chapter
- 01 B1 Intermediate
n.one of the main parts that a book is divided into.
n.a main division of a written work, typically numbered or titled.
Simple“I just finished the third chapter of the novel and it is getting very exciting.”
In context“The author concludes each chapter with a summary of the key arguments to ensure the reader follows the complex theoretical framework.”
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a local group that belongs to a larger national or international organisation.
n.a local branch or division of a larger society, fraternity, or professional organisation.
Simple“The local chapter of the charity raised five thousand dollars for the new hospital.”
In context“As the president of the university's alumni chapter, she was responsible for coordinating the annual networking gala in London.”
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a specific period of time in history or in a person's life.
n.a distinct period or sequence of events in history or a personal narrative.
Simple“Moving to a new city felt like starting a whole new chapter in my life.”
In context“The signing of the peace treaty marked the end of a dark chapter in the nation's history and the beginning of reconstruction.”
- 04 C2 Proficiency
n.a group of people who run a cathedral or a religious order.
n.a body of clergy belonging to a cathedral or collegiate church, or the members of a religious order.
Simple“The cathedral chapter met to discuss the repairs needed for the ancient roof.”
In context“The dean and the chapter reached a consensus regarding the liturgical changes proposed for the upcoming advent season.”
- 05 C1 Advanced
v.to officially remove someone from the military because of a problem.
v.to initiate administrative proceedings to discharge a member from military service.
Simple“The army decided to chapter him after he failed several fitness tests.”
In context“The command team had to decide whether to chapter the soldier for repeated misconduct or offer one final chance at rehabilitation.”
UsageThe verb is transitive and usually refers to an involuntary administrative discharge.
Usage following chapter · preceding chapter · previous chapter
From Middle English chapitre, from Old French chapitre, from Latin capitulum (“a chapter of a book, in Medieval Latin also a synod or council”), diminutive of caput (“a head”); see capital, capitulum, and chapiter, which are doublets of chapter.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.