blanket term
A word or phrase that is used to describe multiple groups of related things.
ADJ
specific | blanket, broad, general, generic | clear, precise | vague | ambiguous
strong
My teacher praised my essay in the strongest terms I had ever received.
mild | colloquial, slang
pejorative
In some countries, calling someone "lazy" is considered a pejorative term.
technical | clinical, legal, medical, musical, etc.
VERB + TERM
use | be couched in | define, explain
coin
Scientists coined the term "global warming" to describe rising temperatures on Earth.
TERM + VERB
connote sth, denote sth, describe sth, mean sth
apply to sth, be applied to sth, cover sth, refer to sth
The word "sustainability" refers to using natural resources without damaging the environment.
PREP
~ for
The word "app" is a short term for application software.
~ of
My grandmother always used terms of affection when she spoke to her grandchildren.
PHRASES
in glowing terms
My teacher described my progress in glowing terms during the parent-teacher meeting.
in no uncertain terms
The coach told the players in no uncertain terms that their performance was unacceptable.
in simple terms 2 in terms
ADJ
absolute, material, practical, real
Wages have risen in real terms, but workers still struggle with rising costs.
relative
The new phone is expensive, but in relative terms it costs less than last year's model.
broad, general | concrete | abstract | international
cultural, economic, financial, money, political, social, etc.
The company's decision was unpopular in political terms, even though it made financial sense.
terms
ADJ
favourable, unfavourable
express
She made her wishes very clear by expressing specific terms for the agreement.
implied | contract, credit, peace
VERB + TERM
dictate, negotiate, set
The company negotiated better payment terms with its suppliers last month.
agree on
PREP
under the ~s of
According to the employment contract, under the terms of your agreement you must give two weeks' notice before leaving.
PHRASES
on amicable/friendly/good terms
My parents divorced years ago, but they've remained on friendly terms for the sake of us kids.
on equal terms
After years of experience, she finally negotiated with her boss on equal terms.
on familiar/first-name terms
After working together for five years, the two managers are now on familiar terms.
on speaking terms
My parents are finally on speaking terms again after their argument last month.
terms and conditions
Before signing up for the credit card, she carefully read all the terms and conditions.
ADJ
college, school, university | autumn, spring, etc. | teaching
PREP
during (the) ~
The school library stays open late during term to help students with their coursework.
in the ~
The school organized a special art project in the spring term.
PHRASES
the beginning/end of term
The students felt excited when the beginning of term arrived after their long summer holiday.
ADJ
long, short
She decided to commit to a short term contract with the company before making any long-term decisions.
full
The contract was extended to full term, so the agreement will last another two years.
fixed
My apartment lease requires a fixed term of two years before I can leave.
jail, prison | presidential
VERB + TERM
serve
After graduating, she served a two-year term as a volunteer teacher in a rural village.
TERM + VERB
expire, run out
PREP
at ~
The pregnancy progressed normally and the baby arrived at term without any complications.
PHRASES
in the long/medium/short term
These changes might cause problems in the short term, but they'll benefit us later.
a term of imprisonment, a term of office
The judge sentenced him to a five-year term of imprisonment for the crime.
a term of years
My parents agreed to rent the apartment for a term of years before deciding whether to buy.
ADV
aptly | accurately | broadly, loosely | commonly, generally
variously
People variously term this dance style hip-hop, rap, or street dancing depending on the region.
euphemistically
PREP
as
The situation was termed as a temporary setback by the company's management team.