oil
gb/ˈɔɪl/ us/ˈɔɪl/
A1
English
~ 1000
kőolaj, olaj, étolaj, beolajoz, olajoz
NOUN
A2
1
Usage pattern:
[something] contains oil
The country’s economy depends heavily on oil exports.
Az ország gazdasága nagymértékben függ az olajexporttól.
Crude oil prices have risen sharply this year.
A nyersolaj ára idén meredeken emelkedett.
The mechanic checked the oil in the engine.
An oil spill damaged the coastline.
They are drilling for oil in the desert.
Learner examples
The car needs more oil.
Több olaj kell az autóba.
Oil is used to make fuel.
A kőolajból üzemanyagot állítanak elő.
Many countries sell oil to other countries.
There was an oil spill in the sea.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'oil' (petroleum) with 'oil' used in cooking; context determines meaning.
Meaning
Petroleum-based fuel or lubricant
Collocations
crude oil
|oil spill
|oil industry
|oil prices
|oil tanker
Synonyms
petroleum (More formal and technical term referring to crude oil.)
Antonyms
water (Opposite in physical properties, as water does not mix with oil.)
Themes
energy
|industry
|transport
|technology
|finance
Definition
A thick liquid from under the ground that is used for fuel or to make products.
A viscous liquid derived from petroleum, used as fuel, lubricant, or raw material in manufacturing.
NOUN
A1
2
Usage pattern:
fry [something] in oil
She poured olive oil into the pan.
Olívaolajat öntött a serpenyőbe.
Vegetable oil is healthier for frying than some animal fats.
A növényi olaj egészségesebb választás sütéshez, mint egyes állati zsiradékok.
The salad was dressed with sesame oil.
Heat the oil before adding the onions.
We ran out of cooking oil.
Learner examples
I put oil in the pan.
Olajat tettem a serpenyőbe.
We use olive oil for salad.
Salátához olívaolajat használunk.
Please buy some cooking oil.
She fried the fish in oil.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'oil' for cooking with petroleum; use cooking context to clarify.
Meaning
Cooking fat from plants or animals
Collocations
olive oil
|cooking oil
|vegetable oil
|oil dressing
Synonyms
cooking oil (Specifically refers to oils intended for food preparation.)
Antonyms
butter (A solid fat often used instead of oil in cooking.)
Themes
food
|cooking
|food_drink
|daily_life
Definition
A liquid fat from plants or animals used to cook food.
A liquid fat obtained from plants or animals, used in preparing and cooking food.
VERB
B1
3
Usage pattern:
oil [something]
You should oil the door hinges to stop them squeaking.
Be kellene olajoznod az ajtózsanérokat, hogy ne nyikorogjanak.
The mechanic oiled the engine parts before reassembly.
A szerelő beolajozta a motor alkatrészeit az újbóli összeszerelés előtt.
Remember to oil your bike chain regularly.
He oiled the gears to ensure smooth operation.
Learner examples
I need to oil my bike chain.
Be kell olajoznom a biciklim láncát.
He oiled the door so it opened quietly.
Beolajozta az ajtót, hogy csendesen nyíljon.
We must oil the machine every week.
Please oil the hinges.
Meaning
To apply oil for lubrication or protection
Collocations
oil the hinges
|oil machinery
|oil tools
Synonyms
lubricate (More technical term often used in engineering contexts.)
Antonyms
dry out (To lose lubrication and become dry.)
Themes
maintenance
|mechanics
|daily_life
|work
Definition
To put oil on something so it moves easily or does not rust.
To put oil on or into something to make it work smoothly, prevent rust, or protect it.
NOUN
B2
TECHNICAL
4
olaj
B2
Lavender essential oil is popular in aromatherapy.
A levendula illóolaja népszerű az aromaterápiában.
Mineral oil is often used in cosmetics.
Az ásványi olajat gyakran használják kozmetikumokban.
Fish oil supplements are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Learner examples
I like the smell of this flower oil.
Szeretem ennek a virágból készült olajnak az illatát.
Mineral oil can be used on wood.
Az ásványi olaj fa kezelésére is használható.
Fish oil is good for health.
Meaning
General liquid fat or similar substance
Collocations
essential oil
|mineral oil
|fish oil
Synonyms
lubricant (When referring to oils used for reducing friction.)
Antonyms
aqueous solution (Water-based liquid that contrasts chemically with oils.)
Themes
science
|chemistry
|core_vocabulary
Definition
A thick liquid from plants, animals, or minerals that does not mix with water.
Any of various viscous liquids that are not soluble in water and are derived from plants, animals, or minerals.
Grammar
Dictionary form
oil
IPA
GB/ˈɔɪl/
US/ˈɔɪl/
Syllables & stress
oil (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (oil)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: oil
- Plural: oils
Verb
- Base: oil
- 3rd Person Singular: oils
- Present Participle: oiling
- Past: oiled
Word family
Forms
oils
noun
oiling
verb
oiled
verb
Core family
oily
adjective B1
Related words
oiliness
noun
oiler
noun
Expressions
oil the wheels
1/ˈɔɪl ðə wˈilz/
idiom
Make something run more smoothly
To make something easier to do by helping or removing problems.
Examples
- Good communication will help to oil the wheels of any project.
- Extra funding could really oil the wheels of our research program.
pour oil on troubled waters
1/pˈɔɹ ˈɔɪl ˈɔn tɹˈʌbəld wˈɔtɚz/
idiom
Calm a tense situation
To try to make people stop arguing or feeling angry.
Examples
- She tried to pour oil on troubled waters by changing the subject.
- His kind words poured oil on troubled waters during the meeting.
strike oil
1/stɹˈaɪk ˈɔɪl/
idiom
Find something valuable unexpectedly
To suddenly find something that makes you rich or successful.
Examples
- They really struck oil with their new app idea.
- The prospector struck oil after months of drilling.
well-oiled machine
1/wˈɛl ˈɔɪld məʃˈin/
idiom
Smoothly running system or group
A group or process that works very well and without problems.
Examples
- The event was organized like a well-oiled machine.
- The event ran like a well-oiled machine thanks to good planning.
- Our team works together like a well-oiled machine.
- Our team is now a well-oiled machine after months of practice.
burn the midnight oil
1/bˈɚn ðə mˈɪdnˌaɪt ˈɔɪl/
idiom
Work late into the night
To work late at night, usually studying or working on something important.
Examples
- She’s been burning the midnight oil preparing for her exams.
- She burned the midnight oil to finish her thesis.
- He had to burn the midnight oil to finish the report.
- We had to burn the midnight oil to meet the deadline.
- They've been burning the midnight oil preparing for the big presentation.
- She burned the midnight oil studying for her exams.
burn the midnight oil
2/bˈɚn ðə mˈɪdnˌaɪt ˈɔɪl/
idiom
work or study very late
To work or study until very late at night, especially past midnight.
Examples
- She had to burn the midnight oil to finish her thesis.
- We’ve been burning the midnight oil all week to meet the deadline.