swan
- 01 A2 Elementary
n.a large, usually white bird with a very long neck that lives on rivers and lakes.
n.a large, long-necked waterfowl of the genus Cygnus, typically possessing white plumage in adulthood.
Simple“A family of white swans swam slowly across the lake behind the park.”
In context“The mute swan is a common sight on European waterways, easily identified by its curved neck and orange bill with a black base.”
Synonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
v.to travel or move around in a relaxed way, often making others feel you are lucky or important.
v.to move or travel in an aimless, idle, or ostentatiously casual manner. Intransitive and often carries a disapproving tone.
Simple“She spent the whole summer swanning around Europe while we were stuck at work.”
In context“He has a habit of swanning into the office late, acting as though his presence alone is a significant contribution to the team's productivity.”
- 03 C2 Proficiency
v.an old-fashioned way to say 'I promise' or 'I declare'.
v.to declare or swear; used primarily in the first-person present as a mild intensive. Dialectal and increasingly rare.
Simple“Well, I swan, I never expected to see you in this part of town.”
In context“The elderly farmer looked at the ruined crop and muttered, 'I swan, I've never seen a storm do that much damage in ten minutes.'”