B2 (بالای متوسط)

تفاوت accident و incident

- شما ممکن است این دو لغت را در اخبار شنیده باشید. این لغات گیج کننده هستند ولی شبیه هم نیستند. Incident معنای کلی تر و accident معنای مشخص تری دارد.

لغت incident می تواند به هر نوع حادثه ای اعم از بزرگ یا کوچک، خوب یا بد، عمدی یا غیر عمدی اشاره شود. یک سرقت بانکی، یک موقعیت خنده دار یا جنجالی، یک بحث بین سلبریتی ها و غیره. همه ی اینها می تواند به عنوان incident توصیف شود:

A bank robbery, a funny or controversial situation, an argument between celebrities

تفاوت able و capable

تفاوت بین این دو لغت بسیار جزیی می باشد. ولی بطور معمول able  برای توصیف چیزی که فرد در حال حاضر توانایی انجامش را دارد استفاده میشود و capable برای توصیف توانایی های نهان یا بالقوه فرد در آینده. (البته این یک قانون نیست.) 

I’m able to play a song perfectly after hearing it only once. (I can currently do this.)  

من با یکبار شنیدن آهنگ میتوانم بطور عالی آن را بنوازم. (یعنی در حال حاضر میتوانم این کار را انجام دهم)

desktop

desktop [noun] (COMPUTING)

( also desktop computer ) a type of computer that is small enough to fit on the top of a desk

US /ˈdesk.tɑːp/ 
UK /ˈdesk.tɒp/ 

كامپيوتر روميزى

مثال: 

a desktop computer

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

desktop

desktop /ˈdesktɒp $ -tɑːp/ BrE AmE noun [countable]
1. the main area on a computer where you can find the ↑icons that represent programs, and where you can do things to manage the information on the computer
2. the top surface of a desk

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

desktop

desk·top [desktop desktops]   [ˈdesktɒp]    [ˈdesktɑːp]  noun

1. the top of a desk

2. a screen on a computer which shows the icons of the programs that can be used

3. =  desktop computer

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
 

desktop / ˈdesk.tɒp /   / -tɑːp / noun (COMPUTING)

B2 [ C ] a view on a computer screen that contains icons (= small symbols or pictures) representing files, programs, and other features of the computer:

The menu bar with its windows is one of the features of the desktop.

B2 [ C ] ( also desktop computer ) a type of computer that is small enough to fit on the top of a desk

→  Compare laptop , notebook (COMPUTER) , palmtop

 

desktop adjective [ before noun ]

a desktop device/printer/system

 

 

desktop / ˈdesk.tɒp /   / -tɑːp / noun [ C usually singular ] (FURNITURE)

the top of a desk

desktop adjective [ before noun ]

a desktop device/printer/system

© Cambridge University Press 2013

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

desktop

[de̱sktɒp]
 desktops
 also desk-top
 1) ADJ: ADJ n Desktop computers are a convenient size for using on a desk or table, but are not designed to be portable.
  When launched, the Macintosh was the smallest desktop computer ever produced.
 2) N-COUNT A desktop is a desktop computer.
 3) N-COUNT The desktop of a computer is the display of icons that you see on the screen when the computer is ready to use.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

desktop

 

2desktop adj always used before a noun
1 : of a size that is suitable to be used on a desk or table
• a desktop computer
2 : done using a personal computer
• She is working on a desktop video project.
• Do you have any experience in desktop publishing? [=the use of a computer to design and produce magazines, books, etc.]

diamond

diamond [noun] (STONE)

a transparent, extremely hard precious stone that is used in jewellery , and in industry for cutting hard things

US /ˈdaɪ.ə.mənd/ 
UK /ˈdaɪə.mənd/ 

الماس‌

مثال: 

a diamond ring/necklace

Oxford Essential Dictionary

diamond

 noun

1 a hard stone that looks like clear glass and is very expensive:
The ring has a large diamond in it.
a diamond necklace

2 the shape below

3 diamonds (plural) the group of playing cards (called a suit) that have red (shape below) shapes on them:
the eight of diamonds

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

diamond

diamond S3 /ˈdaɪəmənd/ BrE AmE noun
[Date: 1200-1300; Language: Old French; Origin: diamant 'hard metal, diamond', from Greek adamas; ⇨ ↑adamant]
1. [uncountable and countable] a clear, very hard valuable stone, used in jewellery and in industry:
a diamond engagement ring
2. [countable] a shape with four straight but sloping sides of equal length, with one point facing directly up and the other directly down:
Cut the cookie dough into diamonds.
3.
a) diamonds one of the four ↑suits (=types of cards) in a set of playing cards, which has the design of a red diamond shape on it
two/queen etc of diamonds
the ace of diamonds
b) [countable] a card from this suit:
You have to play a diamond.
4. [countable]
a) the area in a baseball field that is within the diamond shape formed by the four ↑bases
b) the whole playing field used in baseball
• • •
THESAURUS
■ places where people do sport
field (also pitch British English) a large area of ground, usually covered with grass, where team sports are played: A few kids were playing on the football field. | a hockey field
stadium a large sports field with seats all around it for people to watch team sports or track and field competitions: The atmosphere in the Olympic Stadium was amazing. | a football stadium
ground British English a sports field and the seats and buildings around it, belonging to a particular football, rugby, or cricket team: I met my friends inside the ground.
ballpark/park American English a stadium where baseball is played: Busch Stadium is one of the newest ballparks in Major League.
court an area with lines painted on the ground, for tennis, badminton, basketball, or volleyball: The hotel has four tennis courts and a volleyball court.
diamond the area in a baseball field that is within the shape formed by the four bases. The diamond can also be the whole field: The pitcher stands in the middle of the diamond. | There’s a playground, a picnic area, and a baseball diamond.
track a circular path with lines on it, for running on: In the relay, each runner runs once around the track.
gym a room with machines which you can use to do exercises: He spends an hour in the gym every day.
pool/swimming pool a place where you can swim: He jumped into the deep end of the pool. | I’ll meet you outside the swimming pool.
sports centre British English, sports center American English a building where you can play many types of indoor sports: Why not do exercise classes at your local sports centre?
health club a small sports centre, where you pay to be a member: How much does it cost to join a health club?

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

diamond

dia·mond [diamond diamonds]   [ˈdaɪəmənd]    [ˈdaɪəmənd]  noun
1. uncountable, countable a clear precious stone of pure carbon, the hardest substance known. Diamonds are used in jewellery and also in industry, especially for cutting glass
a ring with a diamond in it
a diamond ring/necklace
She was wearing her diamonds (= jewellery with diamonds in it).
• The lights shone like diamonds.

see also  rough diamond

 

2. countable a shape with four straight sides of equal length and with angles that are not right angles

3. diamonds plural, uncountable one of the four suits (= sets) in a pack of cards. The cards are marked with red diamond shapes
• the ten of diamonds

• Diamonds are/is trumps.

4. countable a card of this suit

• You must play a diamond if you have one.

5. countable (in baseball) the space inside the lines that connect the four bases; also used to mean the whole baseball field 
Word Origin:
Middle English: from Old French diamant, from medieval Latin diamas, diamant-, variant of Latin adamans from Greek adamas, adamant-, ‘untameable, invincible’ (later used to denote the hardest metal or stone, hence diamond), from a- ‘not’ + daman ‘to tame’.  
Example Bank:
• an old woman dripping with diamonds

• earrings encrusted with diamonds

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
 

diamond / ˈdaɪə.mənd / noun (STONE)

B2 [ C or U ] a transparent, extremely hard precious stone that is used in jewellery , and in industry for cutting hard things:

The tiara was set with diamonds and rubies.

a diamond ring/necklace

He had worked in the diamond mines of South Africa.

diamond-tipped saw blades

See picture diamond

diamonds [ plural noun ] jewellery made from diamonds:

Shall I wear the diamonds or the pearls with this dress?

 

diamond / ˈdaɪə.mənd / noun (SHAPE)

B2 [ C or U ] a shape with four straight sides of equal length, forming two opposite angles that are wide and two that are narrow:

Joe's socks had diamond patterns on them.

See picture diamond

[ C ] the square part of a field on which baseball is played, surrounded by the four bases, or the whole field on which the game is played

See picture diamond

 

diamond / ˈdaɪə.mənd / noun (CARDS)

diamonds [ plural or U ] one of the four suits in playing cards, shown by one or more red symbols in the shape of a diamond:

the six/jack of diamonds

[ C ] a playing card from the suit of diamonds:

She played a diamond.

© Cambridge University Press 2013

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

diamond

[da͟ɪ͟əmənd]
 diamonds
 1) N-VAR A diamond is a hard, bright, precious stone which is clear and colourless. Diamonds are used in jewellery and for cutting very hard substances.
  ...a pair of diamond earrings.
  ...a sphere made of diamond without impurity or flaw.
 2) N-PLURAL Diamonds are jewellery such as necklaces and rings which have diamonds set into them.
  Nicole loves wearing her diamonds, even with jeans and a white T-shirt.
 3) N-COUNT A diamond is a shape with four straight sides of equal length where the opposite angles are the same, but none of the angles is equal to 90°.
  ...forming his hands into the shape of a diamond.
 4) N-UNCOUNT-COLL Diamonds is one of the four suits of cards in a pack of playing cards. Each card in the suit is marked with one or more red symbols in the shape of a diamond.
  He drew the seven of diamonds.
 N-COUNT
 A diamond is a playing card of this suit.
 5) N-COUNT In baseball, the diamond is the diamond-shaped area of the playing field between the four bases.

 

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

1di·a·mond /ˈdaɪmənd/ noun, pl -monds
1 : a very hard usually colorless stone that is a form of carbon and is used especially in jewelry

[count]

• a necklace studded with diamonds and rubies
• Her husband gave her a diamond [=a diamond ring] for her birthday.

[noncount]

• The ruby was surrounded by a ring of diamond.
- often used before another noun
• a diamond mine/ring
- see color picture 
2 [count] : a shape that is formed by four equal straight lines and that has two opposite angles that are smaller than a right angle and two opposite angles that are larger than a right angle
• The children cut the fabric into diamonds.
- compare square
3 a [count] : a playing card that is marked with a red diamond shape
• one heart, two diamonds, and two clubs
- see picture at playing card
b diamonds [plural] : the suit in a deck of playing cards that is marked by red diamond shapes
• He played the queen of diamonds.
- compare club, heart, spade
4 [count]
a : the part of a baseball field that includes the area within and around the three bases and home plate : infield
• The infielders warmed up by throwing the ball around the diamond.
b : the entire playing field in baseball
• It's sad to see the town's old baseball diamond deserted.

reality

reality [noun]

the state of things as they are, rather than as they are imagined to be

US /riˈæl.ə.t̬i/ 
UK /riˈæl.ə.ti/ 

واقعيت‌، حقيقت

مثال: 

He escaped from reality by going to the cinema every afternoon.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

reality

 noun (no plural)
the way that something really is, not how you would like it to be:
I enjoyed my holiday, but now it's back to reality.
She looked very confident but in reality she was extremely nervous.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

reality

reality S2 W2 /riˈæləti, riˈælɪti/ BrE AmE noun (plural realities)
[Word Family: noun: ↑realism, ↑realist, ↑reality, ↑unreality, ↑realization; adverb: ↑real, ↑really, ↑realistically ≠ ↑unrealistically; adjective: ↑real, ↑unreal, ↑realistic ≠ ↑unrealistic; verb: ↑realize]
1. [uncountable and countable] what actually happens or is true, not what is imagined or thought:
the distinction between fantasy and reality
TV is used as an escape from reality.
I think the government has lost touch with reality (=no longer understands what is real or true).
political realities
harsh/grim/stark reality
Millions of people live with the harsh realities of unemployment.
the reality is that
The reality is that young people will not go into teaching until salaries are higher.
The paperless office may one day become a reality.
2. in reality used to say that something is different from what people think:
In reality, violent crimes are still extremely rare.
3. [uncountable] the fact that something exists or is happening:
She had never accepted the reality of her pregnancy.
⇨ ↑virtual reality
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ adjectives
the harsh/grim/stark reality (=conditions that are really very bad) We want to protect our children from the harsh reality of our violent world.
political/social/economic realities He's ignoring political realities.
■ verbs
face reality (=accept it) It's painful, but you have to face reality.
confront a reality (=consider or deal with it) They had to confront some unpleasant realities about themselves.
ignore a reality They are ignoring the reality of Arab politics.
wake up to reality (=realize what is happening or real) Well, they need to wake up to reality.
lose touch with reality (=no longer know about ordinary things or what is possible) If all you have is the show-business world, you kind of lose touch with reality.
escape from reality The programmes help viewers escape from reality.
bring somebody back to reality (=make them realize what is happening around them or true) She was brought back to reality by the pain in her ankle.
become a reality (=really happen, after being hoped for, feared, etc by someone) Last June, her longed-for baby finally became a reality.
reflect reality (=match or show what is really happening or true) Do these novels accurately reflect contemporary reality?
bear no relation to reality (=not match what is really happening or true) His vision of European politics bears no relation to reality.
be divorced from reality (=not connected in any way to what is really happening) His ideas are completely divorced from reality.
■ phrases
a dose of reality (=an experience of what things are really like) I got my first dose of reality when I reported to work at my new job.
somebody's grasp of reality (=their understanding of reality) They portrayed her as a sick woman with only a tenuous grasp of reality.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

reality

real·ity [reality realities]   [riˈæləti]    [riˈæləti]  noun (pl. real·ities)
1. uncountable the true situation and the problems that actually exist in life, in contrast to how you would like life to be
She refuses to face reality.
You're out of touch with reality.
• The reality is that there is not enough money to pay for this project.

• They seemed to have the perfect marriage but the reality was very different.

2. countable a thing that is actually experienced or seen, in contrast to what people might imagine
the harsh realities of life
This decision reflects the realities of the political situation.
• The paperless office is still far from being a reality.

• Will time travel ever become a reality?

3. uncountable ~ television/TV/shows/series/contestants television/shows, etc. that use real people (not actors) in real situations, presented as entertainment
a reality TV star
the reality show ‘Big Brother’
see also  virtual reality
Idiom: in reality  
Word Origin:
late 15th cent.: via French from medieval Latin realitas, from late Latin realis ‘relating to things’, from Latin res ‘thing’.  
Thesaurus:
reality noun U
Outwardly she seemed confident but in reality was very nervous.
factthe truthreal lifethe real world
Opp: fantasy
in reality/fact/real life/the real world
face/accept/ignore reality/the fact/the truth 
Example Bank:
He has a rather tenuous grasp of reality.
He has no illusions about the underlying reality of army life.
Her parents always tried to shield her from the realities of the world.
I don't think he understands the reality of the situation.
I don't think you have quite grasped the realities of our situation!
It's our task to make the proposals a reality.
It's time for a reality check: are these goals really achievable?
Most comedy relies on distorting reality.
Most people's ideas of the disease do not have much to do with the reality.
One day her dream will become a reality.
Painters at the time were largely concerned with reproducing external reality.
She will have to face reality sooner or later.
The director creates a believable, gritty reality.
The media portray her as happy and successful, but in reality she has a difficult life.
The movie portrays a kind of alternate reality.
The novel describes the harsh realities of racism and life on the road.
They are out of touch with the realities of modern warfare.
We were faced with the awful reality of having nowhere to live.
a book that captures the reality of life during wartime
the harsh economic realities of life as a student
the practical realities of running a children's home
the use of virtual reality in computer games
• She refuses to face reality.

• You're out of touch with reality.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
 

reality / riˈæl.ɪ.ti /   / -ə.t̬i / noun

B2 [ S or U ] the state of things as they are, rather than as they are imagined to be:

The reality of the situation is that unless we find some new funding soon, the youth centre will have to close.

He escaped from reality by going to the cinema every afternoon.

He seemed very young, but he was in reality (= in fact) older than all of us.

B2 [ C ] a fact:

The book confronts the harsh social and political realities of the world today.

Her childhood ambition became a reality (= happened in fact) when she was made a judge.

© Cambridge University Press 2013

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

reality

[riæ̱lɪti]
 ♦♦
 realities

 1) N-UNCOUNT You use reality to refer to real things or the real nature of things rather than imagined, invented, or theoretical ideas.
 → See also virtual reality
  Fiction and reality were increasingly blurred...
  Psychiatrists become too caught up in their theories to deal adequately with reality.
  Ant:
  fiction
 2) N-COUNT: usu the N of n The reality of a situation is the truth about it, especially when it is unpleasant or difficult to deal with.
  ...the harsh reality of top international competition...
  Other psychoanalysts do accept the reality of child sexual abuse.
 3) N-SING You say that something has become a reality when it actually exists or is actually happening.
  ...the whole procedure that made this book become a reality...
  The reality is that they are poor.
 4) PHRASE: PHR with cl You can use in reality to introduce a statement about the real nature of something, when it contrasts with something incorrect that has just been described.
  He came across as streetwise, but in reality he was not.
  Syn:
  in fact

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

1re·al·i·ty /riˈæləti/ noun, pl -ties
1 [noncount] : the true situation that exists : the real situation
• He refused to face/accept reality. [=the truth]
• the difference between fiction/fantasy and reality
• She's out of touch with reality. [=she does not know what is really true]
• The reality is that we can't afford to buy a house.
• He used television as an escape from reality.
2 [count] : something that actually exists or happens : a real event, occurrence, situation, etc.
• The movie shows the harsh/grim/stark realities of war. [=the things that really happen in a war]
• Her dream of competing in the Olympics became a reality. [=she competed in the Olympics, as she had dreamed of doing]
• They made the plan a reality.
- see also virtual reality
in reality : in truth - used to stress that something is true or real especially when it is different from what was believed or expected
• They talked as if they had accomplished a lot, but in reality they did very little.
In reality, she was 15 years younger than she looked.

media

media [noun] (NEWSPAPER)

the internet, newspapers, magazines, television, etc., considered as a group

US /ˈmiː.di.ə/ 
UK /ˈmiː.di.ə/ 

رسانه های گروهی (خصوصاً تلویزیون،رادیو و روزنامه)

مثال: 

the local/national media

Oxford Essential Dictionary

media

 noun (no plural)

the media television, radio and newspapers:
The media always takes a great interest in the royal family.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

media

media S2 W2 AC /ˈmiːdiə/ BrE AmE noun
[Date: 1900-2000; Origin: Plural of ↑medium2]
1. the media all the organizations, such as television, radio, and newspapers, that provide news and information for the public, or the people who do this work:
The scandal was widely reported in the national media.
The role of the news media in forming public opinion is very important.
The 11-day trial generated intense media interest.
A great deal of media hype surrounded the release of the group’s latest CD.
There will be another war somewhere else and the whole international media circus will move on.
GRAMMAR
People sometimes use a singular verb after media but it is better to use a plural verb:
▪ The media were widely distrusted.
2. the plural of ↑medium ⇨ ↑mass media, ↑multimedia
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ ADJECTIVES/NOUN + media
the national/local media The case received enormous publicity in the national media.
the news media Does the news media have a role in forming public opinion?
the mass media (=television, newspapers etc, which are seen by many people) The mass media has helped to call attention to environmental issues.
the mainstream/popular media (=television, newspapers etc, that most people are able to see or read) Few of these events were reported in the mainstream media.
■ media + NOUN
media attention/coverage/interest etc The tragedy received worldwide media attention.
a media campaign (=when something is deliberately reported or advertised in the media a lot) a media campaign aimed at reducing drunk driving
a media blitz (=when something is deliberately reported or advertised in the media a lot, in a small amount of time) The candidate’s media blitz has certainly raised his profile in the election.
media hype (=when the media give something too much attention and try to make it seem more important or better than it really is) the media hype surrounding the match against France
a media circus (=a disapproving phrase for all the people from the media who report events, and all the attention they give to these events) There is likely to be a media circus outside the courtroom.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

media

media AW [media mediae]   [ˈmiːdiə]    [ˈmiːdiə]  noun
1. the media uncountable + singular or plural verb the main ways that large numbers of people receive information and entertainment, that is television, radio, newspapers and the Internet
the news/broadcasting/national media
The trial was fully reported in the media.
The media was/were accused of influencing the final decision.
Any event attended by the actor received widespread media coverage.
• He became a media star for his part in the protests.

see also  mass media, new media

2. pl. of  medium  
Thesaurus:
the
media noun sing.+ sing./pl. v.
The media was accused of influencing the decision.
the presscoveragereportingjournalism|formal reportage
in/by the media/press
(the) mainstream media/press/coverage/reporting/journalism
the national/local/free/foreign media/press 
Example Bank:
Music has been turned into a series of media events.
One story has dominated the media this week.
She's very different from her media image.
Some blame the media for propagating negative stereotypes.
The company is anxious to play down the media hype.
The event was widely covered by the mass media.
The local media reported rioting across the country.
The two gangsters were media darlings in the 60s.
Their PR officer handles TV, radio, and print media interviews.
There is a perception that the government controls the media.
There was a lot of media coverage of the wedding.
They believe that the media is biased against them.
• They broadcast streaming media to PCs.

• propaganda through the media

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
 

media / ˈmiː.di.ə / noun (NEWSPAPERS)

the media B2 [ S , + sing/pl verb ] the internet, newspapers, magazines, television, etc., considered as a group:

the local/national media

media attention/coverage/hype/reports

The issue has been much discussed in the media.

→  See also multimedia

 

media / ˈmiː.di.ə / noun (MEDIUM)

plural of medium noun (METHOD)

© Cambridge University Press 2013

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

media

[mi͟ːdiə]
 ♦♦
 1) N-SING-COLL: the N You can refer to television, radio, newspapers, and magazines as the media.
 → See also mass media, multimedia
  It is hard work and not a glamorous job as portrayed by the media...
  They are wondering whether bias in the news media contributed to the president's defeat...
  Media coverage of cycling in July was pretty impressive.
 2) Media is a plural of medium.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

media
 

2me·dia /ˈmiːdijə/ noun [plural]
1 : the radio stations, television stations, and newspapers through which information is communicated to the public : mass media
• The event attracted a lot of attention from the media. = The event attracted a lot of media attention.
• the news media
- sometimes used with a singular verb
• He feels that the media is ignoring this important issue.
2 chiefly US : people who work as news reporters, publishers, and broadcasters : members of the media
• The event attracted a lot of media.
• a large crowd of media

salty

salty [adjective]

tasting of salt

US /ˈsɑːl.t̬i/ 
UK /ˈsɒl.ti/ 

شور،نمكى‌

مثال: 

This bacon is too salty for me.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

salty

salty /ˈsɔːlti $ ˈsɒːlti/ BrE AmE adjective
1. tasting of or containing salt:
a slightly salty taste
salty foods
2. American English old-fashioned language, a story, or a joke that is salty is amusing and often about sex
• • •
THESAURUS
■ describing the taste of something
delicious having a very good taste: This cake is delicious! | a delicious meal
disgusting/revolting having a very bad taste: The medicine tasted disgusting. | They had to eat revolting things, like fish eyes.
sweet tasting full of sugar: The oranges were very sweet.
tasty especially spoken tasting good and with plenty of flavour: She cooked us a simple but tasty meal. | That was really tasty!
sour/tart having a taste that stings your tongue slightly, like lemon does – used especially when this is rather unpleasant: The apples were a little sour. | The wine has rather a tart taste, which not everyone will like.
tangy having a taste that stings your tongue slightly, like lemon does, in a way that seems good: The dressing was nice and tangy.
bitter having a strong taste which is not sweet and is sometimes rather unpleasant – used for example about black coffee, or chocolate without sugar: bitter chocolate | The medicine had rather a bitter taste. | Hops give beer its distinctive bitter taste.
salty containing a lot of salt: Danish salami has a salty flavour.
hot/spicy having a burning taste because it contains strong spices: I love hot curries. | a spicy tomato sauce
piquant /ˈpiːkənt/ formal a little spicy – used especially by people who write about food. This word can sound rather ↑pretentious in everyday conversation: cooked vegetables in a piquant sauce
mild not having a strong or hot taste – usually used about foods that can sometimes be spicy: a mild curry
bland not having an interesting taste: I found the sauce rather bland.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

salty

salty [salty saltier saltiest]   [ˈsɔːlti]    [ˈsɒlti]    [ˈsɔːlti]  adjective (salt·ier, salti·est)
1. containing or tasting of salt
salty food
• salty sea air

compare  sweet

2. (old-fashioned) (of language or humour) amusing and sometimes slightly rude
She has a salty sense of humour.
Derived Word: saltiness  
Example Bank:

• It tasted slightly salty.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
 

salty / ˈsɒl.ti /   / ˈsɑːl.t̬i / adjective

B2 tasting of salt:

This bacon is too salty for me.

 

saltiness / -nəs / noun [ U ]

© Cambridge University Press 2013

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

salty

[sɔ͟ːlti]
 saltier, saltiest
 ADJ-GRADED

 Something that is salty contains salt or tastes of salt.
  ...salty foods such as ham and bacon.
  ...a cool salty sea breeze.
  Derived words:
  saltiness N-UNCOUNT The saltiness of the cheese is balanced by the sweetness of the red peppers.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

salty

salty /ˈsɑːlti/ adj salt·i·er; -est [also more ~; most ~]
1 : containing salt or too much salt
salty foods
• a salty lake
• I think the soup tastes salty.
2 US old-fashioned : somewhat rude or shocking
salty language/talk
- salt·i·ness /ˈsɑːltinəs/ noun [noncount]
• the saltiness of tears

starving

starving [adjective] (NOT FOOD)

dying because of not having enough food

US /ˈstɑːr.vɪŋ/ 
UK /ˈstɑː.vɪŋ/ 

از گرسنگى‌ مردن‌ يا كشتن‌

مثال: 

The cats were neglected and starving.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

starve

starve S3 /stɑːv $ stɑːrv/ BrE AmE verb
[Language: Old English; Origin: steorfan 'to die']
1. [intransitive] to suffer or die because you do not have enough to eat:
Thousands of people will starve if food doesn’t reach the city.
pictures of starving children
They’ll either die from the cold or starve to death (=die from lack of food).
2. [transitive] to prevent someone from having enough food to live:
The poor dog looked like it had been starved.
3. be starving (also be starved American English) to be very hungry:
You must be starving!
starve somebody/something of something (also starve somebody/something for something American English) phrasal verb [usually passive]
to not give something that is needed:
The schools are starved of funding.
The poor kid’s just starved for attention.
starve somebody ↔ out phrasal verb
to force someone to leave a place by preventing them from getting food:
If we can’t blast them out, we’ll starve them out!

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

(be) starving (for something)

 

be ˈstarving (for sth) idiom
(also be ˈstarved especially in NAmE) (informal) to feel very hungry
• When's the food coming? I'm starving!

Main entry: starveidiom

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
 

starving / ˈstɑː.vɪŋ /   / ˈstɑːr- / adjective (NO FOOD)

B2 dying because of not having enough food:

The cats were neglected and starving.

B2 informal very hungry:

Isn't lunch ready yet? I'm starving.

 

starving / ˈstɑː.vɪŋ /   / ˈstɑːr- / adjective [ after verb ] Scottish English or Northern English (COLD)

extremely cold:

Could you put the heating on? I'm starving!

© Cambridge University Press 2013

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

starving

[stɑ͟ː(r)vɪŋ]
 ADJ: v-link ADJ
 If you say that you are starving, you mean that you are very hungry. [INFORMAL]
  Apart from anything else I was starving.
 Syn:
 ravenous

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

starve

 

starve /ˈstɑɚv/ verb starves; starved; starv·ing
1 [no obj] : to suffer or die from lack of food : to suffer extreme hunger
• Without food they would starve.
• They left him to starve out in the desert.
• Those people are starving.
• providing food for starving children
• The famine caused many to starve to death. [=to die from lack of food]
2 [+ obj] : to cause (a person or animal) to suffer or die because of lack of food
• They tried to starve their enemies into submission.
• It was clear that the dog had been starved.
• You don't have to starve yourself to lose weight.
3 a [no obj] chiefly US : to want or need something very much - usually used as (be) starving for
• Those children are starving for attention. [=they badly need to be given more attention]
• After being alone for so long, I was starving for conversation.
• a government program that is starving for funds
b [+ obj] : to not give (someone or something) enough of something that is wanted or needed
• Those children have been starved of attention. [=they have not been given enough attention]
• (chiefly US) Those children are starved for attention. [=they badly need to be given more attention]
- sometimes used in combination
• a cash-starved company
be starving or be starved chiefly US informal : to be very hungry
• I skipped lunch, so by dinnertime I was starving.
• When are we eating? I'm starved!

spirit

spirit [noun] (WAY OF FEELING)

a particular way of thinking, feeling, or behaving, especially a way that is typical of a particular group of people, an activity, a time, or a place

US /ˈspɪr.ət/ 
UK /ˈspɪr.ɪt/ 

روح‌، روان‌

مثال: 

The players have a very strong team spirit (= loyalty to each other) .

Oxford Essential Dictionary

spirit

 noun

1 the part of a person that is not the body. Some people think that your spirit does not die when your body dies.

2 spirits (plural) strong alcoholic drinks such as whisky

3 spirits (plural) the way that a person feels:
She's in high spirits (= happy) today.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

spirit

I. spirit1 S2 W2 /ˈspɪrət, ˈspɪrɪt/ BrE AmE noun
[Date: 1200-1300; Language: Anglo-French; Origin: Latin spiritus 'breath, spirit']
1. CHARACTER [singular, uncountable] the qualities that make someone live the way they do, and make them different from other people
in spirit
I’m 85, but I still feel young in spirit.
independent/proud/free etc spirit (=a person with a particular type of character)
She is a strong and independent spirit. ⇨ kindred spirit at ↑kindred2(1)
2. HAPPY/SAD spirits [plural] the way someone feels at a particular time, for example if they are happy or sad ⇨ mood
be in good/high spirits (=be excited and happy)
Cooper was still in high spirits after winning the race.
His spirits were so low (=he was so sad) that he refused to answer his phone.
raise/lift sb’s spirits (=make someone happier)
The warm morning sun lifted our spirits.
She wrote poetry while she was in the hospital to keep her spirits up (=keep happy).
sb’s spirits rise/lift/sink (=they become more or less happy)
My spirits sank when I saw the mess they’d left.
3. SOUL [countable] the part of someone that you cannot see, that consists of the qualities that make up their character, which many people believe continues to live after the person has died ⇨ soul:
Although Laurie is dead, I can feel his spirit with me.
4. NO BODY [countable] a creature without a physical body that some people believe exists, such as an ↑angel or a dead person, who has returned to this world and has strange or magical powers ⇨ ghost:
an evil spirit
5. DETERMINATION [uncountable] courage, energy, and determination – used to show approval:
Sandra is small, but she makes up for it with great spirit.
a young team with strong fighting spirit
When they took away his freedom, they broke his spirit (=made him lose his courage).
6. ATTITUDE [singular, uncountable] the attitude that you have towards something or while you are doing something:
You’ve got to approach this meeting in the right spirit.
spirit of
the spirit of cooperation between the two sides
7. team/community/public etc spirit a strong feeling of belonging to a particular group and wanting to help them
8. TYPICAL QUALITIES [countable usually singular] the set of ideas, beliefs, feelings etc that are typical of a particular period in history, a place, or a group of people
spirit of
Tourism has not destroyed the spirit of Bali.
the spirit of the age/times
His beliefs conflicted with the spirit of the age.
9. in spirit if you say you will be somewhere in spirit or with someone in spirit, you will not be with them but will be thinking about them:
I can’t come to your wedding, but I’ll be there in spirit.
10. get/enter into the spirit (of something) to start to feel as happy, excited etc as the people around you:
Judith couldn’t really enter into the spirit of the occasion.
11. INTENTION [uncountable] the meaning or qualities that someone intended something to have, especially the meaning that a law or rule was intended to have:
Thoreau believed that his actions were in the spirit of American institutions.
Miller’s actions may not be actually illegal, but they have violated the spirit of the law. ⇨ the letter of the law at ↑letter1(4)
12. the Spirit the ↑Holy Spirit
13. DRINK [countable usually plural]
a) especially British English a strong alcoholic drink such as ↑whisky or ↑brandy
b) British English liquid such as alcohol, used for cleaning
14. that’s the spirit spoken used to express approval of someone’s behaviour or attitude
15. when/as the spirit moves you when you feel that you want to do something
16. the spirit is willing (but the flesh is weak) used when saying that you want to do something, but you are too tired or do not feel strong enough – often used humorously
• • •
COLLOCATIONS (for Meaning 2)
■ adjectives
high/good (=used when saying that someone is happy and excited) The players were all in high spirits.
low/flagging (=used when saying that someone is sad) She was tired and her spirits were low.
■ verbs
lift/raise/revive sb’s spirits (=make them feel happier) A brisk walk helped to lift my spirits.
keep sb’s spirits up (=keep them feeling happy) He wrote home often, trying to keep his family’s spirits up.
dampen sb’s spirits (=make them feel less happy) They refused to let the rain dampen their spirits.
sb’s spirits rise/lift/soar (=they start feeling happier) Her spirits rose as they left the ugliness of London behind.
sb’s spirits sink (=they start feeling less happy) His spirits sank at the prospect.
• • •
THESAURUS
ghost the spirit of a dead person that some people think they can feel or see in a place: His ghost is believed to haunt the house.
spirit a creature without a physical body, such as an angel or ghost: evil spirits | the spirit world
apparition an image of a dead person that someone sees suddenly for a short time: He claimed to have seen an apparition in the church.
poltergeist a ghost that people cannot see, which throws things or moves things around: The house was haunted by a poltergeist that makes things move around all by themselves, sometimes quite big things like beds or wardrobes.
spook informal a ghost: I’m not scared of spooks.
phantom literary a frightening and unclear image of a dead person: They had seen phantoms gliding on the surface of the water.
spectre British English, specter American English literary a ghost, especially a frightening one: She had looked like a spectre. | The following night, the spectre appeared again.
II. spirit2 BrE AmE verb
spirit somebody/something away/off phrasal verb written
to take someone or something away quickly and secretly:
After his speech, Jackson was spirited away through a back door.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

spirit

 

spirit [spirit spirits spirited spiriting] noun, verb   [ˈspɪrɪt]    [ˈspɪrɪt] 

 

noun  

 

 

MIND/FEELINGS/CHARACTER
1. uncountable, countable the part of a person that includes their mind, feelings and character rather than their body

• the power of the human spirit to overcome difficulties

2. spirits plural a person's feelings or state of mind
to be in high/low spirits
You must try and keep your spirits up (= stay cheerful).

• My spirits sank at the prospect of starting all over again.

3. countable (always with an adjective) a person of the type mentioned
a brave spirit
kindred spirits (= people who like the same things as you)

see also  free spirit  

 

 

COURAGE/DETERMINATION

4. uncountable courage, determination or energy
Show a little fighting spirit.
• Although the team lost, they played with tremendous spirit.

• They took away his freedom and broke his spirit.  

 

 

LOYAL FEELINGS

5. uncountable, singular loyal feelings towards a group, team or society
There's not much community spirit around here.

see also  team spirit  

 

 

ATTITUDE

6. singular a state of mind or mood; an attitude
We approached the situation in the wrong spirit.
‘OK, I'll try’. ‘ That's the spirit (= the right attitude).’
The party went well because everyone entered into the spirit of things.

see also  party spirit  

 

 

TYPICAL QUALITY

7. singular the typical or most important quality or mood of sth

• The exhibition captures the spirit of the age/times.  

 

 

REAL MEANING

8. uncountable the real or intended meaning or purpose of sth

• Obey the spirit, not the letter (= the narrow meaning of the words) of the law.  

 

 

SOUL

9. countable the soul thought of as separate from the body and believed to live on after death; a ghost
He is dead, but his spirit lives on.
• It was believed that people could be possessed by evil spirits.

see also  Holy Spirit  

 

 

IMAGINARY CREATURE

 

10. countable (old-fashioned) an imaginary creature with magic powers, for example, a fairy or an elf  

 

ALCOHOL
11. countable, usually plural (especially BrE) a strong alcoholic drink

• I don't drink whisky or brandy or any other spirits.

12. uncountable a special type of alcohol used in industry or medicine
see also  methylated spirit, surgical spirit, white spirit 
more at fighting spirit at  fight  v., raise sb's spirits at  raise  v.  
Word Origin:
Middle English: from Anglo-Norman French, from Latin spiritus ‘breath, spirit’, from spirare ‘breathe’.  
Thesaurus:
spirit noun
1. C
He is dead, but his spirit lives on.
soulmindthe/your subconscious|psychology ego
human spirit/soul/mind
Soul or spirit? Spirit is a more positive word than soul. We talk about lost/tormented/troubled souls but the power of the human spirit.
2. spirits pl.
She was tired and in low spirits.
moralemoodframe of mind
in (a) (good/better, etc.) spirits/mood/frame of mind
sb's spirits are/morale is high/low
lift/raise sb's spirits/morale
3. U (approving)
Show some fighting spirit.
determinationperseverancepersistencepurpose|formal resolvetenacity
great spirit/determination/perseverance/persistence/purpose/resolve/tenacity
show (your) spirit/determination/persistence/resolve/tenacity
have spirit/determination/perseverance/persistence/purpose/tenacity
4. C
possessed by evil spirits
ghost|especially written apparition
see a/an spirit/ghost/apparition
a/an spirit/ghost/apparition haunts sb
a spirit/ghost appears  
Example Bank:
Both sides have come together in a spirit of goodwill.
He found kindred spirits in the peace movement.
He sang with great spirit.
He's got the right spirit!
I was just getting to the spirit of things when the party suddenly ended.
I will be with you in spirit.
I'm trying to get in the spirit of the holiday season.
It is a testimony to the triumph of the human spirit.
Make a donation to the charity if the spirit moves you.
Many people believe the spirit lives on after death.
My mother was in excellent spirits.
My spirit guide cares for me and protects me.
Owls were believed to be restless spirits who had returned to earth.
She embodies the spirit of revolution.
She exudes a warmth and generosity of spirit.
She has plenty of fighting spirit.
She isn't in the best of spirits today.
She slept with a cross under the pillow to ward off evil spirits.
She was a guiding spirit in primary education.
That song really captures the spirit of the times.
The movie is true to the spirit of the book.
The referee should try to obey the spirit as well as the letter of the law.
They are all working together in a spirit of cooperation.
They brought the spirit of carnival to their concerts.
They have the right spirit!
They tortured him until he was broken in spirit.
We sang songs to keep our spirits up.
a single measure of spirits
a spirit of adventure
an edict that violates the spirit of the Geneva Convention
healing for body, mind and spirit
the indomitable American spirit
A standard measure of spirits is 25ml.
He felt a kind of lightness in his spirit as the sun came up.
His poetry summed up the spirit of the age.
I don't drink whisky or brandy or any other spirits.
It seemed to fit in with the spirit of the festival.
It was believed that people could be possessed by evil spirits.
Show a little fighting spirit.
The exhibition captures the spirit of the Swinging Sixties.
• You are underestimating the power of the human spirit to overcome difficulties.

Idioms: as the spirit moves you  in spirit  spirit is willing 

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
 

spirit / ˈspɪr.ɪt / noun (WAY OF FEELING)

B2 [ S or U ] a particular way of thinking, feeling, or behaving, especially a way that is typical of a particular group of people, an activity, a time, or a place:

The players have a very strong team spirit (= loyalty to each other) .

As rock musicians in the 1960s, they were very much part of the spirit of the age/times .

We acted in a spirit of cooperation.

spirits B2 [ plural ] the way a person is feeling:

I've been in high/low spirits (= feeling happy/sad) lately.

Her spirits lifted/rose (= she felt happier) as she read the letter.

The negative reply dashed his spirits (= made him unhappy) .

the spirit of a law, rule, etc. the principle that a law, rule, etc. was created to make stronger, rather than the particular things it says you must or must not do:

They followed neither the spirit nor the letter of the law.

enter/get into the spirit to show enthusiasm and enjoyment:

They went to the tennis club a few times but never really got into the spirit of it.

that's the spirit used to approve or encourage someone's positive attitude (= way of thinking) or action:

"Come on, we can win this game." "That's the spirit."

© Cambridge University Press 2013

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

spirit

[spɪ̱rɪt]
 ♦♦
 spirits, spiriting, spirited

 1) N-SING Your spirit is the part of you that is not physical and that consists of your character and feelings.
 → See also kindred spirit
  The human spirit is virtually indestructible...
  Marian retains a restless, youthful spirit, in search of new horizons.
  Syn:
  soul
 2) N-COUNT: usu poss N A person's spirit is the non-physical part of them that is believed to remain alive after their death.
  His spirit has left him and all that remains is the shell of his body.
  Syn:
  soul
 3) N-COUNT A spirit is a ghost or supernatural being.
 → See also Holy Spirit
  In the Middle Ages branches were hung outside country houses as a protection against evil spirits.
  Syn:
  ghost
 4) N-UNCOUNT Spirit is the courage and determination that helps people to survive in difficult times and to keep their way of life and their beliefs.
  She was a very brave girl and everyone who knew her admired her spirit.
 5) N-UNCOUNT Spirit is the liveliness and energy that someone shows in what they do.
  They played with spirit.
 6) N-SING The spirit in which you do something is the attitude you have when you are doing it.
  Their problem can only be solved in a spirit of compromise...
  They approached the talks in a conciliatory spirit.
 7) N-UNCOUNT: usu with supp, oft n N A particular kind of spirit is the feeling of loyalty to a group that is shared by the people who belong to the group.
  There is a great sense of team spirit among the British Olympic squad...
  The president has appealed to the Brazilian people for patriotism and community spirit.
 8) N-SING A particular kind of spirit is the set of ideas, beliefs, and aims that are held by a group of people.
  ...the real spirit of the Labour movement.
 9) N-SING: the N of n The spirit of something such as a law or an agreement is the way that it was intended to be interpreted or applied.
  The requirement for work permits violates the spirit of the 1950 treaty.
 10) N-COUNT: usu adj N You can refer to a person as a particular kind of spirit if they show a certain characteristic or if they show a lot of enthusiasm in what they are doing.
  I like to think of myself as a free spirit...
  He was the founder and guiding spirit of New York's Shakespeare Festival.
 11) N-PLURAL Your spirits are your feelings at a particular time, especially feelings of happiness or unhappiness.
  At supper, everyone was in high spirits...
  A bit of exercise will help lift his spirits.
 12) VERB If someone or something is spirited away, or if they are spirited out of somewhere, they are taken from a place quickly and secretly without anyone noticing. [WRITTEN]
  [be V-ed away] He was spirited away and probably murdered...
  [V n away] His parents had spirited him away to the country...
  [be V-ed prep/adv] It is possible that he has been spirited out of the country.
 13) N-PLURAL Spirits are strong alcoholic drinks such as whisky and gin.
 14) N-UNCOUNT Spirit or spirits is an alcoholic liquid that is used as a fuel, for cleaning things, or for other purposes. There are many kinds of spirit.
 → See also methylated spirits, surgical spirit
 15) PHRASE: V inflects If you enter into the spirit of something, you take part in it in an enthusiastic way.
 16) PHRASE: PHR with cl If you say you are somewhere in spirit or with someone in spirit, you mean that although you are not with them, you feel as though you are with them because you are thinking about them a lot.
  In spirit I was with you here.
 17) PHRASE: adj PHR You use in spirit when you are talking about someone's true nature.
  They seemed close in spirit to those first independent-minded Turkish women who took professions...
  It is independent in spirit.
 18) PHRASE The spirit of the age or the spirit of the times is the set of ideas, beliefs, and aims that is typical of people in a particular period in history.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

1spir·it /ˈspirət/ noun, pl -its
1 a : the force within a person that is believed to give the body life, energy, and power

[count]

• the spirits of my ancestors
• Some religions believe that the same spirit is reincarnated many times in different bodies.

[noncount]

• Yoga is very healthy for both body and spirit.
• I'm sorry I can't make it to your wedding, but I'll be there in spirit. [=I will be thinking about you]
b [count] : the inner quality or nature of a person
• He still has a curious and youthful spirit. [=he is still a curious and youthful person]
• We will all miss her generous spirit.
2 [count] : a person
• My father was a proud spirit.
• They are kindred spirits. [=people with similar interests or concerns]
- see also free spirit
3 a [count] : ghost
• evil spirits
b the Spirit : holy spirit
4 a : a desire or determination to do something

[count]

• His many disappointments never broke his spirit. [=never took away his desire to succeed]
• He has a strong fighting spirit.

[noncount]

• She's a good athlete with a lot of skill and spirit.
b [noncount] : enthusiastic loyalty
• The students showed their school spirit by having a rally to support the football team.
5 [singular]
a : the attitude or feeling that a person has about a particular job, activity, etc.
• He didn't approach the work in/with the right spirit.
b : a shared attitude or feeling that relates to a particular time, place, activity, etc. - often + of
• the spirit of the times
• a new spirit of cooperation
• the spirit of competition
• We all got/entered into the spirit of the holidays.
• You'd have more fun if you'd just relax and get into the spirit of things.
6 spirits [plural] : feelings of happiness or unhappiness
Spirits were low [=people were unhappy] after our team lost again.
• We need to do something to lift your spirits. [=to make you feel better/happier]
• It's hard work, but try to keep your spirits up. [=keep a happy and positive attitude]
• We were all in high spirits [=happy, cheerful] after the game.
• She was in low spirits. [=she was unhappy]
• He's still in the hospital, but he's in good spirits. [=happy and positive]
- see also high-spirited, low-spirited
7 [noncount] : the real meaning or intention of something (such as a law)
• They seem to be more concerned with obeying the letter of the law than with understanding the spirit of the law. [=what was intended by the law when it was written]
8 spirits [plural] : strong alcoholic drinks : liquor
• The store sells wines and spirits.
as/when the spirit moves you : when you feel like it : when the time is right
• I'll write when the spirit moves me.
moving spirit
- see moving
that's the spirit informal
- used to express approval of someone's attitude
• “I know I can do it if I keep trying.” “Yeah, that's the spirit!” [=that's the right attitude to have]
the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak
- used to say that you want to do something but you cannot because you do not have the strength or energy; often used humorously
• I try to get up early and exercise, though sometimes the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.

- see also surgical spirit, white spirit

priority

priority [noun]

something that is very important and must be dealt with before other things

US /praɪˈɔːr.ə.t̬i/ 
UK /praɪˈɒr.ə.ti/ 

اولویت

مثال: 

The management did not seem to consider office safety to be a priority.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

priority

 noun

1 (plural priorities) something that you think is more important than other things and that you must do first:
Education is a top priority.

2 (no plural) being more important than somebody or something or coming before somebody or something else:
We give priority to families with small children.
Emergency cases take priority over other patients in hospital.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

priority

I. priority1 S2 W2 AC /praɪˈɒrəti, praɪˈɒrɪti $ -ˈɔːr-/ BrE AmE noun (plural priorities)
[Word Family: noun: ↑priority, ↑prioritization; verb: ↑prioritize]
1. [uncountable and countable] the thing that you think is most important and that needs attention before anything else:
The club’s priority is to win the League.
first/top/main priority
The children are our first priority.
After several burglaries in the area, security is now a high priority (=very important and needing attention soon).
With so little money available, repairs must remain a low priority (=not important and not needing attention soon).
The customer is high on our list of priorities.
List your tasks in order of priority (=most important first).
2. [uncountable] the right to be given attention first and before other people or things
priority over
Buses should have priority over other road users.
A young person who has finished the course will be given priority over one who has not.
I want to start work on the garden but the house must take priority.
3. get your priorities right (also get your priorities straight American English) to know what is most important and needs attention first:
We need to get our priorities right.
• • •
COLLOCATIONS (for Meaning 1)
■ adjectives
a high priority (=very important) Right now, the environment is a high priority.
an urgent priority He sees these negotiations as an urgent priority.
a low priority (=not very important) At that time, architecture was a low priority.
the top/main/number one priority Controlling spending is his top priority.
the first priority The first priority for most unemployed people is obtaining a job.
the overriding priority (=the most important one) The reduction of inflation must be the Government’s overriding priority.
sb’s immediate priority (=which must be dealt with immediately) Their immediate priority was to find somewhere to sleep that night.
■ phrases
a list/set of priorities Marriage isn’t very high on my list of priorities.
in order of priority (=with the most important first) They asked voters to list issues in order of priority.
■ verbs
set priorities (=decide what the priorities are) With any new project, it's important to set priorities.
sort out your priorities (=decide which things are the most important as a way of dealing with a situation) If you’ve got a lot of things to do, sort out your priorities.
make something a priority Lisa had a job, but she'd always made her family the priority.
sb’s priorities change As you get older, your priorities may change.
• • •
COLLOCATIONS (for Meaning 2)
■ verbs
have priority Couples may have to decide whose career has priority.
get priority The breakdown services say that women on their own get priority.
take priority (=become the most important thing) Winning the war took priority over everything else.
give priority to somebody/something The hospital always gives priority to emergency cases.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

priority

priority /praɪˈɒr.ɪ.ti/ US /-ˈɔːr.ə.ţi/
noun [C or U]
something that is very important and must be dealt with before other things:
The management did not seem to consider office safety to be a priority.
My first/top priority is to find somewhere to live.
You have to learn to get your priorities right/straight (= decide which are the most important jobs or problems and deal with them first).
Mending the lights is a priority task (= more important than other jobs).
Banks normally give priority to large businesses when deciding on loans (= They deal with them first because they consider them most important).
Official business requirements obviously take/have priority over personal requests (= Official business matters will be dealt with first).

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
 

priority / praɪˈɒr.ɪ.ti /   / -ˈɔːr.ə.t̬i / noun [ C or U ]

B2 something that is very important and must be dealt with before other things:

The management did not seem to consider office safety to be a priority.

My first/top priority is to find somewhere to live.

You have to learn to get your priorities right/straight (= decide which are the most important jobs or problems and deal with them first) .

Mending the lights is a priority task (= more important than other jobs) .

Banks normally give priority to large businesses when deciding on loans (= they deal with them first because they consider them most important) .

Official business requirements obviously take/have priority over personal requests (= official business matters will be dealt with first) .

© Cambridge University Press 2013

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

priority

[praɪɒ̱rɪti, AM -ɔ͟ːr-]
 ♦♦♦
 priorities

 1) N-COUNT If something is a priority, it is the most important thing you have to do or deal with, or must be done or dealt with before everything else you have to do.
  Being a parent is her first priority...
  The government's priority is to build more power plants...
  Getting your priorities in order is a good way to not waste energy on meaningless pursuits.
 2) PHRASE: V inflects, usu PHR to n If you give priority to something or someone, you treat them as more important than anything or anyone else.
  The school will give priority to science, maths and modern languages...
  The proposals deserve support as they give priority to the needs of children.
  Syn:
  give precedence
 3) PHRASE: V inflects, usu PHR over n If something takes priority or has priority over other things, it is regarded as being more important than them and is dealt with first.
  The fight against inflation took priority over measures to combat the deepening recession...
  I disagree with the premise that economic development has priority over the environment.
  Syn:
  take precedence

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

priority

pri·or·i·ty /praɪˈorəti/ noun, pl -ties
1 [count] : something that is more important than other things and that needs to be done or dealt with first
• Reorganizing the sales force will be a top priority for the new president.
• Getting the work done on time is a priority for me.
• Exercising is not very high on her list of priorities. [=it's not among the things she thinks are important]
2 priorities [plural] US : the things that someone cares about and thinks are important
• He has terrible priorities. [=he doesn't care about the things that are truly important]
• You need to get your priorities straight and go back to school. [=you need to realize that going back to school is the most important thing for you to do]
• She decided to go to the party instead of studying? Where are her priorities?
3 [noncount] : the condition of being more important than something or someone else and therefore coming or being dealt with first
• These problems are important and should be given priority (over others). [=they should be dealt with first]
• I know you want to buy a new stereo, but right now, saving for college has to take priority.
• Health concerns should have priority over comfort. [=health concerns are more important than comfort]

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