process
- 01 A2 Elementary
n.a series of actions or steps you take to achieve a particular result.
n.a systematic series of actions, events, or steps directed to some end.
Simple“The application process for a new passport usually takes about six weeks.”
In context“The legislative process is often slow, requiring multiple rounds of debate and committee reviews before a bill becomes law.”
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a program or task that a computer is currently running.
n.an instance of a computer program that is being executed by one or many threads.
Simple“My computer is slow because there are too many processes running at once.”
In context“The operating system terminated the background process because it was consuming an excessive amount of system memory.”
- 03 C1 Advanced
n.official papers from a court, like a summons to appear in front of a judge.
n.the whole course of proceedings in a legal action; specifically, the mandate or writ by which a defendant is brought into court.
Simple“He was served with legal process and had to appear in court on Tuesday.”
In context“The defendant claimed that the service of process was defective, arguing that he never personally received the summons.”
- 04 C2 Proficiency
n.a part of the body that grows out from a main part, like a piece of bone.
n.a natural appendage or outgrowth on or in an organism, such as a protuberance on a bone.
Simple“The doctor explained that the muscle attaches to a small process on the spine.”
In context“The transverse processes of the vertebrae serve as important attachment points for various ligaments and spinal muscles.”
Synonyms - 05 B1 Intermediate
v.to deal with something using a set of official steps or a machine.
v.to subject to a particular method, system, or series of actions of manufacture or inquiry.
Simple“The bank will process your loan application as soon as they receive your ID.”
In context“The facility is designed to process several tons of raw timber every hour, turning logs into finished planks for construction.”
UsageTransitive verb taking a direct object.
- 06 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to think about new information so that you can understand it.
v.to cognitively integrate or assimilate new information or emotional experiences.
Simple“I need a few minutes to process what you just told me.”
In context“It took the witnesses several days to fully process the traumatic events they had observed during the accident.”
Synonyms - 07 C1 Advanced
v.to walk slowly in a formal group or parade.
v.to move in a formal or ceremonial procession.
Simple“The choir began to process into the church at the start of the service.”
In context“The graduates processed slowly across the stage to receive their diplomas while the orchestra played a traditional march.”
UsageIntransitive verb.
Usage process called · process known · process of making
From Middle English proces, from Old French procés (“journey”), from Latin prōcessus (“course, progression”), nominalization of prōcēdō (“proceed, advance”).
Back-formation from procession.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.