density
gb/dˈɛnsɪti/ us/dˈɛnsɪti/
B1
English
~ 4000
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
property
1
mass per unit volume
How heavy something is for its size.
Usage pattern:
[substance] has a density of [number]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'density' with 'weight'. Density is weight relative to volume, not total weight.
Synonyms
concentration (Refers to how much of something is in a certain space, but can also apply to non-physical things like ideas or effort.)
Antonyms
lightness (Refers to having little weight for its size, opposite of high density in physical terms.)
Collocations
population density
|high density
|low density
|energy density
|bone density
Themes
science
|physics
|measurement
Examples
- The density of lead is much higher than that of aluminum.
- Scientists measured the density of the liquid to identify it.
- Population density in cities is often much greater than in rural areas.
- A high bone density can reduce the risk of fractures.
Learner examples
- Water has a higher density than oil.
- The city has a high population density.
- This metal has a low density.
- The doctor checked my bone density.
Noun
B1
property
2
closeness or compactness
When things are very close together in one place.
Usage pattern:
the density of [objects/people]
Synonyms
compactness (Focuses on how tightly things are packed together physically.)
Antonyms
sparsity (Refers to things being spread out with lots of empty space.)
Collocations
traffic density
|crowd density
|forest density
Themes
daily life
|geography
|core_vocabulary
|space
Examples
- The forest's tree density makes it hard to walk through.
- Traffic density increased during rush hour.
- The crowd density at the concert was overwhelming.
Learner examples
- The crowd density was high at the festival.
- There is a low tree density in this area.
- Traffic density is low at night.
Noun
informal
B2
property
3
slowness to understand
Not understanding something quickly; being slow to think.
Synonyms
stupidity (A stronger and more negative term for lack of intelligence.)
Antonyms
quickness (Refers to thinking and understanding things fast.)
Collocations
mental density
Themes
emotions
|personality
|education
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- His density on the subject frustrated the teacher.
- She laughed at her own density after missing the joke.
- I can't believe my density—I left the keys inside again.
Learner examples
- I did not get the joke because of my density.
- Her density made the work slow.
- His density made him ask many questions.
Grammar
Dictionary form
density
IPA
GB/dˈɛnsɪti/
US/dˈɛnsɪti/
Syllables & stress
dens - ity (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (dens)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: density
- Plural: densities, density
Word family
Expressions
bone density
1/bˈoʊn dˈɛnsɪti/
fixed phrase
technical
mass per volume of bone tissue
How solid and strong bones are, measured by how much mineral they have.
Examples
- Regular exercise can help maintain healthy bone density.
- The test showed her bone density was lower than normal.
traffic density
1/tɹˈæfɪk dˈɛnsɪti/
fixed phrase
vehicles per road length
How many cars are on a road at the same time.
Examples
- Traffic density increases during rush hour.
- Low traffic density makes driving easier.
population density
1/pˌɑpjəlˈeɪʃən dˈɛnsɪti/
fixed phrase
people per unit area
How many people live in a certain area.
Examples
- Tokyo has one of the highest population densities in the world.
- Population density is lower in rural areas than in cities.
population density
2/pˌɑpjəlˈeɪʃən dˈɛnsɪti/
fixed phrase
technical
Number of people per area unit
How many people live in a certain size area, like per square kilometer.
Examples
- Tokyo has one of the highest population densities in the world.
- Population density affects housing prices.