ENGLISH
REFERENCE

oxford

n. C / U
A2 Elementary US //ˈɑksfɝd// UK //ˈɒksfəd// ox·ford Archaic

n. a famous city in England known for its very old and respected university. It is also the name of a type of formal leather shoe.

n. a city in southern England, home to the oldest university in the English-speaking world. Also refers to a style of formal shoe characterized by closed lacing.


SIMPLE

She is studying history at Oxford.

CONTEXTUAL

The professor spent three years in Oxford researching medieval manuscripts at the Bodleian Library.

COMPLEX

While the city of Oxford is synonymous with academic excellence, it also serves as a major hub for the British automotive industry and high-tech research firms.

Origin

From Middle English Oxenford, Oxneford, from Old English Oxnaford (“Oxford”, literally “oxen's ford”), equivalent to ox + ford. Compare Old Norse Öxnafurða.

Usage

When referring to the city or university, it is a proper noun and uncountable. When referring to the style of shoe, it is a countable common noun.

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