laurel
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a small evergreen tree with smooth, shiny leaves that smell nice.
n.an evergreen shrub or small tree, Laurus nobilis, characterized by aromatic, lanceolate leaves.
Simple“We planted a laurel hedge along the garden fence for privacy.”
In context“The gardener pruned the laurel carefully to maintain its shape while preserving the aromatic quality of the new growth.”
Synonymsbay laurelbay tree - 02 C1 Advanced
n.a circle of leaves worn on the head as a sign of honor or winning.
n.a wreath or crown woven from laurel leaves, traditionally awarded as a mark of distinction or victory.
Simple“In ancient times, the winner of the race was given a laurel.”
In context“The poet was depicted in the marble bust wearing a laurel, signifying his status as the nation's preeminent writer.”
- 03 C1 Advanced
n.praise or success that you have earned.
n.honor, distinction, or fame achieved through specific accomplishments; frequently used in the plural.
Simple“The young scientist won many laurels for her groundbreaking research.”
In context“Despite his many laurels in the field of physics, he remained a remarkably humble man who avoided the spotlight.”
- 04 C2 Proficiency
v.to give someone a special award or honor.
v.to crown with laurel or, by extension, to bestow high honors or distinction upon someone.
Simple“The university decided to laurel the author for his lifetime of work.”
In context“The committee sought to laurel the diplomat for his tireless efforts in negotiating the peace treaty.”
“The danger for any team, but particularly one relatively unfamiliar with success, is to rest on its laurels, to be too loyal to those who have brought the long-awaited silverware.”
Emperors, spectacle, and the machinery of keeping a city entertained.
- 01
bread and circuses (idiom)
Food and entertainment handed out by those in power to keep the public quiet.
Juvenal's complaint.
- 02
circus (word)
a show with performers like clowns and acrobats, or a place where many streets meet; it can also describe a very busy or chaotic situation.
The Circus Maximus.
- 03
a Roman holiday (idiom)
Enjoyment taken from watching somebody else suffer.
Byron on the Dying Gaul.
- 04
fiddle while Rome burns (idiom)
To busy yourself with trivia while a disaster you could be addressing unfolds.
Nero and the fire of AD 64.
- 05
triumph (word)
a great success or victory after a lot of hard work; as a verb, it means to win or succeed against something difficult.
The victory parade.
- 06
rest on one's laurels (idiom)
To rely on past success and stop making the effort to keep improving.
What the wreath came to mean.