fine1 adjectivefine2 adverbfine3 verbfine4 noun
finefine1 /faɪn/ ●●● S1 W1 adjective 
WORD ORIGINfine1
Origin:
1200-1300 French fin, from Latin finire; ➔ FINISH1EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- "How's your wife now?'' "Oh, she's fine, thank you.''
- "I could cook something for dinner." "That's okay - a sandwich is fine with me."
- fine jewelry
- Fine, then, I'll do it myself.
- a fine chiffon veil with embroidered edges
- A fine coating of dust covered most of the furniture.
- a fine spring evening
- Cut the onion into fine slices.
- I met this fine Italian girl at school.
- It can take several days of fine weather for the grass to dry out.
- It handles like a fine sports car.
- Next week will be fine but a little cooler.
- Scientists are now able to measure fine distinctions between levels of sleep depth.
- the fine tuning on the radio
- The collar is made of finest English lace.
- The train passes near Gate Manor, a fine Victorian mock Jacobean hall.
- Trinity Church is a fine example of Gothic architecture.
- A.. One of the nice things about running for chairman is the people who ran against me were fine people.
- Enjoy with your Tandoori special fine wines, draught or bottled beer.
- For Lochlin and Sandy Reidy, corporate life and family life make a perfectly fine blend, and they should know.
- I had a fine view from my sitting-room window.
- It caused a fine flap and the Election Board had no choice but to conduct an inquiry.
- The charcoal glen plaids are distinctive for their fine royal blue lines.
THESAURUS
if the weather is sunny, the sun is shining: · When we arrived in Hong Kong, it was warm and sunny.· a lovely sunny afternoon
especially British English not raining, and with no clouds or only a few clouds in the sky: · a period of fine weather· Next week will be fine but a little cooler.
(also lovely especially British English) spoken pleasantly warm and sunny: · It’s a lovely day – why don’t we go for a walk?· If it’s nice, we’ll go to the beach.
if the weather is bright, the sun is shining and there is plenty of light: · a bright sunny morning· It was bright earlier on in the day.
used when the weather is very good and there is a lot of sunshine: · a glorious autumn day· The weather has been beautiful all week.
with no clouds or mist: · It was a clear June morning.· a clear blue sky
especially literary with no clouds: · The sun shone from a cloudless sky.· It was a beautiful cloudless morning.
with no rain: · a period of dry weather· Tomorrow will be mostly dry.
having good health: · A good diet keeps you healthy.· They tested the drug on healthy volunteers.
used especially when describing or asking about how someone feels or looks: · I don’t feel well.· How was James – did he look well?
spoken used in a reply to a question about your health, or when talking about someone else’s health. Use fine only in replies or statements, not in questions: · ‘Hi, Tom, how are you?’ ‘Fine, thanks.’· She had a bad cold, but she’s fine now.
spoken not ill or injured. These expressions are very commonly used in everyday spoken English: · You look pale – are you feeling all right?· He’s had an accident but he’s OK.
less ill than you were, or no longer ill: · I’m feeling a lot better now.· Don’t come back to school until you’re better.
healthy, especially because you exercise regularly: · She keeps fit by cycling everywhere.· Police officers have to be physically fit and have good eyesight.
healthy and fit: · Jogging keeps me in pretty good shape.
literary healthy and strong, and not likely to become ill: · He had a robust constitution (=a strong and healthy body).· robust plants· a robust girl, wearing a thick woollen sweater
to look very healthy: · She looked a picture of health as she posed for the cameras.
of a high standard or quality: · I’ve just read a really good book.· My French is not very good.
pleasant and enjoyable. Nice is very common in spoken English. In written English, it is better to use other words: · I hope you have a nice vacation.· It will be nice to see you again.
well made from good materials: · If you buy good quality shoes, they last much longer.· high-quality wallpapers
used for describing things of a very high quality, or weather with no rain and clear skies: · The restaurant serves the finest food in Florence.· If it’s fine tomorrow, we’ll go for a walk.
American English spoken good – used when you like something: · That’s a neat idea.· They sell some really neat stuff.
an attractive offer, course of action etc seems good and makes you want to accept it or do it: · Going home for dinner was a more attractive proposition than completing his run.· Buying direct from the manufacturer seems the most attractive option.
something that is impressive is good in a way that makes people admire it: · an impressive achievement· It was a very impressive performance.
Longman Language Activatorman use this about a man who is nice to look at but in a fairly ordinary way: · Paul is very good-looking, but he's too arrogant.· She showed me a photo of a good-looking young soldier.
especially written use this about a man who is good-looking, especially one who is tall and looks strong: · Lena had fallen in love with a rich, handsome Frenchman.· My brother was two years older than me, taller, and more handsome.· He looks really handsome in his uniform, doesn't he?
use this about a man who is good-looking, especially in a way that makes people sexually interested in him: · He was a tall attractive man in his mid-forties.find somebody attractive: · I don't find those body-builders with huge muscles attractive at all.
especially American, spoken use this about a young man who looks nice and is sexually attractive: kind of cute spoken: · I don't know why she won't go out with him. I think he's kind of cute.
especially spoken use this to emphasize that a man is extremely attractive in a sexual way: · Look at that guy over there. Isn't he gorgeous?
especially spoken use this about a man who looks pleasant and friendly but is not extremely attractive: · I suppose he's quite nice-looking, but he's not really my type.· Chris is a nice-looking guy with a good sense of humor.
informal very attractive and strong-looking: · Have you seen the new sports instructor? He's really hunky.· The show stars hunky Kevin Sorbo as Hercules.
good-looking with strong features that are often not perfect: · Ann admired his rugged good looks.· He was solidly built and looked like a rugged quarterback.
very attractive, especially because you have a particular feature that is attractive and unusual: · He had a striking profile, with a large nose that reminded people of a Roman statue.
to be a strong-looking, attractive man - used especially in humorous descriptions: · Her husband was a fine figure of a man - tall, broad-chested and with a bushy black moustache.
good-looking and well-dressed in a way that makes people notice you - used especially in literature: · She left her family to move to Argentina with her lover, a dashing polo player.· Steve was looking very dashing in a light-coloured suit.
better than all others better than anything or anyone else: · The best ice cream in the world is made in Italy.· What's the best way to cook sweet potatoes?by far the best/easily the best (=much better than any others): · It was by far the best vacation I've ever had.somebody's best: · I've read most of his books, but 'Mosquito Coast' is easily his best.
the best and most important that there has ever been: · New Yorkers think they live in the greatest city on earth.· Picasso is generally regarded as the greatest artist of the 20th century.· Gorbachev's greatest achievement was ending the Cold War.
the best and highest quality, or the best and most skilful: · Hemingway was the finest American writer of his generation.· The Silver Pavilion is one of the finest examples of Japanese architecture.· Many people regard Beethoven's Fifth Symphony as his finest work.· The gallery's collection of early Impressionist paintings is one of the world's finest.
the best and most suitable: · The ideal candidate will have a degree and at least two years' experience.· I'm afraid the accommodation here is far from ideal.ideal for: · The conditions are ideal for a day's skiing.ideal for doing something: · The town makes an ideal base for exploring the surrounding countryside.
the most skilful, most successful, and most famous: · He is definitely one of the world's top golfers.· The prize is to have your hair done at a top New York salon.
the person who is most successful in their company or in the type of work that they do: · For three years, he was the company's number one salesman.· Sweden's number one model has married American actor Tommy Haines.
: the place/shop/person/authority etc use this to say that something is the best one of its kind. Pronounce it as 'thee' instead of 'thuh': · Manhattan's East Village is the place for exciting nightlife.· Our guest speaker today is the authority on Chinese politics.
the ultimate person or thing is the very best of their type that there has ever been, and it is hard to believe that anything could ever be better: · Monroe was the ultimate Hollywood movie star.· For many people, the Rolling Stones will always be the world's ultimate rock and roll band.the ultimate in: · Our first-class passengers enjoy the ultimate in luxury and service.
the best that can be achieved or the best for a particular purpose - used especially in scientific contexts: · The optimum temperature for producing steel is around 1200C.
the definitive description, study etc is considered to be the best and cannot be improved - use this about a book or piece of work that is the best of its kind: · Griffin is the author of the definitive travel guide 'France at Your Fingertips'.· This may be the definitive book on the Scarlatti trial.· Many people regard it as the definitive interpretation of 'War and Peace'.
formal if something is unsurpassed , nothing else has ever been better - use this about qualities or achievements: · His genius as a dramatist is unsurpassed.· Venice is a city of unsurpassed beauty.
: a record-breaking result, temperature, time etc is the highest, largest, fastest etc that has ever been achieved: · A record-breaking five hundred thousand people attended the festival. · Record-breaking temperatures are being forecast for the weekend.
good weather · Did you have good weather in France?· The weather report says the weather should be good over the weekend.· The weather was a bit better in the second week.
especially British, spoken pleasantly warm and with plenty of sun: · Morning, Bill. Nice weather, isn't it?· It's a nice day - why don't we go for a walk?
also lovely especially British especially spoken warm and with a lot of sun: · a beautiful sunny morning· a glorious summer· What a lovely morning!
British if the weather is fine , it is not raining and the sky is clear: · Next week will be fine but a little cooler.· a fine summer evening
well made or of good quality · Lisa's work has been much better recently.· It's a good car, but it's very expensive.· It's worth paying a bit more for a good haircut.very good · There are one or two very good restaurants nearby.
if something is done or made well , it is done with a lot of care and skill, so that it is of a high standard: · Jean's playing much better since you gave her some lessons.· one of the best designed cars on the marketvery well: · Both books are very well written and enjoyable to read.do well: · Don't worry about the test - I'm sure you'll do well.
of extremely good quality or very well made: · The bank provides an excellent service for its customers.· They told me my English was excellent.
well made from good materials: · If you buy good quality shoes, they last much longer.· We only use the highest quality ingredients for our pizzas.of good/high quality: · handmade carpets of the highest quality
a product or service that is first-class is much better than most others: · Jaguar has always made first-class cars.· The food at the restaurant is always first-class.
of a very high quality and often valuable, rare, or very skilfully made: · The collar is made of finest English lace.· The train passes near Gate Manor, a fine Victorian mock Jacobean hall.
better made or of a better quality than most similar products - used especially in advertisements: · Style, comfort and superior cuisine are the most important characteristics of a good hotel.
: deluxe model/version/edition etc one that is of high quality because it has more features or uses better quality materials than others made by the same company: · The deluxe model comes complete with an in-car CD player and car-phone.· Longman has published a deluxe, leather-bound edition of Johnson's Dictionary.
someone who is healthy someone who is healthy has nothing physically wrong with them: · I've been much healthier since I stopped smoking.· She's just had a lovely healthy baby girl.
healthy - use this to say that someone feels or looks healthy, or that they are healthy again after an illness: · "How are you?'' "I'm very well, thank you.''· Clare's been much better since the operation.look well: · You're looking well - have you been on holiday?fit and well: · You need to eat regular nourishing meals if you want to keep yourself fit and well.
spoken say this when someone has asked you how you or someone else feels, and you are replying that you or the other person feels well: · "How are you?'' "Fine, thanks."· "How's your wife now?'' "Oh, she's fine, thank you.''
formal very healthy: · The hostages arrived back in Britain yesterday, tired but otherwise in good health.· My grandmother remained in excellent health until she was in her nineties.
words for describing thin material · Martin wore a thin cotton shirt under his sweater.· It was a chilly night, and he had only a thin blanket for warmth.
very thin, delicate, and usually of good quality: · fine china· a fine chiffon veil with embroidered edges
clothes that are light or lightweight are thin and not very warm: · She took a light sweater, in case it was cool outside.· In a warm climate people wear loose, lightweight clothing.· I don't think it'll be that cold - do you have anything more lightweight?
too thin and light, use this about clothes or material that you can easily see through or that do not protect your body: · It was impossible for me to sleep under a single flimsy blanket on such a cold night.· flimsy underwear
good weather weather that is sunny and warm: get/have good weather: · We go to Greece every Easter, and we usually get good weather.· We had good weather apart from one day of heavy rain.a spell/run of good weather: · You must be ready to take advantage of any spell of good weather.in good weather: · Sometimes, in good weather, he walked to work across the fields.
especially spoken very sunny and warm: · It was a glorious day with blue skies.· We had three weeks of absolutely gorgeous weather.it is beautiful/gorgeous/glorious: · What's happened to the weather? It was beautiful last week.
spoken also lovely especially British, spoken pleasantly warm and sunny: · Morning, Bill. Nice weather, isn't it?it's a nice day/it's a lovely morning etc: · It's a lovely day - why don't we go for a walk?
especially British if the weather is fine , it is not raining and the sky is clear: · Next week will be fine but a little cooler.· a fine spring evening· It can take several days of fine weather for the grass to dry out.
if the weather is dry , it does not rain: · The dry weather will continue for several days· Southern areas should stay dry until the early evening.the dry season (=the time of year when there is little or no rain): · During the dry season, many of the swamps turn to hard-baked mud.
if the weather is sunny , the sun is shining: · a lovely sunny afternoon· It's going to be sunny all day.sunny spells/intervals especially British (=short periods of sunny weather): · The weather will remain dry with sunny spells.
warm bright light from the sun: · We sat on the patio enjoying the autumn sunshine.· Northern regions will start dry with some sunshine.
where the sun is shining down: · I get a rash every time I go in the sun.· Put the plant on a window sill in the sun.lie/laze/bask etc in the sun: · We spent all day lazing around in the sun.
WORD SETSassonance, nouncaw, nouncoarse, adjectivecreamy, adjectivecrisp, adjectivecrumbly, adjectiveecho, verbecho, nounfeathery, adjectivefibrous, adjectivefine, adjectivefleecy, adjectivegluey, adjectiveglutinous, adjectivegooey, adjectivehigh, adjectivehigh, adverbhigh-pitched, adjectivemelodic, adjectivemetre, nounpitch, nounpitch, verbpowdery, adjectiverhythm, nounribbed, adjectiveridged, adjectiverough, adjectiverumble, verbrumble, nounrumbling, nounsharp, adjectiveshriek, nounshrill, adjectivesizzle, verbsonic boom, nounsplash, nounsplat, nounsplutter, verbspongy, adjectivetattoo, nountexture, nountextured, adjectivethrum, verbthud, nounthud, verbthump, verbthump, nounthunder, nounthunder, verbthunderous, adjectivethwack, nountimbre, nounting, nounting-a-ling, nountinkle, nountinkle, verbtoll, nountoll, verbtone, nountoot, verbtoot, nounultrasound, nounyielding, adjective
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY
In theory, the scheme sounds fine. If you want to use cheese instead of chicken, that’s fine. ‘Do you want chili sauce on it?’ ‘No, it’s fine as it is, thanks.’ I feel fine, really. Hatfield House is a fine example of Jacobean architecture. The restaurant was chosen for its good food and fine wines. I hope it stays fine for you. Her dark hair accentuates her fine features (=nose, eyes, cheeks etc). We stayed up discussing the finer points of Marxist theory. That’s another fine mess (=bad situation) he’s got himself into. You’re a fine one to talk (=you are criticizing someone for something you do yourself).COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES a fine-bore tube We’re at our hotel, and everything is fine and dandy. I’m feeling a little better today. Marie immediately felt guilty. He’s been in good form all this season. If you don’t pay on time, you could be given a fine of up to $1,000. The party went well. Everything’s going fine at the moment. If found guilty, they face heavy fines or even prison. a new tax levied on all electrical goods There were fine lines around her eyes. There is a fine line between superstition and religion. She faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. calls for stiffer penalties for rapists Nadal won the match in fine style, not losing a single game. It was a difficult time, but eventually things turned out all right.
In theory, the scheme sounds fine. If you want to use cheese instead of chicken, that’s fine. ‘Do you want chili sauce on it?’ ‘No, it’s fine as it is, thanks.’ spoken (=used when telling someone that you do not want any more when they offer you something) ‘More coffee?’ ‘No, I’m fine, thanks.’
‘More coffee?’ ‘No, I’m fine, thanks.’ spoken (=used when saying that you do not mind about something) If Scott wanted to keep his life secret, that was fine by her.
If Scott wanted to keep his life secret, that was fine by her. I feel fine, really. Hatfield House is a fine example of Jacobean architecture. The restaurant was chosen for its good food and fine wines. I hope it stays fine for you. Her dark hair accentuates her fine features (=nose, eyes, cheeks etc). We stayed up discussing the finer points of Marxist theory. That’s another fine mess (=bad situation) he’s got himself into. You’re a fine one to talk (=you are criticizing someone for something you do yourself). (=one that deserves to be admired)· Winning the award was a great achievement.
· He had a reputation as a fine actor.
(=do something very well) I’ve got the early morning routine down to a fine art.
I’ve got the early morning routine down to a fine art. (=hard to achieve)· Teachers need to strike a fine balance of flexibility and control.
a fine-bore tube (=thin and good quality)· For summer, fine cotton is more comfortable.
We’re at our hotel, and everything is fine and dandy. (=very exact detail)· We've been through all the arrangements for the wedding in minute detail.
(=a very good one)· The museum has a magnificent display of silver.
(=small)· Language enables us to make fine distinctions between similar ideas.
· It was a fine evening, so we decide to eat outside.
· The house is a fine example of a medieval building.
I’m feeling a little better today. Marie immediately felt guilty. He’s been in good form all this season. If you don’t pay on time, you could be given a fine of up to $1,000. The party went well. Everything’s going fine at the moment. (=thin)· Her hair is so fine, it’s difficult to style.
If found guilty, they face heavy fines or even prison. a new tax levied on all electrical goods There were fine lines around her eyes. There is a fine line between superstition and religion. She faces a maximum penalty of life in prison.· A fine mist began to settle on the water.
(=when someone was most successful or admired)· The performance was one of the band’s finest moments.
· Outside it was a beautiful morning.
· There are fine performances by Kathy Bates and Daryl Hannah.
(=the small details)· I’m afraid I don’t understand the finer points of the game.
(=small details about the qualities or features of something)· I'm afraid I'm not interested in the finer points of cars.
(=very gentle rain)· A fine rain was coming down as the game started.
calls for stiffer penalties for rapists Nadal won the match in fine style, not losing a single game. informal:· Either Monday or Tuesday would suit me fine for our meeting.
It was a difficult time, but eventually things turned out all right.· If the weather is fine, we’ll eat outside.· Water pot plants daily during spells of dry weather.
(=a good and expensive wine)· He was a lover of fine wines and good food.
· Use a piece of fine wire to clear the obstruction.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADVERB· Mrs Stych, in a frantic hurry, had said that he was out but that he was fine, just fine.· If one deadline is not met, the next one will do just fine.· A lock would do just fine.· A state-of-the-art copying machine or a digital printer works just fine.· Control said all that was just fine, and to stand by for instructions.· And when, on the street, guys asked how he was doing he said just fine.· However, comparable is just fine.
NOUN· Some are veritable campuses where students can learn about logarithms as well as lobs, fine arts as well a s fitness training.· I create fine art from found objects, and also work extensively in faux stone.· Virtually any publication other than a fine art title or a typographically critical one could be happily output at 1,000dpi.· He came to Teesside from Newcastle where he ran a fine art print workshop.· Modern art is directed at a public largely untutored in the fine arts amidst a rapid expansion of the means of communication.· Camp Stevens, Julian; for fine art.
· Investigating officers hope to seize the car, house and a fine collection of designer jewels at a hearing this spring.· Compton House, another stately home, houses a fine collection of butterflies from all over the world.· But this was by then certainly one of the finest collections of its kind, if not the finest, in existence.· The first rooms here contain very fine collections of stove tiles from the medieval period and the Renaissance.· A Tudor Doll's House takes pride of place in a fine collection of houses and period dolls.· In the original engine shed there is a fine collection of Great Western steam locomotives and there are many carriages and wagons.· Why had her twin gone to Paris, even with the inducement of modelling Roman's finest collection?· We have one of the largest and finest collections of antique furniture in the country.
· On fine days it woke him up in the morning.· July 10, in unimaginably neat and flourishing script, read, Fine fine day.· One fine day, this innocent tigress is suddenly tamed by a modest teacher who teaches her to read.· Le Bon Seigneur had been merciful to the Grand Duke and accorded him a fine day.· Day broke with every promise of a fine day.· It looked as though it was going to be another fine day.· For instance, when we rise up in the morning, and it is a fine day, we feel pleased.
· There are a few finer details to be worked out, a couple of modifications and so on, and some more costing.· These are only rough paraphrases, and we leave the finer details to the brave reader.· The species is beautifully preserved, retaining something of its original lustre, and all the fine details of its ornament.· With each passing year, geophysicists get closer to mapping the layer in fine detail.· There were twenty-five, covering the entire city in fine detail.· She reported on his' good imagination, something which shows up particularly in his drawings which always contain fine detail,.· Studies of the finer detail show that each major zone includes several types of neurons and a great variety of nervous connections.· Technology was to transform not only the actual level of the land, but also the fine details of the wetland landscapes.
· The finest example is that adjacent to the forum, the Forum Baths.· It was a fine example of the anesthetizing power of banality.· A fine example is the antlered hunter in the Grotte des Trois Frères.· Ephesus is one of the finest examples of these.· These are in low relief and are fine examples.· The accommodation has been exclusively designed and is a fine example of Jongert's famous joinery work.· One of the finest examples used to be de Valois' dance for the Three Comforters in Job.· It is a fine example of Bohemian Renaissance Revival.
· The chorus is on fine form, and the orchestra plays sensitively.· Health Management Associates Inc., known as the Wal-Mart of hospital operators, appears to be in fine form.· And it was not all deep depression yesterday, with the likes of Boots and Morgan Grenfell in fine form.· Davies, now in his 80s, is in fine form.· Opener Ramiz Raja started the tour in fine form, with an innings of 172 against Worcestershire.· Nicholson's fine form since his move to new stables over the summer adds to confidence.· Fortunately, Alan Judge was in fine form, pulling off a great save to keep Hereford in the game.
· It flings its fine hairs in the face of the assailant, in a dense cloud.· And rollers will make fine hair look thicker instantly.· It shows itself only to the most powerful of microscopes as a speck, one-fiftieth of a strand of fine hair.· Charles Worthington, who transformed Aimee's looks, stresses the importance of giving fine hair a definite shape and style.· Their bristles were made from the finest hair available, taken from inside the ear of a goat.· Hiller wondered if the fine hairs of gecko feet might exploit these forces.· Its gentle formulation is ideal for fine hair and, as you can see, the results were stunning!
· Pressed powder can be used but it will sit on your skin and in fine lines if you overdo it.· There is clearly a fine line between stifling government intervention and encouraging creativity and innovation.· Terror was the key, of course, for there's a fine line between paralysing dread and galvanising fright.· It was finished, obviously, and he had to take consolation in the fine line be-tween biology and spirit.· The final section considers the fine line between the explication of research methodology and confession.· I was walking a fine line between my old community and my new school.· He is given some fine lines on the claims of the state, which alone preserves the people, to total obedience.· Mr Rubin is walking a fine line.
· Really sad case, that, because he'd been a fine man.· Ben's a fine man, but he does talk so much.· Bedwyr, the poet and dreamer, who suffered ten times over for one grief, was the finer man.· They are fine men and they play a crucial role in the creative life of this magazine.· He was the finest man she had ever seen!· He was a fine man, Con Meredith-Lee.· And he was a fine man, a good man.· I travelled in and they did an interview which a fine man called Peter Canham heard on his car radio.
· His elucidation of the finer points of betting is also excellent.· The Puritans had no more interest in astronomy or physics than in the fine points of Catholic theology.· The bright canary-yellow tail is deeply forked with long, fine points.· How do they learn the fine points of masculinity in our culture?· We don't really need to know these finer points.· And the more fine points she made, the more detail she provided, the more Beloved liked it.· It hasn't learned this behaviour; it was born with it, though it gradually learns the finer points.· At least he would understand the fine points of its design.
· Primarily, documentary was thought of as having a goal beyond the production of a fine print.· You submit your offer on Form 656, but read the fine print on the back.· His agent was sorting out the fine print.· Phil did not read the fine print.· But can an auction house ever hope to vet a customer's finances with an auditor's eye for the fine print?· When comparing companies, beware of fine print that can spell significant differences.· It really is important to shop around and read the fine print to find the best deal.· They did so simply by reading the fine print and slithering through the loophole that yawned, obvious and inviting, therein.
· But although she slammed the phone down in fine style, she was shaken horribly.· I won the 200 metres in fine style, clocking my best indoor time of 21.05 seconds.· The façade is late Renaissance, with friezes and status in fine style.· United began to step up their pressure and took the lead after 30 minutes when Sharpe celebrated his recall in fine style.· Ian led the pack in fine style, well supported by second rower Warren Aspinall until he retired with a damaged shoulder.· The orchestral accompaniment her was again alert, matching the pianist's skill in fine style.· Organized group travel had begun in fine style.· The stock market sees out 1989 in fine style.
· It will be a fine thing if the Conservative chairman loses his seat whatever the outcome of the election.· What a relief to find that in the midst of change, some of the finer things stay the same.· The cities were beautiful and adorned with all the fine things of the globe.· It was the finest thing she had ever done; promotion could not be denied her now, whatever Big Zag said.· His politics are not of the kind which nurture nastiness; he was fashioned for finer things.· Burton always thought it the finest thing he ever did.· How I would have liked to play that, I thought, but chance would be a fine thing.
· I had a fine view from my sitting-room window.· There are fine views and much wildlife of interest including deer.· On the top floor of the building, with a fine view of the castle.· Park Hotel A picturesque building of white walls and crow-stepped gables with a fine view of the Tweed.· The drawing room and dining room are furnished prettily in Laura Ashley décor and have very fine views.· There are four bedrooms, all with en suite or private facilities and fine views.· From the one at the back was a fine view across the City to Harnham Hill and the Raceplain beyond.· There is a fine view of the castle from here.
· Enjoy with your Tandoori special fine wines, draught or bottled beer.· He dines at the best restaurants, drinks fine wines and beds whomever attracts him.· Excellent lunch with fine wines and liqueurs.· Kikkoman Soy Sauce takes a full 6 months to naturally ferment, just like a fine wine.· This is an astonishingly fine wine with great concentration and wonderful flavors of black cherry, chocolate, black raspberry and herbs.· The appreciation of fine wine and the appreciation of fine intellectual distinctions often go together.· Goddard describes the nuances of some of these teas the way a wine connoisseur speaks of fine wines.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► get something down to a fine art► a fine figure of a man/woman► somebody’s finest hourPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► chance would be a fine thing!► cut a fine/strange etc figure► cut it/things fine► the fine arts► go through/over something with a fine-tooth comb► have a good/fine/thick etc head of hair► not to put too fine a point on it► smooth-textured/coarse-textured/fine-textured etc
1acceptable [not before noun] especially spoken satisfactory or acceptable SYN OK: - And he was a fine man, a good man.
- Aye, a fine man, Elizabeth thought admiringly.
- Ben's a fine man, but he does talk so much.
- He was a fine man, Con Meredith-Lee.
- I travelled in and they did an interview which a fine man called Peter Canham heard on his car radio.
- Really sad case, that, because he'd been a fine man.
- She was a fine woman, unspoilt by childbirth, her body hardened by fieldwork.
- You're a fine woman when you're roused, my darling.
- It's a fine line between guilt and shame.
- There's a fine line between clever and stupid and Warrant are nowhere near it.
- Everyone there - not to put too fine a point on it - was crazy.
- The dishes we tried tasted, not to put too fine a point on it, like gasoline.
- On the other hand, you might appeal to their finer feelings, their sense of duty and responsibility.
- Ven Gajdusek had no such finer feelings, of course, either conscious or subconscious.
- Women's bodies bring out all his finer feelings.
- When I visited Mahatma Gandhi again at the end of June, 1946, he was in fine fettle.
- Vellios was a fine figure of a man.
- At least he is in good form again.
- Davies, now in his 80s, is in fine form.
- Fortunately, Alan Judge was in fine form, pulling off a great save to keep Hereford in the game.
- Health Management Associates Inc., known as the Wal-Mart of hospital operators, appears to be in fine form.
- I was in good form that night.
- Office manager is on holiday this week., and assistant manager are in good form.
- That is our strength and our forwards are in good form at the moment.
- But trading standards officers and the Consumers' Association are warning customers to scrutinise the small print.
- He starts to read one, clearly hoping to find the answer in the small print.
- His agent was sorting out the fine print.
- It is the broker's job to make sure the haulier fully understands the small print of the exemption and other clauses.
- It ought to be the fine print, not the screaming headline.
- New formulae claim anything from 15 to 24 hours' efficacy, so check the small print on the pack!
- You submit your offer on Form 656, but read the fine print on the back.
‘We’re meeting at 8.30.’ ‘Okay, fine.’looks/seems/sounds fine In theory, the scheme sounds fine. If you want to use cheese instead of chicken, that’s fine. ‘Do you want chili sauce on it?’ ‘No, it’s fine as it is, thanks.’I’m fine (thanks/thank you) spoken (=used when telling someone that you do not want any more when they offer you something) ‘More coffee?’ ‘No, I’m fine, thanks.’that’s fine by me/that’s fine with me etc spoken (=used when saying that you do not mind about something) If Scott wanted to keep his life secret, that was fine by her.2healthy in good health SYN OK: ‘How are you?’ ‘Fine, thanks, how are you?’ I feel fine, really.► see thesaurus at healthy3very good [usually before noun] very good or of a very high standard: Many people regard Beethoven’s fifth symphony as his finest work. He’s a very fine player. It’s a fine idea. Hatfield House is a fine example of Jacobean architecture. The restaurant was chosen for its good food and fine wines.► see thesaurus at good4weather bright and not raining: If it’s fine tomorrow we’ll go out.a fine day/morning/evening I hope it stays fine for you.5narrow very thin or narrow: Fine needles are inserted in the arm. a fine thread very fine hairs6delicate [usually before noun] attractive, neat, and delicate: fine china Her dark hair accentuates her fine features (=nose, eyes, cheeks etc).7small a)fine details, changes, differences etc are very small and therefore difficult to understand or notice: We stayed up discussing the finer points of Marxist theory. b)in small grains, pieces, or drops: A fine drizzle started falling. a mixture of fine and coarse breadcrumbs c)fine material is made so that the spaces between the threads are very small: fine netting scarlet cloth with a very fine weave8bad [only before noun] especially spoken used humorously to say that someone or something is bad in some way: That’s another fine mess (=bad situation) he’s got himself into. You’re a fine one to talk (=you are criticizing someone for something you do yourself).9speech/words sounding important and impressive, but probably not true or honest: Only time will tell whether these fine sentiments will translate into action.10a fine man/woman etc a good person that you respect: Your father is a fine man, a real gentleman.11a fine line between something and something if you say that there is a fine line between two different things, you mean that they are so similar that one can easily become the other: There’s a fine line between bravery and recklessness.12get something down to a fine art to practise something so often that you become very skilled at it: Mike had got the breakfast routine down to a fine art.13not to put too fine a point on it spoken used when you are criticizing something in a plain and direct way: Therestaurant was terrible, not to put too fine a pointon it.14finer feelings someone’s finer feelings are the moral values they have, such as love, honour, loyalty etc: You can hardly expect such finer feelings in a thief.15a fine figure of a man/woman literary someone who looks big, strong, and physically attractive: In his portrait, Donlevy is a fine figure of a man.16somebody’s finest hour a time when someone is very successful, brave etc: The tournament proved to be Gascoigne’s finest hour. → chance would be a fine thing at chance1(11)fine1 adjectivefine2 adverbfine3 verbfine4 noun
finefine2 ●●● S3 adverb EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- I called the repairman, but of course the TV worked fine when he tried it.
- He said that that suited him fine, and that he was very excited about what I would make of it.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY If I had a good job and my boyfriend stayed at home, that’d suit me fine (=be very acceptable to me).COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES a fine-bore tube We’re at our hotel, and everything is fine and dandy. I’m feeling a little better today. Marie immediately felt guilty. He’s been in good form all this season. If you don’t pay on time, you could be given a fine of up to $1,000. The party went well. Everything’s going fine at the moment. If found guilty, they face heavy fines or even prison. a new tax levied on all electrical goods There were fine lines around her eyes. There is a fine line between superstition and religion. She faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. calls for stiffer penalties for rapists Nadal won the match in fine style, not losing a single game. It was a difficult time, but eventually things turned out all right.
If I had a good job and my boyfriend stayed at home, that’d suit me fine (=be very acceptable to me). (=one that deserves to be admired)· Winning the award was a great achievement.
· He had a reputation as a fine actor.
(=do something very well) I’ve got the early morning routine down to a fine art.
I’ve got the early morning routine down to a fine art. (=hard to achieve)· Teachers need to strike a fine balance of flexibility and control.
a fine-bore tube (=thin and good quality)· For summer, fine cotton is more comfortable.
We’re at our hotel, and everything is fine and dandy. (=very exact detail)· We've been through all the arrangements for the wedding in minute detail.
(=a very good one)· The museum has a magnificent display of silver.
(=small)· Language enables us to make fine distinctions between similar ideas.
· It was a fine evening, so we decide to eat outside.
· The house is a fine example of a medieval building.
I’m feeling a little better today. Marie immediately felt guilty. He’s been in good form all this season. If you don’t pay on time, you could be given a fine of up to $1,000. The party went well. Everything’s going fine at the moment. (=thin)· Her hair is so fine, it’s difficult to style.
If found guilty, they face heavy fines or even prison. a new tax levied on all electrical goods There were fine lines around her eyes. There is a fine line between superstition and religion. She faces a maximum penalty of life in prison.· A fine mist began to settle on the water.
(=when someone was most successful or admired)· The performance was one of the band’s finest moments.
· Outside it was a beautiful morning.
· There are fine performances by Kathy Bates and Daryl Hannah.
(=the small details)· I’m afraid I don’t understand the finer points of the game.
(=small details about the qualities or features of something)· I'm afraid I'm not interested in the finer points of cars.
(=very gentle rain)· A fine rain was coming down as the game started.
calls for stiffer penalties for rapists Nadal won the match in fine style, not losing a single game. informal:· Either Monday or Tuesday would suit me fine for our meeting.
It was a difficult time, but eventually things turned out all right.· If the weather is fine, we’ll eat outside.· Water pot plants daily during spells of dry weather.
(=a good and expensive wine)· He was a lover of fine wines and good food.
· Use a piece of fine wire to clear the obstruction.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► cut it/things finePHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► chance would be a fine thing!► cut a fine/strange etc figure► cut it/things fine► the fine arts► go through/over something with a fine-tooth comb► have a good/fine/thick etc head of hair► not to put too fine a point on it► smooth-textured/coarse-textured/fine-textured etc
1especially spoken in a way that is satisfactory or acceptable: - Once Hutton relaxes, he should do fine in the role.
- Standard hooks and nails should do just fine for hanging the painting.
- And if the place is allowed to manage itself, it will do fine.
- As will be seen, their picks did fine.
- I have done a bit myself, but possess neither the ability nor the patience to do fine work.
- Savoys do fine in hot weather if given some shade.
- When I visited Mahatma Gandhi again at the end of June, 1946, he was in fine fettle.
- Vellios was a fine figure of a man.
- At least he is in good form again.
- Davies, now in his 80s, is in fine form.
- Fortunately, Alan Judge was in fine form, pulling off a great save to keep Hereford in the game.
- Health Management Associates Inc., known as the Wal-Mart of hospital operators, appears to be in fine form.
- I was in good form that night.
- Office manager is on holiday this week., and assistant manager are in good form.
- That is our strength and our forwards are in good form at the moment.
- But trading standards officers and the Consumers' Association are warning customers to scrutinise the small print.
- He starts to read one, clearly hoping to find the answer in the small print.
- His agent was sorting out the fine print.
- It is the broker's job to make sure the haulier fully understands the small print of the exemption and other clauses.
- It ought to be the fine print, not the screaming headline.
- New formulae claim anything from 15 to 24 hours' efficacy, so check the small print on the pack!
- You submit your offer on Form 656, but read the fine print on the back.
‘How’s it going?’ ‘Fine, thanks.’ The dress fitted me fine. If I had a good job and my boyfriend stayed at home, that’d suit me fine (=be very acceptable to me).2do fine spoken a)to be satisfactory or acceptable: ‘Something very light,’ he ordered. ‘An omelette will do fine.’ b)to do something well or in a satisfactory way: Don’t worry, you’re doing fine. Keep at it. c)to be healthy and well: ‘How’s your husband?’ ‘He’s doing fine, thank you.’3if you cut something fine, you cut it into very small or very thin pieces SYN finely4cut it/things fine informal to leave yourself only just enough time to do somethingfine1 adjectivefine2 adverbfine3 verbfine4 noun
finefine3 ●●○ verb [transitive] VERB TABLE
fine
| Simple Form | ||
| Present | I, you, we, they | fine |
| he, she, it | fines | |
| Past | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | fined |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have fined |
| he, she, it | has fined | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had fined |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will fine |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have fined |
| Continuous Form | ||
| Present | I | am fining |
| he, she, it | is fining | |
| you, we, they | are fining | |
| Past | I, he, she, it | was fining |
| you, we, they | were fining | |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have been fining |
| he, she, it | has been fining | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had been fining |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will be fining |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have been fining |
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- Inspectors have the power to fine any passenger travelling without a ticket.
- One player was fined for fighting during the game.
- She was fined $300 for reckless driving.
- Stores will be fined for selling cigarettes or tobacco to minors.
- The company was fined $1.6 million for breaking environmental regulations.
- The state fined the company for safety violations.
- You will be fined for any lost library books.
- And school governor is fined for importing pornographic material.
- Any young man whose waist went beyond the standard belt length was fined.
- He plead guilty and was fined $ 240.
- Instead, he complained, he had been brought to court, fined, whipped and sentenced to two months imprisonment.
- James Propp, Tsang and Guerin each were fined $ 82, 911.
- Reports suggest he could be suspended several races next season and fined as much as $ 1 million.
- Tranmere Rovers manager John Aldridge has been fined after admitting misconduct.
THESAURUS
to do something unpleasant to someone because they have done something wrong or broken the law: · Drug smugglers are severely punished.· She wanted to punish him for deceiving her.
to make someone pay money as a punishment: · The company was fined for safety violations.
if a judge sentences a criminal, he or she gives them an official punishment, usually sending them to prison for a period of time: · The judge sentenced Margolis to a year in prison.
(also penalise British English) to officially punish someone, especially by taking away their right to do something or by limiting their freedom in some way: · New laws will penalize firms that continue to pollute the environment.
to punish someone who has broken the rules of an organization that they belong to or work for: · Officers are expected to discipline soldiers who do not keep their uniforms in good condition.
informal to punish someone or criticize them severely: · The judge came down hard on Harris, saying that his crime was ‘inexcusable’.
to punish someone so that other people are afraid to do the same thing: · Athletics officials felt they had to make an example of him for using banned drugs.
informal to do something in order to show someone that they must not do something again, when they have behaved very badly: · I didn't want to hurt him - I just wanted teach him a lesson.· Maybe a night in jail will teach him a lesson.
informal to make someone wish they had never done something, by making them suffer: · We should make him pay for all the mischief he's caused!
Longman Language Activatormoney that you have to pay as a punishment · I got a fine for parking on a double yellow line.heavy fine · There are heavy fines for drink-driving. You might even go to prison.£30/$100 fine · He got a $75 fine for speeding.library fine/parking fine etc · If you're going into town, will you go and pay my library fines for me please?
to make someone pay money as a punishment: fine somebody for something: · Stores will be fined for selling cigarettes or tobacco to minors.fine somebody £5/$100 etc: · The company was fined $1.6 million for breaking environmental regulations.be/get fined: · You will be fined for any lost library books.
to punish someone to do something unpleasant to someone because they have done something wrong, for example by putting them in prison, or making them do something that they do not want to do: · She was suspended while the school decided how to punish her.punish somebody for (doing) something: · His parents punished him for disobedience.· The U.S. threatened to take away trading privileges as a way to punish the country for human rights violations.· Two instructors were punished for harassing female students.
to make someone pay money as a punishment: · Inspectors have the power to fine any passenger travelling without a ticket.be fined £10/$100 etc: · She was fined $300 for reckless driving.fine somebody for (doing) something: · One player was fined for fighting during the game.· The state fined the company for safety violations.
to send someone to prison for a particular period of time: · Because of the serious nature of the crime, the judge gave him 20 years.give sb 6 years/10 months etc for: · After a long trial she was given a life sentence for the bombings.
if a judge sentences a criminal, he or she gives them an official punishment, usually sending them to prison for a period of time: sentence somebody for something: · Brown will be sentenced for a series of sexual assaults.sentence somebody to 20 years/life imprisonment etc: · The judge sentenced Margolis to a year in prison.sentence somebody to 20 years/life imprisonment etc for something: · Some countries will sentence you to seven or more years in prison for drug offences.sentence somebody to death: · 60 prisoners have been sentenced to death in political trials.
to punish someone because you want to make sure that they will not behave badly again: · I hope a night in the cells has taught you a lesson.· He was treating me badly, so I left - I just wanted to teach him a lesson.
informal to do something unpleasant to someone as a way of punishing them for something bad they have done to you or someone you know: · If I ever find out who did this, I'll make them pay!make sb pay for: · I wanted to make my father pay for his betrayal.· The prosecution asked jurors to make Mr. Sanderson pay for what he did.
also penalise British to officially punish someone, especially by taking away their right to do something or by limiting their freedom in some way: · New laws will penalize firms that continue to pollute the environment.· It is unfair that the whole class should be penalized because of the bad behaviour of a few students.penalize somebody for (doing) something: · A referee may penalise players for wasting time.· The House of Representatives voted to penalize him for ethics violations.
to punish someone who has broken the rules of an organization that they belong to or work for: · Officers are expected to discipline soldiers who do not keep their uniforms in good condition.be disciplined: · Anyone who is regularly late for work is likely to be disciplined or dismissed.· Even when Morton and Collins started fighting on the field, neither player was disciplined.
intended as a punishment: punitive action/measure/sanctions etc: · Government forces immediately took punitive action against the rebels.· The sanctions were a punitive measure used to try to force South Africa to reject apartheid.punitive damages (=money that a person or company has to pay to someone they have harmed - used in legal contexts): · The company was ordered to pay punitive damages in a sex discrimination case.
: disciplinary action/measures/charges etc actions etc that are intended to punish someone for breaking a rule or law or to force them to obey rules: · The committee members promised that appropriate disciplinary measures would be taken against the offenders.· So far, not a single person has faced prosecution or disciplinary action over the case.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY The club was fined £50,000 for financial irregularities.COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES a fine-bore tube We’re at our hotel, and everything is fine and dandy. I’m feeling a little better today. Marie immediately felt guilty. He’s been in good form all this season. If you don’t pay on time, you could be given a fine of up to $1,000. The party went well. Everything’s going fine at the moment. If found guilty, they face heavy fines or even prison. a new tax levied on all electrical goods There were fine lines around her eyes. There is a fine line between superstition and religion. She faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. calls for stiffer penalties for rapists Nadal won the match in fine style, not losing a single game. It was a difficult time, but eventually things turned out all right.
The club was fined £50,000 for financial irregularities. (=one that deserves to be admired)· Winning the award was a great achievement.
· He had a reputation as a fine actor.
(=do something very well) I’ve got the early morning routine down to a fine art.
I’ve got the early morning routine down to a fine art. (=hard to achieve)· Teachers need to strike a fine balance of flexibility and control.
a fine-bore tube (=thin and good quality)· For summer, fine cotton is more comfortable.
We’re at our hotel, and everything is fine and dandy. (=very exact detail)· We've been through all the arrangements for the wedding in minute detail.
(=a very good one)· The museum has a magnificent display of silver.
(=small)· Language enables us to make fine distinctions between similar ideas.
· It was a fine evening, so we decide to eat outside.
· The house is a fine example of a medieval building.
I’m feeling a little better today. Marie immediately felt guilty. He’s been in good form all this season. If you don’t pay on time, you could be given a fine of up to $1,000. The party went well. Everything’s going fine at the moment. (=thin)· Her hair is so fine, it’s difficult to style.
If found guilty, they face heavy fines or even prison. a new tax levied on all electrical goods There were fine lines around her eyes. There is a fine line between superstition and religion. She faces a maximum penalty of life in prison.· A fine mist began to settle on the water.
(=when someone was most successful or admired)· The performance was one of the band’s finest moments.
· Outside it was a beautiful morning.
· There are fine performances by Kathy Bates and Daryl Hannah.
(=the small details)· I’m afraid I don’t understand the finer points of the game.
(=small details about the qualities or features of something)· I'm afraid I'm not interested in the finer points of cars.
(=very gentle rain)· A fine rain was coming down as the game started.
calls for stiffer penalties for rapists Nadal won the match in fine style, not losing a single game. informal:· Either Monday or Tuesday would suit me fine for our meeting.
It was a difficult time, but eventually things turned out all right.· If the weather is fine, we’ll eat outside.· Water pot plants daily during spells of dry weather.
(=a good and expensive wine)· He was a lover of fine wines and good food.
· Use a piece of fine wire to clear the obstruction.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSNOUN· If you fine an oil-spilling company ten times the value of the spilt oil, its insurance rates merely rise.· In 1994, the state fined the company $ 741, 000 for safety violations.· The state is also threatening to fine the company and to block salary increases for its managers.
· He was fined recently in kangaroo court and the pitchers offered to pay it.
· Chelmsford magistrates fined him £2,600 and banned him for 18 months.· City of London magistrates fined him for the refusal but ruled he could keep his licence.· The magistrates fined her £130 and disqualified her from driving for 19 months.· The magistrates agreed - and fined him £250.· Today Didcot magistrates fined the Atomic Energy Authority eight thousand pounds for breaking safety laws.· Bedale magistrates fined him a total of £200 with £127 costs.
PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► chance would be a fine thing!► cut a fine/strange etc figure► cut it/things fine► the fine arts► go through/over something with a fine-tooth comb► have a good/fine/thick etc head of hair► not to put too fine a point on it► smooth-textured/coarse-textured/fine-textured etc
to make someone pay money as a punishmentfine somebody for (doing) something- When I visited Mahatma Gandhi again at the end of June, 1946, he was in fine fettle.
- Vellios was a fine figure of a man.
- At least he is in good form again.
- Davies, now in his 80s, is in fine form.
- Fortunately, Alan Judge was in fine form, pulling off a great save to keep Hereford in the game.
- Health Management Associates Inc., known as the Wal-Mart of hospital operators, appears to be in fine form.
- I was in good form that night.
- Office manager is on holiday this week., and assistant manager are in good form.
- That is our strength and our forwards are in good form at the moment.
- But trading standards officers and the Consumers' Association are warning customers to scrutinise the small print.
- He starts to read one, clearly hoping to find the answer in the small print.
- His agent was sorting out the fine print.
- It is the broker's job to make sure the haulier fully understands the small print of the exemption and other clauses.
- It ought to be the fine print, not the screaming headline.
- New formulae claim anything from 15 to 24 hours' efficacy, so check the small print on the pack!
- You submit your offer on Form 656, but read the fine print on the back.
She was fined for speeding.fine somebody £200/$500 etc The club was fined £50,000 for financial irregularities.fine1 adjectivefine2 adverbfine3 verbfine4 noun
finefine4 ●●○ noun [countable] WORD ORIGINfine4
Origin:
1200-1300 French fin, from Latin finis ‘end’EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- A fine will be imposed for overstaying your visa.
- He got a $75 fine for speeding.
- I got a fine for parking on a double yellow line.
- If you're going into town, will you go and pay my library fines for me please?
- She faces up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
- The penalty is a $250 fine for the first offense.
- There are heavy fines for drink-driving. You might even go to prison.
- There are heavy fines for drink-driving.
- But instead of levying fines, prosecuting plant officials or revoking their licenses, the agency only wrote threatening letters to trustees.
- It imposed fines totalling £328,500 on 105 solicitors, compared with 76 solicitors fined an aggregate of £216,000 the year before.
- It was the only way to save the Union, to save it from contempt fines and then from bankruptcy.
- My tardiness prompted an immediate threat of a fine, but it never materialised.
- The board also urged the courts to impose the maximum fines on bum landlords.
- The rebellion was over at a cost he claimed to be more than £4,000 in fines and legal fees.
- They have demanded provisions for imposing fines on countries with large deficits after the euro is created.
THESAURUS
something that is done in order to punish someone, or the act of punishing them: · I don’t think they deserved such a severe punishment.· The usual punishment is life in prison.
a punishment given by a judge in a court: · He was given a long prison sentence.· They asked for the maximum sentence.
an amount of money that you must pay as a punishment: · I got an £80 fine for speeding.· There are heavy fines for drink-driving.
a general word for a punishment given to someone who has broken a law, rule, or agreement: · What’s the penalty if you get caught?· He called for stiffer penalties for crimes involving guns.
(also capital punishment) the system in which people are killed as a punishment for crimes: · If he is found guilty, he faces the death penalty.· A number of states have abolished capital punishment.
unpaid work helping other people that someone does as punishment for a crime: · He was given a choice between doing 200 hours of community service, or a big fine.
the punishment of children by hitting them: · I don’t agree with corporal punishment.· Corporal punishment was abolished in schools in 1987.
Longman Language Activatormoney that you have to pay as a punishment · I got a fine for parking on a double yellow line.heavy fine · There are heavy fines for drink-driving. You might even go to prison.£30/$100 fine · He got a $75 fine for speeding.library fine/parking fine etc · If you're going into town, will you go and pay my library fines for me please?
to make someone pay money as a punishment: fine somebody for something: · Stores will be fined for selling cigarettes or tobacco to minors.fine somebody £5/$100 etc: · The company was fined $1.6 million for breaking environmental regulations.be/get fined: · You will be fined for any lost library books.
a punishment something that is done to someone in order to punish them: · In cases of sheep-stealing, the usual punishment was hanging.punishment for: · Punishments for bad behavior can range from time-outs to withdrawing privileges, such as televisioncapital punishment (=the system of punishing people by killing them): · Some people are demanding the return of capital punishment for murder.corporal punishment (=punishing people, especially children, by hitting them): · Corporal punishment was banned in Sweden in 1979.
an amount of money that you are ordered to pay as a punishment: get a fine (=be told to pay a fine): · I got a £100 fine for speeding.fine for (doing) something: · A fine will be imposed for overstaying your visa.· The penalty is a $250 fine for the first offense.a heavy fine (=a large fine): · There are heavy fines for drink-driving.
an official punishment for someone who breaks a law, a rule, or a legal agreement: penalty for: · The penalty for treason was always death.the death penalty (=a law that says you can be killed as a punishment): · Drug smugglers face the death penalty if they are caught.a heavy/severe/stiff penalty: · The contract includes stiff financial penalties for failure to complete the work on time.
a punishment given by a judge in a court: a prison sentence: · He got a 10-year prison sentence.the death sentence (=when someone is punished by being killed): · The victim's family are demanding the death sentence for his attacker.a life sentence (=the punishment of spending the rest of your life in prison): · Berger is serving a life sentence for the murders.a heavy/light sentence (=a long or short time in prison): · Evans was given a light sentence in return for giving information to the police.
formal when someone is severely punished for what they have done: · Employees need to be able to express their feelings without fear of retribution.retribution for: · Some officials felt that the bombings were retribution for the killing of the hijackers.divine retribution (=retribution from God): · The earthquake was seen by some people as divine retribution.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY She was ordered to pay £150 in parking fines, plus court costs. Councils will get sweeping powers to impose fines on drivers who park illegally. a fine-bore tube We’re at our hotel, and everything is fine and dandy. I’m feeling a little better today. Marie immediately felt guilty. He’s been in good form all this season. If you don’t pay on time, you could be given a fine of up to $1,000. The party went well. Everything’s going fine at the moment. If found guilty, they face heavy fines or even prison. a new tax levied on all electrical goods There were fine lines around her eyes. There is a fine line between superstition and religion. She faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. calls for stiffer penalties for rapists Nadal won the match in fine style, not losing a single game. It was a difficult time, but eventually things turned out all right.
She was ordered to pay £150 in parking fines, plus court costs. Councils will get sweeping powers to impose fines on drivers who park illegally. (=a large fine) If convicted, the men face heavy fines.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES If convicted, the men face heavy fines. (=one that deserves to be admired)· Winning the award was a great achievement.
· He had a reputation as a fine actor.
(=do something very well) I’ve got the early morning routine down to a fine art.
I’ve got the early morning routine down to a fine art. (=hard to achieve)· Teachers need to strike a fine balance of flexibility and control.
a fine-bore tube (=thin and good quality)· For summer, fine cotton is more comfortable.
We’re at our hotel, and everything is fine and dandy. (=very exact detail)· We've been through all the arrangements for the wedding in minute detail.
(=a very good one)· The museum has a magnificent display of silver.
(=small)· Language enables us to make fine distinctions between similar ideas.
· It was a fine evening, so we decide to eat outside.
· The house is a fine example of a medieval building.
I’m feeling a little better today. Marie immediately felt guilty. He’s been in good form all this season. If you don’t pay on time, you could be given a fine of up to $1,000. The party went well. Everything’s going fine at the moment. (=thin)· Her hair is so fine, it’s difficult to style.
If found guilty, they face heavy fines or even prison. a new tax levied on all electrical goods There were fine lines around her eyes. There is a fine line between superstition and religion. She faces a maximum penalty of life in prison.· A fine mist began to settle on the water.
(=when someone was most successful or admired)· The performance was one of the band’s finest moments.
· Outside it was a beautiful morning.
· There are fine performances by Kathy Bates and Daryl Hannah.
(=the small details)· I’m afraid I don’t understand the finer points of the game.
(=small details about the qualities or features of something)· I'm afraid I'm not interested in the finer points of cars.
(=very gentle rain)· A fine rain was coming down as the game started.
calls for stiffer penalties for rapists Nadal won the match in fine style, not losing a single game. informal:· Either Monday or Tuesday would suit me fine for our meeting.
It was a difficult time, but eventually things turned out all right.· If the weather is fine, we’ll eat outside.· Water pot plants daily during spells of dry weather.
(=a good and expensive wine)· He was a lover of fine wines and good food.
· Use a piece of fine wire to clear the obstruction.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADJECTIVE· The National Union of Mineworkers also had to pay heavy fines and suffer sequestration.· He was ordered to compensate all of the victims of the fire and pay a heavy fine.· It can also seek heavy fines on landlords who discriminate.· Those violating the law could face heavy fines.· If anyone failed to attend the muster, heavy fines and punishments could be imposed.· Many faced heavy fines and the distraint of goods.· Courts inflict heavy fines on egg thieves.· If convicted they now face heavy fines, confiscation of goods, and even imprisonment.
· Restaurateurs have already been warned they could face hefty fines if they fail to join the Darlington Council register before April 3.· The penalty: a five-year jail sentence and hefty fines.· A hefty fine would help concentrate the mind and could save the lives of commuters.· Threats of jail sentences and hefty fines aim to deter.
· It would normally be accompanied by large fines.· Breaches of the peace were punished with large fines or imprisonment.· It also has powers to carry out investigations and impose very large fines of up to 10% of turnover.
· In addition, a maximum fine of £1000 may be imposed on the defendant.· In Oregon, removal of a roadkill can carry a maximum fine of $ 2, 500 and a year in jail.· The board also urged the courts to impose the maximum fines on bum landlords.· The charge carries a maximum fine of six months in prison and $ 50, 000.
· Under the rules, the Aintree executive could have faced stiff fines.
· Act 1974 is liable to unlimited fines and/or up to two years imprisonment after conviction by a Crown Court.· I mentioned the sentence of life imprisonment and the unlimited fines that are available for crimes involving knives.· They could be jailed and given unlimited fines if found guilty.
VERB· Accountants, lawyers and other professionals who engage in such business would face enormous fines and up to 10 years' imprisonment.· Doctors and insurance companies faced federal fines and prison time for violating the rules.· Payment dodgers will face a fine of £80.· Teenagers caught driving without some one over 21 would face a $ 52 fine and three points docked from their driving records.· Firms which ignore the requests could face fines of up to £400.· Repeat violators will face fines of $ 100 or more.· Those violating the law could face heavy fines.· First-time violators face a $ 100 fine.
· It imposed fines totalling £328,500 on 105 solicitors, compared with 76 solicitors fined an aggregate of £216,000 the year before.· To impose fines of $ 1 million a day if the company continues to violate the settlement.· Fines were also imposed and crippling fines were threatened.· When no agreement was reached, the agency began imposing the fines Sept. 4.· Both the Reagan and Bush administrations had supported the judge's power to impose the fines.· They have demanded provisions for imposing fines on countries with large deficits after the euro is created.· That was enough for magistrates in the city who imposed fines and costs of almost £900.· The board also urged the courts to impose the maximum fines on bum landlords.
· But instead of levying fines, prosecuting plant officials or revoking their licenses, the agency only wrote threatening letters to trustees.
· The National Union of Mineworkers also had to pay heavy fines and suffer sequestration.· He was ordered to compensate all of the victims of the fire and pay a heavy fine.· Twenty people were being held on December 31, 1999, local sources said, for not paying the fines.· Because women often lack the means to pay fines, they are more likely to be imprisoned.· She was ordered to pay £15 in library fines, £31.90 compensation and £25 costs.· Each agreed to write a letter of apology and pay a $ 500 fine.
PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► chance would be a fine thing!► cut a fine/strange etc figure► cut it/things fine► the fine arts► go through/over something with a fine-tooth comb► have a good/fine/thick etc head of hair► not to put too fine a point on it► smooth-textured/coarse-textured/fine-textured etc
money that you have to pay as a punishment: - When I visited Mahatma Gandhi again at the end of June, 1946, he was in fine fettle.
- Vellios was a fine figure of a man.
- At least he is in good form again.
- Davies, now in his 80s, is in fine form.
- Fortunately, Alan Judge was in fine form, pulling off a great save to keep Hereford in the game.
- Health Management Associates Inc., known as the Wal-Mart of hospital operators, appears to be in fine form.
- I was in good form that night.
- Office manager is on holiday this week., and assistant manager are in good form.
- That is our strength and our forwards are in good form at the moment.
- But trading standards officers and the Consumers' Association are warning customers to scrutinise the small print.
- He starts to read one, clearly hoping to find the answer in the small print.
- His agent was sorting out the fine print.
- It is the broker's job to make sure the haulier fully understands the small print of the exemption and other clauses.
- It ought to be the fine print, not the screaming headline.
- New formulae claim anything from 15 to 24 hours' efficacy, so check the small print on the pack!
- You submit your offer on Form 656, but read the fine print on the back.
a £40 finepay a fine/pay £100/$50 etc in fines She was ordered to pay £150 in parking fines, plus court costs. Councils will get sweeping powers to impose fines on drivers who park illegally.heavy/hefty fine (=a large fine) If convicted, the men face heavy fines.► see thesaurus at punishment