desk
- 01 A1 Beginner
n.a piece of furniture like a table, often with drawers, used for reading, writing, or using a computer.
n.a piece of furniture with a flat or sloping surface and typically with drawers, at which one can read, write, or do other work.
Simple“I keep my laptop and a lamp on my desk in the bedroom.”
In context“The executive requested a larger mahogany desk to accommodate multiple monitors and a dedicated space for physical paperwork.”
Synonymsworktablebureau - 02 A2 Elementary
n.a counter in a public building, like a hotel or airport, where you get information or help.
n.a counter or booth in a public building where specific services or information are provided to customers or travelers.
Simple“Please check in at the front desk when you arrive at the hotel.”
In context“Upon entering the terminal, passengers should proceed directly to the information desk to confirm their gate assignment.”
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a specific section or department in a large organization, like a newspaper or a bank.
n.a specialized department or section within a larger organization, particularly in journalism or financial services.
Simple“He works for the city desk at the local newspaper.”
In context“The foreign desk coordinated with several international correspondents to ensure comprehensive coverage of the election results.”
Synonyms - 04 C1 Advanced
n.a shared music stand and seating area for two players in an orchestra.
n.a position in an orchestral string section consisting of a music stand shared by two players.
Simple“She was promoted to the first desk of the violin section.”
In context“The conductor noticed that the third desk of the cello section was slightly out of sync during the adagio movement.”
Synonyms - 05 C2 Proficiency
v.to reject a piece of writing immediately without sending it to experts for review.
v.to reject a manuscript or article upon initial receipt without sending it out for formal peer review.
Simple“The editor decided to desk the article because it didn't fit the journal's theme.”
In context“The paper was desk-rejected within forty-eight hours because the methodology failed to meet the publication's rigorous statistical standards.”
UsageOften used in the compound form 'desk-reject'.
From Middle English deske, desque, from Medieval Latin desca, modified from Old Italian desco, from Latin discus. Doublet of dais, disc, discus, dish, disk, and diskos. See also German Tisch, "table".
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.