Читать книгу Collins GEM English Thesaurus - Collins Dictionaries, Collins Dictionaries - Страница 77

baby NOUN = child, infant, babe, bairn (Scot. & Northern English), newborn child, babe in arms, ankle biter (Austral. slang), tacker (Austral. slang) ▸ ADJECTIVE = small, little, minute, tiny, mini, wee, miniature, petiteback NOUN 1 = spine, backbone, vertebrae, spinal column, vertebral column 2 = rear ◼ OPPOSITE: front 3 = reverse, rear, other side, wrong side, underside, flip side ▸ ADJECTIVE 1 = rear ◼ OPPOSITE: front 2 = rearmost, hind, hindmost 3 = previous, earlier, former, past, elapsed ◼ OPPOSITE: future 4 = tail, end, rear, posterior ▸ VERB 1 = support, help, aid, champion, defend, promote, assist, advocate ◼ OPPOSITE: oppose 2 = subsidize, help, support, sponsor, assistbackbone NOUN 1 = spinal column, spine, vertebrae, vertebral column 2 = strength of character, character, resolution, nerve, daring, courage, determination, pluckbacker NOUN 1 = supporter, second, angel (informal), patron, promoter, subscriber, helper, benefactor 2 = advocate, supporter, patron, sponsor, promoterbackfire VERB = fail, founder, flop (informal), rebound, boomerang, miscarry, misfirebackground NOUN 1 = upbringing, history, culture, environment, tradition, circumstances 2 = experience, grounding, education 3 = circumstances, history, conditions, situation, atmosphere, environment, framework, ambiencebacking NOUN 1 = support, encouragement, endorsement, moral support 2 = assistance, support, help, aid, sponsorship, patronagebacklash NOUN = reaction, response, resistance, retaliation, repercussion, counterblast, counteractionbackward ADJECTIVE = underdeveloped, undevelopedbackwards or backward ADVERB = towards the rear, behind you, in reverse, rearwardsbacteria PLURAL NOUN = microorganisms, viruses, bugs (slang), germs, microbes, pathogens, bacilli

USAGE Bacteria is a plural noun. It is therefore incorrect to talk about a bacteria, even though this is quite commonly heard, especially in the media. The correct singular is a bacterium.

bad ADJECTIVE 1 = harmful, damaging, dangerous, destructive, unhealthy, detrimental, hurtful, ruinous ◼ OPPOSITE: beneficial 2 = unfavourable, distressing, unfortunate, grim, unpleasant, gloomy, adverse 3 = inferior, poor, inadequate, faulty, unsatisfactory, defective, imperfect, substandard, bush-league (Austral. & N.Z. informal), half-pie (N.Z. informal), bodger or bodgie (Austral. slang) ◼ OPPOSITE: satisfactory 4 = incompetent, poor, useless (informal), incapable, unfit, inexpert 5 = grim, severe, hard, tough 6 = wicked, criminal, evil, corrupt, immoral, sinful, depraved ◼ OPPOSITE: virtuous 7 = naughty, defiant, wayward, mischievous, wicked, unruly, impish, undisciplined ◼ OPPOSITE: well-behaved 8 = rotten, off, rank, sour, rancid, mouldy, putrid, festy (Austral. slang)badge NOUN 1 = image, brand, stamp, identification, crest, emblem, insignia 2 = mark, sign, tokenbadger VERB = pester, harry, bother, bug (informal), bully, plague, hound, harassbadly ADVERB 1 = poorly, incorrectly, carelessly, inadequately, imperfectly, ineptly ◼ OPPOSITE: well 2 = severely, greatly, deeply, seriously, desperately, intensely, exceedingly 3 = unfavourably, unsuccessfullybaffle VERB = puzzle, confuse, stump, bewilder, confound, perplex, mystify, flummox ◼ OPPOSITE: explainbag NOUN = sack, container, sac, receptacle ▸ VERB 1 = get, land (informal), score (slang), capture, acquire, procure 2 = catch, kill, shoot, capture, acquire, trapbaggage NOUN = luggage, things, cases, bags, equipment, gear, suitcases, belongingsbaggy ADJECTIVE = loose, slack, bulging, sagging, sloppy, floppy, roomy, ill-fitting ◼ OPPOSITE: tightbail NOUN = security, bond, guarantee, pledge, warranty, surety ● bail out = escape, withdraw, get away, retreat, make your getaway, break free or out ● bail something or someone out = save, help, release, aid, deliver, recover, rescue, get outbait NOUN = lure, attraction, incentive, carrot (informal), temptation, snare, inducement, decoy ▸ VERB = tease, annoy, irritate, bother, mock, wind up (Brit. slang), hound, tormentbaked ADJECTIVE = dry, desert, seared, scorched, barren, sterile, arid, torridbakkie NOUN (S. African) = truck, pick-up, van, lorry, pick-up truckbalance VERB 1 = stabilize, level, steady ◼ OPPOSITE: overbalance 2 = weigh, consider, compare, estimate, contrast, assess, evaluate, set against 3 = calculate, total, determine, estimate, settle, count, square, reckon ▸ NOUN 1 = equilibrium, stability, steadiness, evenness ◼ OPPOSITE: instability 2 = stability, equanimity, steadiness 3 = parity, equity, fairness, impartiality, equality, correspondence, equivalence 4 = remainder, rest, difference, surplus, residue 5 = composure, stability, restraint, self-control, poise, self-discipline, equanimity, self-restraintbalcony NOUN 1 = terrace, veranda 2 = upper circle, gods, gallerybald ADJECTIVE 1 = hairless, depilated, baldheaded 2 = plain, direct, frank, straightforward, blunt, rude, forthright, unadornedball NOUN = sphere, drop, globe, pellet, orb, globule, spheroidballoon VERB = expand, rise, increase, swell, blow up, inflate, bulge, billowballot NOUN = vote, election, voting, poll, polling, referendum, show of handsban VERB 1 = prohibit, bar, block, veto, forbid, boycott, outlaw, banish ◼ OPPOSITE: permit 2 = bar, prohibit, exclude, forbid, disqualify, preclude, debar, declare ineligible ▸ NOUN = prohibition, restriction, veto, boycott, embargo, injunction, taboo, disqualification, rahui (N.Z.), restraining order (U.S., Law) ◼ OPPOSITE: permissionband1 NOUN 1 = ensemble, group, orchestra, combo 2 = gang, company, group, party, team, body, crowd, packband2 NOUN = headband, strip, ribbonbandage NOUN = dressing, plaster, compress, gauze ▸ VERB = dress, cover, bind, swathebandit NOUN = robber, outlaw, raider, plunderer, mugger (informal), looter, highwayman or woman, desperadobang NOUN 1 = explosion, pop, clash, crack, blast, slam, discharge, thump 2 = blow, knock, stroke, punch, bump, sock (slang), smack, thump ▸ VERB 1 = resound, boom, explode, thunder, thump, clang 2 = bump, knock, elbow, jostle 3 (often with on) = hit, strike, knock, belt (informal), slam, thump, clatter, beat or knock seven bells out of (informal) ▸ ADVERB = exactly, straight, square, squarely, precisely, slap, smack (informal), plumb (informal)banish VERB 1 = exclude, ban, dismiss, expel, throw out, eject, evict 2 = expel, exile, outlaw, deport ◼ OPPOSITE: admit 3 = get rid of, removebank1 NOUN 1 = financial institution, repository, depository 2 = store, fund, stock, source, supply, reserve, pool, reservoir ▸ VERB = deposit, keep, savebank2 NOUN 1 = side, edge, margin, shore, brink 2 = mound, banking, rise, hill, mass, pile, heap, ridge, kopje or koppie (S. African) ▸ VERB = tilt, tip, pitch, heel, slope, incline, slant, cantbank3 NOUN = row, group, line, range, series, file, rank, sequencebankrupt ADJECTIVE = insolvent, broke (informal), ruined, wiped out (informal), impoverished, in the red, destitute, gone bust (informal) ◼ OPPOSITE: solventbankruptcy NOUN = insolvency, failure, disaster, ruin, liquidationbanner NOUN 1 = flag, standard, colours, pennant, ensign, streamer 2 = placardbanquet NOUN = feast, spread (informal), dinner, meal, revel, repast, hakari (N.Z.)bar NOUN 1 = public house, pub (informal, chiefly Brit.), counter, inn, saloon, tavern, canteen, watering hole (facetious, slang), beer parlour (Canad.) 2 = rod, staff, stick, stake, rail, pole, paling, shaft 3 = obstacle, block, barrier, hurdle, hitch, barricade, snag, deterrent ◼ OPPOSITE: aid ▸ VERB 1 = lock, block, secure, attach, bolt, blockade, barricade, fortify 2 = block, restrict, restrain, hamper, thwart, hinder, obstruct, impede 3 = exclude, ban, forbid, prohibit, keep out of, disallow, shut out of, blackball ◼ OPPOSITE: admitbarbarian NOUN 1 = savage, monster, beast, brute, yahoo, swine, sadist 2 = lout, yahoo, bigot, philistine, hoon (Austral. & N.Z. informal), cougan (Austral. slang), scozza (Austral. slang), bogan (Austral. slang), boor, vulgarianbare ADJECTIVE 1 = naked, nude, stripped, uncovered, undressed, unclothed, unclad, without a stitch on (informal) ◼ OPPOSITE: dressed 2 = simple, spare, stark, austere, spartan, unadorned, unembellished, unornamented, bare-bones ◼ OPPOSITE: adorned 3 = plain, simple, basic, obvious, sheer, patent, evident, starkbarely ADVERB = only just, just, hardly, scarcely, at a push ◼ OPPOSITE: completelybargain NOUN 1 = good buy, discount purchase, good deal, steal (informal), snip (informal), giveaway, cheap purchase 2 = agreement, deal (informal), promise, contract, arrangement, settlement, pledge, pact ▸ VERB = negotiate, deal, contract, mediate, covenant, stipulate, transact, cut a dealbarge NOUN = canal boat, lighter, narrow boat, flatboatbark1 VERB = yap, bay, howl, snarl, growl, yelp, woof ▸ NOUN = yap, bay, howl, snarl, growl, yelp, woofbark2 NOUN = covering, casing, cover, skin, layer, crust, cortex (Anatomy, Botany), rindbarracks PLURAL NOUN = camp, quarters, garrison, encampment, billetbarrage NOUN 1 = bombardment, attack, bombing, assault, shelling, battery, volley, blitz 2 = torrent, mass, burst, stream, hail, spate, onslaught, delugebarren ADJECTIVE 1 = desolate, empty, desert, waste 2 = infertile, sterile, unproductivebarricade NOUN = barrier, wall, fence, blockade, obstruction, rampart, bulwark, palisade ▸ VERB = bar, block, defend, secure, lock, bolt, blockade, fortifybarrier NOUN = barricade, wall, bar, fence, boundary, obstacle, blockade, obstructionbase1 NOUN 1 = bottom, floor, lowest part ◼ OPPOSITE: top 2 = support, stand, foot, rest, bed, bottom, foundation, pedestal 3 = foundation, institution, organization, establishment, starting point 4 = centre, post, station, camp, settlement, headquarters 5 = home, house, pad (slang, old-fashioned), residence 6 = essence, source, basis, root, core ▸ VERB 1 = ground, found, build, establish, depend, construct, derive, hinge 2 = place, set, post, station, establish, locate, installbase2 ADJECTIVE = dishonourable, evil, disgraceful, shameful, immoral, wicked, sordid, despicable, scungy (Austral. & N.Z.) ◼ OPPOSITE: honourablebash VERB = hit, beat, strike, knock, smash, belt (informal), slap, sock (slang)basic ADJECTIVE 1 = fundamental, main, essential, primary, vital, principal, cardinal, elementary 2 = vital, needed, important, key, necessary, essential, primary, crucial (informal) 3 = essential, key, vital, fundamental ◼ OPPOSITE: secondary 4 = main, key, essential, primary 5 = plain, simple, classic, unfussy, unembellished, bare-bones, lo-fi ▸ PLURAL NOUN = essentials, principles, fundamentals, nuts and bolts (informal), nitty-gritty (informal), rudiments, brass tacks (informal)basically ADVERB = essentially, mainly, mostly, principally, fundamentally, primarily, at heart, inherentlybasis NOUN 1 = arrangement, way, system, footing, agreement 2 = foundation, support, base, ground, footing, bottom, groundworkbask VERB = lie, relax, lounge, sprawl, loaf, lie about, swim in, sunbathe, outspan (S. African)bass ADJECTIVE = deep, low, resonant, sonorous, low-pitched, deep-tonedbat

Bats

barbastelle

false vampire

flying fox

fruit bat

hammerhead

horseshoe bat

insectivorous bat

kalong

noctule

pipistrelle

serotine

vampire bat

batch NOUN = group, set, lot, crowd, pack, collection, quantity, bunchbath NOUN = wash, cleaning, shower, soak, cleansing, scrub, scrubbing, douche ▸ VERB = clean, wash, shower, soak, cleanse, scrub, bathe, rinsebathe VERB 1 = swim 2 = wash, clean, bath, shower, soak, cleanse, scrub, rinse 3 = cleanse, clean, wash, soak, rinse 4 = cover, flood, steep, engulf, immerse, overrun, suffuse, wash overbaton NOUN = stick, club, staff, pole, rod, crook, cane, mace, mere (N.Z.), patu (N.Z.)batter VERB = beat, hit, strike, knock, bang, thrash, pound, buffetbattery NOUN = artillery, ordnance, gunnery, gun emplacement, cannonrybattle NOUN 1 = fight, attack, action, struggle, conflict, clash, encounter, combat, biffo (Austral. slang), boilover (Austral.) ◼ OPPOSITE: peace 2 = conflict, campaign, struggle, dispute, contest, crusade 3 = campaign, drive, movement, push (informal), struggle ▸ VERB 1 = wrestle, war, fight, argue, dispute, grapple, clamour, lock horns 2 = struggle, work, labour, strain, strive, toil, go all out (informal), give it your best shot (informal)

Famous battles

Aboukir Bay or Abukir Bay	1798
Actium	31 B.C.
Agincourt	1415
Alamo	1836
Algiers	1957
Arnhem	1944
Atlantic	1939-45
Austerlitz	1805
Balaklava or Balaclava	1854
Bannockburn	1314
Barnet	1471
Bautzen	1813
Belleau Wood	1918
Blenheim	1704
Borodino	1812
Bosworth Field	1485
Boyne	1690
Britain	1940
Battle of the Bulge	1944-45
Bull Run	1861;1862
Bunker Hill	1775
Cannae	216 B.C.
Crécy	1346
Culloden	1746
Dien Bien Phu	1954
Edgehill	1642
El Alamein	1942
Falkirk	1298; 1746
Flodden	1513
Gettysburg	1863
Goose Green	1982
Guadalcanal	1942-3
Hastings	1066
Hohenlinden	1800
Imphal	1944
Inchon	1950
Inkerman	1854
Issus	333 B.C.
Jemappes	1792
Jena	1806
Killiecrankie	1689
Kursk	1943
Ladysmith	1899-1900
Le Cateau	1914
Leipzig	1813
Lepanto	1571
Leyte Gulf	1944
Little Bighorn	1876
Lützen	1632
Manassas	1861; 1862
Mantinea or Mantineia	418 B.C.; 362 B.C.
Marathon	490 B.C.
Marengo	1800
Marston Moor	1644
Missionary Ridge	1863
Naseby	1645
Navarino	425 B.C.
Omdurman	1898
Passchendaele	1917
Philippi	42 B.C.
Plains of Abraham	1759
Plassey	1757
Plataea	479 B.C.
Poltava	1709
Prestonpans	1745
Pydna	168 B.C.
Quatre Bras	1815
Ramillies	1706
Roncesvalles	778
Sadowa or Sadová	1866
Saint-Mihiel	1918
Salamis	480 B.C.
San Carlos	1982
Sedgemoor	1685
Sempach	1386
Shiloh	1862
Shipka Pass	1877-78
Somme	1916; 1918
Stalingrad	1941-42
Stamford Bridge	1066
Stirling Bridge	1297
Tannenberg	1410; 1914
Tet Offensive	1968
Tewkesbury	1471
Thermopylae	480 B.C.
Tobruk	1941; 1942
Trafalgar	1805
Trenton	1776
Verdun	1916
Vitoria	1813
Wagram	1809
Waterloo	1815
Ypres	1914; 1915; 1917; 1918
Zama	202 B.C.

battlefield NOUN = battleground, front, field, combat zone, field of battlebatty ADJECTIVE = eccentric, odd, peculiar, potty (Brit. informal)bay1 NOUN = inlet, sound, gulf, creek, cove, fjord, bight, natural harbourbay2 NOUN = recess, opening, corner, niche, compartment, nook, alcovebay3 VERB = howl, cry, roar (a hound), bark, wail, growl, bellow, clamour ▸ NOUN = cry, roar (a hound), bark, howl, wail, growl, bellow, clamourbazaar NOUN 1 = market, exchange, fair, marketplace 2 = fair, fête, gala, bring-and-buybe VERB = be alive, live, exist, survive, breathe, be present, endurebeach NOUN = shore, coast, sands, seaside, water's edge, seashorebeached ADJECTIVE = stranded, grounded, abandoned, deserted, wrecked, ashore, marooned, agroundbeacon NOUN 1 = signal, sign, beam, flare, bonfire 2 = lighthouse, watchtowerbead NOUN = drop, tear, bubble, pearl, dot, drip, blob, dropletbeam VERB 1 = smile, grin 2 = transmit, show, air, broadcast, cable, send out, relay, televise, stream 3 = radiate, flash, shine, glow, glitter, glare, gleam ▸ NOUN 1 = ray, flash, stream, glow, streak, shaft, gleam, glint 2 = rafter, support, timber, spar, plank, girder, joist 3 = smile, grinbear VERB 1 = carry, take, move, bring, transfer, conduct, transport, haul ◼ OPPOSITE: put down 2 = support, shoulder, sustain, endure, uphold, withstand ◼ OPPOSITE: give up 3 = display, have, show, hold, carry, possess 4 = suffer, experience, go through, sustain, stomach, endure, brook, abide 5 = bring yourself to, allow, accept, permit, endure, tolerate 6 = produce, generate, yield, bring forth 7 = give birth to, produce, deliver, breed, bring forth, beget (old-fashioned) 8 = exhibit, hold, maintain 9 = conduct, carry, move, deport ● bear something out = support, prove, confirm, justify, endorse, uphold, substantiate, corroboratebearer NOUN 1 = agent, carrier, courier, herald, envoy, messenger, conveyor, emissary 2 = carrier, runner, servant, porterbearing NOUN 1 (usually with on or upon) = relevance, relation, application, connection, import, reference, significance, pertinence ◼ OPPOSITE: irrelevance 2 = manner, attitude, conduct, aspect, behaviour, posture, demeanour, deportment ▸ PLURAL NOUN = way, course, position, situation, track, aim, direction, locationbeast NOUN 1 = animal, creature, brute 2 = brute, monster, savage, barbarian, fiend, swine, ogre, sadistbeastly ADJECTIVE = unpleasant, mean, awful, nasty, rotten (informal), horrid (informal), disagreeable ◼ OPPOSITE: pleasantbeat VERB 1 = batter, hit, strike, knock, pound, smack, thrash, thump 2 = pound, strike, hammer (informal), batter, thrash 3 = throb, thump, pound, quake, vibrate, pulsate, palpitate 4 = hit, strike, bang 5 = flap, thrash, flutter, wag 6 = defeat, outdo, trounce, overcome, crush, overwhelm, conquer, surpass ▸ NOUN 1 = throb, pounding, pulse, thumping, vibration, pulsating, palpitation, pulsation 2 = route, way, course, rounds, path, circuit ● beat someone up = assault, attack, batter, thrash, set about, set upon, lay into (informal), beat the living daylights out of (informal)beaten ADJECTIVE 1 = stirred, mixed, whipped, blended, whisked, frothy, foamy 2 = defeated, overcome, overwhelmed, cowed, thwarted, vanquishedbeautiful ADJECTIVE = attractive, pretty, lovely, charming, tempting, pleasant, handsome, fetching (informal), hot (informal), fit (Brit. informal) ◼ OPPOSITE: uglybeauty NOUN 1 = attractiveness, charm, grace, glamour, elegance, loveliness, handsomeness, comeliness (old-fashioned) ◼ OPPOSITE: ugliness 2 = good-looker, lovely (slang), belle, stunner (informal), beaut (Austral. & N.Z. slang)because CONJUNCTION = since, as, in that ● because of = as a result of, on account of, by reason of, thanks to, owing to

USAGE The phrase on account of can provide a useful alternative to because of in writing. It occurs relatively infrequently in spoken language, where it is sometimes followed by a clause, as in on account of I don't drink coffee. However, this use is considered nonstandard.

beckon VERB = gesture, sign, wave, indicate, signal, nod, motion, summonbecome VERB 1 = come to be, develop into, be transformed into, grow into, change into, alter to, mature into, ripen into 2 = suit, fit, enhance, flatter, embellish, set offbecoming ADJECTIVE 1 = flattering, pretty, attractive, enhancing, neat, graceful, tasteful, well-chosen ◼ OPPOSITE: unflattering 2 = appropriate, seemly, fitting, suitable, proper, worthy, in keeping, compatible ◼ OPPOSITE: inappropriatebed NOUN 1 = bedstead, couch, berth, cot, divan 2 = plot, area, row, strip, patch, ground, land, garden 3 = bottom, ground, floor 4 = base, footing, basis, bottom, foundation, underpinning, groundwork, bedrockbee

Ants, bees, and wasps

Amazon ant

ant or (archaic or dialect) emmet

army ant or legionary ant

bee

blue ant (Austral.)

bulldog ant, bull ant, or (Austral.) bull Joe

bumblebee or humblebee

carpenter bee

cicada hunter (Austral.)

cuckoo bee

digger wasp

driver ant

flower wasp (Austral.)

gall wasp

honeybee or hive bee

honeypot ant or honey ant (Austral.)

horntail or wood wasp

ichneumon fly or ichneumon wasp

killer bee

kootchar (Austral.)

leafcutter ant

leafcutter bee

mason bee

mason wasp

minga (Austral.)

mining bee

mud dauber

native bee or sugarbag fly (Austral.)

Pharaoh ant

policeman fly (Austral.)

ruby-tail wasp

sand wasp

Sirex wasp (Austral.)

slave ant

spider-hunting wasp

termite or white ant

velvet ant

wasp

wood ant

yellow jacket (U.S. & Canad.)

beetle NOUN

Beetles

ambrosia beetle

Asiatic beetle

bacon beetle

bark beetle

bee beetle

black beetle or (N.Z.) kekerengu or Māori bug

blister beetle

bloody-nosed beetle

boll weevil

bombardier beetle

burying beetle or sexton

cabinet beetle

cardinal beetle

carpet beetle or (U.S.) carpet bug

carrion beetle

chafer

Christmas beetle or king beetle

churchyard beetle

click beetle, snapping beetle, or skipjack

cockchafer, May beetle, or May bug

Colorado beetle or potato beetle

curculio

deathwatch beetle

devil's coach-horse

diving beetle

dor

dung beetle or chafer

elater

firefly

flea beetle

furniture beetle

glow-worm

gold beetle or goldbug

goldsmith beetle

goliath beetle

ground beetle

hercules beetle

huhu

Japanese beetle

June bug, June beetle, May bug, or May beetle

ladybird or (U.S. & Canad.) ladybug

larder beetle

leaf beetle

leather beetle

longicorn

May beetle, cockchafer, or June bug

museum beetle

oil beetle

pill beetle

rhinoceros beetle

rose chafer or rose beetle

rove beetle

scarab

scavenger beetle

snapping beetle

snout beetle

soldier beetle

Spanish fly

stag beetle

tiger beetle

timberman beetle

tortoise beetle

vedalia

water beetle

weevil or snout beetle

weevil, pea weevil, or bean weevil

whirligig beetle

before PREPOSITION 1 = earlier than, ahead of, prior to, in advance of ◼ OPPOSITE: after 2 = in front of, ahead of, in advance of 3 = in the presence of, in front of 4 = ahead of, in front of, in advance of ▸ ADVERB 1 = previously, earlier, sooner, in advance, formerly ◼ OPPOSITE: after 2 = in the past, earlier, once, previously, formerly, hitherto (formal), beforehand ◼ RELATED WORD: prefixes ante-, fore-, pre-beforehand ADVERB = in advance, before, earlier, already, sooner, ahead, previously, in anticipationbeg VERB 1 = implore, plead with, beseech, request, petition, solicit, entreat 2 = scrounge (informal), bum (informal), touch (someone) for (slang), cadge, sponge on (someone) for, freeload (slang), seek charity, solicit charity ◼ OPPOSITE: givebeggar NOUN = vagrant (old-fashioned), tramp (old-fashioned), bum (informal), derelict (old-fashioned), drifter, down-and-out, pauper (old-fashioned), bag lady, derro (Austral. slang)begin VERB 1 = start, commence, proceed ◼ OPPOSITE: stop 2 = commence, start, initiate, embark on, set about, instigate, institute, make a beginning 3 = start talking, start, initiate, commence 4 = come into existence, start, appear, emerge, arise, originate, come into being 5 = emerge, start, spring, stem, derive, originate ◼ OPPOSITE: endbeginner NOUN = novice, pupil, amateur, newcomer, starter, trainee, apprentice, learner ◼ OPPOSITE: expertbeginning NOUN 1 = start, opening, birth, origin, outset, onset, initiation, inauguration ◼ OPPOSITE: end 2 = outset, start, opening, birth, onset, commencement 3 = originsbehave VERB 1 = act 2 (often reflexive) = be well-behaved, mind your manners, keep your nose clean, act correctly, conduct yourself properly ◼ OPPOSITE: misbehavebehaviour NOUN 1 = conduct, ways, actions, bearing, attitude, manner, manners, demeanour 2 = action, performance, operation, functioningbehind PREPOSITION 1 = at the rear of, at the back of, at the heels of 2 = after, following 3 = supporting, for, backing, on the side of, in agreement with 4 = causing, responsible for, initiating, at the bottom of, instigating 5 = later than, after ▸ ADVERB 1 = after, next, following, afterwards, subsequently, in the wake (of) ◼ OPPOSITE: in advance of 2 = behind schedule, delayed, running late, behind time ◼ OPPOSITE: ahead 3 = overdue, in debt, in arrears, behindhand ▸ NOUN = bottom (informal), butt (informal), buttocks, posteriorbeing NOUN 1 = individual, creature, human being, living thing 2 = life, reality ◼ OPPOSITE: nonexistence 3 = soul, spirit, substance, creature, essence, organism, entitybeleaguered ADJECTIVE 1 = harassed, troubled, plagued, hassled (informal), badgered, persecuted, pestered, vexed 2 = besieged, surrounded, blockaded, beset, encircled, assailed, hemmed inbelief NOUN 1 = trust, confidence, conviction ◼ OPPOSITE: disbelief 2 = faith, principles, doctrine, ideology, creed, dogma, tenet, credo 3 = opinion, feeling, idea, impression, assessment, notion, judgment, point of viewbelieve VERB 1 = think, judge, suppose, estimate, imagine, assume, gather, reckon 2 = accept, trust, credit, depend on, rely on, have faith in, swear by, be certain of ◼ OPPOSITE: disbelievebeliever NOUN = follower, supporter, convert, disciple, devotee, apostle, adherent, zealot ◼ OPPOSITE: scepticbellow VERB = shout, cry (out), scream, roar, yell, howl, shriek, bawl ▸ NOUN = shout, cry, scream, roar, yell, howl, shriek, bawlbelly NOUN = stomach, insides (informal), gut, abdomen, tummy (informal), paunch, potbelly, corporation (informal), puku (N.Z.)belong VERB = go with, fit into, be part of, relate to, be connected with, pertain tobelonging NOUN = fellowship, relationship, association, loyalty, acceptance, attachment, inclusion, affinitybelongings PLURAL NOUN = possessions, goods, things, effects, property, stuff, gear, paraphernaliabeloved ADJECTIVE = dear, loved, valued, prized, admired, treasured, precious, darlingbelow PREPOSITION 1 = under, underneath, lower than 2 = less than, lower than 3 = subordinate to, subject to, inferior to, lesser than ▸ ADVERB 1 = lower, down, under, beneath, underneath 2 = beneath, following, at the end, underneath, at the bottom, further onbelt NOUN 1 = waistband, band, sash, girdle, girth, cummerbund 2 = conveyor belt, band, loop, fan belt, drive belt 3 = zone, area, region, section, district, stretch, strip, layerbemused ADJECTIVE = puzzled, confused, baffled, at sea, bewildered, muddled, perplexed, mystifiedbench NOUN 1 = seat, stall, pew 2 = worktable, stand, table, counter, trestle table, workbench ● the bench = court, judges, magistrates, tribunal, judiciary, courtroombenchmark NOUN = reference point, gauge, yardstick, measure, level, standard, model, parbend VERB = twist, turn, wind, lean, hook, bow, curve, arch ▸ NOUN = curve, turn, corner, twist, angle, bow, loop, arcbeneath PREPOSITION 1 = under, below, underneath, lower than ◼ OPPOSITE: over 2 = inferior to, below 3 = unworthy of, unfitting for, unsuitable for, inappropriate for, unbefitting ▸ ADVERB = underneath, below, in a lower place ◼ RELATED WORD: prefix sub-beneficial ADJECTIVE = favourable, useful, valuable, helpful, profitable, benign, wholesome, advantageous ◼ OPPOSITE: harmfulbeneficiary NOUN 1 = recipient, receiver, payee 2 = heir, inheritorbenefit NOUN 1 = good, help, profit, favour ◼ OPPOSITE: harm 2 = advantage, aid, favour, assistance ▸ VERB 1 = profit from, make the most of, gain from, do well out of, reap benefits from, turn to your advantage 2 = help, aid, profit, improve, enhance, assist, avail ◼ OPPOSITE: harmbenign ADJECTIVE 1 = benevolent, kind, kindly, warm, friendly, obliging, sympathetic, compassionate ◼ OPPOSITE: unkind 2 = harmless, innocent, innocuous, curable, inoffensive, remediable ◼ OPPOSITE: malignantbent ADJECTIVE 1 = misshapen, twisted, angled, bowed, curved, arched, crooked, distorted ◼ OPPOSITE: straight 2 = stooped, bowed, arched, hunched ▸ NOUN = inclination, ability, leaning, tendency, preference, penchant, propensity, aptitude ● bent on = intent on, set on, fixed on, predisposed to, resolved on, insistent onbequeath VERB 1 = leave, will, give, grant, hand down, endow, bestow, entrust 2 = give, accord, grant, afford, yield, lend, pass on, conferberth NOUN 1 = bunk, bed, hammock, billet 2 = anchorage, haven, port, harbour, dock, pier, wharf, quay ▸ VERB = anchor, land, dock, moor, tie up, drop anchorbeside PREPOSITION = next to, near, close to, neighbouring, alongside, adjacent to, at the side of, abreast of ● beside yourself = distraught, desperate, distressed, frantic, frenzied, unhinged, overwrought

USAGE People occasionally confuse beside and besides. Besides is used for mentioning something that adds to what you have already said, for example: I didn't feel like going and besides, I had nothing to wear. Beside usually means next to or at the side of something or someone, for example: he was standing beside me (not besides me).

besides PREPOSITION = apart from, barring, excepting, other than, excluding, as well (as), in addition to, over and above ▸ ADVERB = also, too, further, otherwise, in addition, as well, moreover, furthermorebesiege VERB 1 = harass, harry, plague, hound, hassle (informal), badger, pester 2 = surround, enclose, blockade, encircle, hem in, shut in, lay siege tobest ADJECTIVE = finest, leading, supreme, principal, foremost, pre-eminent, unsurpassed, most accomplished ▸ ADVERB = most highly, most fully, most deeply ● the best = the finest, the pick, the flower, the cream, the elite, the crème de la crèmebestow VERB = present, give, award, grant, commit, hand out, lavish, impart ◼ OPPOSITE: obtainbet VERB = gamble, chance, stake, venture, hazard, speculate, wager, risk money ▸ NOUN = gamble, risk, stake, venture, speculation, flutter (informal), punt (chiefly Brit.), wagerbetray VERB 1 = be disloyal to, dob in (Austral. slang), double-cross (informal), stab in the back, be unfaithful to, inform on or against 2 = give away, reveal, expose, disclose, uncover, divulge, unmask, let slipbetrayal NOUN = disloyalty, sell-out (informal), deception, treason, treachery, trickery, double-cross (informal), breach of trust ◼ OPPOSITE: loyaltybetter ADVERB 1 = to a greater degree, more completely, more thoroughly 2 = in a more excellent manner, more effectively, more attractively, more advantageously, more competently, in a superior way ◼ OPPOSITE: worse ▸ ADJECTIVE 1 = well, stronger, recovering, cured, fully recovered, on the mend (informal) ◼ OPPOSITE: worse 2 = superior, finer, higher-quality, surpassing, preferable, more desirable ◼ OPPOSITE: inferiorbetween PREPOSITION = amidst, among, mid, in the middle of, betwixt ◼ RELATED WORD: prefix inter-

USAGE After distribute and words with a similar meaning, among should be used rather than between: share out the sweets among the children (not between the children, unless there are only two children).

beverage NOUN = drink, liquid, liquor, refreshmentbeverage room NOUN (Canad.) = tavern, inn, bar, pub (informal, chiefly Brit.), public house, beer parlour (Canad.), hostelrybeware VERB 1 = be careful, look out, watch out, be wary, be cautious, take heed, guard against something 2 = avoid, mindbewilder VERB = confound, confuse, puzzle, baffle, perplex, mystify, flummox, bemusebewildered ADJECTIVE = confused, puzzled, baffled, at sea, muddled, perplexed, at a loss, mystifiedbeyond PREPOSITION 1 = on the other side of 2 = after, over, past, above 3 = past 4 = except for, but, save, apart from, other than, excluding, besides, aside from 5 = exceeding, surpassing, superior to, out of reach of 6 = outside, over, above