course
- 01 A1 Beginner
n.a series of lessons or lectures on a particular subject.
n.a complete series of studies or lectures on a specific subject, typically leading to a qualification.
Simple“She is taking a photography course at the local college this summer.”
In context“The university offers an intensive postgraduate course designed to bridge the gap between theoretical physics and applied engineering.”
- 02 B1 Intermediate
n.the direction or route that a ship, plane, or person follows.
n.the intended or actual direction of travel or movement, often in a navigational context.
Simple“The pilot had to change course to avoid the storm clouds ahead.”
In context“The vessel maintained a steady northerly course despite the increasing resistance from the prevailing currents.”
- 03 A2 Elementary
n.one of the separate parts of a meal, like a starter or a dessert.
n.any of the distinct stages of a meal served as a unit.
Simple“We had a three-course dinner starting with a delicious vegetable soup.”
In context“The chef prepared a seven-course tasting menu that showcased seasonal ingredients from the surrounding valley.”
- 04 B1 Intermediate
n.an area of land or water where a race or a game happens.
n.a designated area of land or water prepared for racing or for games such as golf.
Simple“The local golf course is famous for its difficult water hazards.”
In context“The marathon course winds through the historic centre before finishing in the main stadium.”
- 05 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.the way something happens or develops over time.
n.the natural development or sequence of events over a period of time.
Simple“In the course of the week, we realised the plan would not work.”
In context“The doctor explained that the illness would simply have to run its course before the patient felt better.”
Synonyms - 06 B1 Intermediate
n.a set amount of medicine or treatment that you must finish.
n.a systematic series of medical treatments or a prescribed period of medication.
Simple“You must finish the whole course of antibiotics even if you feel better.”
In context“The patient responded well to the initial course of chemotherapy, showing significant reduction in inflammation.”
- 07 C1 Advanced
v.to flow quickly or move in a strong stream.
v.to move or flow rapidly, typically used in relation to liquids or emotions.
Simple“Tears started to course down her cheeks as she read the letter.”
In context“Adrenaline coursed through his veins as he stepped onto the stage to address the waiting crowd.”
- 08 B1 Intermediate
adv.a short way of saying 'of course'.
adv.an elliptical form of 'of course', used to indicate agreement or obviousness.
Simple“Course I'll help you move house this weekend.”
In context“Course, we could always try the other route if the main road is still blocked by the landslide.”
- 09 C2 Proficiency
n.a single horizontal row of bricks or stones in a wall.
n.a continuous horizontal layer of bricks, stones, or other building material in a wall.
Simple“The builder laid the final course of bricks before the rain started.”
In context“The architect specified a damp-proof course to be installed above the foundation to prevent moisture from rising through the masonry.”
Usage course of a year · course of action · course of the war
From Middle English cours, from Old French cours, from Latin cursus (“course of a race”), from currō (“run”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *ḱers- (“to run”). Doublet of cursus and cour.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.