term
term — verb
- termpresent simple I / you / we / they
- terms3rd person singular
- terming-ing form
- termedpast simple
1. to use a particular word or phrase to describe someone or something — for exampl
to use a particular word or phrase to describe someone or something — for example, terming a plan a failure, a policy unfair, or a person a genius
Pim termed his new role at the company the best job in the world.
term + object + noun phrase complement
This type of behavior is often termed passive-aggressive by mental health experts.
passive: be + termed + adjective complement
Many voters termed the new law unfair and called for change.
Esteban termed his neighbor's help amazing because she brought food every day.
The teacher termed the student's work the best in the class.
- call
more common in everyday speech; 'term' sounds more deliberate or formal
- label
often implies a fixed or simplistic category, sometimes unfairly
- describe as
less direct; requires 'as' before the complement, unlike 'term' which takes it directly
文法句型
term + object + noun phrase complement (e.g., term the plan a failure)
term + object + adjective complement (e.g., term the plan unfair)
be + termed + noun/adjective complement (passive)
用法筆記
Requires a complement (noun phrase or adjective) after the object — you cannot use it as 'She termed the idea' without adding a description such as 'She termed the idea brilliant.'
常見錯誤
term — noun
- termsingular
- termsplural
1. a fixed length of time during which something lasts, such as a job, punishment,
a fixed length of time during which something lasts, such as a job, punishment, or official arrangement
The US president serves a four-year term in office before the next election.
collocation: term in office
Hiro received a three-year prison term for the robbery he committed.
collocation: prison term
The warranty on this laptop has a term of two years from the purchase date.
During her first term as mayor, Rania built three new public schools.
The contract has a term of twelve months that begins in January.
文法句型
a [number]-[noun] term
term of [something]
用法筆記
Commonly combined with a specific length (two-year, five-year) or a role (presidential term, prison term).
常見錯誤
2. one of the parts that a school or college year is divided into, during which stu
one of the parts that a school or college year is divided into, during which students attend classes regularly
The autumn term at Oxford University starts in early October.
collocation: autumn term / spring term / summer term
Élise was excited to begin her first term at the new school in September.
Students take their final exams at the end of each term.
The summer term is usually shorter than the spring term at most colleges.
Beatrix transferred to a different university after just one term.
文法句型
[season] term
the [season] term
用法筆記
Variety note: 'term' is the standard word in the UK, Australia, and parts of Europe. In the US, 'semester' and 'quarter' are more common, though 'term' is still understood.
3. the period during which a legal document such as a contract, lease, or property
the period during which a legal document such as a contract, lease, or property agreement remains valid and enforceable
The flat lease has a term of two years with an option to renew.
During the term of the agreement, neither side may sell company shares.
collocation: during the term of [agreement]
Asher agreed not to join a competitor for the term of his contract.
The tenancy runs for a fixed term of twelve months starting in March.
文法句型
term of [agreement/lease/contract]
during the term of
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 1 (TIME PERIOD): sense 1 covers any fixed period (jail, presidency, warranty), while sense 3 is restricted to periods defined by legal or contractual documents.
常見錯誤
4. the stage of pregnancy at which a baby is developed enough to be born safely, ty
the stage of pregnancy at which a baby is developed enough to be born safely, typically around 40 weeks
The baby was born two weeks before term and needed extra medical care.
Doctors prefer to let a pregnancy reach full term before considering induction.
collocation: reach full term
Carried safely to term, the twins each weighed over three kilograms.
The pregnancy reached full term, and the family is waiting for the baby.
文法句型
full term
at term
carried to term
born before term
用法筆記
Frequently used in fixed phrases: 'full term' (the normal length of pregnancy), 'at term' (at the expected delivery date), 'pre-term' (before full term).
5. a way of describing a future period when grouping it by length, used especially
a way of describing a future period when grouping it by length, used especially to weigh immediate results against later ones
In the long term, investing in education benefits the whole country.
collocation: in the long term
The company's short-term plan is to increase sales by twenty percent.
Medium-term goals include opening new offices across Southeast Asia.
We need to consider the environmental cost in the longer term.
Profits may fall this year, but the outlook in the medium term is much brighter.
- run
used in similar phrases 'in the long run' and 'in the short run,' less common with 'medium'
文法句型
in the long/short/medium term
用法筆記
Almost always appears in the fixed phrases 'in the long/short/medium term' or as the compound adjectives 'long-term,' 'short-term,' 'medium-term.' The compound adjective form (with a hyphen) is also covered under the suffix entry.
常見錯誤
6. a vocabulary item that carries a precise meaning within a specific professional
a vocabulary item that carries a precise meaning within a specific professional or academic field, such as medicine, law, or science
The doctor explained the medical term 'hypertension' to her patient.
collocation: medical term / legal term / technical term
Each profession has its own set of technical terms that outsiders may not know.
The legal term 'plaintiff' refers to the person who brings a case to court.
Hui learned several new business terms during her first week at the finance firm.
The dictionary includes a helpful glossary of scientific terms used in the article.
- word
more general; any unit of language rather than one specific to a field
- expression
a phrase or saying; broader than 'term' which implies technical or official use
- phrase
a group of words; 'term' can be a single word or a short phrase
- name
what something is called; less about subject-specific vocabulary
- everyday language
ordinary words not tied to a specific field
文法句型
[subject] term
technical/medical/legal term for/of [something]
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 2 of the verb ('to term'), which means 'to give something a name.' The noun refers to the word itself; the verb refers to the act of naming.
常見錯誤
7. a number, variable, or combination of these that functions as a separate element
a number, variable, or combination of these that functions as a separate element within a mathematical expression, such as an equation, sequence, or polynomial.
In the equation 3x + 7 = 22, the number 7 is a constant term.
constant vs variable term in an equation
Lan learned how to combine like terms when solving algebra homework.
Each term in the sequence is found by adding five to the one before it.
Theo wrote the first six terms of the series on the whiteboard.
- element
broader; element can refer to any component, not just in math
用法筆記
Countable noun often used with 'constant', 'variable', 'like', or ordinal numbers ('first term', 'next term').
常見錯誤
8. an offensive or unkind word used to refer to someone, usually with the intention
an offensive or unkind word used to refer to someone, usually with the intention of hurting or insulting them.
Calling someone a hurtful term because of their background is bullying.
derogatory term + for + group
Sari told the boy to stop using insulting terms when talking to his classmates.
The principal warned that using racial terms against other students would not be allowed.
Defne felt deeply upset after a teammate used an ugly term to describe her.
- compliment
a positive remark, not a label
文法句型
term + for + [person/group]
用法筆記
Frequently collocates with 'racial', 'insulting', 'ugly', and 'hurtful'. The structure 'term for [group]' is common ('an insulting term for people with disabilities').
常見錯誤
9. a friendly or affectionate word used to address or describe someone, showing war
a friendly or affectionate word used to address or describe someone, showing warmth, love, or closeness.
Her grandmother called her 'sweetheart', a term she used for all the grandchildren.
term of endearment for family member
Christopher uses the term 'buddy' when speaking to his younger brother.
In many cultures, warm terms like 'dear' are used even with strangers in shops.
Paul's letter began with the loving term 'my dearest' before the main message.
- endearment
more specific; used in the fixed phrase 'term of endearment'
- nickname
broader; can be based on any characteristic, not just affection
- insult
an offensive remark, the opposite of an affectionate term
文法句型
term of endearment
term + for + [person]
用法筆記
The fixed phrase 'term of endearment' is the most common way to refer to this category. Individual terms vary widely by culture and relationship ('honey', 'love', 'sweetie').
10. used in the phrase 'in terms of' to indicate the specific aspect, subject, or po
used in the phrase 'in terms of' to indicate the specific aspect, subject, or point of view from which something is being considered or described.
In terms of cost, this option is much cheaper than the other one.
in terms of + abstract noun
The project was a complete success in terms of both time and budget.
In terms of design, the new smartphone model is a big step forward.
In terms of safety, the new system is a huge improvement over the old design.
- regarding
more formal; can replace 'in terms of' in many contexts
- concerning
more formal; similar meaning
文法句型
in terms of + [noun phrase]
用法筆記
Always appears in the phrase 'in terms of'. Do not confuse with sense 6 (a single word or expression used in a specialized field) — this sense covers the discourse marker 'in terms of' used to frame a topic.
常見錯誤
11. used in the phrase 'in no uncertain terms' to describe a statement that is expre
used in the phrase 'in no uncertain terms' to describe a statement that is expressed very directly and clearly, leaving no room for doubt or misunderstanding.
The manager told the team in no uncertain terms that the deadline was final.
in no uncertain terms + tell + that-clause
Jenna was informed in no uncertain terms that her behaviour was unacceptable.
The doctor explained in no uncertain terms the risks of skipping the treatment.
In no uncertain terms, the teacher said that copying homework would result in a penalty.
- explicitly
adverb; conveys directness without the idiomatic flavour
- unequivocally
formal; means leaving no doubt
- vaguely
in an unclear or uncertain way
文法句型
in no uncertain terms
用法筆記
Always appears as part of the fixed phrase 'in no uncertain terms'. Functions adverbially, usually modifying verbs like 'tell', 'say', 'warn', or 'explain'. Distinguish from sense 12, which focuses on emotional tone rather than clarity.
12. using language that expresses a particular feeling or attitude in a clear and po
using language that expresses a particular feeling or attitude in a clear and powerful way, especially anger, disapproval, or strong support.
The newspaper described the politician's actions in the strongest possible terms.
in [strong] terms + describe/criticize
Antonia spoke in angry terms about the unfair treatment she had received at work.
The committee condemned the proposal in very forceful terms during the meeting.
Lan praised the volunteers in glowing terms for their hard work after the storm.
文法句型
in [adjective] terms
用法筆記
The adjective before 'terms' carries the emotional tone: 'strong/forceful/angry' for disapproval, 'glowing/high' for praise. Unlike sense 11, this sense does not imply clarity or directness — it emphasizes emotional intensity.
13. the specific rules, demands, or points that people or groups agree on as part of
the specific rules, demands, or points that people or groups agree on as part of a deal, contract, or arrangement.
Before signing the lease, Anjali read every term in the contract carefully.
collocation: term of a contract / lease
The two companies finally agreed on the terms of their business partnership.
agreed on the terms (common collocation)
One term of the deal required the buyer to pay within thirty days.
If you break any term of the agreement, the contract becomes invalid.
The lawyer explained each term so that her client understood the obligations.
- condition
more general; 'condition' often refers to something that must happen first, while 'term' is a stated rule in an agreement
- stipulation
formal; used mostly in legal or official contexts
- clause
a single section within a contract that contains one or more terms
文法句型
the terms of [something]
term(s) of [agreement]
用法筆記
Usually appears in the plural form 'terms' when referring to the conditions of an agreement. 'Term' in the singular is possible but less common in this sense.
常見錯誤
14. a buying arrangement where the cost is split into smaller payments made regularl
a buying arrangement where the cost is split into smaller payments made regularly, instead of being paid all at once.
The store offered Eliska easy terms, so she paid for the sofa over six months.
easy terms (fixed phrase for installment payment)
Many families buy appliances on terms because they cannot afford the full price at once.
on terms (abbreviated form meaning payment plan)
The car dealer gave Ramón reasonable terms with no interest for the first year.
Buying electronics on easy terms usually means paying a little extra in the end.
Joon checked the payment terms before agreeing to the monthly plan.
- installment plan
more common in American English; more explicit about the payment schedule
- credit arrangement
formal; can involve loans or other credit types, not just store payment plans
文法句型
on (easy/reasonable) terms
用法筆記
Used primarily in British English. The fixed phrase 'on easy terms' means paying in manageable installments. This sense is distinct from sense 13 (conditions of an agreement), which is about general contract conditions.
常見錯誤
15. the nature of a relationship between people or groups, especially regarding equa
the nature of a relationship between people or groups, especially regarding equality, friendliness, or mutual understanding.
After the argument, Cyrus and his brother were not on speaking terms for a week.
on speaking terms (fixed phrase for communication status)
The manager promised to treat all staff on equal terms regardless of their rank.
on equal terms (collocation for fairness)
Lisa and her neighbour are on friendly terms and often share meals together.
The two teams competed on equal terms, each with the same number of players.
Anjali found it hard to stay on good terms with her co-worker after the disagreement.
文法句型
on (adjective) terms with [someone]
用法筆記
Always appears in the pattern 'on [adjective] terms with [someone]'. Common adjectives include 'good', 'bad', 'friendly', 'equal', 'speaking'. This sense is distinct from sense 13 (agreement conditions) and sense 14 (payment plan).
常見錯誤
16. the specific subjects, topics, or areas that a formal study, report, investigati
the specific subjects, topics, or areas that a formal study, report, investigation, or discussion is limited to.
The committee's terms of reference did not include reviewing past decisions.
terms of reference (fixed phrase for scope of an inquiry)
The professor told the students to state the terms of their research in chapter one.
Within the terms of the investigation, the team could only examine safety issues.
The judge said the question was outside the terms set for the inquiry.
Eitan defined the terms of his study before collecting any data.
文法句型
terms of [something]
within/beyond the terms of [something]
用法筆記
Common in academic and formal contexts. The fixed phrase 'terms of reference' is especially frequent in committee work, official inquiries, and research proposals. Distinct from sense 13 (agreement conditions) because it defines the boundaries of an investigation rather than rules of a deal.
常見錯誤
term — suffix
1. added to time words such as 'long' or 'short' to form adjectives that describe h
added to time words such as 'long' or 'short' to form adjectives that describe how long something lasts or continues
Jiwoo's long-term plan involves studying medicine and working in a hospital.
compound adjective before noun
A medium-term solution was needed to fix the school's computer system.
Folake signed a short-term lease while her house was being repaired.
The short-term effects of the medicine include mild dizziness and tiredness.
The changes Valentina made to her diet are mostly long-term.
文法句型
time-describing adjective + -term → compound adjective
用法筆記
This suffix attaches to time-describing adjectives such as 'long', 'short', 'medium', and 'near'. The resulting compound functions as an adjective, placed before a noun (e.g., 'a long-term solution') or after a linking verb (e.g., 'The effects are long-term').