Dictionary monolingual
English
Case
keɪs
Extremely common
100 - 200
100 - 200
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
Case -
Container or holder for something
Example: She packed her clothes in a suitcase for the trip.
Usage: formalContext: travel and storage
Note: Commonly used in formal writing and instructions.
Instance or occurrence of something
Example: There was a case of food poisoning at the restaurant.
Usage: formalContext: medical, legal, or investigative contexts
Note: Often used in professional settings to refer to specific incidents.
Legal proceeding or lawsuit
Example: The lawyer presented a strong case in court.
Usage: formalContext: legal discussions
Note: Commonly used in legal and formal contexts to refer to a legal argument.
Grammatical category indicating the function of a noun or pronoun in a sentence
Example: He gave the book to her. 'Her' is in the accusative case.
Usage: formalContext: linguistics and grammar studies
Note: Important concept in language learning and understanding sentence structure.
Situation or scenario
Example: In this case, we should consider all options before making a decision.
Usage: formalContext: problem-solving and decision-making
Note: Used to discuss specific scenarios or instances.
Case's synonyms
Instance
An instance refers to a specific occurrence or example of something.
Example: In this particular instance, the decision was made to proceed with the project.
Note: While 'case' can be more general, 'instance' tends to emphasize a specific occurrence.
Scenario
A scenario is a possible sequence of events or a description of a possible situation.
Example: Let's consider a different scenario where the outcome may vary.
Note: Unlike 'case,' which can refer to a specific example, 'scenario' often implies a hypothetical or potential situation.
Situation
A situation refers to the circumstances or conditions at a particular time.
Example: The current situation requires immediate action to be taken.
Note: Similar to 'case,' 'situation' can be used in a general sense but often focuses on the present circumstances.
Example
An example is a specific instance or illustration used to represent a general idea.
Example: Let me provide an example to illustrate the concept.
Note: While 'case' can be broader, 'example' specifically highlights a particular instance used for clarification or demonstration.
Case expressions, common phrases
In case
This phrase means 'if something happens' or 'as a precaution'.
Example: I'll bring an umbrella in case it rains.
Note: The phrase 'in case' has a conditional or precautionary meaning, unlike the word 'case' which refers to a particular instance or situation.
Just in case
Similar to 'in case', this phrase means 'as a precaution' or 'if needed'.
Example: I packed an extra charger just in case my phone dies.
Note: It emphasizes the proactive preparation for a potential situation, adding 'just' for emphasis.
Make a case for
To present arguments or evidence in support of something.
Example: She made a compelling case for a salary raise.
Note: This idiom shifts the meaning from the physical sense of 'case' to advocating or arguing for a particular position or action.
Case in point
An example that illustrates a point being made.
Example: His lateness is a case in point of his lack of punctuality.
Note: It uses 'case' to highlight a specific instance or example that validates or exemplifies a broader statement.
Get off scot-free
To escape punishment or consequences without facing any repercussions.
Example: The criminal got off scot-free after a technicality in the case.
Note: This phrase relates to legal cases where the accused is acquitted or avoids punishment, contrasting with the general sense of 'case' as a situation or instance.
Basket case
Someone who is extremely anxious, nervous, or mentally unstable.
Example: After the stressful week, she felt like a complete basket case.
Note: This idiom uses 'case' metaphorically to describe a person's mental or emotional state, deviating from the literal meaning of a physical container or situation.
Open-and-shut case
A situation where the solution or decision is blatantly obvious, requiring little or no further investigation.
Example: The evidence was overwhelming; it's an open-and-shut case.
Note: In this phrase, 'case' refers to a situation that is straightforward and clear-cut, unlike the word 'case' which can have various complexities and nuances.
Case everyday (slang) expressions
Case closed
Used to indicate that a matter is settled or resolved.
Example: I lost my wallet, but then I found it in my backpack. So, case closed.
Note: Differs from 'case' as it emphasizes finality or conclusion.
Case of the Mondays
Refers to feeling unmotivated or down at the beginning of the workweek.
Example: I've got a serious case of the Mondays, just can't seem to get motivated.
Note: Differs from 'case' as it represents a specific situation or feeling, often related to work.
Case study
An in-depth analysis or examination of a real-life or hypothetical situation.
Example: We need to do a case study on consumer behavior for our marketing project.
Note: Differs from 'case' as it involves a detailed investigation or research on a specific topic or scenario.
Base case
Refers to the simplest or most basic situation or assumption.
Example: Let's consider the base case before exploring more complex scenarios.
Note: Differs from 'case' as it denotes a fundamental starting point in analysis or problem-solving.
Case file
A collection of documents and information related to a specific legal matter or investigation.
Example: I need to review the case file before the meeting with the lawyers.
Note: Differs from 'case' as it specifically refers to the documentation and details associated with a legal case.
Staircase wit
Refers to thinking of a clever reply too late, typically after the moment has passed.
Example: I thought of the perfect comeback after the argument was over; it's just my staircase wit.
Note: Differs indirectly from 'case' but is an expression involving a word that is related to 'case'.
Cased the joint
To survey or investigate a place or location, especially before committing a crime.
Example: The burglars cased the joint before breaking in.
Note: Differs from 'case' in that it involves observing or scouting an area for unlawful purposes.
Case - Examples
I have a new phone case.
She solved the case quickly.
In this particular case, we should ask for help.
He presented a strong case to support his argument.
Case grammar
Case - Noun (Noun) / Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass)
Lemma: case
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): cases
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): case
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): cased
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): casing
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): cases
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): case
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): case
Syllables, Separation and Stress
Case Contains 1 syllables: case
Phonetic transcription: ˈkās
case , ˈkās (The red syllable is stressed)
Case - Importance and usage frequency
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
Case: 100 - 200 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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