ENGLISH
REFERENCE

or

conj. · n. · adj.
  1. 1 connecting choices (conj.)
    A1 Beginner

    you use this to connect two or more possibilities or choices.

    links two or more alternatives in a list or choice, where typically only one option is selected.

    Example

    Would you like to go to the cinema or the park this afternoon?

    Example

    The client must decide whether to accept the current settlement offer or proceed with a lengthy and expensive trial.
    Pitfall
    Do you want tea and coffee? I only have one cup.
    Do you want tea or coffee? I only have one cup.

    Use 'or' when there is a choice between two things; 'and' suggests you want both together.

  2. 2 otherwise (conj.)
    A2 Elementary

    used to show what will happen if you do not do something.

    introduces a negative consequence or an alternative result that follows if the preceding statement is not true or fulfilled.

    Example

    You should hurry up, or you will miss the last bus home.

    Example

    The government must implement these fiscal reforms immediately, or the country risks a total collapse of its credit rating.
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  1. 3 introducing a synonym (conj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    used to introduce another word that means the same thing.

    connects two equivalent names or terms for the same thing to provide clarification or a more technical label.

    Example

    The study of the stars, or astronomy, has existed for thousands of years.

    Example

    The patient was diagnosed with hypertension, or high blood pressure, following a series of routine cardiovascular tests.
    • also known as
  2. 4 gold color (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Literary

    the color gold or yellow when used on a shield or coat of arms.

    the tincture of gold or yellow in heraldry, representing one of the two metals used in armorial bearings.

    Example

    The knight's shield featured a red lion on a field of or.

    Example

    The family crest was meticulously painted, featuring a chevron in or against a deep azure background.
  3. 5 gold-colored (adj.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Literary

    colored gold or yellow on a coat of arms.

    describes a heraldic element that is gold or yellow in color.

    Example

    The banner was decorated with three or stars.

    Example

    The ancient manuscript described a shield with a cross or, signifying the noble lineage of the fallen king.
Idioms1 entry

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