comfort

→ [comfort food](->comfort food) → [comfort zone](->comfort zone)

The family has taken comfort from the support of friends.

Economists have been quick to draw comfort from the latest figures.

He had been through a similar experience and she found comfort in that.

Volunteers are available to offer comfort and advice.

It was impossible to give her any comfort.

Religious belief can bring comfort during times of stress.

Talking about your problems may provide some comfort.

People come to us seeking comfort and guidance.

Your letters have been a great comfort to me.

The tax changes will provide cold comfort to people living on a pension.

He tried to find some words of comfort that would help her.

‘You’re no worse than the rest,’ the football coach said, trying to offer me a crumb of comfort.

(=used to say something that may make someone less worried or unhappy)

If it’s any comfort, you very nearly passed the exam.

(=food that you eat to make you feel relaxed and happy)

I find pasta and cheese is a great comfort food.

a feeling of being physically relaxed and satisfied, so that nothing is hurting you, making you feel too hot or cold etc

All our sports shoes are designed for comfort and performance.

我们所有的运动鞋设计都讲求舒适和性能。

[too hot/high/tight etc for comfort](bold)(=physically unpleasant for a particular reason)

The temperature was too low for comfort.

我穿衣服只讲舒服，不追求时髦。

Alan was very reluctant to leave the warmth and comfort of the fire.

艾伦很不情愿离开暖和舒适的火堆。

Upstairs is a more intimate bar where guests can relax in comfort.

楼上是一个更温馨的酒吧，顾客在那里可以舒适地放松自己。

Now you can watch your favorite movies [in the comfort of](bold) your own home.

现在你可以舒舒服服地在自己家里看你最喜欢的电影了。

if someone or something gives you comfort, they make you feel calmer, happier, or more hopeful after you have been worried or unhappy

Whenever he was upset, he would turn to her for comfort and advice.

每当心烦意乱时，他就会去向她寻求安慰和建议。

a book which offers comfort and help to the parents of children with cancer

一本给子女罹患癌症的父母提供安慰和帮助的书

The knowledge that Cara was safe gave him some comfort.

知道卡拉没有危险给了他些许安慰。

My faith has been a [source of](bold) great [comfort](bold) over the years.

这些年来，信仰给了我极大的安慰。

[take/draw/derive comfort from (doing) sth](bold)

他从她热心的支持中获得了安慰。

[find/take comfort in (doing) sth](bold)

You can take some comfort in the fact that you did your best.

你已经尽了最大的努力，从这一点你可以得到些安慰。

It was no comfort to think he might be as frightened as she was.

想到他也许和她一样害怕，她无法宽下心来。

[if it’s any comfort](bold)(=used to introduce a statement that you think may make someone feel slightly less worried or unhappy)

Well, if it’s any comfort, I don’t think he’ll try again.

嗯，就当是安慰吧，我认为他不会再试一次了。

someone or something that helps you feel calmer, happier, or more hopeful after you have been worried or unhappy

Louisa’s been a [great comfort](bold) to me since Mary died.

自从玛丽去世后，路易莎对我是莫大的安慰。

[It’s a comfort](bold) to know there’s someone to keep an eye on the kids.

知道有人照料着那些孩子，心里就有了安慰。

a way of living in which you have all the money and possessions that you need or want

When Dad died, he left us both enough to [live in comfort](bold) for the rest of our lives.

the things that make your life nicer and more comfortable, especially things that are not necessary

Modern caravans offer [all the comforts of](bold) home.

现代旅行拖车提供家一般的舒适条件。

hotels with all the [modern comforts](bold)(=things such as a television, telephone etc)

拥有各种现代化舒适设施的宾馆

[material comforts](bold)(=money and possessions)

→ [creature comforts](->creature comforts)

something that is too close for comfort makes you feel worried, unhappy, or uncomfortable, because it is dangerous in some way

近得使人担忧[不快，不适]

The cars were whizzing past us much too close for comfort.

汽车紧贴着我们身边呼啸而过，令我们提心吊胆。

a small piece of good news that does not make you feel better about a bad situation

Another drop in the inflation rate was cold comfort yesterday for the 2.74 million jobless.


comfort

to make someone feel less worried, unhappy, or upset, for example by saying kind things to them or touching them

Within hours of the news, Helen arrived to comfort her heartbroken friend.

得到消息几小时以后，海伦赶来安慰她那心碎的朋友。

He longed to take her in his arms and comfort her.

他很想把她搂在怀里安慰她。

Mr Aston’s father was last night being comforted by relatives.

昨晚亲戚们都在安慰阿斯顿先生的父亲。

She comforted herself with the thought that it would soon be spring.

她安慰自己说春天很快就要来了。


comfortable

making you feel physically relaxed, and not too hard, hot, cold etc. Also used about people feeling physically relaxed

I tried to get into a more comfortable position.

comfortable – used especially about furniture and clothes

comfortable and warm – used especially about small rooms, houses etc

small, warm, and comfortable, especially in a way that makes you feel protected – used especially about rooms, houses etc. Also used about people feeling warm and comfortable

It was very cold outside, but our tents were snug and warm.

She wished she was back in her snug little house.

I’m snug as a bug in a rug in here!very snug – used in informal British English

a smooth  journey is comfortable because your car or plane does not shake, or the sea is not rough

The bedroom was large and comfortable with a view of the river.

This is a friendly and comfortable hotel.

You’ll need comfortable shoes for walking around the city.

When driving, make sure you are seated in a comfortable position.

Relax in the comfortable surroundings of the hotel.

The house is warm and comfortable even in winter.

You’ll probably feel most comfortable wearing cotton clothes.

That sofa looks wonderfully comfortable.

There are lots of ways you can make your home more comfortable to live in.

making you feel physically relaxed, without any pain or without being too hot, cold etc

The bed wasn’t particularly comfortable.

Joyce has a comfortable apartment in Portland.

乔伊丝在波特兰有一套舒适的公寓。

[comfortable to wear/use/sit on etc](bold)

feeling physically relaxed, without any pain or without being too hot, cold etc

I was so comfortable and warm in bed I didn’t want to get up.

床上又舒服又暖和，我都不想起来。

Sit down and [make yourself comfortable](bold).

With difficulty, she rolled her body into a more [comfortable position](bold).

她费力地翻过身，换了个比较舒服的姿势。

She’s never [felt](bold) very [comfortable](bold) with men.

她一直都觉得和男人在一起不是很自在。

In our business, we need people who are comfortable in an unstructured environment.

我们这个行业需要的是能在松散的环境里应付自如的人。

having enough money to buy the things you need or want, without having to worry about how much they cost

Jean’s looking forward to a comfortable retirement.

琼盼望着能过上宽裕的退休生活。

if you have a comfortable win or lead, you win or are leading by a large amount

〔获胜〕轻松的；〔领先〕大幅度的

The pair had a comfortable win, beating the German team by nearly three seconds.

这对选手赢得很轻松，以将近三秒的优势击败了德国队。

The bill should pass in the House by a [comfortable margin](bold).

这项议案应该能在下议院以明显的优势获得通过。

Another penalty from Roberts gave the home team a [comfortable](bold) half-time [lead](bold).

罗伯茨的又一个点球使主队在上半场结束时轻松领先。

if someone who is ill or injured is comfortable, they are not in too much pain

〔患者或伤者〕感觉不太疼痛的


comfortably

in a way that makes you feel physically relaxed, without any pain, or without being too hot, cold etc

The hotel is modern and [comfortably furnished](bold).

这家宾馆很现代化，家具很舒适。

in a way that feels physically relaxed, without any pain, or without being too hot, cold etc

I was [sitting comfortably](bold) in the lounge, reading a newspaper.

我正舒服地坐在起居室里看报纸。

with enough money to live on without having to worry about paying for things

She earns enough money to [live comfortably](bold).

她赚的钱足够她过得很舒服。

His family were [comfortably off](bold)(=fairly rich).

Davis [won comfortably](bold), 9–1, 9–3, 9–2.

戴维斯胜得很轻松，比分为9比1，9比3，9比2。

the amount of work you can comfortably deal with

They were soon chatting comfortably with each other.

他们很快就轻松地交谈了起来。


comic

amusing you and making you want to laugh

[comic writer/actress/performer etc](bold)(=someone who writes or performs things that make you laugh)

[comic relief](bold)(=a situation in a serious story that makes you relax a little because it is funny)

The song provides some [comic relief](bold) from the intensity of the scene.

这首歌使得紧张的场面出现喜剧性的缓和。


comic

a magazine for children that tells a story using comic strips

someone whose job is to tell jokes and make people laugh


comma

→ [inverted comma](->inverted comma) → [punctuation mark](->punctuation mark)

the mark (,) used in writing to show a short pause or to separate things in a list


command

The Colonel showed that he was in complete command of the situation.

(=a system of passing decisions from people at the the top to the bottom)

Our company has a traditional management chain of command.

(=begin controlling a group or situation)

Captain Kent took command of the Emergency Control Centre.

(=start to be in charge of a group of people)

He assumed command of all the troops in the Washington area.

A third goal put Brazil in command of the game.

The enemy was losing command of the situation.

(=lose your military position because you have done something wrong)

The General was relieved of his command due to misconduct.

Their fighters had full command of the air over Pearl Harbor.

A large area was already under US military command.

Russia and Ukraine had joint command over the Fleet.

He was in sole command of a small military unit.

(=the way in which a military organization is organized into ranks)

Each of our national defence forces has its own command structure.

The General gave the command to open fire.

Your dog will soon learn to obey your commands.

The men carried out the command immediately.

Kruger shouted his commands: 'Faster, faster!'

She just stands there barking commands while everyone works.

the control of a group of people or a situation

troops under the command of General Roberts

彼得斯中尉现在负责指挥。

He felt fully [in command of the situation](bold).

[take command (of sth)](bold)(=begin controlling a group or situation and making decisions)

The fire officer took command, ordering everyone to leave the building.

消防专员开始指挥，命令大家离开这幢建筑。

Each congressman has a large staff at his command (=available to be used).

每位国会议员都有一大批人员听候他的吩咐。

By 1944, Fletcher [had command of](bold) a B-17 bomber and a ten-man crew.

到1944年，弗莱彻已负责指挥一架B-17轰炸机和十名机组人员。

Shoot when I [give](bold) the [command](bold).

an instruction to a computer to do something

knowledge of something, especially a language, or ability to use something

对某事物的掌握，使用某物的能力〔尤指语言〕

[(have a) good/excellent/poor etc command of sth](bold)

He’s studied in the US and has a good command of English.

他在美国留过学，精通英语。

In this meaning of [command](bold)  is usually followed by a singular verb: The army command [is](bold) considering a ceasefire.

In British English, you can also use a plural verb: The army command [are](bold) considering a ceasefire.

a part of an army, navy etc that is controlled separately and has a particular job

a group of officers or officials who give orders

the group of soldiers that an officer is in control of

〔同一军官统率的〕部队，军队

if you have a particular skill at your command, you are able to use that skill well and easily

在琴键上娴熟弹奏的钢琴家

to be able to control your emotions and thoughts

能够控制自己〔指情绪和思想〕

Kathleen walked in – tall, slim, confident, and in total command of herself.

凯瑟琳走了进来，她身材修长，满怀自信，神态自如。


command

to tell someone officially to do something, especially if you are a military leader, a king etc

〔尤指军官、国王等〕命令，下令

Captain Picard commanded the crew to report to the main deck.

皮卡德船长命令全体船员到主甲板上报到。

The General commanded that the regiment attack at once.

将军下令该团立刻发起进攻。

to be responsible for giving orders to a group of people in the army, navy etc

to get something such as respect or attention because you do something well or are important or popular

赢得，博得〔尊敬、关注等〕

Philip was a remarkable teacher, able to command instant respect.

菲利普是名出色的教师，能够立刻赢得尊敬。

[command a high fee/wage/price etc](bold)

Which graduates command the highest salaries?

哪些毕业生可以得到最高的薪水？

The party that commands a majority of seats in Parliament forms the government.

在议会拥有多数席位的党派可以组建政府。

if a place commands a view, you can see something clearly from it

The Ramses Hilton commands a magnificent view of Cairo.

在拉姆西斯希尔顿酒店，开罗的壮丽景色尽收眼底。


commander

an officer of any rank who is in charge of a group of soldiers or a particular military activity

a high rank in the navy, or someone who holds this rank

〔英国警察的〕总警司，警务长


commemorate

[commemorative](bold) /kəˈmem/  adj. eg: a commemorative plaque

to do something to show that you remember and respect someone important or an important event in the past

庆祝，为 …举行纪念活动

a parade to commemorate the town’s bicentenary

庆祝该镇建立200周年的游行


commence

Work will commence on the new building immediately.

Your first evaluation will be six months after you commence employment.

工作六个月后，你将接受第一次绩效评估。

The course commences with a one week introduction to Art Theory.

这门课程开始的第一周是介绍艺术理论。

The planes commenced bombing at midnight.

In everyday English, people usually say [start](bold)  rather than [commence](bold) :

The concert was just about to [start](bold).


commend

to praise or approve of someone or something publicly

Inspector Marshall was commended for his professional attitude.

马歇尔警督因其专业的态度而受到表彰。

The paper was [highly commended](bold) in the UK Press Awards.

该报获得了“英国新闻奖”的高度褒奖。

to tell someone that something is good or that it deserves attention

Colleagues, I commend this report to you.

各位同事，我向你们推荐这份报告。

McKellen’s performance [had much to commend it](bold)(=was very good).

麦凯伦的表演很值得推崇。

if something commends itself to you, you approve of it

得到（某人的）认可，得到（某人的）赞同

The plan did not commend itself to the Allies.

该计划未得到同盟国的认可。


comment

something that you say or write in order to give your opinion

Readers are invited to send in their comments and suggestions.

Just ignore them if they start making rude remarks.

I’m not sure what he meant by that last remark.

something that someone mentions about a subject in a discussion, argument, article etc

He raises mentions a number of important points in his paper.

a comment in which you say what you think or have noticed about something

Karl Marx made the observation that history repeats itself first as tragedy, second as farce.

a comment made in a low voice, that you intend only certain people to hear

‘Is that true?’ she whispered in an aside to Don.

She knew she should reply with some light-hearted quip.

a comment you make to annoy or criticize someone

a comment intended to make someone angry or upset

The fans made racist taunts throughout the game.

Everyone was making appreciative comments about the delicious food.

Do you have any comments on that, David?

He looked at my photos but he didn’t pass comment.

The website invites comments from people who visit it.

We would welcome your comments and suggestions.

It is very helpful to receive comments from the public.

I just want to make a very brief comment.

Pay close attention to your teacher’s constructive comments.

There were some very positive comments in the report.

The school has received critical comments from inspectors.

I accepted as fair comment 90% of what he said.

(=unkind and made in a secret or indirect way)

She made some really snide comments about you when you weren’t here.

(=criticizing someone or something in an unpleasant way)

Never make disparaging comments about a colleague’s work.

There were a lot of scathing comments about the film.

(=showing that you think something is good or nice)

Appreciative comments may improve your staff’s performance.

(=in which you say the opposite of what you mean, as an unkind joke)

I tried to stay calm, despite his sarcastic comments.

I only made a casual comment about finding the work a bit boring.

(=a quick comment made without thinking about it very carefully)

She got upset about a passing comment I made about her clothes.

His newspaper article is always full of shrewd comments.

(=saying that something is bad in an amusing way)

‘Perhaps the food could be improved,’ was the wry comment of one prisoner.

Several pensioners passed some bitter comments.

The jury are forbidden from making public comments.

an opinion that you express about someone or something

他对寻求政治庇护者的评论

He was fined for making abusive comments to the referee.

[no comment](bold)(=used by people in public life when they do not want to answer questions)

criticism or discussion of something someone has said or done

The speech received much comment in the press.

to be a sign of the bad quality of something

是反映某事物不足之处的标志，是某事的写照

The number of adults who cannot read is [a sad comment on](bold) the quality of our schools.

成人文盲之多是我们学校教育质量的可悲写照。


comment

to express an opinion about someone or something

People were always commenting on his size.

人们总是对他的个子品头论足。

Smith’s lawyer commented that the decision was ‘outrageous’.

史密斯的律师称这个判决“让人无法容忍”。


commentary

The royal wedding will be accompanied by a live television commentary.

(=continuous commentary while an event is happening)

The coach driver gave us a running commentary on where we were going.

(=given at the time the event is happening)

He got into trouble for a remark he made during a live commentary of a football match.

(=a recorded commentary that you listen to)

The DVD extras include an audio commentary by the film director.

His job is to give a non-stop commentary on each moment in the game.

The helicopter was providing a running commentary to the police control room.

Attenborough kept up a running commentary on the animals' movements.

I was listening to the football commentary on the radio.

(=a small room where the commentators on a sports game sit)

He was in the commentary box, microphone in hand.

a spoken description of an event, given while the event is happening, especially on the television or radio

〔尤指在电视上或广播中进行的〕现场解说，实况报道

由汤姆•费里斯现场解说。

We’ll be bringing you full commentary on the game between Notts and Brescia.

我们将为您全场解说诺士郡队和布雷西亚队的比赛。

[running commentary](bold)(=a continuous description of something)

something such as a book or an article that explains or discusses a book, poem, idea etc

be a sad/tragic/devastating etc commentary on sth

to be a sign of how bad a particular situation is

是某事物令人沮丧/可悲/令人震惊等的反映

The incident was a sad commentary on British football.

这一事件是英国足球的可悲写照。


commentator

someone who knows a lot about a particular subject, and who writes about it or discusses it on the television or radio

someone on television or radio who describes an event as it is happening


commerce

→ [chamber of commerce](->chamber of commerce) → [e-commerce](->e-commerce)

the buying and selling of goods and services

measures promoting local commerce and industry

促进地方工商业发展的措施


commercial

(=one that accepts people’s money, provides loans etc)

Several large commercial banks cut their lending rates.

Many commercial companies are having financial difficulties.

He decided to invest in commercial property.

(=things that bring business advantages)

The president’s reform programme threatened US commercial interests.

A product like this should do well in the commercial market.

(=the building of houses, hotels, restaurants etc)

The increased number of tourists has resulted in further commercial development.

The trees were planted for commercial use.

(=using something, especially natural resources, to make money)

the commercial exploitation of mineral resources

Commercial activity in our society is highly competitive.

Commercial considerations must come second to conservation of the environment.

The deal was a straightforward commercial transaction.

related to business and the buying and selling of goods and services

Our top priorities must be profit and commercial growth.

我们必须把利润和贸易增长作为我们的第一要务。

related to the ability of a product or business to make a profit

〔产品或经营〕能赚钱的，赢利的

Gibbons failed to see the commercial value of his discovery.

吉本斯没有意识到自己的发现所具有的商业价值。

这部电影在商业上获得了巨大成功。

a commercial product is one that is produced and sold in large quantities

〔产品〕商品化的〔指大量制造和销售〕

more concerned with money than with quality

商业化的〔指更注重金钱而忽视质量〕

他们的音乐已变得非常商业化。

radio or television broadcasts that are produced by companies that earn money through advertising

〔靠商业广告维持的〕商业电台/电视/频道等


commercial

〔电视或电台的〕商业广告

→see THESAURUS at [advertisement](->advertisement)

the time when advertisements are broadcast during a television or radio programme

〔电视或电台节目中的〕广告时间


commercially

considering whether a business or product is making a profit

The project is no longer [commercially viable](bold)(=certain to make money).

这个项目从商业角度看不再可行。

从商业角度来看，这部电影失败了。

produced or used in large quantities as a business

商业化地，大量生产[使用]地

if a new product is commercially available, you can buy it in shops

the world’s first commercially available 3-D computer screen

世界上最早上市的三维电脑屏幕


commission

They set up a commission to investigate the problem of youth crime.

The president appointed a commission to develop standards in schools.

He was elected to head a commission on tax reform.

The commission recommended that the federal government change the way it measures inflation.

A special commission was set up to investigate the killings.

The plan requires approval by an independent commission.

an international commission on climate change

A report was made by a special parliamentary commission.

A government commission regulates the process.

the Presidential Commission on Health Care

(=involving two or more countries or groups)

An investigative commission was set up immediately after the incident.

a group of people who have been given the official job of finding out about something or controlling something

The Government [set up](bold) a [commission](bold) to investigate allegations of police violence.

政府成立了一个委员会调查对警察施暴行为的指控。

the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution

an extra amount of money that is paid to a person or organization according to the value of the goods they have sold or the services they have provided

The dealer takes a 20% commission on the sales he makes.

经销商按销售额收取20%的佣金。

他卖化妆品按销售额提成。

a request for an artist, designer, or musician to make a piece of art or music, for which they are paid

〔对艺术家、设计师或音乐家的〕创作委托

a commission from the Academy for a new sculpture

学院要求制作一尊新雕塑的委托

the position of an officer in the army, navy etc

〔军队中的〕军官地位，军官职权

the commission of a crime is the act of doing it

One of the ship’s anchors was out of commission.

The operating theatres will be back in commission next week.

手术室下周可以恢复使用。


commission

to formally ask someone to write an official report, produce a work of art for you etc

委托〔别人写报告、创作艺术品等〕

The report was commissioned by the Welsh Office.

这份报告是受命于威尔士事务部撰写的。

Macmillan commissioned her to illustrate a book by Spike Milligan.

麦克米伦公司委托她为斯派克•米利根的一本书画插图。

to be given an officer’s rank in the army, navy etc

〔在军队中〕被授予（ …的）军官军衔

我被任命为皇家空军的军官。


commissioner

someone who is officially in charge of a government department in some countries

the head of the police department in some parts of the US

〔美国部分地区的〕警察局局长


commit

People who commit crimes end up in jail.

The couple were accused of committing murder.

She later admitted committing the robbery.

commit an act of violence/terrorism/aggression etc

Anyone committing an act of terrorism will be severely punished.

(=the crime of being disloyal to your country)

He was accused of committing treason against the King of England.

(=the crime of attempting to kill a race of people)

In some countries, genocide is being committed every day.

During the civil war both sides committed numerous atrocities.

(=do something that is wrong according to your religion)

He confessed to having committed the sin of adultery.

[past tense and past participle](italic) [committed](bold) [present participle](italic) [committing](bold)

Women [commit](bold) fewer [crimes](bold) than men.

Brady committed a series of brutal murders.

布雷迪犯下了一连串残忍的谋杀案。

if a married person commits adultery, they have sex with someone who is not their husband or wife

to say that someone will definitely do something or must do something

He has clearly committed his government to continuing down the path of economic reform.

他明确地作出保证，他的政府会继续在经济改革的道路上走下去。

Meeting them doesn’t commit us to anything.

和他们会面并不表示我们会承诺什么。

I’d committed myself and there was no turning back.

我已经作出保证，没有退路了。

The banks have committed themselves to boosting profits by slashing costs.

银行作出保证，要通过大幅度削减成本来提高利润。

to give someone your love or support in a serious and permanent way

〔在感情上〕作出承诺，忠于

Anna wants to get married, but Bob’s not sure he wants to commit.

安娜想结婚，但鲍勃却不能肯定自己是不是想作出承诺。

He has not yet committed to any of the candidates.

他尚未表示支持任何一个候选人。

to decide to use money, time, people etc for a particular purpose

投入〔钱、时间、人力等〕

A lot of money has been committed to this project.

这个项目已经投入了很多钱。

to send someone to be tried in a court of law

The two men [were committed for trial](bold) at Bristol Crown Court.

这两个人被送到布里斯托尔刑事法庭受审。

to order someone to be put in a hospital or prison

把 …关进医院[监狱]，监禁

The judge committed him to prison for six months.

to learn something so that you remember it


commitment

Getting married involves making a serious commitment.

The government gave a commitment to withdraw all its forces.

Nursing as a profession demands genuine commitment.

Will they honour their commitment to a ceasefire?

Throughout her life she demonstrated her deep commitment to the needs of the poor.

I never get promoted because they think I lack commitment.

They reaffirmed their commitment to abandon nuclear power.

The job demands real commitment to teaching.

As a company, we expect a personal commitment from our staff to do their best.

She's known for her strong commitment to women's rights.

Having a child together involves a long-term commitment.

Such therapies demand full commitment from the patient.

There was no local political commitment to the proposal.

Many people have ceased to have any active religious commitment.

His lack of commitment to the project was easy to see.

This post demands a high level of commitment.

a promise to do something or to behave in a particular way

Are you ready to [make](bold) a long-term [commitment](bold)?

你是否准备好作出长久的承诺？

Our company has a commitment to quality and customer service.

我们公司对质量和客户服务作出承诺。

the hard work and loyalty that someone gives to an organization, activity etc

〔对某一组织、某项活动等的〕投入，忠诚，奉献

I was impressed by the energy and commitment shown by the players.

选手们表现出的活力和奉献精神给我留下了深刻印象。

Her commitment to work is beyond question.

她的敬业精神是不容置疑的。

something that you have promised you will do or that you have to do

Will the job fit in with your [family commitments](bold)?

这工作和你对家庭的承诺是否会有冲突？

an amount of money that you have to pay regularly

我有许多款项需要定期支付。

the use of money, time, people etc for a particular purpose

〔为某种目的在金钱、时间、人力等方面的〕投入，使用，花费

commitments of food and medical aid of over $4 billion

投入超过40亿美元的食物和医药援助


committed

Both sides claim to  be fully committed to the peace process.

We are all passionately committed to our work in Africa.

They were ideologically committed to democratic principles.

As a couple, they were emotionally committed to one another.

By now the Americans were irrevocably committed to the war.

The government remained committed to the treaty.

I never really felt committed to the job.

He remains a committed supporter of the present government.

She is a committed member of the Scottish Socialist Party.

a committed Christian/Muslim/pacifist etc

They consider themselves to be committed Christians.

The party has a core of committed supporters.

该党派有一批坚定的支持者。

We are fully committed to Equal Opportunity policies.

我们完全支持机会均等政策。


committee

[Committee](bold)  is usually followed by a singular verb: The management committee [meets](bold) regularly.

In British English, you can also use a plural verb: The management committee [meet](bold) regularly.

The environmental health committee will meet again next Wednesday.

I was on the parents' committee at my kids' school.

(=be a member of an important committee)

Our organization is always in need of volunteers to serve on the committee.

(=be the person in charge of a committee)

Professor Peacock was appointed to chair the committee.

The council appointed a special committee to study the issue.

I was invited to join a committee to plan the summer carnival.

After three years, she decided to leave the committee.

Everyone was sorry when he stood down from the committee.

There's a committee meeting once a month.

Four committee members did not attend the meeting.

There will be a new committee chairman next year.

A special committee of scientists was set up to study the disease.

(=that manages an organization and makes decisions for it)

He sat on the firm's Executive Committee.

(=one that directs a particular activity)

(=one of politicians and advisers who look at a particular subject)

The scheme will be overseen by a management committee.

(=one that considers requests to build new buildings)

Several concerns were raised at the planning committee.

a group of people chosen to do a particular job, make decisions etc

the International Committee of the Red Cross

a ministerial committee on security affairs


commodity

Crude oil is the world’s most important commodity.

Consumers began to find that they could afford more expensive commodities.

Land is an extremely valuable commodity.

Soap was a scarce commodity during the war.

Web domains ending in .com became hot commodities.

The falling prices of agricultural commodities such as coffee have severely affected the economy.

Sales of the old industrial commodities of iron and coal are still important.

Commodity prices are very high in the UK.

Coffee is facing the deepest crisis in a global commodity market since the great depression of the 30s.


common

if something is common, there are a lot of them

Jones is a very common name in Great Britain.

Personal computers are nearly as common in American homes as televisions.

happening in a lot of places or done by a lot of people

Racism is much more widespread than people imagine.

The report claimed that the problem of police brutality was widespread.

the widespread availability of antibiotics

common in a particular place or time – used especially when saying that this seems surprising or unusual

Crimes such as robbery are commonplace in big cities.

Expensive foreign cars are commonplace in this Chicago suburb.

common in a place or among a group of people – used especially about illnesses, problems, or ideas

Flu is most prevalent during the winter months.

Depression remains one of the most prevalent health disorders in the US.

This belief is more prevalent among men than women.

very common – used about illnesses or problems

AIDS is rife in some parts of the world.

very common and seen in many different places – often used humorously in written descriptions

He was carrying the ubiquitous MP3 player.

In Britain, CCTV cameras are ubiquitous.

used when saying that you can see something a lot in many different places

Microchips seem to be everywhere these days – even in washing machines.

One of the first things you notice in Amsterdam are the bicycles – they’re everywhere.

happening often and to many people or in many places

Heart disease is one of the commonest causes of death.

心脏病是最常见的死因之一。

Bad dreams are fairly common among children.

It’s common for new fathers to feel jealous of the baby.

刚做爸爸的人忌妒自己的宝宝是很常见的。

It is common for children to be afraid (NOT It is common that children are afraid) of the dark.

→ Don’t say ‘It is common that ... ’ Say [‘It is common for ... ’ ](bold)

common aims, beliefs, ideas etc are shared by several people or groups

〔目的、信仰、思想等〕共同的

a theme that is common to all her novels

facts, features, or beliefs that are shared by people or things that are very different

〔对立双方或事物的〕共同基础，共同立场

There is a great deal of common ground between management and trade unions on this issue.

在这个问题上劳资双方有很多观点是一致的。

belonging to or shared by everyone in a society

These problems are common to all societies.

这些问题是所有社会的通病。

Joe was chosen as captain [by common consent](bold)(=with everyone’s agreement).

大家一致同意选乔为队长。

[It is common knowledge that](bold) travel broadens the mind.

旅行能开阔眼界，这是众所周知的。

他们为了共同的利益一起努力。

It was common practice for families to attend church together.

全家人一起去做礼拜是惯例。

The 20th century was called the century of [the common man](bold)(=ordinary people).

20世纪被称为普罗大众的世纪。

He insists that he is a revolutionary, not a common criminal.

他坚持说自己是个革命者，而不是普通的罪犯。

a polite way of behaving that you expect from people

It would be common courtesy to return their hospitality.

回报他们的盛情是起码的礼节。

make/find common cause (with/against sb)

to join with other people or groups in order to achieve something

France and Russia made common cause against Britain.

法国和俄国曾联合起来反对英国。

the ability of someone in a position of power or authority to talk to and understand ordinary people – used to show approval

平易近人的品质〔含褒义〕

He’s made it to the top without losing the common touch.

他虽已晋升高位，却依然平易近人。

an offensive word used for describing someone from a low social class

粗鄙的，劣等的〔形容下层社会成员的冒犯用语〕


common

to have the same interests, attitudes etc as someone else

I found I [had a lot in common with](bold) these people.

我发现自己和这些人有许多相同之处。

four women with almost [nothing in common](bold)

几乎没有任何共同点的四个女人

if objects or ideas have something in common, they share the same features

（与某事物）有相同的特点

The two games [have much in common](bold).

这两种游戏有许多相同之处。

in the same way as someone or something else

In common with a lot of other countries, we’re in an economic recession.

同许多别的国家一样，我国也处在经济萧条时期。

a large area of open land in a town or village that people walk or play sport on

〔城镇或村庄里的〕公地，公园


commonly

Sodium chloride is more commonly known as salt.

often, in many places, or in large numbers

Lung cancer is the most commonly found cancer in men.

很多地方都可以买到的软件包


commonplace

happening or existing in many places, and therefore not special or unusual

Car thefts are commonplace in this part of town.

镇上的这个地段盗车案屡见不鲜。


commonplace

something that happens or exists in many places, so that it is not unusual

Women’s groups have become a commonplace.

妇女团体已经成了常见事物。

something that has been said so often that it is no longer interesting or original


common sense

Some people are brilliant thinkers, but they have no common sense.

If something goes wrong, just use your common sense.

The job doesn't require much training because it's based on common sense.

His attitude shows no common sense at all.

Common sense tells me that I should get more sleep.

People don't always do what common sense suggests.

Common sense dictates that you should avoid handling wild animals.

(=is strong enough to make you do the sensible thing)

Eventually common sense prevailed and they reached an agreement.

The proposed change in the law defies common sense.

Locking your doors at night is simple common sense.

These ideas contained much sound common sense.

We need a common sense approach to caring for the environment.

Ross took the common sense view that it would be better to stay at home.

(=something that requires no more than common sense)

Not driving too fast is just a matter of common sense.

Leaving the child alone in the car showed a lack of common sense.

Anyone with an ounce of common sense would have realised that was a silly thing to do.

the ability to behave in a sensible way and make practical decisions


communal

shared by a group of people or animals, especially a group who live together

〔尤指一起生活的群体〕共有的，共用的，共享的

involving people from many different races, religions, or language groups

the worst communal violence in two years

两年来最严重的种族暴力冲突

relating or belonging to all the people living in a particular community


communicate

to exchange information or have a conversation with someone, by telephone, letter etc, or by seeing them

Now that we live in different cities, we communicate by e-mail.

He is able to communicate using a special keyboard, which is connected to a computer.

This message is not being communicated to staff.

to write to, phone, or email someone especially for the first time, in order to give or ask for information

Neighbours contacted police after seeing a man with a gun.

She refused to comment when contacted by reporters from the local newspaper.

to write to, telephone, or email someone, especially someone who you do not see very often

I really ought to get in touch with Paula. It's been months since we last spoke.

You've got my phone number if you need to get in touch.

to succeed in contacting someone by telephone after trying several times

Where have you been? I've been trying to get hold of you all week.

It's no use trying to phone Linda at work – she's impossible to get hold of.

to contact someone that you do not know or have not contacted before, in order to offer them something or ask them for something

He has already been approached by several professional football teams.

The company confirmed that it had been approached about a merger.

to exchange information or conversation with other people, using words, signs, writing etc

与〔他人〕交流信息，沟通

我们主要是用电子邮件沟通。

People use more than words when they communicate with each other.

人们相互交流时不仅仅使用语言。

The decision was communicated to our staff late in 1998.

这一决定于1998年年末传达给了我们的员工。

to express your thoughts and feelings clearly, so that other people understand them

A baby communicates its needs by crying.

Without meaning to, she communicated her anxiety to her child.

她无意中向孩子传达了她的焦虑。

His enthusiasm [communicated itself](bold) to the voters.

A teacher must be able to [communicate effectively](bold) to students.

教师必须能够有效地对学生表达自己的意思。

if two people communicate, they are able to talk about and understand each other’s feelings or desires

Many couples make themselves miserable by not communicating.

许多夫妻因为缺乏沟通而生活得很痛苦。

Parents sometimes find it difficult to communicate with their teenage children.

父母有时会发觉很难和十几岁的子女交流。

to pass a disease from one person or animal to another

[Communicate](bold)  is often passive in this meaning.

if rooms or parts of a building communicate, you can get directly to one from the other

〔房间或楼房的不同部分〕相通，相连


communication

kəˌmjuːnɪˈkeɪʃən

kəˌmjuːnɪˈkeɪʃən

There were no roads and no means of communication with the people in the mountains.

(=a way of exchanging information, especially in an organization)

It's important to maintain good lines of communication between managers and staff.

(=something you use to exchange information)

At university, lectures are the main form of communication.

(=a way of exchanging information, especially through television, art, music etc)

Photography is a very popular medium of communication.

Disagreements are often due to a lack of communication.

Differences in language and traditions can lead to a breakdown in communication.

In our company, there is good communication between the various departments.

There was poor communication between the air traffic controllers and the aircraft.

Effective communication plays a key role in the democratic process.

The new system allows more direct communication between teachers and parents.

The system is aimed at creating trust and open communication.

(=involving many people in a country, the world etc)

Television, radio and other forms of mass communication have made the world a global village.

Speech is the most effective method of human communication.

This activity is designed to improve students' verbal communication skills.

Your appearance and movements are both forms of non-verbal communication.

Electronic communication encourages more information exchange.

Train drivers need two-way communication with the signal box at all times.

My job is to establish good communication with our hotel guests.

Computers have facilitated global communication.

Most managers in business spend some time learning communication skills, so that they and their staff can understand each other.

The natural communication system for humans is speech.

the process by which people exchange information or express their thoughts and feelings

Good communication is vital in a large organization.

在大机构里良好的沟通是极为重要的。

Radio was the pilot’s only [means of communication](bold).

ways of sending information, especially using radio, telephone, or computers

通信手段〔尤指使用无线电、电话或计算机〕

Modern communications are enabling more people to work from home.

各种现代通信手段使越来越多的人能在家里工作。

roads, railways etc that are used for travelling and sending goods

Paris has good communications with many European cities.

巴黎与许多欧洲城市之间交通便捷。

the study of using radio, television, cinema etc to communicate

the way people express themselves so that other people will understand

a week’s course in improving [communication skills](bold)

为期一周的提高沟通技巧的课程

There has been a [breakdown in communication](bold)(=failure to communicate).

a communication from the Ministry of Defence


communion

the Christian ceremony in which people eat bread and drink wine as signs of Christ’s body and blood

a special relationship with someone or something which makes you feel that you understand them very well

a group of people or organizations that share the same religious beliefs


communism

a political system in which the government controls the production of all food and goods, and there is no privately owned property


communist

someone who is a member of a political party that supports communism, or who believes in communism


community

[Community](bold)  is usually followed by a singular verb: The whole community [gets](bold) involved in planning the festival.

In British English, you can also use a plural verb: The whole community [get](bold) involved in planning the festival.

Our school is the centre of the local community.

The committee meets to discuss issues that affect the whole community.

75% of the population live in small communities of fewer than 450 people.

(=the community of which a small group is a part)

The sports centre is available to both the university and the wider community.

There is a need for better public transport for people in rural communities.

Outside the capital, most people live in village communities.

a small farming community of about 1,000 inhabitants

She was brought up in a small mining community in North Wales.

I live in a close-knit community where there's lots of support.

In the past the village was a thriving community with a number of shops.

(=where people can go for social events, classes etc)

A community centre is the ideal place for local residents to get together to discuss crime prevention.

Community groups do not have enough say over what is built in their neighbourhoods.

Community leaders meet regularly to discuss local problems.

(=providing schools, health facilities, roads etc)

Some tax goes towards paying for your community services.

Poor community relations are more common in urban areas than in the rest of the country.

(=wanting to give friendship and support to other people who live in the same community)

There is great community spirit in the village where I live.

(=care for the sick, the old etc in their community rather than in hospital)

Several voluntary organizations are involved in providing community care.

Community education includes classes, workshops, and summer schools.

It's good to feel that you are a member of a community.

(=a well respected and active member of a community)

The doctor was regarded as a pillar of the local community.

the business/scientific/academic etc community

The idea has received intense interest from the business community.

the Jewish/Christian/Muslim etc community

The mosque serves the local Muslim community.

(=people with a particular religion, who often keep themselves separate from society)

The buildings belong to a strict religious community.

(=people of a particular race, usually one that is not white or not the majority in a country)

Most members of ethnic communities in Britain were born here.

This part of the city has a large gay community.

(=people whose race, religion etc is different from most of the other people in the country)

There should be better provision for the needs of minority communities.

the people who live in the same area, town etc

〔同住一地的人所构成的〕社区

The new arts centre will serve the whole community.

这座新的艺术中心将为整个社区服务。

We meet once a month to discuss community problems.

我们一个月碰头一次讨论社区问题。

Community leaders met to discuss the proposed golf course.

社区领袖开会讨论拟建高尔夫球场一事。

[community spirit](bold)(=the desire to be friendly with and help other people who live in the same community)

a group of people who have the same interests, religion, race etc

〔由有着相同兴趣、宗教信仰等的人构成的〕群体，团体

[the gay/black/Asian etc community](bold)

[the business/academic/scientific etc community](bold)

The trend is towards reintegrating mentally ill people into the community.

目前的趋势是将精神病人重新融入社会。

[the international community](bold)(=all the countries of the world)

The president appealed to the international community for aid for the flood victims.

总统呼吁国际社会向水灾灾民提供援助。

the feeling that you belong to a community

a group of plants or animals that live in the same environment

Communities of otters are slowly returning to British rivers.

水獭群慢慢地回到英国的河流里。


commute

to regularly travel a long distance to get to work

吉姆每天长途乘车到曼哈顿上班。

to change the punishment given to a criminal to one that is less severe

Baldry’s 20-year prison sentence was commuted to three years.

鲍德里二十年的刑期被减至三年。

to exchange one thing, especially one kind of payment, for another

把某物改换为另一物〔尤指支付方式〕

他把退休金改为一次性领取。


commute

→see THESAURUS at [journey](->journey) 1

我早上上班路程要花45分钟。


commuter

(=a train or plane that people use to travel to work in a city)

Several commuter trains were delayed because of the bad weather.

The new measures are aimed at reducing commuter traffic into the capital.

More money is needed to improve commuter services in the region.

(=that a lot of people leave each day to travel to work)

It’s a commuter town about 40 miles from London.

There’s a fast and reliable commuter line across Kent.

(=a road or railway line that commuters use)

Thousands of daily commuters pour into the city.

He was a regular commuter between Cambridge and London.

The fare increases will be bad news for long-distance commuters.

The majority of suburban commuters were unable to get to New York.

By 7:30 the roads are jammed with the usual morning commuters.

Rail commuters face severe delays because of engineering works.

someone who travels a long distance to work every day

每天长途上班的人，通勤者


compact

small, but arranged so that everything fits neatly into the space available – used to show approval

The compact design of the machine allows it to be stored easily.

这台机器的设计小巧灵便，易于存放。

The students’ rooms were compact, with a desk, bed, and closet built in.

学生的房间很小巧，配有一张书桌、一张床和一个壁橱。

packed or put together firmly and closely

个子矮小、看上去很敦实的男子


compact

a small flat container with a mirror, containing powder for a woman’s face

an agreement between countries or people

〔国与国、人与人之间的〕协定

A compact was negotiated between the company and the union.

公司和工会商定了一份协议。


compact

to press something together so that it becomes smaller or more solid


companion

(=someone you spend most or all of the time with)

The two boys became constant companions.

At school, we were close companions for several years.

I knew that Dave would be a good travelling companion.

We saw him in the restaurant with a very attractive dinner companion.

Do you know who his female companion was?

For older people a pet cat can be a very good companion.

(=someone you go out with to drink alcohol)

George was out again with his drinking companions.

(=someone who lives or spends time with someone throughout their life)

Lucinda was her best friend and lifelong companion.

Charles arrived at the house, together with his boon companion Herbert.

someone you spend a lot of time with, especially a friend

For ten years he had been her [constant companion](bold).

十年来他一直陪伴她左右。

His dog became his [closest companion](bold).

他的狗成了他最亲密的伙伴。

one of a pair of things that go together or can be used together

This book is a companion to Professor Farrer’s first work.

这本书是法勒教授第一部作品的姊妹篇。

The ‘Encyclopedia of Gardening’ is a companion volume to the ‘Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers’.

《园艺百科》和《植物花卉百科》是姊妹篇。

used in the titles of books about a particular subject

someone, especially a woman, who is paid to live or travel with an older person

陪护〔指受雇陪老人一起生活或旅行的人，尤为女子〕


company

an organization that makes or sells something, or provides a service

a company, especially one that provides a service rather than producing goods

a company – often used when talking about a company that employs only a small number of people

a large company that often includes several smaller companies

IBM is one of the biggest corporations in the world.

a very large company with offices in many different countries

American multinationals are establishing research and development facilities across the developing world.

a very large company that consists of several different companies which have joined together

The company was taken over by a German media conglomerate.

a word used mainly by newspapers for a very large company

Their clients include the retail giant, Wal-Mart.

a company that is owned by a larger company

The company runs its New York operations through a US subsidiary.

a manufacturing/shipping/publishing etc company

I’m working for a printing company at the moment.

She has a senior position in a large manufacturing company.

His father is the director of a small company.

She works for a major international company.

Within ten years the business grew into a huge multinational company.

(=offering its shares for sale on the stock exchange)

(=one whose owners only have to pay a limited amount if it gets into debt)

(=owned or controlled by a larger company)

(=the one that owns or controls a smaller one)

The new development will bring more business to local companies.

Choose a reputable building company to do the work.

How long have you been working for your present company?

Two years later he started his own software company.

The company was founded in 1993 by William J. Nutt.

The company was taken over by the management in a £32.5 million deal.

a company goes bankrupt/goes out of business

(=stops doing business after losing too much money)

His audio equipment company failed in the mid 1980s.

(=is closed and sold in order to pay its debts)

It is not company policy to give that information.

He earns a huge amount of money as a senior company executive.

Steve was fun and she clearly enjoyed his company.

(=be with someone so that they do not feel lonely)

Mum was out so I stayed at home to keep my younger sister company.

‘Come in,’ she said, pleased to have some company.

Children need the company of other kids their age.

(=be a cheerful person who is enjoyable to be with)

I always liked seeing Rob – he was such good company.

a business organization that makes or sells goods or services

I called the phone company about the bill.

我就电话账单的事给电话公司打了电话。

The company was set up just after the war.

这家公司是战后不久成立的。

The company directors have awarded themselves a massive pay increase.

公司的董事们给自己大幅加薪。

In this meaning, [company](bold)  is usually followed by a singular verb: The company [makes](bold) machine parts.

In British English, you can also use a plural verb: The company [make](bold) machine parts.

when you are with other people and not alone

The two men [enjoy](bold) each other’s [company](bold).

Rita’s husband is away for the week, so I thought I’d go over and [keep](bold) her [company](bold)(=be with her so that she doesn’t feel lonely).

丽塔的丈夫这个星期外出不在家，所以我想过去给她做伴。

Come over for dinner – I [could use the company](bold)(=would like to be with other people).

过来吃饭吧，我也好有个伴。

James [is good company](bold)(=is a cheerful person who is enjoyable to be with).

Bessie was glad to have the dog as company.

贝茜很高兴有这只狗为伴。

I felt nervous in the company of such an important man.

和这么一个重要人物在一起我感到很不自在。

in company with sb (=together with another person or group)

He’s performing in company with saxophonist Ernie Watts.

他在和萨克斯管演奏家厄尼•沃茨一起演奏。

people who are visiting you in your home

It looks like the Hammills [have company](bold).

We’re [expecting company](bold) this evening.

your friends or the group of people you spend time with

People judge you by [the company](bold) you [keep](bold)(=the people you spend time with).

人们根据你交往的朋友来判断你的为人。

Things began to go wrong when he got into [bad company](bold).

他交上坏朋友之后问题就来了。

a group of actors, dancers, or singers who work together

used to tell someone who has made a mistake that they should not be embarrassed because some important or respected people have made the same mistake

一些大人物也这样〔用于安慰犯了错误的人〕

If you can’t program the video recorder, you’re in good company.

你不会预设录像机又怎么啦，不会的又不是就你一个。

a group of people who are together in the same place, often for a particular purpose or for social reasons

〔为某种目的或社交原因而聚集在一起的〕一群人

He glanced around at the [assembled company](bold).

他向聚集的人群扫了一眼。

Some jokes are just not appropriate to tell [in mixed company](bold)(=in a group of both men and women).

在有男有女的众人面前，有些玩笑就不适合开。

in company (=when surrounded by other people, especially at a social occasion)

Parents should teach their children how to behave in company.

父母应当教导孩子怎样在别人面前举止得体。

used after a person’s name to mean that person and their friends

This has not stopped Senator Biden and company from trying to make it an issue in the election.

a group of about 120 soldiers who are usually part of a larger group

used to suggest that two people would rather be alone together than have other people with them

两人为伴，三人不欢〔用来表示宁可只有两个人而不要更多的人加入他们〕

[part company](bold) at → [part](->part) 2 sense 4 [present company excepted](bold) at → [present](->present) 1 sense 6


comparable

[comparability](bold) /ˌkɒmp/ US /ˌkɑːm-/  n. <U>

similar to something else in size, number, quality etc, so that you can make a comparison

〔在大小、数量、质量等方面〕类似的，相当的，可相比的

A car of [comparable size](bold) would cost far more abroad.

同样大小的汽车在国外要贵得多。

comparable figures for the same period of time last year

Pluto is [comparable in size](bold) to the Moon.

冥王星的大小和月球差不多。

〔重要性、好坏等〕同等的，可相提并论的

These two artists just aren’t comparable.

这两位艺术家不可同日而语。

His poetry is hardly comparable with Shakespeare’s.

他的诗远不能与莎士比亚的诗相提并论。


comparative

comfort, freedom, wealth etc that is quite good when compared to how comfortable, free, or rich etc something or someone else is

相对的舒适/自由/富裕等

After a lifetime of poverty, his last few years were spent in comparative comfort.

他穷了一辈子，最后几年还算过得比较舒适。

She didn’t want to leave the [comparative safety](bold) of the shelter.

她不愿离开相对来说还算安全的掩蔽处。

a study etc that involves comparing something to something else

a comparative study of the US and British steel industries

对美国和英国钢铁工业的比较研究

someone who is not really a beginner etc, but who seems to be one when compared to other people who have lived or worked somewhere for a long time

After living here five years, we’re still considered comparative newcomers.

我们在这里生活了五年，可是与别人相比我们仍被视为新来者。

comparative figures etc are similar to other figures, so that you can make a comparison

Comparative figures for last year clearly show how sales have declined.

去年的比较数据明确显示出销售的下降情况。

the comparative form of an adjective or adverb shows an increase in size, quality, degree etc when it is considered in relation to something else. For example, ‘bigger’ is the comparative form of ‘big’, and ‘more slowly’ is the comparative form of ‘slowly’.

比较级的〔指形容词或副词的比较级形式，如bigger是big的比较级，more slowly是slowly的比较级〕


comparative

the form of an adjective or adverb that shows an increase in size, degree etc when something is considered in relation to something else. For example, ‘bigger’ is the comparative of ‘big’, and ‘more slowly’ is the comparative of ‘slowly’.

〔形容词或副词的〕比较级形式〔如bigger是big的比较级，more slowly是slowly的比较级〕


comparatively

as compared to something else or to a previous state

a [comparatively small](bold) number of people

[Comparatively few](bold) books have been written on the subject.

有关这方面的书相对较少。

Crime on the island is [comparatively rare](bold).

这个岛上犯罪活动相对较少。

[Comparatively speaking](bold), this part of the coast is still unspoiled.

相对而言，这一段海岸尚未遭到破坏。


compare

to consider two or more things or people, in order to show how they are similar or different

Scientists compared the results of both experiments.

The woman’s body was identified by comparing her teeth with dental records.

to compare two or more things or people and say how they are similar

In her article, she makes a comparison between people’s lives now and 50 years ago.

It is possible to draw a comparison between  the two poets’ work.

to say that two situations are similar – a rather formal use

Some people have attempted to draw an analogy between America’s invasion of Iraq  and the war in Vietnam.

to say that some features of things are similar, especially things that are actually very different – a rather formal use

He draws a parallel between football and religion.

Parallels can be drawn between her work and that of Picasso.

to compare two things, situations etc, in order to show how they are different from each other

In her novel she contrasts the lives of two families in very different circumstances.

to say that you think two things are very different

The author draws a distinction between allowing death to occur, and causing it.

It is important to make a distinction between people’s fears about crime and the amount of crime that really happens.

to compare two people or things, in order to judge which is better, bigger etc

As a young actress, she was nervous of being measured against her famous father.

Murray’s progress is often measured against that of Nadal.

The report compares the different types of home computer available.

这份报告比较了市场上不同类型的家用计算机。

The police compared the suspect’s fingerprints with those found at the crime scene.

警方把嫌疑人的指纹和在犯罪现场发现的指纹作了对比。

Davies’ style of writing has been compared to Dickens’.

戴维斯在写作风格上被比作狄更斯。

[compare and contrast](bold)(=an expression used when telling students to write about the things that are similar or different in works of literature or art)

Compare and contrast the main characters of these two novels.

将这两本小说中的主人公进行比较对照。

used when considering the size, quality, or amount of something in relation to something similar

〔尺寸、质量或数量〕与 …相比

a 20% reduction in burglary compared with last year

与去年相比入室盗窃案发率20%的下降

Compared to our small flat, Bill’s house seemed like a palace.

和我们的小公寓相比，比尔的房子就像是宫殿。

to be better or worse than something else

[compare (favourably/unfavourably) with sth](bold)

The quality of English wines can now compare with wines from Germany.

现在英格兰葡萄酒的质量可以和德国的葡萄酒相媲美。

How does life in Britain compare with life in the States?

英国的生活和美国相比怎么样？

The imported fabric is 30% cheaper and compares favourably (=is as good) in quality.

进口织物价格要便宜30%，质量也相当不错。

if something does not compare with something else, it is not as good, large etc

某事物不能（和某事物）相比

The rides at the fair just can’t compare with the rides at Disneyland.

游乐场的游乐设施根本不能和迪士尼乐园里的相比。

to talk to someone in order to find out if their experience of something is the same as yours

Leading scientists got together in Paris to compare notes on current research.

顶尖科学家会聚巴黎，就最新的研究交换意见。


compare

a quality that is beyond compare is the best of its kind


comparison

Using the Internet is an easy way to make comparisons between prices.

(=say in what way people or things are similar)

People have drawn comparisons between this movie and those of Quentin Tarantino.

The test can be used to provide a comparison of a child's language development with that of other children.

You can’t really make a direct comparison between the the two schools.

The exhibition provides an interesting comparison of the artists’ works.

(=a reasonable one, based on sensible information)

There is not enough data for a valid comparison to be made.

A fair comparison between the two firms is extremely difficult.

(=in which one thing or person is judged to be better/worse than another)

My family was always making unfavourable comparisons between me and my older brother.

Students had to write a detailed comparison of the two texts.

A price comparison shopping site was launched last month.

the process of comparing two or more people or things

Comparison with his previous movies shows how Lee has developed as a director.

和先前的影片进行比较，可以看到李作为一名导演的成长过程。

In comparison to other recent video games, this one isn’t very exciting.

和其他最新的电子游戏相比，这个游戏不太刺激。

He was a loud friendly man. In comparison, his brother was rather shy.

他是个热情的大嗓门儿，相比之下他弟弟就有些腼腆。

By comparison with other European countries, car prices in the UK are very high.

和其他欧洲国家相比，英国的汽车价格非常高。

After months of living in a tropical climate, Spain seemed cool by comparison.

在热带气候里生活了几个月之后，西班牙相比之下好像还算凉爽。

These figures are provided for comparison with the results of previous studies.

提供这些数据是用来和先前的研究结果进行比较。

He showed us the original text for comparison.

他给我们看了原稿以作比较。

Her paintings [invite comparison](bold) with those of the early Impressionists (=they remind you of them).

她的画作让人想起早期的印象派作品。

[stand/bear comparison](bold)(=is as good as someone or something else)

Irving’s work bears comparison with the best of the modern novelists.

欧文的作品堪与现代小说家的最优秀作品媲美。

on comparison [BrE](bold) (=after you have compared two things to see if they are similar or different)

On comparison, the Renault was the more reliable of the two cars.

经比较，这两种车当中雷诺的性能更可靠。

a statement or examination of how similar or different two people or things are

a comparison of pollution levels in Chicago and Detroit

芝加哥和底特律污染程度的比较

The article [makes](bold) a [comparison](bold) between the two poems.

这篇文章把这两首诗作了比较。

In written English, people often use [draw a comparison](bold)  rather than [make a comparison](bold) , as it sounds more formal:

The writer [draws a comparison](bold) between the 1950s and the present day.

a statement that someone or something is like someone or something else

[(make/draw) a comparison between sb/sth](bold)(=show the similarities between two people or things)

The writer draws comparisons between the two presidents.

这位作家比较了两位总统的相似之处。

You can’t make a comparison between American and Japanese schools – they’re too different.

美国和日本的学校没法比较，它们太不一样了。

used when you think that someone or something is much better than someone or something else

不能相比〔用来表示某人或某物比另一人或物好得多〕

There’s just no comparison between canned vegetables and fresh ones.

罐装蔬菜和新鲜蔬菜根本没法比。

a word used in grammar meaning the way an adverb or adjective changes its form to show whether it is comparative or superlative

〔副词或形容词的〕比较（变化）


compartment

a smaller enclosed space inside something larger

The bag is divided into [separate compartments](bold).

这个包有一些独立的隔层。

She kept the money hidden in a secret compartment in her briefcase.

她把钱藏在公文包的暗层里。

→ [glove compartment](->glove compartment)

one of the separate areas into which a plane, ship, or train is divided

〔飞机、轮船或火车上的〕隔间，舱


compass

the points of the compass/compass points

(=the marks that show you north, south, east etc)

She was teaching the children the points of the compass.

Always take a map and compass with you in the mountains.

(=the long piece of metal that moves to show north)

We took a compass bearing to ensure we were walking in the right direction.

Their ship had sailed off course due to compass errors.

Some of the  kids were learning how to use a map and compass.

(=adjust it so that the needle and the north mark are in line with each other)

Wait until the needle settles, then set the compass.

Our compass showed that we should bear right.

an instrument that shows directions and has a needle that always points north

[compass points/points of the compass](bold)(=the marks on a compass that show you north, south, east, west etc)

a V-shaped instrument with one sharp point and a pen or pencil at the other end, used for drawing circles or measuring distances on maps

the area or range of subjects that someone is responsible for or that is discussed in a book

〔某人负责或书中论述的〕范围

Within the brief compass of a single page, the author covers most of the major points.

在短短一页的篇幅中，作者涵盖了大部分要点。


compassion

a strong feeling of sympathy for someone who is suffering, and a desire to help them

Did he feel any compassion for the victim of his crime?

他对自己罪行的受害者是否感到同情？

Lieberman explores this sensitive topic with compassion.

利伯曼以同情的态度来探讨这个敏感的话题。

I was shocked by the doctor’s [lack of compassion](bold).

我对这个医生如此缺乏同情心感到震惊。


compassionate

feeling sympathy for people who are suffering

→see THESAURUS at [sympathetic](->sympathetic)

I allowed him to go home [on compassionate grounds](bold).

One measure of a civilized and compassionate society is how well it treats its prison population.

衡量一个文明和有同情心的社会的尺度之一，就是看它如何对待囚犯。


compatible

if two pieces of computer equipment of software are compatible, they can be used together, especially when they are made by different companies

Will the software on my PC be compatible with a Mac?

我个人计算机上的软件与苹果机兼容吗？

able to exist or be used together without causing problems

Stephen’s political views often weren’t compatible with her own.

斯蒂芬的政治观点经常和她自己的观点无法相容。

two people that are compatible are able to have a good relationship because they have similar opinions or interests

〔因为观点或兴趣相同而〕关系好的，和睦相处的

In everyday English, people often say that two people are [(just) right for each other](bold) , because [compatible](bold)  sounds rather formal:

On paper they seemed like the perfect couple, but maybe they [just](bold) weren't [right for each other](bold).


compatible

a piece of computer equipment or software that can be used in or with another piece of equipment, especially one made by a different company


compel

[past tense and past participle](italic) [compelled](bold) [present participle](italic) [compelling](bold)

The law will compel employers to provide health insurance.

这项法律将强制雇主提供健康保险。

She [felt compelled](bold) to resign because of the scandal.

因为这个丑闻，她感到必须辞职。

to make people have a particular feeling or attitude

使发生；引起〔某种感情或态度〕

His performance [compelled](bold) the audience’s [attention](bold).

他的表演吸引了观众的注意力。


compelling

an argument etc that makes you feel certain that something is true or that you must do something about it

令人信服的理由/论点/论据等

Lucy had no compelling reason to go into town.

露西没有充分的理由去镇上。

The court was presented with [compelling evidence](bold) that she’d murdered her husband.

very interesting or exciting, so that you have to pay attention

极为有趣的；令人激动的；引人入胜的

→see THESAURUS at [interesting](->interesting)

His life makes a [compelling story](bold).

他的一生是个引人入胜的故事。

a strong need, desire etc to do something, making you feel that you must do it

（做某事的）强烈需求/愿望/冲动

He felt a compelling need to tell someone about his idea.

他迫不及待地要把这一想法告诉别人。


compensate

Something [compensates for](bold)  something: Nothing can compensate for this loss.
Don’t say: [Nothing can compensate this loss.](strike)

You [compensate](bold)  someone [for](bold)  something: We will compensate you for your expenses.
Don’t say: [We will compensate you your expenses.](strike)

to replace or balance the effect of something bad

Because my left eye is so weak, my right eye has to work harder to compensate.

因为我左眼视力差，右眼就要辛苦点来弥补一下。

Her intelligence more than compensates for her lack of experience.

她才智过人，因此虽然经验不足，却也游刃有余。

In everyday English, people usually say [make up for](bold)  something rather than [compensate for](bold)  something:

What she lacks in patience she [makes up for](bold) in determination.

to pay someone money because they have suffered injury, loss, or damage

the government’s promise to compensate victims of the flood

政府对水灾灾民给予补偿的许诺

The firm will compensate workers for their loss of earnings.

公司将补偿工人的收入损失。


compensation

ˌkɒmpənˈseɪʃən

Passengers will be paid compensation if their baggage is lost or damaged.

Some people have received compensation from the government for the loss of their homes.

Many victims have been awarded compensation by the courts.

(=ask for it because you have a right to it)

You can claim compensation for unfair dismissal from your job.

Survivors of the rail disaster are seeking compensation.

Political prisoners are demanding financial compensation.

Alan, who hurt his back and hasn't worked since, is still fighting for compensation.

The health authority offered compensation to the families.

You may wish to claim financial compensation.

Full compensation is only paid very rarely.

(=partly covering your loss, damage etc)

The woman received partial compensation of £5,000.

He was seeking legal advice on a compensation claim.

UK farmers may be in line for compensation payments.

There is a compensation scheme for radiation-linked diseases.

money paid to someone because they have suffered injury or loss, or because something they own has been damaged

She received compensation from the government for the damage caused to her property.

她得到了政府给她的财产损失补偿金。

The jury awarded Tyler $1.7 million in compensation.

陪审团判给泰勒170万美元的赔偿金。

The workers were given 30 days’ pay as compensation.

工人获得了30天的薪金作为补偿。

People who are wrongly arrested may be [paid compensation](bold).

被误抓的人有可能得到补偿费。

The parents are seeking compensation for birth defects caused by the drug.

这些父母在为此药所致的先天缺陷寻求赔偿。

The court awarded Jamieson £30,000 compensation.

法院判给贾米森3万英镑赔偿金。

something that makes a bad situation better

One of the few compensations of losing my job was seeing more of my family.

失业鲜有好处，其中之一便是可以更多地和家人在一起。

[by way of compensation](bold)(=in order to make a situation better)

By way of compensation he offered to take her out for a meal.

作为补偿，他提出带她出去吃饭。

when someone behaves in a particular way in order to replace something that is missing or to balance the bad effects of something

弥补，补偿〔指行为、举止等〕

Linda’s aggressiveness is just a compensation for her feelings of insecurity.

琳达的争强好胜只是为了掩饰她缺乏安全感。

Lip-reading can act as compensation for loss of hearing.

唇读可以弥补听力丧失的缺陷。

the money someone is paid for doing their job


compete

[Compete](bold)  is a reciprocal verb. This type of verb is used when saying that two or more people or groups do something that involves both or all of them: We were competing for her attention.  You can also say: We were competing with each other for her attention. I was competing with them for her attention.

if one company or country competes with another, it tries to get people to buy its goods or services rather than those available from another company or country

They found themselves competing with foreign companies for a share of the market.

他们发现自己在与外国公司争夺市场份额。

The Renault Clio competes against such cars as the Peugeot 206.

雷诺克里奥和标致206之类的汽车竞争。

The stores have to compete for customers in the Christmas season.

圣诞节期间，商店之间要争抢顾客。

The company must be able to compete in the international marketplace.

这家公司必须能够在国际市场上竞争。

Several advertising agencies are competing to get the contract.

几家广告公司在竞争这份合同。

[can’t compete (with sth)](bold)(=be unable to be more successful)

Small independent bookstores simply can’t compete with the big national chains.

小规模的独立书店怎样也竞争不过大型的全国连锁书店。

to try to gain something and stop someone else from having it or having as much of it

She and her sister are always competing for attention.

I had to compete against 19 other people for the job.

我得和另外19个人竞争这份工作。

As a stepmother, don’t even try to compete with the children’s mother for their love.

做继母的根本别想和孩子的母亲争夺他们的爱。

to take part in a competition or sports event

→see THESAURUS at [participate](->participate)

How many runners will be competing in the marathon?

会有多少人参加这次马拉松比赛？

Professional athletes may now compete at the Olympics.

职业运动员现在也可以参加奥运会的比赛了。

He’ll be competing against the world’s best.

他将和世界上最优秀的人才展开较量。

to not be as interesting, attractive etc as someone or something else

某人/某物敌不过某人/某物

Melinda was plain and knew she couldn’t compete with her sister where boys were concerned.

梅琳达相貌平平，她知道在吸引男孩子这方面是比不过姐姐的。


competence

Older people often feel that they don't have any competence with computers.

Students have to demonstrate competence in maths and science.

First you have to acquire competence in methods of research.

Some staff members lacked the competence to deal with technical problems.

The courses will improve the skills and professional competence of the staff.

There are many careers that require a high degree of linguistic competence.

The first years of life are very important in a child's growth toward social competence.

The trainees are expected to acquire a basic level of competence.

Students will gain competence in a wide range of skills.

He questioned the competence of the government.

Doctors have to constantly update their knowledge in order to maintain their professional competence.

医生必须不断更新知识，以保持自己的专业能力。

the legal power of a court of law to hear and judge something in court, or of a government to do something

〔法院或政府的〕权限，管辖权

Many legal issues are within the competence of individual states rather than the federal government.

许多法律事务属于各州的权限范围，联邦政府无权干预。

〔做某种工作所必需的〕技能

Typing is considered by most employers to be a basic competence.

大多数雇主认为打字是一项基本技能。


competent

having enough skill or knowledge to do something to a satisfactory standard

A competent mechanic should be able to fix the problem.

一名合格的机修工应该能够解决这个问题。

她是一位学术水平很高的语言学家。

I don’t feel competent to give an opinion at the moment.

我目前还没有足够的把握来发表看法。

He is the only party leader competent enough to govern this country.

他是唯一有能力管理这个国家的政党领导人。

合格的，过得去的〔但不见得特别好〕

The workmen did a [competent job](bold).

这些工人活儿干得还不错。

精神正常的；智力无缺陷的

We believe the patient was not [mentally competent](bold).

我们认为该病人精神不正常。

A psychiatrist said McKibben was [competent to stand trial](bold).

一位精神科医师说麦吉本精神正常，可以出庭受审。

having the legal power to deal with something in a court of law

〔在法庭上〕有法定权力的

This court is not competent to hear your case.

本法庭无权审理你的案子。


competition

ˌkɒmpəˈtɪʃən

an organized event in which people or teams compete against each other, especially in order to win a prize

The winner of the competition will be announced in June.

a competition in which people do an activity, and a group of judges decide the winner

a contest to find America’s strongest man

an important sports competition to find the best player or team in the world or in a particular area

Brazil went on to win the world championship.

a competition in a sport or game, in which many players or teams compete against each other until there is one winner

a competition in which people have to answer questions

one of the parts of a competition that you have to finish or win before you can go on to the next part

Henman lost in the second round of the competition.

one of several races or competitions whose winners then compete against each other

She came second in her heat, with a time of 23.2 seconds.

Website designers face increasing competition.

She beat off competition from dozens of other candidates to get the job.

The company is facing strong competition in the market.

There is stiff competition for places at the best universities.

The cutthroat competition in the airline industry kept prices low for many years.

Fair competition offers the best guarantee of good services and low prices.

This will protect the industry from unfair competition from abroad.

(=a situation that offers anyone a chance to be successful)

We welcome open competition in the software market.

(=in a situation where you are competing to be successful)

They won the contract in the face of tough competition.

Ten schools took part in the competition.

You must be over 16 to enter the competition.

Lucy was thrilled to hear that she had won the short-story competition.

come first/second/third etc in a competition

Stuart came second in the swimming competition.

Each year the school holds a painting competition.

The company is running an inventions competition with a first prize of £1,000.

We’re launching a competition to find the best young designer.

A panel of five will judge the competition.

(=not take part, when you had planned to)

He had to withdraw from the competition because of an injury.

(=no longer be in a competition because you have been defeated)

Our team scored the fewest points so we were out of the competition.

(=defeat someone so that they are no longer in a competition)

They put us out of the competition in the semi-final last year.

There’s a music competition in the town on June 12th.

a writing/painting/dancing etc competition

Greg won the school public-speaking competition.

There is an increasing demand to watch sporting competitions.

a national/international/European etc competition

Her oldest daughter has taken part in national competitions.

Last year he won the magazine’s annual photo competition.

An open competition is to be held at the tennis club.

(=in which if you lose a game, you are no longer in the competition)

(=organized by and advertised in a newspaper)

I entered a newspaper competition for young photographer of the year.

The result of the competition will be announced on April 3rd.

Jane was the clear winner of the competition.

Make sure you understand the rules of the competition.

(=used to say who can enter a competition)

The competition is open to artists between 16 and 25 years old.

a situation in which people or organizations try to be more successful than other people or organizations

Sometimes there’s a lot of competition between children for their mother’s attention.

为了得到母亲的关注，有时孩子之间会争得很厉害。

This price reduction is due to competition among suppliers.

这次的降价源于供货商之间的竞争。

There is fierce competition between the three leading soap manufacturers.

三大肥皂制造商之间竞争很激烈。

Government departments are in direct competition with each other for limited resources.

各政府部门互相之间为了有限的资源展开了直接的竞争。

[in the face of competition (from sb/sth)](bold)(=in a situation where you are competing with someone or something)

Small grocery stores are going out of business in the face of stiff competition from the large supermarket chains.

面对大型连锁超市的激烈竞争，小杂货店纷纷歇业。

the people or groups that are competing against you, especially in business or in a sport

〔尤指商业或体育比赛的〕竞争对手

Going to trade fairs is an ideal opportunity to size up [the competition](bold).

参加商品交易会是了解竞争对手的理想机会。

[no/not much/little etc competition](bold)(=no one who is likely to be better than you)

Jones is certain to win the race; there’s just no competition.

琼斯肯定会赢得这场比赛，因为根本就没有竞争对手。

[a lot of/considerable/fierce etc competition](bold)

The team overcame fierce competition for their place in the finals.

这支球队战胜强劲对手打进了决赛。

[foreign/international competition](bold)(=companies from other countries that you are competing with)

Japanese PC makers now face foreign competition in their home market.

日本的个人计算机制造商目前在国内市场也面临着来自外国企业的竞争。

a competition to find a designer for the new building

Teams from high schools all over the state have entered the competition.

全州各高中的运动队都参加了这次比赛。

With France out of the competition, England have a great chance to win.

法国队被淘汰出局后，英格兰队胜算很大。


competitive

determined or trying very hard to be more successful than other people or businesses

Some US industries are not as competitive as they have been in the past.

美国有些行业不如以前有竞争力了。

The team seems to have lost its [competitive edge](bold) recently (=its ability to compete well).

这支球队近来好像丧失了竞争优势。

Competitive sports encourage children to work together as a team.

竞技体育鼓励孩子们进行团队协作。

Advertising is an intensely competitive business.

广告业是一个竞争激烈的行业。

products or prices that are competitive are cheaper than others but still of good quality

〔产品或价格〕有竞争力的

The hotel offers a high standard of service at competitive rates.

这家酒店服务水准高，价格又很有竞争力。


competitor

Japan soon became a major competitor in the electronics industry.

The company's main competitor is Vodafone.

He had five times as many votes as his nearest competitor.

(=someone's main competitor, especially in business)

The company's biggest competitor is in financial trouble.

America's electronics industry is keen to fight off foreign competitors.

He knew she was a successful businesswoman and a direct competitor.

In the global economy, China is emerging as a strong competitor.

He had prepared his daughter to be a fierce competitor.

(=a person, company etc that might compete with you)

A merger would also remove a potential competitor in the market.

a person, team, company etc that is competing with another

Last year they sold twice as many computers as their competitors.

去年他们的计算机销量是竞争对手的两倍。

The company’s four major competitors have nothing to rival the new product.

该公司的四家主要竞争对手拿不出东西来和这种新产品竞争。

Two of the competitors failed to turn up for the race.


compile

to make a book, list, record etc, using different pieces of information, music etc

The document was compiled by the Department of Health

这份文件是由卫生部汇编的。

The report was compiled from a survey of 5,000 households.

这份报告是根据对5,000个家庭所作的调查编写而成的。

to put a set of instructions into a computer in a form that it can understand and use


complain

to say that you are annoyed, unhappy, or not satisfied about something or someone

Several customers complained about the service they received.

‘I wish you’d stop telling me what to do,’ she complained.

to formally complain about something to someone in authority

His parents made a complaint to the head teacher.

to complain about something that you think is wrong, especially publicly

Demonstrators were protesting against the war.

to say that you oppose or disapprove of something

Local residents have objected to the plan.

to keep complaining in a bad-tempered way about something

Rail travellers have been grumbling about the increase in ticket prices.

(also : whinge /wɪndʒ/ (BrE) (informal) )

Everyone was moaning about the hotel food.

Stop whingeing and get on with your work!

to complain or become angry about something, especially something that is not very important

The soup wasn’t hot enough, but he didn’t want to make a fuss.

He kicked up such a fuss that they were offered another room.

My grandfather’s always complaining bitterly about how expensive things are.

The kids were complaining loudly about the heat.

She was constantly complaining about her job.

You have the right to complain if you’re not satisfied with the service you’re getting.

We felt we had good reason to complain about the food at the hotel.

The school is good and parents have little reason to complain.

Patients sometimes have cause to complain about the hospital treatment they receive.

If you feel you are bullied at work, you are certainly in a position to complain.

He’s the first to complain if he thinks something is unfair.

to say that you are annoyed, not satisfied, or unhappy about something or someone

Residents are complaining because traffic in the area has increased.

由于这个地区的交通流量有所增加，居民都在抱怨。

‘You never ask my opinion about anything,’ Rod complained.

“你什么事都不问问我的看法。”罗德抱怨道。

She complained that no one had been at the airport to meet her.

她抱怨说没人到机场去接她。

She often complains about not feeling appreciated at work.

她常抱怨工作上不受赏识。

Several women have complained of sexual harassment.

好几位女性投诉说受到性骚扰。

Neighbours complained to the police about the dogs barking.

邻居向警方投诉狗吠扰民。

Employees [complained bitterly](bold) about working conditions.

雇员们对工作条件十分不满。

You [complain about](bold)  something or someone: They complained about the service.
Don’t say: [They complained against the service.](strike)  [They complained for the service.](strike)

used to say that a situation is satisfactory, even though there may be a few problems

（我/你/他等）还算满意，没什么可抱怨的

我过得还不错，没什么可抱怨的。


complaint

something that you say or write when you are complaining, especially to someone in an official position

If you have any complaints, please contact our customer relations department.

Our main complaint is the poor standard of service.

If you have a complaint, you should write to the manager.

Some employees are worried about what will happen to them if they make a complaint.

Keating was dismissed after complaints about the quality of his work.

Mr Kelly has made a formal complaint against the police.

The commission has so far received nearly 10,000 letters of complaint.

when someone complains publicly about something that they think is wrong or unfair and should not be allowed to happen

Despite their protests, the students’ fees were increased.

in protest(=as a way of making a protest)

When two members of the team were dismissed, the rest of them walked out in protest.

The ambassador lodged a formal protest against the proposals.

Ignoring my protests, he took off his jacket and wrapped it around my shoulders.

something that you feel unhappy about because you think that you have been treated unfairly – use this especially about an official complaint you make about the place where you work

She filed a grievance last year after her supervisor refused to promote her.

Anyone who has a legitimate grievance against the company can take it to the arbitration committee.

air a grievance(=discuss a grievance publicly)

The meetings give employees the opportunity to express their views or air grievances.

The manager of the team decided to make a complaint about the referee.

She filed a complaint against several of her colleagues.

Please let us know if you have any complaints about our service.

Higgins brought a complaint against his former manager.

Our department has received a number of complaints from the public.

Police officers came to the house to deal with a complaint about noise.

The dog was rescued after officials investigated a complaint of neglect.

The complaint was upheld and the advertisement was withdrawn.

We have received a number of complaints concerning faulty goods.

The man has lodged a formal complaint against the police.

A common complaint of children is that parents do not listen to them.

Serious complaints of negligence have been made.

As a result of the improvements, customer complaints went down by 70%.

The people are full of bitter complaints about their government.

A lack of good public transport is a familiar complaint.

I do not think that he has any cause for complaint.

I wrote a letter of complaint to the hospital manager.

There is a very straightforward complaints procedure you must follow.

a statement in which someone complains about something

If you wish to make a complaint, you should see the manager.

如果你要投诉，应该去找经理。

The sales assistants are trained to deal with customer complaints in a friendly manner.

售货员都受过培训，要以友好的态度处理顾客的投诉。

基廷由于工作质量遭到投诉而被辞退了。

a complaint to the Advertising Standards Authority

向广告标准管理局提出的投诉

All complaints against police officers are carefully investigated.

针对警察的所有投诉都会仔细调查。

We are concerned by complaints that children are being bullied.

我们十分关心有关孩子们受到欺侮的投诉。

Our main complaint was the poor standard of service.

我们主要投诉的是服务质量差。

My only complaint is that the price is rather high.

我唯一不满的就是价格太高。

an illness that affects a particular part of your body

He is having treatment for a [chest complaint](bold).

他在接受胸部疾病的治疗。


complement

to make a good combination with someone or something else

John and Bob complemented each other well.

约翰和鲍勃互相配合得很好。

The dark red walls complement the red leather chairs.

深红色的墙和红色的皮椅很相配。

In everyday English, people usually say that something [goes well with](bold)  another thing, or they [go well together](bold) , rather than say they [complement](bold)  each other:


complement

someone or something that emphasizes the good qualities of another person or thing

补足物；补充；使完备之物

This wine would be a nice complement to grilled dishes.

这种葡萄酒配烧烤食物会很不错。

the number or quantity needed to make a group complete

Each new cell will carry its [full complement](bold) of chromosomes.

每个新的细胞都包含完整的染色体组。

a word or phrase that follows a verb and describes the subject of the verb. In ‘John is cold’ and ‘John became chairman’, ‘cold’ and ‘chairman’ are complements.

补语〔如John is cold中的cold，或John became chairman中的chairman〕


complementary

[complementarity](bold) /ˌkɒmpləmenˈtærəti/ US /ˌkɑːm-/  n. <U>

complementary things go well together, although they are usually different

The computer and the human mind have different but complementary abilities.

电脑与人脑各不相同，却又互为补充。

complementary colours of light are very different and combine to make white

two angles that are complementary add up to 90 degrees


complete

[completeness](bold) n. <U> eg: For the sake of completeness I should mention one further argument.

used to emphasize that a quality or situation is as great as it could possibly be

The police were in [complete control](bold) of the situation.

Their engagement came as a [complete surprise](bold) to me.

他们的订婚让我感到非常意外。

This is a [complete waste of time](bold).

Meg realized she’d been a complete fool.

梅格意识到自己成了大傻瓜。

including all parts, details, facts etc and with nothing missing

[the complete works of](bold) Shakespeare (=a book, CD etc containing everything Shakespeare wrote)

Work on the new building is nearly complete.

装备有某物的；具有某特点的

The house [comes complete with](bold) swimming pool and sauna.

这栋房子配有游泳池和桑拿房。


complete

to finish doing or making something, especially when it has taken a long time

〔尤指经历长时间之后〕结束，完成

The building took two years to complete.

这幢大楼花了两年时间才完工。

to make something whole or perfect by adding what is missing

The child’s task was to complete the sentences.

这个孩子的任务是完成这些句子。

I need one more stamp to complete the set.

再有一张邮票，我就集齐一整套了。

to write the information that is needed on a form

In all, more than 650 people completed the questionnaire.

总共有650多人填写了调查表。

Send your completed form to the following address.

请把填写好的表格寄到下列地址。


completely

Bad weather had completely destroyed the crops.

completely – used especially in negative sentences or after ‘almost’

The community is almost entirely dependent on farming.

completely – used especially to emphasize strongly disapproving words

It was utterly impossible to work in the house.

completely – used especially to show that you completely understand something or that you have all the information you need

He was fully aware of what was happening.

The disease is still not fully understood.

I completely forgot that it’s his birthday today.

我完全忘了今天是他的生日。

He had never completely recovered from his illness.

他病后一直没有完全康复。

a completely new range of low-cost computers

Portuguese is pronounced completely differently from Spanish.

葡萄牙语的发音和西班牙语的完全不同。


completion

The house is [nearing completion](bold)(=almost finished).

The project has a [completion date](bold) of December 22nd.

该项目的完成日期是12月22日。

The job is subject to your satisfactory completion of the training course.

能否得到这份工作取决于你能否圆满完成培训课程。

On completion of the building, they make a final inspection.

大楼完工了，他们在做最后的检查。

the final point in the sale of a house, when all the documents have been signed and all the money paid

销售完成〔指房屋销售的契约已签订，钱款都已付清〕


complex

consisting of many different parts and often difficult to understand

→see THESAURUS at [complicated](->complicated)

Photosynthesis is a [highly complex](bold) process.

光合作用是一个非常复杂的过程。

Peter seemed to have an instant understanding of the most complex issues.

再复杂的问题彼得似乎也是一看就明白。

It was a very complex relationship between two complex people.

这是两个复杂的人之间非常复杂的关系。

a complex word or sentence contains a main part and one or more other parts


complex

→ [inferiority complex](->inferiority complex) → [Oedipus complex](->Oedipus complex) → [persecution complex](->persecution complex)

The new leisure complex includes a swimming pool, a sauna and a gym.

Some old buildings were pulled down to make space for a new shopping complex.

The sports complex also has six tennis courts.

(=with cinemas, restaurants and other places to go)

There are plans for an entertainment complex with cinemas and a bowling alley.

The lively holiday complex has plenty of nightclubs, bars, and restaurants.

Architects designed the residential complexes near the beach.

a ten-screen movie theater and retail complex

a 120-acre office complex near Las Vegas

a luxury apartment complex on Fulton Street

a group of buildings, or a large building with many parts, used for a particular purpose

〔有特定用途的〕综合楼群，综合大楼

The town has one of the best [leisure complexes](bold) in the country.

全国最好的娱乐休闲广场之一在该镇。

a large number of things which are closely related

某事物的复合体[集合体，综合体]

China was a complex of different societies.

中国是一个复杂的多元社会。

an emotional problem in which someone is unnecessarily anxious about something or thinks too much about something

I used to [have a complex about](bold) my looks.

我以前总是纠结于自己的长相。


complexity

There is increasing recognition of the complexity of the causes of poverty.

人们越来越认识到，造成贫困的原因错综复杂。

one of the many details or features of something that make it hard to understand or deal with

The complexities of economics are clearly explained.

经济情况的复杂性被解释得很清楚。


complicate

to make a problem or situation more difficult

The situation is complicated by the fact that I’ve got to work late on Friday.

我周五还得加班，这样一来事情更复杂了。

[To complicate matters further](bold), differences exist as regards legal systems, trade customs, and language.

使事情更复杂的是，在司法体系、贸易惯例和语言方面存在差异。

a heart condition complicated by pneumonia

因肺炎发作而加重的心脏病

[Complicate](bold)  is usually passive in this meaning.


complicated

consisting of a lot of different parts or details and therefore difficult to understand

The rules of the game seemed very complicated.

I didn’t realize programming the VCR would be so complicated.

The brain is like a very powerful, very complicated computer.

a complex process, relationship etc is difficult to understand because it has a lot of parts that are all connected in different ways

The chemical processes involved are extremely complex.

the complex relationship between government and the media

having a lot of parts or details and very carefully planned, but often more complicated than is necessary

Mike had worked out an elaborate system for categorizing his collection of DVDs.

The plan to kidnap her had become even more elaborate.

Sociologists have been coming up with increasingly elaborate theories to explain unsafe sexual practices.

very long and complicated – use this especially about something that you think should be made simpler

The system for choosing candidates is very involved, and I won’t go into it here.

Adopting a child can be a long involved process.

too complicated and difficult to understand – used especially about someone’s language or arguments, or about a system

Procedures for government funding have become more convoluted.

James’s books are full of long paragraphs and convoluted sentences, which many people do not find appealing.

having a lot of small parts or details – used especially about something that is cleverly designed or made

Lasers are used to cut intricate designs in the metal.

The farmers use an intricate system of drainage canals.

difficult to understand or deal with, because many parts or details are involved

难懂的，难处理的，复杂的

For young children, getting dressed is a complicated business.

对幼童来说，穿衣服是件复杂的事。

Mental illness is a very complicated subject.

精神疾病是个非常复杂的课题。

In written English, people often use [complex](bold)  rather than [complicated](bold) , because it sounds more formal:

consisting of many closely connected parts

The human brain is an incredibly complicated organ.

人脑是一个结构极其复杂的器官。


complication

ˌkɒmplɪˈkeɪʃən

a problem or situation that makes something more difficult to understand or deal with

The fact that the plane was late added a further complication to our journey.

飞机误点给我们的旅行带来了更大的麻烦。

a medical problem or illness that happens while someone is already ill and makes treatment more difficult

Pneumonia is one of the common complications faced by bed-ridden patients.

肺炎是卧床病人所面临的常见并发症之一。


compliment

When I said she’d lost weight, I meant it as a compliment.

The exhibition has received a lot of compliments from the public.

(=show that you are pleased to have been given a compliment)

He said he loved my paintings, which was a great compliment.

The highest compliment you can pay an actor is to say they don’t look as if they are acting.

John blushed at the unexpected compliment.

a remark that shows you admire someone or something

All the guests paid her extravagant compliments.

所有客人都对她赞不绝口。

Being compared to Abba is a great compliment.

能和阿巴乐队相提并论是极大的赞誉。

to be pleased about what someone says about you, even though they may not mean to be nice

把别人的话当作是一种夸奖〔即使说话人本意并非如此〕

They all seem to think that I ask rather cheeky questions, which I’ll take as a compliment.

他们好像都觉得我问的问题很无礼，我权当这是在抬举我了。

He [paid](bold) MacLennan the finest [compliment](bold) of all by imitating him.

他通过模仿麦克伦南表达对他最大的赞美。

It’s a great compliment to the band that he came out of retirement to interview them.

他退休后又复出来采访该乐队，这对他们而言是极高的赞赏。

to try to make someone say something nice about you

This soup is delicious; my [compliments to](bold) the chef.

这汤太好喝了，请代我向厨师致意。

with the compliments of sb/with our compliments

used by a person or company when they send or give something to you

J.史密斯父子公司敬赠。

Please accept these tickets with our compliments.

used as a spoken or written greeting at Christmas and New Year

谨致节日祝贺〔圣诞和新年贺词〕

to behave towards someone in the same way as they have behaved towards you

They didn’t take a lot of notice of me, and I returned the compliment.

他们对我爱理不理的，我也没给他们好脸色。

something that someone says to you which is nice and not nice at the same time

暗含讥讽的恭维，亦夸亦损的话

‘You’ve got a brain. Try using it.’ ‘Thanks for the back-handed compliment!’

“你脑袋很聪明，要用一用呀。”“谢谢啦，你这是明褒暗损啊！”


compliment

to say something nice to someone in order to praise them

Bob complimented me on my new hairstyle.

The groom was so nervous he forgot to compliment the bridesmaids.

新郎太紧张了，都忘了夸奖伴娘。


comply

[past tense and past participle](italic) [complied](bold) [present participle](italic) [complying](bold) [third person singular](italic) [complies](bold)

to do what you have to do or are asked to do

Failure to comply with the regulations will result in prosecution.

The newspaper was asked by federal agents for assistance and agreed to comply.

联邦探员要求这家报社给予协助，报社同意配合。


component

one of several parts that together make up a whole machine, system etc

〔机器、系统等的〕零件，成分，组成部分

companies that make electronic components for computer products

为计算机产品生产电子零件的公司

Exercise is one of the key components of a healthy lifestyle.

锻炼身体是健康生活方式的一个重要组成部分。


component

the component parts of something are the parts that it consists of

We’ve been breaking down the budget into its component parts.

我们把预算划分为不同的组成部分。