word-vault

{ "term": "thing", "partOfSpeech": "noun", "ox3000": true, "cefr": "a1", "definitions": [ { "senseNumber": 1, "definition": "an object whose name you do not use because you do not need to or want to, or because you do not know it", "cefr": "a1", "ox3000": true, "examples": [ { "text": "Can you pass me that thing over there?" }, { "text": "She's very fond of sweet things *(= sweet foods)*." }, { "text": "He's just bought one of those exercise things." }, { "text": "Turn that thing off while I'm talking to you!" } ], "collocations": { "adjective": ["basic", "essential"], "verb + thing": ["make"] } }, { "senseNumber": 2, "definition": "an object that is not alive in the way that people and plants are", "cefr": "a1", "ox3000": true, "examples": [ { "text": "Don't treat her like that—she's a person, not a thing!" }, { "text": "He's good at making things with his hands." }, { "text": "She took no interest in the people and things around her." }, { "text": "Books may one day become **a thing of the past** *(= something that no longer exists)*." }, { "text": "I need to buy a few basic things like bread and milk." } ], "collocations": { "adjective": ["basic", "essential"], "verb + thing": ["make"] } }, { "senseNumber": 3, "definition": "objects, clothing or tools that belong to somebody or are used for a particular purpose", "labels": "(rather informal)", "cefr": "a1", "ox3000": true, "examples": [ { "text": "Shall I help you pack your things?" }, { "text": "Bring your swimming things with you." }, { "text": "I'll just clear away the breakfast things." }, { "text": "Put your things *(= coat, etc.)* on and let's go." }, { "text": "Come on kids, get your things together—we're going." }, { "text": "Hang on a second—I'll just take off my painting things." }, { "text": "He hadn't washed up the dinner things yet." } ], "collocations": { "adjective": ["breakfast", "lunch", "etc."], "verb + things": ["get together", "pack", "put on"] } }, { "senseNumber": 4, "definition": "a fact, an event, a situation or an action; what somebody says or thinks", "cefr": "a1", "ox3000": true, "examples": [ { "text": "They talked about many things, like books, music and films." }, { "text": "There are a lot of things she doesn't know about me." }, { "text": "There's another thing I need to tell you." }, { "text": "Bad **things happen** to good people." }, { "text": "I've got lots of **things to do** today." }, { "text": "He **has things on his mind**." }, { "text": "The most **important thing** in life is to have fun!" }, { "text": "She said **the first thing** that came into her head." }, { "text": "Forgetting her was the only thing in the world I found I couldn't do." }, { "text": "He found **the whole thing** *(= the situation)* very boring." }, { "text": "Let's forget **the whole thing** *(= everything)*." }, { "text": "**Among other things**, I have to deal with mail and keep the accounts." }, { "text": "I like camping, climbing and **that sort of thing**." }, { "text": "‘Why did you tell her our secret?’ ‘I did **no such thing**!’" }, { "text": "There's **no such thing as** a typical day in this job." }, { "text": "**One thing is for sure**—it will be a memorable evening!" }, { "text": "**The main thing** to remember is to switch off the burglar alarm." }, { "text": "There's another thing I'd like to ask you." }, { "text": "Advertising on blogs is going to be the next big thing." }, { "text": "Apologizing is never the easiest thing to do." }, { "text": "Calling a doctor seemed the logical thing to do." }, { "text": "Entertaining people is the most natural thing in the world for her." }, { "text": "He has a funny way of doing things." }, { "text": "He loses his temper at the slightest thing." }, { "text": "I admit it was a foolish thing to do." }, { "text": "I did all the right things but I couldn't get the engine to start." }, { "text": "I did my usual thing of losing my keys." }, { "text": "I marched into his office to get a few things straight." }, { "text": "I've better things to do than stand here chatting all day!" }, { "text": "If she works hard she's capable of great things." }, { "text": "It's impossible to get things done when you're looking after a baby." }, { "text": "One thing led to another and we ended up dating." }, { "text": "People defraud their companies every day, but Mike would never do such a thing!" }, { "text": "She helped with the everyday things like shopping and cooking." }, { "text": "That wasn't a very smart thing to do!" }, { "text": "The amazing thing is, he wouldn't accept any money!" }, { "text": "The best thing about Alan is he's always honest." }, { "text": "The last thing she wanted was to upset her parents." }, { "text": "There are some weird things going on in that house." }, { "text": "We chatted about school, but I could tell she had other things on her mind." }, { "text": "What's the next thing you want me to do?" }, { "text": "There's another thing I'd like to ask you." }, { "text": "The key thing is to remain calm." }, { "text": "Who's been saying things about me?" }, { "text": "Try to look on your rejection as a positive thing." }, { "text": "Too much studying can be a bad thing." }, { "text": "There are plenty of things to say about it." }, { "text": "The pay cut was just a taste of things to come." }, { "text": "That was a horrible thing to say to her." }, { "text": "Jack knows a thing or two about kids—he has five." }, { "text": "It's such a small thing to ask." }, { "text": "I wanted to be a musician, but teaching music is the next best thing." }, { "text": "I give thanks for every little thing." }, { "text": "It's just a practice, not the real thing." }, { "text": "He's the nearest thing to a film star I've ever met." } ], "collocations": { "adjective": ["good", "great", "positive"], "… of things": ["loads", "lots", "plenty"], "verb + thing": ["do", "make up", "say"], "thing + verb": ["go on", "happen", "occur"], "preposition": ["thing about"], "phrases": [ "among other things", "have better things to do", "kind/sort of thing" ] } }, { "senseNumber": 5, "definition": "the general situation, as it affects somebody", "labels": "(rather informal)(informal)", "cefr": "a1", "ox3000": true, "examples": [ { "text": "Things haven't gone entirely to plan." }, { "text": "I wish things could have been different." }, { "text": "Hi, Jane! **How are things**?" }, { "text": "**As things stand** at present, he seems certain to win." }, { "text": "**All things considered** *(= considering all the difficulties or problems)*, she's done very well." }, { "text": "They're trying to **change things** for the better." }, { "text": "**Things have changed** over the last few years." }, { "text": "He's happy with the way things have worked out." }, { "text": "Why do you make things so difficult for yourself?" }, { "text": "Think things over before you decide." }, { "text": "Don't worry about it—just let things take their course." }, { "text": "He apologized, and asked for a chance to put things right." }, { "text": "He offered to help, but she assured him she had things in hand." }, { "text": "Her apology only served to make things worse." }, { "text": "I have to work things out my own way." }, { "text": "I just don't know if things are going to work out." }, { "text": "I want to get things sorted out before I go away." }, { "text": "I'm sure things will turn out OK." }, { "text": "She'd started the term studying hard, but now was beginning to let things slip." }, { "text": "Sorry, I didn't mean to complicate things." }, { "text": "There was a week to go to the deadline and things were looking good." }, { "text": "They hired temporary staff to keep things going over the summer." }, { "text": "Things came to a head when money was found to be missing from the account." }, { "text": "Things looked bleak for the future of the factory." }, { "text": "Try not to let things get to you." }, { "text": "Try to look at things from my point of view." }, { "text": "We arranged to meet and talk things over." }, { "text": "We were in trouble but now things are looking up." }, { "text": "You should suggest changes, rather than accept things as they are." } ], "collocations": { "verb + things": ["think over/through", "look at", "see"], "things + verb": ["stand", "be going", "change"], "phrases": [ "all things being equal", "other things being equal", "all things considered" ] } }, { "senseNumber": 6, "definition": "a quality or a concept", "cefr": "a1", "ox3000": true, "examples": [ { "text": "Reality and truth are **not the same thing**." }, { "text": "The two of them have one thing in common—they never give up." }, { "text": "The **good thing** about this job is all the travelling." } ] }, { "senseNumber": 7, "definition": "what is needed or socially acceptable", "cefr": "a2", "ox3000": true, "examples": [ { "text": "You need something to cheer you up—I know just the thing!" }, { "text": "to say the right/wrong thing" }, { "text": "The **best thing** to do is to apologize." }, { "text": "He did the decent thing and resigned." }, { "text": "He did the right thing and went back to his wife." }, { "text": "She always manages to say the wrong thing." }, { "text": "Iced tea—the very thing!" } ], "collocations": { "adjective": ["proper", "right", "wrong"], "verb + thing": ["do", "say"], "phrases": ["just the thing", "not quite the thing"] } }, { "senseNumber": 8, "definition": "used to say that something is important or real", "labels": "(informal, humorous)", "examples": [ { "text": "I don't understand why these corny films are still a thing in 2020." }, { "text": "I'm not sure that ‘modular techno music’ is really a thing." } ] }, { "senseNumber": 9, "definition": "used with negatives to mean ‘anything’ in order to emphasize what you are saying", "examples": [ { "text": "I haven't got a thing to wear!" }, { "text": "She hasn't had a thing to eat all day." }, { "text": "There wasn't a thing we could do to help." }, { "text": "Ignore what he said—it **doesn't mean a thing**." }, { "text": "I'm going to arrive early because I don't want to miss a thing." }, { "text": "I can't see a thing without my glasses." }, { "text": "Nobody said a thing when he appeared with a wig on." }, { "text": "She's tricked you, and you can't do a thing about it." } ], "collocations": { "verb + a thing": ["hear", "know", "notice"] } }, { "senseNumber": 10, "definition": "all that can be described in a particular way", "labels": "(formal)", "examples": [ { "text": "She loves all things Japanese." } ] }, { "senseNumber": 11, "definition": "a living creature", "examples": [ { "text": "All living things are composed of cells." } ] }, { "senseNumber": 12, "definition": "used to talk to or about a person or an animal, to show how you feel about them", "labels": "(informal)", "examples": [ { "text": "You silly thing!" }, { "text": "You must be starving, you poor things." }, { "text": "The cat's very ill, poor old thing." }, { "text": "The baby's a pretty little thing." } ], "collocations": { "adjective": ["little", "pretty", "sweet"] } }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "if the conditions stay the same; if other conditions are the same", "examples": [ { "text": "All things being equal, we should finish the job tomorrow." }, { "text": "All other things being equal, the bigger fighter should win." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "used when you do not want to complete a list", "labels": "(informal)", "examples": [ { "text": "She likes nice clothes and things like that." }, { "text": "I've been busy shopping and things." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "as was shown or proved by later events", "examples": [ { "text": "I didn't need my umbrella, as it turned out *(= because it didn't rain)*." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "as was shown or proved by later events", "examples": [ { "text": "As things turned out, the weather—and the whole weekend—were perfect." } ] }, { "senseNumber": 1, "definition": "to please everyone by changing your attitudes or opinions to suit different people", "examples": [] }, { "senseNumber": 2, "definition": "to be understood or used in different ways by different people", "examples": [] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to be socially acceptable behaviour", "labels": "(British English)", "examples": [] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to be lucky that…", "examples": [ { "text": "It's a good thing we got here early." }, { "text": "It's a good thing you remembered to turn off the gas!" } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "used to say that although something seems to be bad, it could have good results", "examples": [ { "text": "We didn't want the press to get hold of the story, but it might be no bad thing." }, { "text": "It's no bad thing to express your anger." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to have found a job, situation or style of life that is pleasant or easy", "examples": [] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to imagine that you can see or hear something that is in fact not there", "labels": "(informal, humorous)", "examples": [] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "people say chance would be a fine thing to show that they would like to do or have the thing that somebody has mentioned, but that they do not think that it is very likely", "labels": "(British English, informal)", "examples": [] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "a situation in which somebody only just wins or loses, for example in a competition or an election", "examples": [ { "text": "Mr Taylor’s election defeat was a close-run thing." }, { "text": "The invasion never happened but it was a close-run thing." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "a situation in which success or failure is equally possible", "examples": [ { "text": "We got him out in the end, but it was a close thing." } ], "topics": ["Success", "Difficulty and failure"] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to have the same result or meaning", "examples": [] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to do what you want to do or what interests you, without thinking about other people; to be independent", "labels": "(informal)", "examples": [] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to have a powerful emotional effect on somebody", "labels": "(informal)", "examples": [ { "text": "That song just does things to me." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "early in the morning/late in the evening", "examples": [ { "text": "I need the report on my desk first thing Monday morning." }, { "text": "I took the dog for a walk last thing before going to bed." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "the most important matters must be dealt with first", "labels": "(often humorous)", "examples": [ { "text": "We have a lot to discuss, but, first things first, let's have a cup of coffee!" } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "used to introduce one of two or more possible reasons for doing something", "examples": [ { "text": "‘Why don't you get a car?’ ‘Well, for one thing, I can't drive!’" } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to have something arranged in the way that you want, even though other people want it to be arranged differently", "examples": [ { "text": "The German team weren't going to let the English have everything their own way." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to have a strong like or dislike of somebody/something in a way that seems strange or unreasonable", "labels": "(informal)", "examples": [ { "text": "She has a thing about men with beards." } ], "topics": ["Preferences and decisions"] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to be sexually attracted to somebody; to like something very much", "labels": "(informal)", "examples": [ { "text": "Liz has always had a thing for guys in bands." }, { "text": "He has a thing for the new girl in the office." }, { "text": "Jamie has a thing for fast cars." } ], "topics": ["Feelings"] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "in the way that things usually happen", "examples": [ { "text": "In the nature of things, young people often rebel against their parents." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "B is very different from A, for example it is more difficult, serious or important", "examples": [ { "text": "Romance is one thing; marriage is quite another." }, { "text": "It's one thing to tease your sister, but it's another to hit her." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "it isn’t something that you really enjoy or are interested in", "labels": "(informal)", "examples": [] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "it is something that only a particular group understands", "labels": "(informal)", "examples": [ { "text": "You wouldn't know what it means—it's a girl thing." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to know/tell somebody some useful, interesting or surprising information about somebody/something", "labels": "(informal)", "examples": [ { "text": "She's been married five times, so she knows a thing or two about men!" } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to make something seem more important than it really is", "labels": "(informal)", "examples": [] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "a situation in which you are successful, but which could also have ended badly", "examples": [ { "text": "Phew! That was a near thing! It could have been a disaster." }, { "text": "We won in the end but it was a near thing." } ], "topics": ["Success"] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "a person or thing that people think will be very popular or successful soon", "labels": "(informal)", "examples": [ { "text": "She has been talked up as the next big thing in British tennis." }, { "text": "Everyone is trying to guess what the next big thing in street fashion is going to be." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to know nothing at all about something/somebody", "examples": [ { "text": "We’ve lived next to him for years, but we still don’t know the first thing about him." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "not considered socially acceptable", "examples": [ { "text": "It wouldn't be quite the thing to turn up in running gear." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "used to say that you do not want to discuss or think about something bad or unpleasant that has happened, but just accept it", "examples": [ { "text": "It wasn't your fault. It was just one of those things." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "used to complain that a lot of unpleasant things keep happening to you", "labels": "(informal)", "examples": [] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "used to suggest that the way one event or action leads to others is so obvious that it does not need to be stated", "examples": [ { "text": "He offered me a ride home one night, and, well, one thing led to another and now we're married!" } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "used before mentioning a worry or problem you have with something", "labels": "(informal)", "examples": [ { "text": "I'd love to come—the only thing is I might be late." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to work, study, etc. too hard or for too long", "examples": [ { "text": "He's been overdoing things recently." }, { "text": "I overdid it in the gym and hurt my back." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to take a risk because you have successfully avoided problems in the past", "labels": "(informal)", "examples": [ { "text": "You didn't get caught last time, but don't push your luck!" } ], "topics": ["Danger"] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to take a risk because you have successfully avoided problems in the past", "labels": "(informal)", "examples": [ { "text": "Don't push things—we don't want it all to go wrong now." } ], "topics": ["Danger"] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "actually what somebody claims that something is", "labels": "(informal)", "examples": [ { "text": "Are you sure it's the real thing *(= love)*, not just infatuation?" } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "the way things seem to be organized; the way somebody wants everything to be organized", "examples": [ { "text": "My personal problems are not really important in the **overall scheme of things**." }, { "text": "This small annoyance isn't much in the **grand scheme of things**." }, { "text": "I don't think marriage figures in his scheme of things." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "the way things are likely to develop in the future", "examples": [ { "text": "Are solar-powered cars the shape of things to come?" }, { "text": "This new system could be the shape of things to come." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "used to say ‘yes’ to a suggestion or request", "labels": "(informal, especially North American English)", "examples": [ { "text": "‘Are you coming?’ ‘Sure thing.’" } ], "topics": ["Suggestions and advice"] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to relax and avoid working too hard or doing too much", "examples": [ { "text": "The doctor told me to take it easy for a few weeks." }, { "text": "I like to take things easy when I’m on holiday." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to not think about what will happen in the future", "labels": "(informal)", "examples": [ { "text": "I don't know if he'll get better. We're just taking it one day at a time." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to not think about what will happen in the future", "labels": "(informal)", "examples": [ { "text": "I don't know if he'll get better. We're just taking things one day at a time." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "there is only one possible course of action", "examples": [] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "used to say that you should accept an unpleasant situation or event because you cannot change it", "labels": "(saying)", "examples": [] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "a situation or an activity of the type mentioned", "labels": "(informal)", "examples": [ { "text": "She really didn't want to be involved in the whole family thing." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "used to introduce an important fact, reason or explanation", "labels": "(informal)", "examples": [ { "text": "I'm sorry my assignment isn't finished. The thing is, I've had a lot of other work this week." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "used to introduce a problem about something/somebody", "examples": [ { "text": "The thing with Karl is, he's always late." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "used to refer to ghosts and other supernatural things that cannot be explained", "labels": "(informal, humorous)", "examples": [ { "text": "There are mysterious lights in the sky and things that go bump in the night." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to do what people or society expect, especially in a difficult situation", "examples": [ { "text": "He did the decent thing and resigned." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "used to say that, although something is pleasant, you do not want to have too much of it", "examples": [] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "because you have been busy with various problems, events or things you had to do", "labels": "(informal)", "examples": [ { "text": "I completely forgot her birthday, what with one thing and another." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to arrange something in a particular way, especially by being clever", "labels": "(informal)", "examples": [ { "text": "Can you work it so that we get free tickets?" } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "to arrange something in a particular way, especially by being clever", "labels": "(informal)", "examples": [ { "text": "Can you work things so that we get Friday afternoon off?" } ] } ], "pronunciations": { "uk": [ { "pronunciation": "/θɪŋ/", "audio": "th/thing/thing__gb_1.mp3" } ], "us": [ { "pronunciation": "/θɪŋ/", "audio": "th/thing/thing__us_1.mp3" } ] }, "wordOrigin": "Old English, of Germanic origin; related to German Ding. Early senses included ‘meeting’ and ‘matter, concern’ as well as ‘inanimate object’." }