world
Word family
Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English 5++LDOCE 5++world1 /wɜːld $ wɜːrld/ ●●● S1 W1 noun 1 OUR PLANET/EVERYONE ON IT 地球/全人类the world SGWORLDthe planet we live on, and all the people, cities, and countries on it 世界，地球 → earth Tuberculosis is still common in some parts of the world. 结核病在世界上某些地区仍很常见。 At that time China was the most powerful country in the world. 当时中国是世界上最强大的国家。 the world’s tallest building 世界上最高的建筑 The Taj Mahal attracts visitors from around the world. 泰姬陵吸引了来自世界各地的游客。 Students from all over the world come to study at Oxford. 世界各地的学生到牛津大学来求学。 Children are the same the world over. 全世界的孩子都一样。 The book has been published throughout the world. 这本书已在世界各地出版。 There is nothing quite like it anywhere in the world. 世界上任何地方都找不出和它类似的东西。 Europe’s relationship with the rest of the world 欧洲和世界上其他地区的关系 I decided to take a year off to travel the world. 我决定休息一年去周游世界。 a crime that shocked the world 震惊全世界的罪行n GrammarYou say in the world: the fastest sports car in the world ✗Don’t say: the fastest sports car in world | the fastest sport car on the world2 in the world EMPHASIZEused to emphasize what you are saying 世上；究竟，到底〔用于强调〕the happiest/most exciting etc ... in the world I’m the luckiest man in the world! 我是世上最幸运的人！ Bali is my favourite place in the whole world. 巴厘岛是我最最喜欢的地方。 Off he went, without a care in the world (=not worried about anything at all). 他啥也不管就走了。 Nothing in the world (=nothing at all) can save them now. 现在什么也救不了他们。 Don’t worry, we’ve got all the time in the world (=plenty of time so you do not need to hurry). 别担心，我们有的是时间。what/who/where/how etc in the world ...? (=used when you are very surprised or annoyed) 究竟是什么/是谁/在哪儿/怎么样等…？〔用于表示很惊讶或恼怒〕 What in the world are you doing here at seven in the morning? 你早上7点钟在这儿到底干什么？3 the society we live in 我们生活的社会SOCIETY [singular] the society that we live in, the way people behave, and the kind of life we have 社会；生活 Parents want a better world for their children. 父母都希望孩子有更好的天地。the world The world is being transformed by information technology. 信息技术正在改变世界。 You had to go into politics if you wanted to change the world. 你若是想改变世界就必须从政。in an ideal/perfect world (=used to say how you would like things to be) 在理想的/完美的世界 In an ideal world, we would be able to recycle everything. 在理想世界里，任何东西都可以循环使用。the real world (=the way life really is, not how people would like it to be or imagine it) 现实生活 In the real world, things are never quite so simple. 现实生活中事情从来都不是那么简单的。what is the world coming to? (=used to say that you do not like the way society is changing) 这世道怎么了？ Five pounds just to park your car! I don’t know what the world’s coming to. 停停车就要五英镑！这世道怎么了？4 COUNTRY/NATIONgroup of countries 国家集团 [singular] a particular group of countries 〔某一类国家组成的〕世界5 time in history 历史时期 [singular] a particular period in history 〔特定的〕历史时期6 SB’s life and experiences 某人的生活和经历 [countable]LIFE the life and experiences of a particular person or group of people 生活，生活经历7 area of activity/work 活动/工作的领域 [countable usually singular]COUNTRY/NATION a particular area of activity or work, and the people who are involved in it 〔人们活动或工作的〕领域，界8 NATURE/ANIMALS/PLANTS 自然/动物/植物the natural/animal/plant world HBLIVING/ALIVEall of nature, or all animals or plants considered as a group 自然界/动物界/植物界9 place/situation 地方/情况SITUATION [countable usually singular] a particular kind of place or situation, especially one that someone describes or which you imagine 〔尤指某人描述或想象的〕地方，情景10 another planet 别的星球 [countable]HA a place like the Earth in another part of the universe where other things may live 〔可能存在其他生物的〕天体，星球11 STH is very different 某事物很不相同 [countable] used in the following phrases to emphasize that something is very different 〔用于以下短语强调某事物大不相同〕12 the outside world OUT/OUTSIDEthe people who live outside a particular place or country – used when the people of that place or country do not often meet other people 外面的世界，外界13 the material world real things, rather than ideas and beliefs 物质世界14 for all the world as if/as though/like literarySEEM exactly as if or exactly like 活像；完全像15 out of this world informalGOOD/EXCELLENT extremely good, enjoyable etc 好得不得了16 do somebody a/the world of good to be very good for someone’s health or mental state 对某人很有好处17 in a world of your own/in your own little world used to say that someone seems to spend a lot of time thinking or imagining things, and does not seem to notice what is happening around them 生活在自己的（小）天地里18 mean the world to somebody/think the world of somebody if someone or something means the world to you, or if you think the world of them, they are very important to you and you love or respect them very much 对某人非常重要/非常喜欢[尊敬]某人[某物]19 somebody would give the world to do something used to say that someone would like to do something very much 某人迫切想做某事20. be/feel on top of the world informalHAPPY to feel extremely happy 快活之极21. be a man/woman of the world EXPERIENCEDto be someone who has had many experiences and is not easily shocked 是阅历丰富的人，是见过世面的人22 not for the world NOTused to emphasize that you would not do something 决不，无论如何也不23 the world is your oyster LIMITthere is no limit to the opportunities that someone has 前途无量，前程似锦24 have the world at your feet 25 go up/come down in the world CLASS IN SOCIETYto move to a higher or lower position in society 升到更高/跌到较低的社会地位；发迹/落魄26 set the world on fire/alight spokenSUCCESSFUL to have a big effect or be very successful 引起轰动；大获成功27 set/put the world to rights DISCUSSto discuss or say how the world should be changed to make people’s lives better 谈论如何改变世界，指点江山28 the Michael Jacksons/Mother Teresas/Microsofts etc of this world spokenTYPE used to talk about a particular kind of person or group, by using one person or group as an example 迈克尔•杰克逊/特蕾莎修女/微软公司等一类人 [团体]〔用于举例谈论某一类人或团体〕29. think the world owes you a living to think that you should not have to work and that other people will provide you with everything you need – used to show disapproval 认为整个世界都欠你的〔含贬义〕30. think (that) the world revolves around you to think that you are the most important person and everyone else should only be interested in making sure that you have what you want – used to show disapproval 认为世界围着自己转，认为自己是最重要的〔含贬义〕31 the world and his wife British English everyone or anybody – used when you want to emphasize that a lot of people do something or anyone can do something 人人；很多人32. come into the world literary to be born 降生，来到这个世上33. bring a child into the world literary to have a baby, or help a baby to be born 把一个孩子带到这个世上〔指分娩或接生〕34. somebody is not long for this world literary used to say that someone is likely to die soon 某人将不久于人世35 NORMAL LIFE 普通的生活the world normal life in society, as opposed to a religious way of life, especially in a monastery etc 尘世，世俗 → best of both worlds at best3(7), → be dead to the world at dead1(9), → it’s not the end of the world at end1(18), → New World, Third Worldn COLLOCATIONSphrasespart of the worldThis part of the world was new to her.the rest of the worldHow will this affect Britain and the rest of the world?phrasesthe best/tallest etc in the worldWe want to become the best team in the world.the world’s best/tallest etcIt is the world’s largest car manufacturer.around/across the world (=in many parts of the world)We have 950 customers around the world.all over/throughout the world (=in every part of the world)The city attracts visitors from all over the world.adjectivesthe whole/entire worldToday the whole world is threatened with pollution.verbstravel the worldHe spent his first few years after school travelling the world.see the world (=travel to different parts of the world)He quit his job to see the world.save the world (=help people in the world)She’s doing her bit to save the world.lead the world (=be the most successful in the world)Britain leads the world in defence electronics.Examples from the Corpus
world• Heron's book was widely copied in the ancient world.• strange creatures from another world• the fast-paced business world• Jaffrii is now one of the richest and most successful men in the business world.• Our public schools are among the worst in the developed world.• the fashion world• Why here, why Stalinvast, and not some other world?• the fast-paced world of technology• Alvin's world was full of dance and music.• We thought we could change the world then.• I have been blotted out from the world.• She lost any sense of time, knowing only the world of sensation and pleasure and sad longing.• the world of the Anglo-Saxons• the Western worldin an ideal/perfect world• I also have an idealized picture of myself - what I would like to be in an ideal world.• But we don't live in a perfect world.• To go onstage in the flag is to be a 50p magnet, nomatterwhat it might mean in an ideal world.• This was an unusual arrangement which might have worked in a perfect world.the Western/Arab etc world• As for the Arab world, their response as we were negotiating these agreements was to be expected.• Chess is sort of considered in the Western world as the premier intellectual game.• He developed the concept of an open market within the Community to create the largest single market in the Western world.• Molecular biology of colorectal neoplasia Large bowel cancer is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the western world.• The daily broadsheet circulates widely in the Arab world and among Arabs living in the West.• If they are ever opened, the Hunterston plants would be among the first direct reduction iron works in the Western world.• This has happened all over the Western world and we must now start to pick up the pieces.• The speech was warmly endorsed throughout the Arab world.the modern/ancient world• Mathematics is becoming increasingly important in its applications and uses in the modern world.• It may be that increasing industrialism made the modern world an uglier, less attractive subject.• The Labyrinth at Knossos is generally recognized to have been one of the greatest architectural achievements of the ancient world.• Their lives were now confronted by earthshaking change, by the arrival of the modern world.• Part of the moulding-power of the modern world is its ability to leave us all blasé.• The technology of the modern world has derived, in good measure, from a great wealth of empirical experience.• Not everyone, however, welcomes the return of primal spirituality to the modern world.• His conquests transformed the ancient world and ushered in the Hellenistic age of great monarchies.world of• Truong found himself living in a world of poverty and uncertainty.• the world of fashionthe world of politics/business/work etc• In the early 1980s, the world of work at Sparta underwent a drastic change.• The world of politics is next.• Secondment is an opportunity for them to learn at first hand about the world of work to which their students are aspiring.• We will reinforce the rights of the individual in the world of work, and break down artificial barriers to advancement.• Performers in one of the most successful, longest-running shows in the world of business.• In the world of work, this is one of the distinctions between the professional and the technician.• Any disruption they suffer should be counteracted by your enhanced awareness of the world of work.• We often speak of climbing the ladder don't we when it comes to the world of work or material success.another world• Sometimes he was so distant that he seemed to be in another world.• And I am now in another world!• You appreciate that there is a fair chance that you might find yourself prematurely in another world?• Nature is full of icons or images that reveal glimpses into another world.• Is Michael Johnson going to set another world record?• You want me to be your gateway to another world?• But further along the branch was another world.• It was another world, and he knew he would now have to seek advice from an expert.a world of difference• This is only two miles from the bustling West End - but there is a world of difference.• There is a world of difference between emotional blankness and immorality.• He made a world of difference to the Leeds defence.• After all, the right network can make a world of difference to your business.• During these golden years of instruction, parents can make a world of difference by staying engaged and supportive.• A short note of encouragement would make a world of difference right now.• It makes a world of difference when there is a lot of electricity in the air.• There's a world of difference between owning a gun and using it.• But there was a world of difference between wanting and loving.world2 ●●○ adjective [only before noun] 1 WORLDexisting in, involving, or affecting all or most countries in the world 遍及[影响]全世界的2 POWERa world figure is one of the most important people in the world 〔人物〕在世界范围内举足轻重的Examples from the Corpus
world• The ice skating show features twelve Olympic and world champions.• The Denver Broncos have won the world championship.• Jones is a world expert in genetics.• The present conflict is a threat to world peace.• At that time Britain was a major world power.• Islam is one of the great world religions.• The top 50 multi-national companies control about 80% of world trade.the World Cup/Championships etc• Maradona's punch helped his side to the World Cup.• Think: between the hedges meets the World Cup.• The three legs of the World Cup can take enough out of a horse without subjecting it to too much unnecessary effort beforehand.• If Mr Moynihan is prudent, he will already be thinking ahead to the World Cup of 1994.• Nor will the World Cup of 2006 end standing.• It is enough to give anybody the World Cup willies.world leaders• Increasingly, funding will reflect the quality of the research output so that the best centres can truly be world leaders.• Messages of condolence began arriving in New Delhi on May 22 from a host of world leaders.• The Chirac-Kohl coolness forms part of a growing pattern of strained personal relations among world leaders.• Power Not that our world leaders have much to worry about.• The pursuit of a cease-fire dominated a summit of world leaders in Moscow, meeting to discuss nuclear safety and arms proliferation.• Both Du Pont and Conoco are world leaders, in their respective sectors, in environmental protection and safety.• The media tell it whenever they present international relations as a dramatic encounter between world leaders who personify their countries.• In the meantime world leaders will enjoy the kudos of being seen to be doing something about Aids.Origin world1 Old English woruld “human existence, this world, age”world1 noun →10-19 →20-35
→n GRAMMAR1 →n COLLOCATIONS1world2 adjectiveLDOCE OnlineChinese
→n GRAMMAR1 →n COLLOCATIONS1world2 adjectiveLDOCE OnlineChinese
all and on, the the Corpus people, planet live we
world
world1 S1 W1 /wɜːld $ wɜːrld/ 
noun
Tuberculosis is still common in some parts of the world.
At that time China was the most powerful country in the world.
the world’s tallest building
The Taj Mahal attracts visitors from around the world.
Students from all over the world come to study at Oxford.
Children are the same the world over.
The book has been published throughout the world.
There is nothing quite like it anywhere in the world.
Europe’s relationship with the rest of the world
I decided to take a year off to travel the world.
a crime that shocked the world
2. in the world used to emphasize what you are saying
the happiest/most exciting etc ... in the world
I’m the luckiest man in the world__
Bali is my favourite place in the whole world.
Off he went, without a care in the world (=not worried about anything at all).
Nothing in the world (=nothing at all) can save them now.
Don’t worry, we’ve got all the time in the world (=plenty of time so you do not need to hurry).
what/who/where/how etc in the world ...? (=used when you are very surprised or annoyed)
What in the world are you doing here at seven in the morning?
3. THE SOCIETY WE LIVE IN [singular] the society that we live in, the way people behave, and the kind of life we have:
Parents want a better world for their children.
the world
The world is being transformed by information technology.
You had to go into politics if you wanted to change the world.
in an ideal/perfect world (=used to say how you would like things to be)
In an ideal world, we would be able to recycle everything.
the real world (=the way life really is, not how people would like it to be or imagine it)
In the real world, things are never quite so simple.
what is the world coming to? (=used to say that you do not like the way society is changing)
Five pounds just to park your car__ I don’t know what the world’s coming to.
4. GROUP OF COUNTRIES [singular] a particular group of countries
the Western/Arab etc world
the highest unemployment rate in the Western world
the English-speaking world
agricultural practices in the developing world
the economies of the industrialized world
5. TIME IN HISTORY [singular] a particular period in history
the modern/ancient world
the peoples of the ancient world
the world of ...
the world of the ancient Greeks
6. SB’S LIFE AND EXPERIENCES [countable] the life and experiences of a particular person or group of people
world of
the world of children
The diary gives us an insight into Hemingway’s world.
7. AREA OF ACTIVITY/WORK [countable usually singular] a particular area of activity or work, and the people who are involved in it
the world of politics/business/work etc
She knew little about the world of politics.
the art/business/academic etc world
personalities from the sporting world
8. NATURE/ANIMALS/PLANTS the natural/animal/plant world all of nature, or all animals or plants considered as a group:
the wonders of the natural world
9. PLACE/SITUATION [countable usually singular] a particular kind of place or situation, especially one that someone describes or which you imagine
world of
the nightmare world of Orwell’s novel ‘1984’
a world of lies and secrecy
10. ANOTHER PLANET [countable] a place like the Earth in another part of the universe where other things may live:
strange creatures from another world
11. SOMETHING IS VERY DIFFERENT [countable] used in the following phrases to emphasize that something is very different:
There’s a world of difference between the US and Europe.
I realized we were still worlds apart (=very different, especially concerning your ideas, opinions etc).
It was a world away from (=completely different from) the grand hotels she was used to.
12. the outside world the people who live outside a particular place or country – used when the people of that place or country do not often meet other people:
Prisoners have little contact with the outside world.
be cut off from/closed to/isolated from the outside world
Parts of the country have been virtually closed to the outside world for 20 years.
13. the material world real things, rather than ideas and beliefs:
Is the material world all that exists?
14. for all the world as if/as though/like literary exactly as if or exactly like:
She sat reading her paper, looking for all the world as if nothing had happened.
15. out of this world informal extremely good, enjoyable etc:
The graphics and sounds are out of this world.
16. do somebody a world of good to be very good for someone’s health or mental state:
A bit of fresh air and exercise will do her a world of good.
17. in a world of your own/in your own little world used to say that someone seems to spend a lot of time thinking or imagining things, and does not seem to notice what is happening around them:
She was a shy child who seemed to live in a world of her own.
18. mean the world to somebody/think the world of somebody if someone or something means the world to you, or if you think the world of them, they are very important to you and you love or respect them very much:
Lee thinks the world of that dog.
19. somebody would give the world to do something used to say that someone would like to do something very much:
He would give the world to see her again.
20. be/feel on top of the world informal to feel extremely happy
21. be a man/woman of the world to be someone who has had many experiences and is not easily shocked
22. not for the world used to emphasize that you would not do something:
I wouldn’t hurt her for the world.
I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.
23. the world is your oyster there is no limit to the opportunities that someone has:
If you’ve got a good education, the world is your oyster.
24. have the world at your feet
a. to be very famous, popular, or successful:
In those days the band had the world at their feet.
b. to be in a position where you have the chance to become very successful:
a bright young lad with the world at his feet
25. go up/come down in the world to move to a higher or lower position in society:
He’s gone up in the world a bit since I knew him at college.
26. set the world on fire/alight spoken to have a big effect or be very successful:
Her last film didn’t exactly set the world on fire.
27. set/put the world to rights to discuss or say how the world should be changed to make people’s lives better:
We were having a few beers and generally putting the world to rights.
28. the Michael Jacksons/Mother Teresas/Microsofts etc of this world spoken used to talk about a particular kind of person or group, by using one person or group as an example:
The US team is new to the soccer scene, and can’t expect to beat the Brazils of this world.
29. think the world owes you a living to think that you should not have to work and that other people will provide you with everything you need – used to show disapproval
30. think (that) the world revolves around you to think that you are the most important person and everyone else should only be interested in making sure that you have what you want – used to show disapproval
31. the world and his wife British English everyone or anybody – used when you want to emphasize that a lot of people do something or anyone can do something:
It seemed that the world and his wife had come to Madrid.
32. come into the world literary to be born
33. bring a child into the world literary to have a baby, or help a baby to be born
34. somebody is not long for this world literary used to say that someone is likely to die soon
35. NORMAL LIFE the world normal life in society, as opposed to a religious way of life, especially in a monastery etc:
She renounced the world and entered a convent.
⇨ best of both worlds at best3(7), ⇨ be dead to the world at dead1(9), ⇨ it’s not the end of the world at end1(19), ⇨ New World, Third World
■ phrases
▪part of the world This part of the world was new to her.
▪the rest of the world How will this affect Britain and the rest of the world?
■ phrases
▪the best/tallest etc in the world We want to become the best team in the world.
▪the world’s best/tallest etc It is the world’s largest car manufacturer.
▪around/across the world (=in many parts of the world) We have 950 customers around the world.
▪all over/throughout the world (=in every part of the world) The city attracts visitors from all over the world.
■ adjectives
▪the whole/entire world Today the whole world is threatened with pollution.
■ verbs
▪travel the world He spent his first few years after school travelling the world.
▪see the world (=travel to different parts of the world) He quit his job to see the world.
▪save the world (=help people in the world) She’s doing her bit to save the world.
▪lead the world (=be the most successful in the world) Britain leads the world in defence electronics.
world2 adjective [only before noun]
the World Cup/Championships etc (=a competition involving people from many countries)
He won the world title in 2001.
the reigning Formula One world champion
world trade/economy etc
the impact of the crisis on the world economy ⇨ world war
2. a world figure is one of the most important people in the world:
a meeting of world leaders
a world authority on climate change ⇨ world power
| I |
noun Word Family: noun: world, underworld, worldliness; adjective: world, worldly ≠ unworldly, worldwide; adverb: worldwide
Language: Old English
Origin: woruld 'human existence, this world, age'
1. OUR PLANET/EVERYONE ON IT the world the planet we live on, and all the people, cities, and countries on it ⇨ earth:Origin: woruld 'human existence, this world, age'
2. in the world used to emphasize what you are saying
the happiest/most exciting etc ... in the world
what/who/where/how etc in the world ...? (=used when you are very surprised or annoyed)
3. THE SOCIETY WE LIVE IN [singular] the society that we live in, the way people behave, and the kind of life we have:
the world
in an ideal/perfect world (=used to say how you would like things to be)
the real world (=the way life really is, not how people would like it to be or imagine it)
what is the world coming to? (=used to say that you do not like the way society is changing)
4. GROUP OF COUNTRIES [singular] a particular group of countries
the Western/Arab etc world
5. TIME IN HISTORY [singular] a particular period in history
the modern/ancient world
the world of ...
6. SB’S LIFE AND EXPERIENCES [countable] the life and experiences of a particular person or group of people
world of
7. AREA OF ACTIVITY/WORK [countable usually singular] a particular area of activity or work, and the people who are involved in it
the world of politics/business/work etc
the art/business/academic etc world
8. NATURE/ANIMALS/PLANTS the natural/animal/plant world all of nature, or all animals or plants considered as a group:
9. PLACE/SITUATION [countable usually singular] a particular kind of place or situation, especially one that someone describes or which you imagine
world of
10. ANOTHER PLANET [countable] a place like the Earth in another part of the universe where other things may live:
11. SOMETHING IS VERY DIFFERENT [countable] used in the following phrases to emphasize that something is very different:
12. the outside world the people who live outside a particular place or country – used when the people of that place or country do not often meet other people:
be cut off from/closed to/isolated from the outside world
13. the material world real things, rather than ideas and beliefs:
14. for all the world as if/as though/like literary exactly as if or exactly like:
15. out of this world informal extremely good, enjoyable etc:
16. do somebody a world of good to be very good for someone’s health or mental state:
17. in a world of your own/in your own little world used to say that someone seems to spend a lot of time thinking or imagining things, and does not seem to notice what is happening around them:
18. mean the world to somebody/think the world of somebody if someone or something means the world to you, or if you think the world of them, they are very important to you and you love or respect them very much:
19. somebody would give the world to do something used to say that someone would like to do something very much:
20. be/feel on top of the world informal to feel extremely happy
21. be a man/woman of the world to be someone who has had many experiences and is not easily shocked
22. not for the world used to emphasize that you would not do something:
23. the world is your oyster there is no limit to the opportunities that someone has:
24. have the world at your feet
a. to be very famous, popular, or successful:
b. to be in a position where you have the chance to become very successful:
25. go up/come down in the world to move to a higher or lower position in society:
26. set the world on fire/alight spoken to have a big effect or be very successful:
27. set/put the world to rights to discuss or say how the world should be changed to make people’s lives better:
28. the Michael Jacksons/Mother Teresas/Microsofts etc of this world spoken used to talk about a particular kind of person or group, by using one person or group as an example:
29. think the world owes you a living to think that you should not have to work and that other people will provide you with everything you need – used to show disapproval
30. think (that) the world revolves around you to think that you are the most important person and everyone else should only be interested in making sure that you have what you want – used to show disapproval
31. the world and his wife British English everyone or anybody – used when you want to emphasize that a lot of people do something or anyone can do something:
32. come into the world literary to be born
33. bring a child into the world literary to have a baby, or help a baby to be born
34. somebody is not long for this world literary used to say that someone is likely to die soon
35. NORMAL LIFE the world normal life in society, as opposed to a religious way of life, especially in a monastery etc:
⇨ best of both worlds at best3(7), ⇨ be dead to the world at dead1(9), ⇨ it’s not the end of the world at end1(19), ⇨ New World, Third World
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| II |
adjective [only before noun] Word Family: noun: world, underworld, worldliness; adjective: world, worldly ≠ unworldly, worldwide; adverb: worldwide
1. existing in, involving, or affecting all or most countries in the worldthe World Cup/Championships etc (=a competition involving people from many countries)
world trade/economy etc
2. a world figure is one of the most important people in the world:
also