together from components : CONSTITUTE <houses made of stone>
6 a : to compute or estimate to be b : to form and hold in the mind <make no doubt of it>
7 a : to assemble and set alight the materials for (a fire) b : to set in order <make beds> c : PREPARE, FIX <make dinner> d : to shuffle (a deck of cards) in preparation for dealing
8 : to prepare (hay) by cutting, drying, and storing
9 a : to cause to be or become <made them happy> b : APPOINT <made him bishop>
10 a : ENACT, ESTABLISH <make laws> b : to execute in an appropriate manner <make a will> c : SET, NAME <make a price>
11 a chiefly dialect : SHUT <the doors are made against you -- Shakespeare> b : to cause (an electric circuit) to be completed
12 a : to conclude as to the nature or meaning of something <what do you make of this development?> b : to regard as being <not the fool some make him>
13 a : to carry out (an action indicated or implied by the object) <make war> <make a speech> b : to perform with a bodily movement <make a sweeping gesture> c : to achieve by traversing <make a detour> <making the rounds>
14 a : to produce as a result of action, effort, or behavior with respect to something <make a mess of the job> <tried to make a thorough job of it> b archaic : to turn into another language by translation
15 : to cause to act in a certain way : COMPEL <make her give it back>
16 : to cause or assure the success or prosperity of <can either make you or break you>
17 a : to amount to in significance <makes a great difference> b : to form the essential being of <clothes make the man> c : to form by an assembling of individuals <make a quorum> d : to count as <that makes the third time you've said it>
18 a : to be or be capable of being changed or fashioned into <rags make the best paper> b : to develop into <she will make a fine judge> c : FORM 6b
19 a : REACH, ATTAIN -- often used with it <you'll never make it that far>; also : SURVIVE <half the cubs won't make it through their first year> b : to gain the rank of <make major> c : to gain a place on or in <make the team> <the story made the papers>
20 : to gain (as money) by working, trading, or dealing <make a living>
21 a : to act so as to win or acquire <makes friends easily> b : to score (points) in a game or sport c : to convert (a split) into a spare in bowling
22 a : to fulfill (a contract) in a card game b : to win a trick with (a card)
23 a : to include in a route or itinerary <make New York on the return trip> <make it to the party> b : CATCH 6b <made the bus just in time>
24 : to persuade to consent to sexual intercourse : SEDUCE
25 : to provide the most enjoyable or satisfying experience of <meeting the star of the show really made our day>
intransitive senses
1 archaic : to compose poetry
2 a : BEHAVE, ACT b : to begin or seem to begin a certain action <made as though to hand it to me> c : to act so as to be or to seem to be <make merry> d slang : to play a part -- usually used with like
3 : SET OUT, HEAD <made after the fox> <made straight for home>
4 : to increase in height or size <the tide is making now>
5 : to reach or extend in a certain direction
6 : to have considerable effect <courtesy makes for safer driving>
7 : to undergo manufacture or processing <the silk makes up beautifully>
- make a face : to distort one's features : GRIMACE
- make a mountain out of a molehill : to treat a trifling matter as of great importance
- make away with 1 : to carry off : STEAL 2 : KILL
- make believe : PRETEND, FEIGN
- make bold : VENTURE, DARE
- make book : to accept bets at calculated odds on all the entrants in a race or contest
- make common cause : to unite to achieve a shared goal
- make do : to get along or manage with the means at hand
- make ends meet : to make one's means adequate to one's needs
- make eyes : OGLE
- make fun of : to make an object of amusement or laughter : RIDICULE, MOCK
- make good 1 : to make valid or complete: as a : to make up for (a deficiency) b : INDEMNIFY <make good the loss> c : to carry out successfully <made good his promise> <made good their escape> d : PROVE <made good a charge> 2 : to prove to be capable also : SUCCEED
- make hay : to make use of offered opportunity especially in gaining an early advantage
- make head 1 : to make progress especially against resistance 2 : to rise in armed revolt
- make it 1 : to be successful <trying to make it in the big time as a fashion photographer -- Joe Kane> <the crème brûlée didn't quite make it> 2 : to have sexual intercourse
- make light of : to treat as of little account
- make love 1 : WOO, COURT 2 a : NECK, PET b : to engage in sexual intercourse
- make much of 1 : to treat as of importance 2 : to treat with obvious affection or special consideration
- make no bones : to be straightforward, unhesitating, or sure <makes no bones about the seriousness of the matter>
- make one's mark : to achieve success or fame
- make public : DISCLOSE
- make sail 1 : to raise or spread sail 2 : to set out on a voyage
- make shift : to manage with difficulty
- make sport of : RIDICULE, MOCK
- make the grade : to measure up to some standard : be successful
- make the most of : to show or use to the best advantage
- make the scene : to be present at or participate in a usually specified activity or event
- make time 1 : to travel fast 2 : to gain time 3 : to make progress toward winning favor <trying to make time with the waitress>
- make tracks 1 : to proceed at a walk or run 2 : to go in a hurry : RUN AWAY, FLEE
- make use of : to put to use : EMPLOY
- make water 1 of a boat : LEAK 2 : URINATE
- make waves : to create a stir or disturbance
- make way 1 : to give room for passing, entering, or occupying 2 : to make progress
- make with slang : PRODUCE, PERFORM -- usually used with the
Main Entry: make off
Function: intransitive verb
Date: 1709
: to leave in haste
- make off with : to take away esp : GRAB, STEAL
Main Entry: make out
Date: 15th century
transitive senses
1 : to complete (as a printed form) by supplying required information <make out a check>
2 : to find or grasp the meaning of <tried to make out what had really happened>
3 : to form an opinion or idea about : CONCLUDE <how do you make that out>
4 a : to represent as being <made them out to be losers> b : to pretend to be true <made out that he had never heard of me>
5 : to represent or delineate in detail
6 : to see and identify with difficulty or effort : DISCERN <make out a ship through the fog>
intransitive senses
1 : GET ALONG, FARE <how are you making out with the new job>
2 a : to engage in sexual intercourse b : NECK 1
Main Entry: make over
Function: transitive verb
Date: 1546
1 : to transfer the title of (property)
2 : REMAKE, REMODEL <made the whole house over>
Main Entry: make up
Date: 14th century
transitive senses
1 a : to form by fitting together or assembling <make up a train of cars> b : to arrange typeset matter in (as pages) for printing
2 a : to combine to produce (a sum or whole) b : CONSTITUTE, COMPOSE <10 chapters make up this volume>
3 : to make good (a deficiency)
4 : SETTLE, DECIDE <made up my mind to depart>
5 : to wrap or fasten up <make the books up into a parcel>
6 a : to prepare in physical appearance for a role b : to apply cosmetics to
7 a : INVENT, IMPROVISE <make up a story> b : to set in order <rooms are made up daily>
intransitive senses
1 : to become reconciled <quarreled but later made up>
2 a : to act ingratiatingly and flatteringly <made up to his aunt for a new bicycle> b : to make advances : COURT
3 : COMPENSATE <make up for lost time>
4 a : to put on costumes or makeup (as for a play) b : to apply cosmetics
Main Entry: ¹meet
Pronunciation: 'mEt
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): met /'met/; meet·ing
Etymology: Middle English meten, from Old English mEtan; akin to Old English gemOt assembly -- more at MOOT
Date: before 12th century
transitive senses
1 a : to come into the presence of : FIND b : to come together with especially at a particular time or place <I'll meet you at the station> c : to come into contact or conjunction with : JOIN d : to appear to the perception of
2 : to encounter as antagonist or foe : OPPOSE
3 : to enter into conference, argument, or personal dealings with
4 : to conform to especially with exactitude and precision <a concept to meet all requirements>
5 : to pay fully : SETTLE
6 : to cope with <was able to meet every social situation>
7 : to provide for <enough money to meet our needs>
8 : to become acquainted with
9 : ENCOUNTER, EXPERIENCE
10 : to receive or greet in an official capacity
intransitive senses
1 a : to come face-to-face b : to come together for a common purpose : ASSEMBLE c : to come together as contestants, opponents, or enemies
2 : to form a junction or confluence <the lines meet in a point>
3 : to occur together
- meet·er noun
- meet halfway : to compromise with
- meet with : to be subjected to : ENCOUNTER <the proposal met with opposition>
Main Entry: ¹pay
Pronunciation: 'pA
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): paid /'pAd/; also in sense 7 payed; pay·ing
Etymology: Middle English, from Old French paier, from Latin pacare to pacify, from pac-, pax peace
Date: 13th century
transitive senses
1 a : to make due return to for services rendered or property delivered b : to engage for money : HIRE <you couldn't pay me to do that>
2 a : to give in return for goods or service <pay wages> b : to discharge indebtedness for : SETTLE <pay a bill> c : to make a disposal or transfer of (money)
3 : to give or forfeit in expiation or retribution <pay the penalty>
4 a : to make compensation for b : to requite according to what is deserved <pay them back>
5 : to give, offer, or make freely or as fitting <pay attention> <pay your respects>
6 a : to return value or profit to <it pays you to stay open> b : to bring in as a return <an investment paying five percent>
7 : to slacken (as a rope) and allow to run out -- used with out
intransitive senses
1 : to discharge a debt or obligation
2 : to be worth the expense or effort <crime doesn't pay>
3 : to suffer the consequences of an act
- pay one's dues 1 : to earn a right or position through experience, suffering, or hard work 2 also pay dues : PAY intransitive sense 3
- pay one's way or pay one's own way : to pay one's share of expenses
- pay the piper : to bear the cost of something
- pay through the nose : to pay exorbitantly or dearly
synonyms PAY, COMPENSATE, REMUNERATE, SATISFY, REIMBURSE, INDEMNIFY, REPAY, RECOMPENSE mean to give money or its equivalent in return for something. PAY implies the discharge of an obligation incurred <paid their bills on time>. COMPENSATE implies a making up for services rendered or help given <an attorney well compensated for her services>. REMUNERATE more clearly suggests paying for services rendered and may extend to payment that is generous or not contracted for <promised to remunerate the searchers handsomely>. SATISFY implies paying a person what is demanded or required by law <all creditors will be satisfied in full>. REIMBURSE implies a return of money that has been expended for another's benefit <reimbursed employees for expenses>. INDEMNIFY implies making good a loss suffered through accident, disaster, warfare <indemnified the families of the killed miners>. REPAY stresses paying back an equivalent in kind or amount <repay a favor with a favor>. RECOMPENSE suggests due return in amends, friendly repayment, or reward <hotel guests were recompensed for the inconvenience>.
Main Entry: pay off
Date: 1710
transitive senses
1 a : to give all due wages to; especially : to pay in full and discharge (an employee) b : to pay (a debt or a creditor) in full c : BRIBE
2 : to inflict retribution on
3 : to allow (a thread or rope) to run off a spool or drum
intransitive senses : to yield returns
Main Entry: pay up
Date: 15th century
intransitive senses : to pay what is due
transitive senses : to pay in full
Main Entry: ¹put
Pronunciation: 'put
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): put; put·ting
Etymology: Middle English putten; akin to Old English putung instigation, Middle Dutch poten to plant
Date: 12th century
transitive senses
1 a : to place in a specified position or relationship : LAY <put the book on the table> b : to move in a specified direction c (1) : to send (as a weapon or missile) into or through something : THRUST (2) : to throw with an overhand pushing motion <put the shot> d : to bring into a specified state or condition <a reapportionment... that was put into effect at the September primaries -- Current Biography>
2 a : to cause to endure or suffer something : SUBJECT <put traitors to death> b : IMPOSE, INFLICT <put a special tax on luxuries>
3 a : to set before one for judgment or decision <put the question> b : to call for a formal vote on <put the motion>
4 a (1) : to convey into another form <want to put my feelings into words> (2) : to translate into another language or style <put the poem into English> (3) : ADAPT <lyrics put to music> b : EXPRESS, STATE <putting it mildly>
5 a : to devote (oneself) to an activity or end <put himself to winning back their confidence> b : APPLY <put her mind to the problem> c : ASSIGN <put them to work> d : to cause to perform an action : URGE <put the horse over the fence> e : IMPEL, INCITE <put them into a frenzy>
6 a : REPOSE, REST <puts his faith in reason> b : INVEST <put her money in the company>
7 a : to give as an estimate <put the time as about eleven> b : ATTACH, ATTRIBUTE <puts a high value on their friendship> c : IMPUTE <put the blame on the partners>
8 : BET, WAGER <put $2 on the favorite>
intransitive senses
1 : to start in motion : GO; especially : to leave in a hurry
2 of a ship : to take a specified course <put down the river>
- put forth 1 a : ASSERT, PROPOSE b : to make public : ISSUE 2 : to bring into action : EXERT 3 : to produce or send out by growth <put forth leaves> 4 : to start out
- put forward : PROPOSE <put forward a theory>
- put in mind : REMIND
- put one's finger on : IDENTIFY <put his finger on the cause of the trouble>
- put one's foot down : to take a firm stand
- put one's foot in one's mouth : to make a tactless or embarrassing blunder
- put paid to British : to finish off : WIPE OUT
- put the arm on or put the bite on : to ask for money
- put the finger on : to inform on <put the finger on... heroin pushers -- Barrie Zwicker>
- put the make on : to make sexual advances toward
- put to bed : to make the final preparations for printing (as a newspaper)
- put together 1 : to create as a unified whole : CONSTRUCT 2 : ADD, COMBINE
- put to it : to give difficulty to : press hard <had been put to it to keep up>
Main Entry: put about
Date: 1748
intransitive senses of a ship : to change direction : go on another tack
transitive senses : to cause to change course or direction
Main Entry: put across
Function: transitive verb
Date: 1919
1 : PUT OVER 3
2 : to convey effectively or forcefully
Main Entry: put away
Function: transitive verb
Date: 14th century
1 a : DISCARD, RENOUNCE <to put grief away is disloyal to the memory of the departed -- H. A. Overstreet> b : DIVORCE
2 : to eat or drink up : CONSUME
3 a : to confine especially in a mental institution b : BURY c : KILL
Main Entry: put by
Function: transitive verb
Date: 15th century
1 archaic : REJECT
2 : to lay aside : SAVE
Main Entry: put down
Function: transitive verb
Date: 14th century
1 : to bring to an end : STOP <put down a riot>
2 a : DEPOSE, DEGRADE b : DISPARAGE, BELITTLE <mentioned his poetry only to put it down> c : DISAPPROVE, CRITICIZE <was put down for the way she dressed> d : HUMILIATE, SQUELCH <put him down with a sharp retort>
3 : to make ineffective : CHECK <put down the gossip>
4 : to do away with (as an injured, sick, or aged animal) : DESTROY
5 a : to put in writing <put it down truthfully> b : to enter in a list <put me down for a donation>
6 a : to place in a category b : ATTRIBUTE <put it down to inexperience>
7 : to pack or preserve for future use
8 : CONSUME <putting down helping after helping -- Carson McCullers>
- put down roots : to establish a permanent residence
Main Entry: put in
Date: 15th century
transitive senses
1 : to make a formal offer or declaration of <put in a plea of guilty>
2 : to come in with : INTERPOSE <put in a word for his brother>
3 : to spend (time) especially at some occupation or job <put in six hours at the office>
4 : PLANT <put in a crop>
intransitive senses
1 : to call at or enter a place; especially : to enter a harbor or port
2 : to make an application, request, or offer -- often used with for <had to retire and put in for a pension -- Seymour Nagan>
Main Entry: put off
Function: transitive verb
Date: 14th century
1 a : DISCONCERT b : REPEL
2 a : to hold back to a later time b : to induce to wait <put the bill collector off>
3 : to rid oneself of : TAKE OFF
4 : to sell or pass fraudulently
Main Entry: put on
Function: transitive verb
Date: 15th century
1 a : to dress oneself in : DON b : to make part of one's appearance or behavior c : FEIGN <put a saintly manner on>
2 : to cause to act or operate : APPLY <put on more speed>
3 a : ADD <put on weight> b : EXAGGERATE, OVERSTATE <he's putting it on when he makes such claims>
4 : PERFORM, PRODUCE <put on a play>
5 a : to mislead deliberately especially for amusement <the interviewer... must be put down -- or possibly, put on -- Melvin Maddocks> b : KID <you're putting me on>
Main Entry: put out
Date: 14th century
transitive senses
1 : EXTINGUISH <put the fire out>
2 : EXERT, USE <put out considerable effort>
3 : PUBLISH, ISSUE
4 : to produce for sale
5 a : DISCONCERT, EMBARRASS b : ANNOY, IRRITATE c : INCONVENIENCE <don't put yourself out for us>
6 : to cause to be out (as in baseball or cricket)
intransitive senses
1 : to set out from shore
2 : to make an effort
3 : to engage in sexual intercourse
Main Entry: put over
Function: transitive verb
Date: 1528
1 : POSTPONE, DELAY
2 : PUT ACROSS 2
3 : to achieve or carry through by deceit or trickery <put one over on me>
Main Entry: put through
Function: transitive verb
Date: 1852
1 : to carry to a successful conclusion <put through a number of reforms>
2 a : to make a telephone connection for b : to obtain a connection for (a telephone call)
Main Entry: put up
Date: 14th century
transitive senses
1 a : to place in a container or receptacle <put his lunch up in a bag> b : to put away (a sword) in a scabbard : SHEATHE c : to prepare so as to preserve for later use : CAN d : to put in storage
2 : to start (game) from cover
3 : to nominate for election
4 : to offer up (as a prayer)
5 : SET 16
6 : to offer for public sale <put their possessions up for auction>
7 : to give food and shelter to : ACCOMMODATE
8 : to arrange (as a plot or scheme) with others <put up a job to steal the jewels>
9 : BUILD, ERECT
10 a : to make a display of <put up a bluff> b : to engage in <put up a struggle against odds>
11 a : CONTRIBUTE, PAY b : to offer as a prize or stake
12 chiefly British : to increase the amount of : RAISE
intransitive senses : LODGE
- put up to : INCITE, INSTIGATE <they put him up to playing the prank>
- put up with : to endure or tolerate without complaint or attempt at reprisal
Main Entry: rule out
Function: transitive verb
Date: 1869
1 : EXCLUDE, ELIMINATE
2 : to make impossible : PREVENT <heavy rain ruled out the picnic>
Main Entry: ¹run
Pronunciation: 'r&n
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): ran /'ran/; also chiefly dialect run; run; run·ning
Etymology: Middle English ronnen, alteration of rinnen, v.i. (from Old English iernan, rinnan & Old Norse rinna) & of rennen, v.t., from Old Norse renna; akin to Old High German rinnan, v.i., to run, Sanskrit rinAti he causes to flow, and probably to Latin rivus stream
Date: before 12th century
intransitive senses
1 a : to go faster than a walk; specifically : to go steadily by springing steps so that both feet leave the ground for an instant in each step b of a horse : to move at a fast gallop c : FLEE, RETREAT, ESCAPE <dropped the gun and ran> d : to utilize a running play on offense -- used of a football team
2 a : to go without restraint : move freely about at will <let chickens run loose> b : to keep company : CONSORT <a ram running with ewes> <ran with a wild crowd when he was young> c : to sail before the wind in distinction from reaching or sailing close-hauled d : ROAM, ROVE <running about with no overcoat>
3 a : to go rapidly or hurriedly : HASTEN <run and fetch the doctor> b : to go in urgency or distress : RESORT <runs to mother at every little difficulty> c : to make a quick, easy, or casual trip or visit <ran over to borrow some sugar>
4 a : to contend in a race b : to enter into an election contest
5 a : to move on or as if on wheels : GLIDE <file drawers running on ball bearings> b : to roll forward rapidly or freely c : to pass or slide freely <a rope runs through the pulley> d : to ravel lengthwise <stockings guaranteed not to run>
6 : to sing or play a musical passage quickly <run up the scale>
7 a : to go back and forth : PLY <the train runs between New York and Washington> b of fish : to migrate or move in considerable numbers; especially : to move up or down a river to spawn
8 a : TURN, ROTATE <a swiftly running grindstone> b : FUNCTION, OPERATE <the engine runs on gasoline>
9 a (1) : to continue in force, operation, or production <the contract has two more years to run> <the play ran for six months> (2) : to have a specified duration, extent, or length <the manuscript runs nearly 500 pages> b : to accompany as a valid obligation or right <a right-of-way that runs with the land> c : to continue to accrue or become payable <interest on the loan runs from July 1st>
10 : to pass from one state to another <run into debt>
11 a : to flow rapidly or under pressure b : MELT, FUSE c : SPREAD, DISSOLVE <colors guaranteed not to run> d : to discharge pus or serum <a running sore>
12 a : to develop rapidly in some specific direction; especially : to throw out an elongated shoot of growth b : to tend to produce or develop a specified quality or feature <they run to big noses in that family>
13 a : to lie in or take a certain direction <the boundary line runs east> b : to lie or extend in relation to something c : to go back : REACH d (1) : to be in a certain form or expression <the letter runs as follows> (2) : to be in a certain order of succession
14 a : to occur persistently <musical talent runs in the family> b (1) : to remain of a specified size, amount, character, or quality <profits were running high> (2) : to have or maintain a relative position or condition (as in a race) <ran third> <running late> c : to exist or occur in a continuous range of variation <shades run from white to dark gray>
15 a : to spread or pass quickly from point to point <chills ran up her spine> b : to be current : CIRCULATE <speculation ran rife>
transitive senses
1 a : to cause (an animal) to go rapidly : ride or drive fast b : to bring to a specified condition by or as if by running <ran himself to death> c : to go in pursuit of : HUNT, CHASE <dogs that run deer> d : to follow the trail of backward : TRACE <ran the rumor to its source> e : to enter, register, or enroll as a contestant in a race f : to put forward as a candidate for office
2 a : to drive (livestock) especially to a grazing place b : to provide pasturage for (livestock) c : to keep or maintain (livestock) on or as if on pasturage
3 a : to pass over or traverse with speed b : to accomplish or perform by or as if by running <ran a great race> <running errands for a bank> c : to slip or go through or past <run a blockade> <run a red light>
4 a : to cause to penetrate or enter : THRUST <ran a splinter into her toe> b : STITCH c : to cause to pass : LEAD <run a wire in from the antenna> d : to cause to collide <ran his head into a post> e : SMUGGLE <run guns>
5 : to cause to pass lightly or quickly over, along, or into something <ran her eye down the list>
6 a : to cause or allow (as a vehicle or a vessel) to go in a specified manner or direction <ran the car off the road> b : OPERATE <run a lathe> c : to direct the business or activities of : MANAGE, CONDUCT <run a factory>
7 a : to be full of or drenched with <streets ran blood> b : CONTAIN, ASSAY
8 a : to cause to move or flow in a specified way or into a specified position <run cards into a file> b : to cause to produce a flow (as of water) <run the faucet>; also : to prepare by running a faucet <run a hot bath>
9 a : to melt and cast in a mold <run bullets> b : TREAT, PROCESS, REFINE <run oil in a still> <run a problem through a computer>
10 : to make oneself liable to : INCUR <ran the risk of discovery>
11 : to mark out : DRAW <run a contour line on a map>
12 a : to permit (as charges) to accumulate before settling <run an account at the grocery> -- often used with up <ran up a large phone bill> b : COST 1 <rooms that run $50 a night>
13 a : to produce by or as if by printing -- usually used with off <ran off 10,000 copies of the first edition> b : to carry in a printed medium : PRINT <every newspaper ran the story>
14 a : to make (a series of counts) without a miss <run 19 in an inning in billiards> b : to lead winning cards of (a suit) successively c : to alter by addition <ran his record to six wins and four losses>
15 : to make (a golf ball) roll forward after alighting
- run across : to meet with or discover by chance
- run a fever or run a temperature : to have a fever
- run after 1 : PURSUE, CHASE esp : to seek the company of 2 : to take up with : FOLLOW <run after new theories>
- run against 1 : to meet suddenly or unexpectedly 2 : to work or take effect unfavorably to : DISFAVOR, OPPOSE
- run foul of 1 : to collide with <ran foul of a hidden reef> 2 : to come into conflict with <run foul of the law>
- run into 1 a : to change or transform into : BECOME b : to merge with c : to mount up to <their yearly income often runs into six figures> 2 a : to collide with b : to meet by chance <ran into an old classmate the other day>
- run low on : to approach running out of <running low on options>
- run rings around : to show marked superiority over : defeat decisively or overwhelmingly
- run riot 1 : to act wildly or without restraint 2 : to occur in profusion <daffodils running riot>
- run short : to become insufficient
- run short of : to use up : run low on
- run to : to mount up to <the book runs to 500 pages>
- run upon : to run across : meet with
usage The past tense run still survives in speech in southern England and in the speech especially of older people in some parts of the U.S. It was formerly used in literature, and was a standard variant in our dictionaries from 1828 until 1934. Grammarians have generally opposed it, and many people consider it nonstandard. Just about everybody uses ran in writing now.
Main Entry: run along
Function: intransitive verb
Date: 1902
: to go away : be on one's way : DEPART
Main Entry: run away
Function: intransitive verb
Date: 13th century
1 a : to leave quickly in order to avoid or escape something b : to leave home; especially : ELOPE
2 : to run out of control : STAMPEDE, BOLT
3 : to gain a substantial lead : win by a large margin
- run away with 1 : to take away in haste or secretly esp : STEAL 2 : to outshine the others in (a theatrical performance) 3 : to carry or drive beyond prudent or reasonable limits <your imagination ran away with you>
Main Entry: run down
Date: circa 1578
transitive senses
1 a : to collide with and knock down b : to run against and cause to sink
2 a : to chase to exhaustion or until captured b : to trace the source of c : to tag out (a base runner) between bases on a rundown
3 : DISPARAGE
intransitive senses
1 : to cease to operate because of the exhaustion of motive power <the clock ran down>
2 : to decline in physical condition or vigor
Main Entry: run in
Date: 1817
transitive senses
1 a : to insert as additional matter b : to make (typeset matter) continuous without a paragraph or other break
2 : to arrest for a usually minor offense
3 chiefly British : to operate (a new machine) carefully until there is efficient running
intransitive senses : to pay a casual visit
Main Entry: run off
Date: 1683
transitive senses
1 a : to recite, compose, or produce rapidly b : to cause to be run or played to a finish c : to decide (as a race) by a runoff d : CARRY OUT
2 : to drain off : DRAW OFF
3 a : to drive off (as trespassers) b : to steal (as cattle) by driving away
intransitive senses : RUN AWAY 1
- run off with : to carry off : STEAL
Main Entry: run on
Date: 15th century
intransitive senses
1 : to talk or narrate at length
2 : to keep going : CONTINUE
transitive senses
1 : to continue (matter in type) without a break or a new paragraph : RUN IN
2 : to place or add (as an entry in a dictionary) at the end of a paragraphed item
Main Entry: run out
Date: 14th century
intransitive senses
1 a : to come to an end : EXPIRE <time ran out> b : to become exhausted or used up <the gasoline ran out>
2 : to jut out
transitive senses
1 : to finish out (as a course, series, or contest) : COMPLETE
2 a : to fill out (a typeset line) with quads, leaders, or ornaments b : to set (as the first line of a paragraph) with a hanging indention
3 : to exhaust (oneself) in running
4 : to cause to leave by force or coercion : EXPEL
- run out of : to use up the available supply of
- run out on : DESERT
Main Entry: run over
Date: 15th century
intransitive senses
1 : to exceed a limit
2 : OVERFLOW
transitive senses
1 : to go over, examine, repeat, or rehearse quickly
2 : to collide with, knock down, and often drive over <ran over a dog>
Main Entry: run through
Function: transitive verb
Date: 15th century
1 : PIERCE
2 : to spend or consume wastefully and rapidly
3 : to read or rehearse without pausing
4 a : CARRY OUT, DO b : to subject to a process
Main Entry: run up
Date: 1664
intransitive senses : to grow rapidly : shoot up
transitive senses
1 : to increase by bidding : bid up
2 : to stitch together quickly
3 : to erect hastily
4 : to achieve by accumulating <ran up a big lead>
Main Entry: ¹set
Pronunciation: 'set
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): set; set·ting
Etymology: Middle English setten, from Old English settan; akin to Old High German sezzen to set, Old English sittan to sit
Date: before 12th century
transitive senses
1 : to cause to sit : place in or on a seat
2 a : to put (a fowl) on eggs to hatch them b : to put (eggs) for hatching under a fowl or into an incubator
3 : to place (oneself) in position to start running in a race
4 a : to place with care or deliberate purpose and with relative stability <set a ladder against the wall> <set a stone on the grave> b : TRANSPLANT 1 <set seedlings> c (1) : to make (as a trap) ready to catch prey (2) : to fix (a hook) firmly into the jaw of a fish d : to put aside (as dough containing yeast) for fermenting
5 : to direct with fixed attention <set your mind to it>
6 a : to cause to assume a specified condition, relation, or occupation <slaves were set free> <set the house on fire> b : to cause the start of <set a fire>
7 a : to appoint or assign to an office or duty b : POST, STATION
8 : to cause to assume a specified posture or position <set the door ajar>
9 a : to fix as a distinguishing imprint, sign, or appearance <the years have set their mark on him> b : AFFIX c : APPLY <set a match to kindling>
10 : to fix or decide on as a time, limit, or regulation : PRESCRIBE <set a wedding day> <set the rules for the game>
11 a : to establish as the highest level or best performance <set a record for the half mile> b : to furnish as a pattern or model <set an example of generosity> c : to allot as a task <setting lessons for the children to work upon at home -- Manchester Examiner>
12 a : to adjust (a device and especially a measuring device) to a desired position <set the alarm for 7:00> <set a thermostat at 68>; also : to adjust (as a clock) in conformity with a standard b : to restore to normal position or connection when dislocated or fractured <set a broken bone> c : to spread to the wind <set the sails>
13 a : to put in order for use <set a place for a guest> b : to make scenically ready for a performance <set the stage> c (1) : to arrange (type) for printing <set type by hand> (2) : to put into type or its equivalent (as on film) <set the first word in italic>
14 a : to put a fine edge on by grinding or honing <set a razor> b : to bend slightly the tooth points of (a saw) alternately in opposite directions c : to sink (the head of a nail) below the surface
15 : to fix in a desired position (as by heating or stretching)
16 : to arrange (hair) in a desired style by using implements (as curlers, rollers, or clips) and gels or lotions
17 a : to adorn with something affixed or infixed : STUD, DOT <clear sky set with stars> b : to fix (as a precious stone) in a border of metal : place in a setting
18 a : to hold something in regard or esteem at the rate of <sets a great deal by daily exercise> b : to place in a relative rank or category <set duty before pleasure> c : to fix at a certain amount <set bail at $500> d : VALUE, RATE <their promises were set at naught> e : to place as an estimate of worth <set a high value on life>
19 : to place in relation for comparison or balance <theory set against practice>
20 a : to direct to action b : to incite to attack or antagonism <war sets brother against brother>
21 a : to place by transporting <was set ashore on the island> b : to put in motion c : to put and fix in a direction <set our faces toward home once more> d of a dog : to point out the position of (game) by holding a fixed attitude
22 : to defeat (an opponent or a contract) in bridge
23 a : to fix firmly : make immobile : give rigid form or condition to <set her jaw in determination> b : to make unyielding or obstinate
24 : to cause to become firm or solid <set milk for cheese>
25 : to cause (as fruit) to develop
intransitive senses
1 chiefly dialect : SIT
2 : to be becoming : be suitable : FIT <the coat sets well>
3 : to cover and warm eggs to hatch them
4 a : to become lodged or fixed <the pudding set heavily on my stomach> b : to place oneself in position in preparation for an action (as running)
5 of a plant part : to undergo development usually as a result of pollination
6 a : to pass below the horizon : go down <the sun sets> b : to come to an end <this century sets with little mirth -- Thomas Fuller>
7 : to apply oneself to some activity <set to work>
8 : to have a specified direction in motion : FLOW, TEND <the wind was setting from Pine Hill to the farm -- Esther Forbes>
9 of a dog : to indicate the position of game by crouching or pointing
10 : to dance face to face with another in a square dance <set to your partner and turn>
11 a : to become solid or thickened by chemical or physical alteration <the cement sets rapidly> b of a dye or color : to become permanent c of a bone : to become whole by knitting d of metal : to acquire a permanent twist or bend from strain
- set about : to begin to do
- set apart 1 : to reserve to a particular use 2 : to make noticeable or outstanding
- set aside 1 : to put to one side : DISCARD 2 : to reserve for a purpose : SAVE 3 : DISMISS 4 : ANNUL, OVERRULE
- set at : to mount an attack on : ASSAIL <would go although... devils should set at me -- Charlotte Yonge>
- set eyes on : to catch sight of
- set foot in : ENTER
- set foot on : to step onto
- set forth 1 : to give an account or statement of 2 : to start out on a journey
- set forward 1 : FURTHER 2 : to start out on a journey
- set in motion : to give impulse to <sets the story in motion vividly -- Howard Thompson>
- set one's hand to : to become engaged in
- set one's heart on : RESOLVE transitive sense 5 <she set her heart on going to medical school>
- set one's house in order : to organize one's affairs
- set one's sights on : to determine to pursue
- set one's teeth on edge : IRRITATE, ANNOY
- set one straight : to correct someone by providing accurate information
- set sail : to start out on a course esp : to begin a voyage <set sail for Bermuda>
- set store by or set store on : to consider valuable, trustworthy, or worthwhile
- set the stage : to provide the basis or background <this trend will set the stage for higher earnings>
- set to music : to provide music or instrumental accompaniment for (a text)
- set upon : to attack usually with violence <the dogs set upon the trespassers>
Main Entry: set back
Function: transitive verb
Date: 1600
1 : to slow the progress of : HINDER, DELAY
2 : COST <a new suit will set you back $200>
Main Entry: set by
Function: transitive verb
Date: 1595
: to set apart for future use
Main Entry: set down
Function: transitive verb
Date: 15th century
1 : to cause to sit down : SEAT
2 : to place at rest on a surface or on the ground
3 : to suspend (a jockey) from racing
4 : to cause or allow to get off a vehicle : DELIVER
5 : to land (an airplane) on the ground or water
6 a : ORDAIN, ESTABLISH b : to put in writing
7 a : REGARD, CONSIDER <set him down as a liar> b : ATTRIBUTE
Main Entry: set in
Date: 15th century
transitive senses : INSERT; especially : to stitch (a small part) within a large article <set in a sleeve of a dress>
intransitive senses : to become established
Main Entry: set off
Date: 1596
transitive senses
1 a : to put in relief : show up by contrast b : ADORN, EMBELLISH c : to set apart : make distinct or outstanding
2 a : OFFSET, COMPENSATE <more variety in the Lancashire weather to set off its most disagreeable phases -- Geographical Journal> b : to make a setoff of <the respective totals shall be set off against one another -- O. R. Hobson>
3 a : to set in motion : cause to begin b : to cause to explode
4 : to measure off on a surface
intransitive senses : to start out on a course or a journey <set off for home>
Main Entry: set on
Date: 14th century
transitive senses
1 : ATTACK
2 a obsolete : PROMOTE b : to urge (as a dog) to attack or pursue c : to incite to action : INSTIGATE d : to set to work
intransitive senses : GO ON, ADVANCE
Main Entry: set out
Date: 14th century
transitive senses
1 a : to arrange and present graphically or systematically b : to mark out (as a design) : lay out the plan of
2 : to state, describe, or recite at length <distributed copies of a pamphlet setting out his ideas in full -- S. F. Mason>
3 : to begin with a definite purpose : INTEND, UNDERTAKE
intransitive senses : to start out on a course, a journey, or a career
Main Entry: set to
Function: intransitive verb
Date: circa 1525
1 : to begin actively and earnestly
2 : to begin fighting
Main Entry: set up
Date: 13th century
transitive senses
1 a : to raise to and place in a high position b : to place in view : POST c : to put forward (as a plan) for acceptance
2 a : to place upright : ERECT <set up a statue> b : to assemble the parts of and erect in position <set up a printing press> c : to put (a machine) in readiness or adjustment for a tooling operation
3 a : CAUSE, CREATE <set up a clamor> b : BRING ABOUT
4 : to place in power or in office <set up the general as dictator>
5 a : to raise from depression : ELATE, GRATIFY b : to make proud or vain
6 a : to put forward or extol as a model b : to claim oneself to be <sets himself up as an authority>
7 : FOUND, INAUGURATE <set up a home for orphans>
8 a : to provide with means of making a living <set him up in business> b : to bring or restore to normal health c : to cause (one) to take on a soldierly or athletic appearance especially through drill
9 : to erect (a perpendicular or a figure) on a base in a drawing
10 a : to make taut (a stay or hawser) b : to tighten firmly
11 : to make carefully worked out plans for <set up a bank robbery>
12 a : to pay for (drinks) b : to treat (someone) to something
13 a : to put in a compromising or dangerous position usually by trickery or deceit b : FRAME 3
14 : to execute one or more plays in preparation for scoring
intransitive senses
1 : to come into active operation or use
2 : to begin business
3 : to make pretensions <has never set up to be a wise man -- Thomas Rogers>
4 : to become firm or consolidated
- set up housekeeping : to establish one's living quarters
- set up shop : to establish one's business
Main Entry: ¹show
Pronunciation: 'shO
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): showed /'shOd/; shown /'shOn/; or showed; show·ing
Etymology: Middle English shewen, showen, from Old English scEawian to look, look at, see; akin to Old High German scouwOn to look, look at, and probably to Latin cavEre to be on one's guard
Date: 12th century
transitive senses
1 : to cause or permit to be seen : EXHIBIT <showed pictures of the baby>
2 : to offer for sale <stores were showing new spring suits>
3 : to present as a public spectacle : PERFORM
4 : to reveal by one's condition, nature, or behavior <showed themselves to be cowards>
5 : to give indication or record of <an anemometer shows wind speed>
6 a : to point out : direct attention to <showed the view from the terrace> b : CONDUCT, USHER <showed me to an aisle seat>
7 : ACCORD, BESTOW <shows them no mercy>
8 a : to set forth : DECLARE b : ALLEGE, PLEAD -- used especially in law <show cause>
9 a : to demonstrate or establish by argument or reasoning <show a plan to be faulty> b : INFORM, INSTRUCT <showed me how to solve the problem>
10 : to present (an animal) for judging in a show
intransitive senses
1 a : to be or come in view <3:15 showed on the clock> b : to put in an appearance <failed to show>
2 a : to appear in a particular way <anger showed in their faces> b : SEEM, APPEAR
3 a : to give a theatrical performance b : to be staged or presented
4 a : to appear as a contestant b : to present an animal in a show
5 : to finish third or at least third (as in a horse race)
6 : to exhibit one's artistic work
- show·able /'shO-&-b&l/ adjective
- show one's hand 1 : to display one's cards faceup 2 : to declare one's intentions or reveal one's resources
- show one the door : to tell someone to get out
synonyms SHOW, EXHIBIT, DISPLAY, EXPOSE, PARADE, FLAUNT mean to present so as to invite notice or attention. SHOW implies no more than enabling another to see or examine <showed her snapshots to the whole group>. EXHIBIT stresses putting forward prominently or openly <exhibit paintings at a gallery>. DISPLAY emphasizes putting in a position where others may see to advantage <display sale items>. EXPOSE suggests bringing forth from concealment and displaying <sought to expose the hypocrisy of the town fathers>. PARADE implies an ostentatious or arrogant displaying <parading their piety for all to see>. FLAUNT suggests a shameless, boastful, often offensive parading <nouveaux riches flaunting their wealth>.
synonyms SHOW, MANIFEST, EVIDENCE, EVINCE, DEMONSTRATE mean to reveal outwardly or make apparent. SHOW is the general term but sometimes implies that what is revealed must be gained by inference from acts, looks, or words <careful not to show his true feelings>. MANIFEST implies a plainer, more immediate revelation <manifested musical ability at an early age>. EVIDENCE suggests serving as proof of the actuality or existence of something <a commitment evidenced by years of loyal service>. EVINCE implies a showing by outward marks or signs <evinced not the slightest fear>. DEMONSTRATE implies showing by action or by display of feeling <demonstrated their approval by loud applause>.
Main Entry: show off
Date: circa 1793
transitive senses : to display proudly <wanted to show our new car off>
intransitive senses : to seek to attract attention by conspicuous behavior <boys showing off for the girls>
Main Entry: show up
Date: 1826
transitive senses
1 : to expose or discredit especially by revealing faults <showed them up as frauds>
2 : to embarrass or cause to look bad especially by comparison <trying to show up the boss>
3 : REVEAL <showed up my ignorance>
intransitive senses
1 : ARRIVE, APPEAR <showed up late for his own wedding>
2 : to be plainly evident
Main Entry: ¹stand
Pronunciation: 'stand
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): stood /'stud/; stand·ing
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English standan; akin to Old High German stantan, stAn to stand, Latin stare, Greek histanai to cause to stand, set, histasthai to stand, be standing
Date: before 12th century
intransitive senses
1 a : to support oneself on the feet in an erect position b : to be a specified height when fully erect <stands six feet two> c : to rise to an erect position
2 a : to take up or maintain a specified position or posture <stand aside> <can you stand on your head> b : to maintain one's position <stand firm>
3 : to be in a particular state or situation <stands accused>
4 : to hold a course at sea
5 obsolete : HESITATE
6 a : to have or maintain a relative position in or as if in a graded scale <stands first in the class> b : to be in a position to gain or lose because of an action taken or a commitment made <stands to make quite a profit>
7 chiefly British : to be a candidate : RUN
8 a : to rest or remain upright on a base or lower end <a clock stood on the mantle> b : to occupy a place or location <the house stands on a knoll>
9 a : to remain stationary or inactive <the car stood in the garage for a week> b : to gather slowly and remain <tears standing in her eyes>
10 : AGREE, ACCORD -- used chiefly in the expression it stands to reason
11 a : to exist in a definite written or printed form <copy a passage exactly as it stands> b : to remain valid or efficacious <the order given last week still stands>
12 of a male animal : to be available as a sire -- used especially of horses
transitive senses
1 a : to endure or undergo successfully <this book will stand the test of time> b : to tolerate without flinching : bear courageously <stands pain well> c : to endure the presence or personality of <can't stand the boss> d : to derive benefit or enjoyment from <you look like you could stand a drink>
2 : to remain firm in the face of <stand a siege>
3 : to submit to <stand trial>
4 a : to perform the duty of <stand guard> b : to participate in (a military formation)
5 : to pay the cost of (a treat) : pay for <I'll stand you a dinner> <stand drinks>
6 : to cause to stand : set upright
7 : to make available for breeding <stand a stallion>
synonym see BEAR
- stand·er noun
- stand a chance : to have a chance
- stand for 1 : to be a symbol for : REPRESENT 2 : to put up with : PERMIT
- stand on 1 : to depend on 2 : to insist on <never stands on ceremony>
- stand one's ground : to maintain one's position
- stand on one's own feet : to think or act independently
- stand treat : to pay the cost of food, drink, or entertainment for others in a group
Main Entry: stand by
Date: 13th century
intransitive senses
1 : to be present; also : to remain apart or aloof
2 : to be or to get ready to act
transitive senses : to remain loyal or faithful to : DEFEND
Main Entry: stand down
Function: intransitive verb
Date: 1681
1 : to leave the witness stand
2 chiefly British a : to go off duty b : to withdraw from a contest or from a position of leadership
Main Entry: stand in
Function: intransitive verb
Date: 1904
: to act as a stand-in
- stand in with : to be in a specially favored position with
Main Entry: stand off
Date: 1601
intransitive senses
1 : to stay at a distance from something
2 : to sail away from the shore
transitive senses
1 : to keep from advancing : REPEL
2 : PUT OFF, STALL
Main Entry: stand out
Function: intransitive verb
Date: 15th century
1 a : to appear as if in relief : PROJECT b : to be prominent or conspicuous
2 : to steer away from shore
3 : to be stubborn in resolution or resistance
Main Entry: stand up
Date: before 12th century
intransitive senses
1 : to rise to a standing position
2 : to remain sound and intact under stress, attack, or close scrutiny
transitive senses : to fail to keep an appointment with
- stand up for : to defend against attack or criticism
- stand up to 1 : to meet fairly and fully 2 : to face boldly
- stand up with : to be best man or maid of honor for at a wedding ceremony
Main Entry: ¹take
Pronunciation: 'tAk
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): took /'tuk/; tak·en /'tA-k&n/; tak·ing
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English tacan, from Old Norse taka; akin to Middle Dutch taken to take
Date: before 12th century
transitive senses
1 : to get into one's hands or into one's possession, power, or control: as a : to seize or capture physically <took them as prisoners> b : to get possession of (as fish or game) by killing or capturing c (1) : to move against (as an opponent's piece in chess) and remove from play (2) : to win in a card game <able to take 12 tricks> d : to acquire by eminent domain
2 : GRASP, GRIP <take the ax by the handle>
3 a : to catch or attack through the effect of a sudden force or influence <taken with a fit of laughing> <taken ill> b : to catch or come upon in a particular situation or action <was taken unawares> c : to gain the approval or liking of : CAPTIVATE, DELIGHT <was quite taken with her at their first meeting>
4 a : to receive into one's body (as by swallowing, drinking, or inhaling) <take a pill> b : to expose oneself to (as sun or air) for pleasure or physical benefit c : to partake of : EAT <takes dinner about seven>
5 a : to bring or receive into a relation or connection <takes just four students a year> <it's time he took a wife> b : to copulate with
6 : to transfer into one's own keeping: a : APPROPRIATE b : to obtain or secure for use (as by lease, subscription, or purchase) <take a cottage for the summer> <I'll take the red one> <took an ad in the paper>
7 a : ASSUME <gods often took the likeness of a human being> <when the college took its present form> b (1) : to enter into or undertake the duties of <take a job> <take office> <took command of the fleet> (2) : to move onto or into : move into position on <the home team took the field> c (1) : to bind oneself by <take the oath of office> (2) : to make (a decision) especially with finality or authority d : to impose upon oneself <take the trouble to do good work> e (1) : to adopt as one's own <take a stand on the issue> <take an interest> (2) : to align or ally oneself with <mother took his side> f : to assume as if rightfully one's own or as if granted <take the credit> g : to have or assume as a proper part of or accompaniment to itself <transitive verbs take an object>
8 a : to secure by winning in competition <took first place> b : DEFEAT
9 : to pick out : CHOOSE, SELECT
10 : to adopt, choose, or avail oneself of for use: as a : to have recourse to as an instrument for doing something <take a scythe to the weeds> b : to use as a means of transportation or progression <take the bus> c : to have recourse to for safety or refuge <take shelter> d : to go along, into, or through <took a different route> e (1) : to proceed to occupy <take a seat in the rear> (2) : to use up (as space or time) <takes a long time to dry> (3) : NEED, REQUIRE <takes a size nine shoe> <it takes two to start a fight>
11 a : to obtain by deriving from a source : DRAW <takes its title from the name of the hero> b (1) : to obtain as the result of a special procedure : ASCERTAIN <take the temperature> <take a census> (2) : to get in or as if in writing <take notes> <take an inventory> (3) : to get by drawing or painting or by photography <take a snapshot> (4) : to get by transference from one surface to another <take a proof> <take fingerprints>
12 : to receive or accept whether willingly or reluctantly <take a bribe> <will you take this call> <take a bet>: as a (1) : to submit to : ENDURE <take a cut in pay> (2) : WITHSTAND <it will take a lot of punishment> (3) : SUFFER <took a direct hit> b (1) : to accept as true : BELIEVE <I'll take your word for it> (2) : FOLLOW <take my advice> (3) : to accept with the mind in a specified way <took the news hard> c : to indulge in and enjoy <was taking his ease on the porch> d : to receive or accept as a return (as in payment, compensation, or reparation) e : to accept in a usually professional relationship -- often used with on <agreed to take him on as a client> f : to refrain from hitting at (a pitched ball)
13 a (1) : to let in : ADMIT <the boat was takeing water fast> (2) : ACCOMMODATE <the suitcase wouldn't take another thing> b : to be affected injuriously by (as a disease) : CONTRACT <take cold>; also : to be seized by <take a fit> <take fright> c : to absorb or become impregnated with (as dye); also : to be effectively treated by <a surface that takes a fine polish>
14 a : APPREHEND, UNDERSTAND <how should I take your remark> b : CONSIDER, SUPPOSE c : RECKON, ACCEPT <taking a stride at 30 inches> d : FEEL, EXPERIENCE <take pleasure> <take an instant dislike to someone> <take offense>
15 : to lead, carry, or cause to go along to another place <this bus will take you into town> <took an umbrella with her>
16 a : REMOVE <take eggs from a nest> b (1) : to put an end to (life) (2) : to remove by death <was taken in his prime> c : SUBTRACT <take two from four> d : EXACT <the weather took its toll>
17 a : to undertake and make, do, or perform <take a walk> <take aim> <take legal action> <take a test> <take a look> b : to participate in <take a meeting>
18 a : to deal with <take first things first> b : to consider or view in a particular relation <taken together, the details were significant>; especially : to consider as an example <take style, for instance> c (1) : to apply oneself to the study of <take music lessons> <take French> (2) : to study for especially successfully <taking a degree in engineering> <took holy orders>
19 : to obtain money from especially fraudulently <took me for all I had>
20 : to pass or attempt to pass through, along, or over <took the curve too fast>
intransitive senses
1 : to obtain possession: as a : CAPTURE b : to receive property under law as one's own
2 : to lay hold : CATCH, HOLD
3 : to establish a take especially by uniting or growing <90 percent of the grafts take>
4 a : to betake oneself : set out : GO <take after a purse snatcher> b chiefly dialect -- used as an intensifier or redundantly with a following verb <took and swung at the ball>
5 a : to take effect : ACT, OPERATE <hoped the lesson he taught would take> b : to show the natural or intended effect <dry fuel takes readily>
6 : CHARM, CAPTIVATE <a taking smile>
7 : DETRACT
8 : to be seized or attacked in a specified way : BECOME <took sick>
- tak·er noun
- take a back seat : to have or assume a secondary position or status
- take a bath : to suffer a heavy financial loss
- take account of : to take into account
- take advantage of 1 : to use to advantage : profit by 2 : to impose on : EXPLOIT
- take after : to resemble in features, build, character, or disposition
- take apart 1 : to disconnect the pieces of : DISASSEMBLE 2 : to treat roughly or harshly : tear into
- take a powder : to leave hurriedly
- take care : to be careful or watchful : exercise caution or prudence
- take care of : to attend to or provide for the needs, operation, or treatment of
- take charge : to assume care, custody, command, or control
- take effect 1 : to become operative 2 : to be effective
- take exception : OBJECT <took exception to the remark>
- take five or take ten : to take a break especially from work
- take for : to suppose to be esp : to suppose mistakenly to be
- take for granted 1 : to assume as true, real, or expected 2 : to value too lightly
- take heart : to gain courage or confidence
- take hold 1 : GRASP, GRIP, SEIZE 2 : to become attached or established : take effect
- take into account : to make allowance for
- take in vain : to use (a name) profanely or without proper respect
- take issue : DISAGREE
- take it on the chin : to suffer from the results of a situation
- take kindly to : to show an inclination to accept or approve
- take notice of : to observe or treat with special attention
- take one's time : to be leisurely about doing something
- take part : JOIN, PARTICIPATE, SHARE
- take place : HAPPEN, OCCUR
- take root 1 : to become rooted 2 : to become fixed or established
- take shape : to assume a definite or distinctive form
- take stock : to make an assessment
- take the cake : to carry off the prize : rank first
- take the count 1 of a boxer : to be counted out 2 : to go down in defeat
- take the floor : to rise (as in a meeting or a legislative assembly) to make a formal address
- take to 1 : to go to or into <take to the woods> 2 : to apply or devote oneself to (as a practice, habit, or occupation) <take to begging> 3 : to adapt oneself to : respond to <takes to water like a duck> 4 : to conceive a liking for
- take to task : to call to account for a shortcoming : CRITICIZE
- take turns : ALTERNATE
synonyms TAKE, SEIZE, GRASP, CLUTCH, SNATCH, GRAB mean to get hold of by or as if by catching up with the hand. TAKE is a general term applicable to any manner of getting something into one's possession or control <take some salad from the bowl>. SEIZE implies a sudden and forcible movement in getting hold of something tangible or an apprehending of something fleeting or elusive when intangible <seized the suspect>. GRASP stresses a laying hold so as to have firmly in possession <grasp the handle and pull>. CLUTCH suggests avidity or anxiety in seizing or grasping and may imply less success in holding <clutching her purse>. SNATCH suggests more suddenness or quickness but less force than SEIZE <snatched a doughnut and ran>. GRAB implies more roughness or rudeness than SNATCH <grabbed roughly by the arm>.
Main Entry: take back
Function: transitive verb
Date: 1775
: to make a retraction of : WITHDRAW
Main Entry: take down
Date: 15th century
transitive senses
1 : to lower without removing <took down his pants>
2 a : to pull to pieces <take down a building> b : DISASSEMBLE <take a rifle down>
3 : to lower the spirit or vanity of
4 a : to write down b : to record by mechanical means
intransitive senses : to become seized or attacked especially by illness
Main Entry: take in
Function: transitive verb
Date: circa 1515
1 : to draw into a smaller compass <take in the slack of a line>: a : FURL b : to make (a garment) smaller by enlarging seams or tucks
2 a : to receive as a guest or lodger b : to give shelter to c : to take to a police station as a prisoner
3 : to receive as payment or proceeds
4 : to receive (work) into one's house to be done for pay <take in washing>
5 : to encompass within its limits
6 a : to include in an itinerary b : ATTEND <take in a movie>
7 : to receive into the mind : PERCEIVE
8 : DECEIVE, DUPE
Main Entry: take off
Date: 14th century
transitive senses
1 : REMOVE <take your shoes off>
2 a : RELEASE <take the brake off> b : DISCONTINUE, WITHDRAW <took off the morning train> c : to take or allow as a discount : DEDUCT <took 10 percent off> d : to spend (a period of time) away from a usual occupation or activity <took two weeks off>
3 slang : ROB
intransitive senses
1 : to take away : DETRACT
2 a : to start off or away : SET OUT, DEPART b (1) : to branch off (as from a main stream or stem) (2) : to take a point of origin c : to begin a leap or spring d : to leave the surface : begin flight e : to embark on rapid activity, development, or growth f : to spring into wide use or popularity
Main Entry: take on
Date: 15th century
transitive senses
1 a : to begin to perform or deal with : UNDERTAKE <took on new responsibilities> b : to contend with as an opponent <took on the neighborhood bully>
2 : ENGAGE, HIRE
3 a : to assume or acquire as or as if one's own <the city's plaza takes on a carnival air -- W. T. LeViness> b : to have as a mathematical domain or range <what values does the function take on>
intransitive senses : to show one's feelings especially of grief or anger in a demonstrative way <they cried and took on something terrible -- Bob Hope>
Main Entry: take out
Date: 13th century
transitive senses
1 a (1) : DEDUCT, SEPARATE (2) : EXCLUDE, OMIT (3) : WITHDRAW, WITHHOLD b : to find release for : VENT <take out their resentments on one another -- J. W. Aldridge> c (1) : ELIMINATE (2) : KILL, DESTROY (3) : KNOCK OUT
2 : to take as an equivalent in another form <took the debt out in trade>
3 a : to obtain from the proper authority <take out a charter> b : to arrange for (insurance)
4 : to overcall (a bridge partner) in a different suit
intransitive senses : to start on a course : SET OUT
- take it out on : to expend anger, vexation, or frustration in harassment of
Main Entry: take over
Date: 1884
transitive senses : to assume control or possession of or responsibility for <military leaders took over the government>
intransitive senses
1 : to assume control or possession
2 : to become dominant
Main Entry: take up
Date: 14th century
transitive senses
1 : PICK UP, LIFT
2 a : to begin to occupy (land) b : to gather from a number of sources <took up a collection>
3 a : to accept or adopt for the purpose of assisting b : to accept or adopt as one's own <took up the life of a farmer> <took up Irish citizenship> c : to absorb or incorporate into itself <plants taking up nutrients>
4 a : to enter upon (as a business, hobby, or subject of study) <take up skiing> <took up the trumpet> <had taken up Marxism> b : to proceed to consider or deal with <take up one problem at a time>
5 : to establish oneself in <took up residence in town>
6 : to occupy entirely or exclusively : fill up <the meeting was taken up with old business>
7 : to make tighter or shorter <take up the slack>
8 : to respond favorably to (as a person offering a bet, challenge, or proposal) <took me up on it>
9 : to begin again or take over from another <we must take the good work up again>
intransitive senses
1 : to make a beginning where another has left off
2 : to become shortened : draw together : SHRINK
- take up the cudgels : to engage vigorously in a defense or dispute
- take up with 1 : to become interested or absorbed in 2 : to begin to associate or consort with
Main Entry: ¹tell
Pronunciation: 'tel
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): told /'tOld/; tell·ing
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English tellan; akin to Old High German zellen to count, tell, Old English talu tale
Date: before 12th century
transitive senses
1 : COUNT, ENUMERATE
2 a : to relate in detail : NARRATE b : to give utterance to : SAY <who dares think one thing, and another tell -- Alexander Pope>
3 a : to make known : DIVULGE, REVEAL b : to express in words <she never told her love -- Shakespeare>
4 a : to report to : INFORM b : to assure emphatically <they did not do it, I tell you>
5 : ORDER, DIRECT <told me to wait>
6 : to find out by observing : RECOGNIZE <you can tell it's a masterpiece>
intransitive senses
1 : to give an account
2 : to act as an informer -- often used with on <I'll get even with you if you ever tell on me -- Inside Detective>
3 : to have a marked effect
4 : to serve as evidence or indication
synonym see REVEAL
Main Entry: tell off
Function: transitive verb
Date: 1804
1 : to number and set apart; especially : to assign to a special duty <told off a detail and put them to opening a trench -- J. F. Dobie>
2 : REPRIMAND, EXCORIATE <told him off for his arrogance>
Main Entry: ¹the
Pronunciation: before consonants usually [th]&, before vowels usually [th]E, esp Southern before vowels also [th]&; for emphasis before titles and names or to suggest uniqueness often '[th]E
Function: definite article
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English thE, masc. demonstrative pronoun & definite article, alteration (influenced by oblique cases -- as thæs, genitive -- & neuter, thæt) of sE; akin to Greek ho, masculine demonstrative pronoun & definite article -- more at THAT
Date: before 12th century
1 a -- used as a function word to indicate that a following noun or noun equivalent is definite or has been previously specified by context or by circumstance <put the cat out> b -- used as a function word to indicate that a following noun or noun equivalent is a unique or a particular member of its class <the President> <the Lord> c -- used as a function word before nouns that designate natural phenomena or points of the compass <the night is cold> d -- used as a function word before a noun denoting time to indicate reference to what is present or immediate or is under consideration <in the future> e -- used as a function word before names of some parts of the body or of the clothing as an equivalent of a possessive adjective <how's the arm today> f -- used as a function word before the name of a branch of human endeavor or proficiency <the law> g -- used as a function word in prepositional phrases to indicate that the noun in the phrase serves as a basis for computation <sold by the dozen> h -- used as a function word before a proper name (as of a ship or a well-known building) <the Mayflower> i -- used as a function word before the plural form of a numeral that is a multiple of ten to denote a particular decade of a century or of a person's life <life in the twenties> j -- used as a function word before the name of a commodity or any familiar appurtenance of daily life to indicate reference to the individual thing, part, or supply thought of as at hand <talked on the telephone> k -- used as a function word to designate one of a class as the best, most typical, best known, or most worth singling out <this is the life> <the Pill> -- sometimes used before a personal name to denote the most prominent bearer of that name
2 a (1) -- used as a function word with a noun modified by an adjective or by an attributive noun to limit the application of the modified noun to that specified by the adjective or by the attributive noun <the right answer> <Peter the Great> (2) -- used as a function word before an absolute adjective or an ordinal number <nothing but the best> <due on the first> b (1) -- used as a function word before a noun to limit its application to that specified by a succeeding element in the sentence <the poet Wordsworth> <the days of our youth> <didn't have the time to write> (2) -- used as a function word after a person's name to indicate a characteristic trait or notorious activity specified by the succeeding noun <Jack the Ripper>
3 a -- used as a function word before a singular noun to indicate that the noun is to be understood generically <the dog is a domestic animal> b -- used as a function word before a singular substantivized adjective to indicate an abstract idea <an essay on the sublime>
4 -- used as a function word before a noun or a substantivized adjective to indicate reference to a group as a whole <the elite>
Main Entry: ¹turn
Pronunciation: 't&rn
Function: verb
Etymology: Middle English; partly from Old English tyrnan & turnian to turn, from Medieval Latin tornare, from Latin, to turn on a lathe, from tornus lathe, from Greek tornos; partly from Old French torner, tourner to turn, from Medieval Latin tornare; akin to Latin terere to rub -- more at THROW
Date: before 12th century
transitive senses
1 a : to cause to move around an axis or a center : make rotate or revolve <turn a wheel> <turn a crank> b (1) : to cause to move around so as to effect a desired end (as of locking, opening, or shutting) <turned the knob till the door opened> (2) : to affect or alter the functioning of (as a mechanical device) by such movement <turned the oven to a higher temperature> c : to execute or perform by rotating or revolving <turn handsprings> d : to twist out of line or shape : WRENCH <had turned his ankle>
2 a (1) : to cause to change position by moving through an arc of a circle <turned her chair to the fire> (2) : to cause to move around a center so as to show another side of <turn the page> (3) : to cause (as a scale) to move so as to register weight b : to revolve mentally : think over : PONDER
3 a : to reverse the sides or surfaces of : INVERT <turn pancakes> <turn the shirt inside out>: as (1) : to dig or plow so as to bring the lower soil to the surface (2) : to make (as a garment) over by reversing the material and resewing <turn a collar> (3) : to invert feet up and face down (as a character, rule, or slug) in setting type b : to reverse or upset the order or disposition of <everything was turned topsy-turvy> c : to disturb or upset the mental balance of : DERANGE, UNSETTLE <a mind turned by grief> d : to set in another especially contrary direction
4 a : to bend or change the course of : DIVERT b : to cause to retreat <used fire hoses to turn the mob> c : to alter the drift, tendency, or expected result of d : to bend a course around or about : ROUND <turned the corner at full speed>
5 a (1) : to direct or point (as the face) in a specified way or direction (2) : to present by a change in direction or position <turning his back to his guests> b : to bring to bear (as by aiming, pointing, or focusing) : TRAIN <turned the light into the dark doorway> <turned a questioning eye toward her> c : to direct (as the attention or mind) toward or away from something d : to direct the employment of : APPLY, DEVOTE <turned his skills to the service of mankind> e (1) : to cause to rebound or recoil <turns their argument against them> (2) : to make antagonistic : PREJUDICE <turn a child against its mother> f (1) : to cause to go in a particular direction <turned our steps homeward> (2) : DRIVE, SEND <turn cows to pasture> <turning hunters off his land> (3) : to convey or direct into or out of a receptacle by inverting
6 a (1) : to make acid or sour (2) : to change the color of (as foliage) b (1) : CONVERT, TRANSFORM <turn defeat into victory> (2) : TRANSLATE, PARAPHRASE c : to cause to become of a specified nature or appearance <turned him into a frog> <illness turned her hair white> d : to exchange for something else <turn coins into paper money> e : to cause to defect to another side
7 a : to shape especially in a rounded form by applying a cutting tool while revolving in a lathe b : to give a rounded form to by any means <turn the heel of a sock> c : to shape or mold artistically, gracefully, or neatly <a well turned phrase>
8 : to make a fold, bend, or curve in: a : to form by bending <turn a lead pipe> b : to cause (the edge of a blade) to bend back or over : BLUNT, DULL
9 a : to keep (as money or goods) moving; specifically : to dispose of (a stock) to make room for another b : to gain in the course of business <turning a quick profit> c : to make use of <turned her education to advantage> d : to carry to completion <turned a double play>
10 : to engage in (an act of prostitution) <turn tricks>
intransitive senses
1 a : to move around on an axis or through an arc of a circle : ROTATE b : to become giddy or dizzy : SPIN <heights always made his head turn> c (1) : to have as a decisive factor : HINGE <the argument turns on a point of logic> <the outcome of the game turned on an interception> (2) : to have a center (as of interest) in something specified
2 a : to direct one's course b (1) : to reverse a course or direction (2) : to have a reactive usually adverse effect : RECOIL c : to take a different course or direction <turned toward home> <the main road turns sharply to the right>
3 a : to change position so as to face another way b : to face toward or away from someone or something c : to change one's attitude or reverse one's course of action to one of opposition or hostility <felt the world had turned against him> d : to make a sudden violent assault especially without evident cause <dogs turning on their owners>
4 a : to direct one's attention or thoughts to or away from someone or something b (1) : to change one's religion (2) : to go over to another side or party : DEFECT c : to have recourse : REFER, RESORT <turned to a friend for help> <turned to his notes for the exact figures> d : to direct one's efforts or interests : devote or apply oneself <turned to the study of the law>
5 a : to become changed, altered, or transformed: as (1) archaic : to become different (2) : to change color <the leaves have turned> (3) : to become sour, rancid, or tainted <the milk had turned> (4) : to be variable or inconstant (5) : to become mentally unbalanced : become deranged b (1) : to pass from one state to another : CHANGE <water had turned to ice> (2) : BECOME, GROW <his hair had turned gray> <the weather turned bad> <just turned twenty> (3) : to become someone or something specified by change from another state : change into <turn pro> <doctors turned authors>
6 : to become curved or bent (as from pressure); especially : to become blunted by bending <edge of the knife had turned>
7 : to operate a lathe
8 of merchandise : to be stocked and disposed of : change hands
- turn·able /'t&r-n&-b&l/ adjective
- turn a blind eye : to refuse to see : be oblivious <might turn a blind eye to the use of violence -- Arthur Krock>
- turn a deaf ear : to refuse to listen
- turn a hair : to give a sign of distress or disturbance <did not turn a hair when told of the savage murder -- Times Literary Supplement>
- turn color 1 : to become of a different color 2 a : BLUSH, FLUSH b : to grow pale
- turn loose 1 a : to set free <turned loose the captured animal> b : to free from all restraints <turned them loose with a pile of theme paper to write whatever they liked -- Elizabeth P. Schafer> 2 : to fire off : DISCHARGE 3 : to open fire
- turn one's back on 1 : REJECT, DENY <would be turning one's back on history -- Pius Walsh> 2 : FORSAKE <turned his back on his obligations>
- turn one's hand or turn a hand : to set to work : apply oneself
- turn one's head : to cause to become infatuated or conceited <success had not turned his head>
- turn one's stomach : to disgust completely : SICKEN, NAUSEATE <the foul smell turned his stomach>
- turn tail : to turn away so as to flee <turned tail and ran>
- turn the other cheek : to respond to injury or unkindness with patience : forgo retaliation
- turn the tables : to bring about a reversal of the relative conditions or fortunes of two contending parties
- turn the trick : to bring about the desired result or effect
- turn turtle : CAPSIZE, OVERTURN
Main Entry: turn around
Date: 1949
intransitive senses
1 : to act in an abrupt, different, or surprising manner -- used with and <after three years he just turned around and left school>
2 : to become changed for the better
transitive senses : to change for the better <turned her life around>
Main Entry: turn away
Date: 13th century
transitive senses
1 : DEFLECT, AVERT
2 a : to send away : REJECT, DISMISS b : REPEL c : to refuse admittance or acceptance to
intransitive senses : to start to go away : DEPART
Main Entry: turn back
Date: 1535
intransitive senses
1 a : to go in the reverse direction b : to stop going forward
2 : to refer to an earlier time or place
transitive senses
1 : to drive back or away
2 : to stop the advance of
3 : to fold back
4 : GIVE BACK, RETURN
- turn back the clock : to revert to or remind of a condition existing in the past
Main Entry: turn down
Date: 1601
transitive senses
1 : to fold or double down
2 : to turn (a card) face downward
3 : to reduce the height or intensity of by turning a control <turn down the radio>
4 : to decline to accept : REJECT <turned down the offer>
intransitive senses : to be capable of being folded or doubled down <the collar turns down>
Main Entry: turn in
Date: 1535
intransitive senses
1 : to make an entrance by turning from a road or path
2 : to go to bed <turned in early>
transitive senses
1 : to deliver up : HAND OVER <turned in his badge and quit>
2 a : to inform on : BETRAY b : to deliver to an authority <urged the wanted man to turn himself in>
3 : to acquit oneself of : PUT ON, PRODUCE <turned in a good performance>
Main Entry: turn off
Date: 1564
transitive senses
1 a : DISMISS, DISCHARGE b : to dispose of : SELL
2 : DEFLECT, EVADE
3 : PRODUCE, ACCOMPLISH
4 : to stop the flow of or shut off by or as if by turning a control <turn the water off>
5 : HANG 1b
6 a : to remove (material) by the process of turning b : to shape or produce by turning
7 : to cause to lose interest : BORE <economics turns me off>; also : to evoke a negative feeling in
intransitive senses
1 : to deviate from a straight course or from a main road <turn off into a side road>
2 a British : to turn bad : SPOIL b : to change to a specified state : BECOME
3 : to lose interest : WITHDRAW
Main Entry: turn on
Date: 1833
transitive senses
1 : to activate or cause to flow, operate, or function by or as if by turning a control <turn the water on full> <turn on the power>
2 a : to cause to undergo an intense often visionary experience by taking a drug; broadly : to cause to get high b : to move pleasurably <rock music turns her on>; also : to excite sexually c : to cause to gain knowledge or appreciation of something specified <turned her on to ballet>
intransitive senses : to become turned on
- turn-on /'t&r-"non, -"nän/ noun
Main Entry: turn out
Date: 1546
transitive senses
1 a : EXPEL, EVICT b : to put (as a horse) to pasture
2 a : to turn inside out <turning out his pockets> b : to empty the contents of especially for cleaning or rearranging; also : CLEAN
3 : to produce often rapidly or regularly by or as if by machine <a writer turning out stories>
4 : to equip, dress, or finish in a careful or elaborate way
5 : to put out by turning a switch <turn out the lights>
6 : to call (as the guard or a company) out from rest or shelter and into formation
intransitive senses
1 a : to come or go out from home in or as if in answer to a summons <voters turned out in droves> b : to get out of bed
2 a : to prove to be in the result or end <the play turned out to be a flop> <it turned out that we were both wrong> b : to become in maturity <nobody thought he'd turn out like this> c : END <stories that turn out happily>
Main Entry: turn over
Date: 14th century
transitive senses
1 a : to turn from an upright position : OVERTURN b : ROTATE <turn over a stiff valve with a wrench>; also : to cause (an internal combustion engine) to begin firing
2 : to search (as clothes or papers) by lifting or moving one by one
3 : to read or examine (as a book) slowly or idly
4 : DELIVER, SURRENDER <I'm turning the job over to you>; also : to lose possession of <turned the ball over three times>
5 a : to receive and dispose of (a stock of merchandise) b : to do business to the amount of <turning over $1000 a week>
intransitive senses
1 : UPSET, CAPSIZE
2 a : ROTATE b of an engine : to have crankshaft rotation especially by external means (as by a starter) <the engine turned over but didn't start>
3 a of one's stomach : to heave with nausea b of one's heart : to seem to leap or lurch convulsively with sudden fright
- turn over a new leaf : to make a change for the better especially in one's way of living
Main Entry: turn to
Function: intransitive verb
Date: 1813
: to apply oneself to work : act vigorously
Main Entry: turn up
Date: 1563
transitive senses
1 : FIND, DISCOVER
2 : to raise or increase by or as if by turning a control <turn up the volume on the radio>
3 British a : to look up (as a word or fact) in a book b : to refer to or consult (a book)
4 : to turn (a card) face upward
intransitive senses
1 : to appear or come to light unexpectedly or after being lost <new evidence has turned up>
2 a (1) : to turn out to be <he turned up missing at roll call> (2) : APPEAR 4 <her name is always turning up in the newspapers> b : to arrive or show up at an appointed or expected time or place <turned up half an hour late>
3 : to happen or occur unexpectedly <something always turned up to prevent their meeting>
4 of a ship : TACK 1b
- turn up one's nose : to show scorn or disdain
Main Entry: ²use
Pronunciation: 'yüz
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): used /'yüzd, in the phrase "used to" usually 'yüs(t)/; us·ing /'yü-zi[ng]/
Date: 14th century
transitive senses
1 archaic : ACCUSTOM, HABITUATE
2 : to put into action or service : avail oneself of : EMPLOY
3 : to consume or take (as liquor or drugs) regularly
4 : to carry out a purpose or action by means of : UTILIZE; also : MANIPULATE 2b <used him selfishly>
5 : to expend or consume by putting to use -- often used with up
6 : to behave toward : act with regard to : TREAT <used the prisoners cruelly>
7 : STAND 1d <the house could use a coat of paint>
intransitive senses -- used in the past with to to indicate a former fact or state <didn't use to smoke>
synonyms USE, EMPLOY, UTILIZE mean to put into service especially to attain an end. USE implies availing oneself of something as a means or instrument to an end <willing to use any means to achieve her ends>. EMPLOY suggests the use of a person or thing that is available but idle, inactive, or disengaged <looking for better ways to employ their skills>. UTILIZE may suggest the discovery of a new, profitable, or practical use for something <an old wooden bucket utilized as a planter>.
Main Entry: ³well
Function: adverb
Inflected Form(s): bet·ter /'be-t&r/; best /'best/
Etymology: Middle English wel, from Old English; akin to Old High German wela well, Old English wyllan to wish -- more at WILL
Date: before 12th century
1 a : in a good or proper manner : JUSTLY, RIGHTLY b : satisfactorily with respect to conduct or action <did well in math>
2 : in a kindly or friendly manner <spoke well of your idea>
3 a : with skill or aptitude : EXPERTLY <paints well> b : SATISFACTORILY c : with good appearance or effect : ELEGANTLY <carried himself well>
4 : with careful or close attention : ATTENTIVELY
5 : to a high degree <well deserved the honor> <a well-equipped kitchen> -- often used as an intensifier or qualifier <there are... vacancies pretty well all the time -- Listener>
6 : FULLY, QUITE <well worth the price>
7 a : in a way appropriate to the facts or circumstances : FITTINGLY, RIGHTLY b : in a prudent manner : SENSIBLY -- used with do
8 : in accordance with the occasion or circumstances : with propriety or good reason <cannot well refuse>
9 a : as one could wish : FAVORABLY b : with material success : ADVANTAGEOUSLY <married well>
10 a : EASILY, READILY <could well afford a new car> b : in all likelihood : INDEED <it may well be true>
11 : in a prosperous or affluent manner <he lives well>
12 : to an extent approaching completeness : THOROUGHLY <after being well dried with a sponge>
13 : without doubt or question : CLEARLY <well knew the penalty>
14 : in a familiar manner <knew her well>
15 : to a large extent or degree : CONSIDERABLY, FAR <well over a million>
usage see GOOD
- as well 1 : in addition : ALSO <there were other features as well> 2 : to the same extent or degree : as much <open as well to the poor as to the rich> 3 : with equivalent, comparable, or more favorable effect <might just as well have stayed home>