vice

C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Law Technical

n. crimes involving things like drugs, gambling, or prostitution.

n. criminal activities involving immoral behavior, often specifically those managed by a dedicated police department.

“The city police have a special unit to fight vice and organized crime.”

“The mayor promised to crack down on vice in the downtown district, targeting illegal gambling dens and unlicensed clubs.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun British English

n. a metal tool with two parts that you screw together to hold an object firmly while you work on it.

n. a mechanical apparatus used to secure an object while work is performed on it. Often spelled 'vise' in American English.

“He held the wooden board in a vice so he could saw it straight.”

“The carpenter tightened the vice until the joint was perfectly aligned, ensuring the glue would set without any movement.”

C2 · Proficiency Formal

prep. a formal way to say 'instead of' or 'replacing'.

prep. used to indicate that one person or thing is taking the place of another.

“Mr. Smith was appointed chairman vice Mr. Jones, who retired last month.”

“The board announced that Sarah Jenkins would be appointed as the lead counsel vice Robert Miller, effective immediately.”

B1 · Intermediate

adj. describing someone who is next in rank below a leader and can act for them.

adj. designating a person who acts in the place of a superior or is second in command.

“The vice president took over the meeting because the president was sick.”

“The vice-chancellor of the university is responsible for the day-to-day administrative operations of the institution.”