case

noun

OPAL WOPAL S

/keɪs/

Idioms

situation

[countable] a particular situation or a situation of a particular type具体情况；事例；实例

in… cases In some cases people have had to wait several weeks for an appointment.在某些情况下，人们必须等上好几周才能得到约见。
In most cases the increases have been marginal. 在大多数情况下，增长幅度很小。
In many cases it is the pressure of the job that causes managers to behave like this.在许多情况下，正是工作压力导致管理者做出这样的行为。
What should be done in such cases?遇到这种情况应该怎么办？
The substances causes nausea, sickness and, in extreme cases, death.这些物质会导致恶心、疾病，在极端情况下甚至导致死亡。
in cases of something The company only dismisses its employees in cases of gross misconduct.这家公司只有在雇员严重渎职时才予以解聘。
in the case of something In the case of banks, the law can limit activities.就银行而言，法律可以限制其业务活动。
Sometimes compost isn't enough, in which case artificial products may have to be used.有时堆肥还不够，在这种情况下可能必须使用人造产品。
a case of something It's a classic case (= a very typical case) of bad planning.这是计划不当的一个典型事例。
This appears to be a case of mistaken identity.这似乎是一起身份错误的案例。

see also edge case, use case, worst-case

Synonyms exampleexamplecase ▪ instance ▪ specimen ▪ illustrationThese are all words for a thing or situation that is typical of a particular group or set, and is sometimes used to support an argument.example something such as an object, a fact or a situation that shows, explains or supports what you say; a thing that is typical of or represents a particular group or set:

Can you give me an example of what you mean?你能给我举个实例来解释你的意思吗？

case a particular situation or a situation of a particular type; a situation that relates to a particular person or thing:

In some cases people have had to wait several weeks for an appointment.在某些情况下，人们必须等上好几周才能得到约见。

instance (rather formal) a particular situation or a situation of a particular type:

The report highlights a number of instances of injustice.这篇报告重点列举了一些不公正的实例。

specimen an example of something, especially an animal or plant:

The aquarium has some interesting specimens of unusual tropical fish.水族馆里有一些罕见的热带鱼，很有意思。

illustration (rather formal) a story, an event or an example that clearly shows the truth about something:

The statistics are a clear illustration of the point I am trying to make.这些统计数字清楚地阐明了我要陈述的要点。

example or illustration?An illustration is often used to show that something is true. An example is used to help to explain something.Patterns

a(n) example/case/instance/specimen/illustration of something
in a particular case/instance
for example/instance

Synonyms situationsituationcircumstances ▪ position ▪ conditions ▪ things ▪ the case ▪ state of affairsThese are all words for the conditions and facts that are connected with and affect the way things are.situation all the things that are happening at a particular time and in a particular place:

the present economic situation目前的经济形势

circumstances the facts that are connected with and affect a situation, an event or an action; the conditions of a person’s life, especially the money they have:

The ship sank in mysterious circumstances.那艘船神秘地沉没了。

position the situation that somebody is in, especially when it affects what they can and cannot do:

She felt she was in a position of power.她觉得她自己有权力。

conditions the circumstances in which people live, work or do things; the physical situation that affects how something happens:

We were forced to work outside in freezing conditions.我们被迫在户外天寒地冻的环境下工作。

circumstances or conditions?Circumstances refers to somebody’s financial situation; conditions are things such as the quality and amount of food or shelter they have. The circumstances that affect an event are the facts surrounding it; the conditions that affect it are usually physical ones, such as the weather.things (rather informal) the general situation, as it affects somebody:

Hi, Jane! How are things?喂，简，近来怎么样？
Think things over before you decide.先把情况考虑周全再作决定。

the case the true situation:

If that is the case (= if the situation described is true), we need more staff.如果真是那样，那我们就需要更多的员工了。

state of affairs a situation:

How did this unhappy state of affairs come about?这种不幸的情况是怎么发生的呢？

situation or state of affairs?State of affairs is mostly used with this. It is also used with adjectives describing how good or bad a situation is, such as happy, sorry, shocking, sad and unhappy, as well as those relating to time, such as present and current. Situation is much more frequent and is used in a wider variety of contexts.Patterns

in (a) particular situation/circumstances/position/state of affairs
the/somebody’s economic/financial/social situation/circumstances/position/conditions
(a/an) happy/unhappy situation/circumstances/position/state of affairs
to look at/review the situation/the circumstances/the conditions/things

Extra Examples

Except in a few rare cases, bee stings are not dangerous.除极少数情况外蜂蜇一般是没有危险的。
It was a simple case of mistaken identity.那是一个弄错身分的简单例子。
The committee has full powers to deal with any cases of malpractice that arise.该委员会全权处理出现的任何渎职事件。
There have been documented cases of officials accepting bribes.有很多记录在案的官员受贿的事例。
a case of animal cruelty虐待动物的例子
cases alleging violations of international law指控违反国际法的案件

Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective

classic
textbook
typical
…

verb + case

illustrate
show
cite
…

case + verb

arise
occur

case + noun

study
example

preposition

in somebody’s/this case
case of

phrases

case by case
a case in point

the case

[singular] the true situation实情；事实

be the case If that is the case (= if the situation described is true), we need more staff.如果真是那样，那我们就需要更多的员工了。
it's the case that… It is simply not the case that prison conditions are improving.监狱条件得到改善的情况绝非事实。
It remains the case that not enough graduates are going into teaching.实际情况依然是毕业后从教的人数不够。

Oxford Collocations Dictionaryverb + the case

be
remain
overstate
…

[countable, usually singular] a situation that relates to a particular person or thing特殊情况

in somebody's case I cannot make an exception in your case (= for you and not for others).我不能对你破例。
In your case, we are prepared to be lenient.根据你的情况，我们可以从宽处理。
in this case Don't underestimate the power of the pen, or in this case, the power of the keyboard.不要低估笔的力量，或者说在此事件中，键盘的力量。
In the present case, the facts are not disputed.本案事实无争议。
Every application will be decided on a case-by-case basis (= each one will be considered separately).各项申请将根据各自情况逐一审定。

Can you give me an example of what you mean?你能给我举个实例来解释你的意思吗？

case a particular situation or a situation of a particular type; a situation that relates to a particular person or thing:

In some cases people have had to wait several weeks for an appointment.在某些情况下，人们必须等上好几周才能得到约见。

instance (rather formal) a particular situation or a situation of a particular type:

The report highlights a number of instances of injustice.这篇报告重点列举了一些不公正的实例。

specimen an example of something, especially an animal or plant:

The aquarium has some interesting specimens of unusual tropical fish.水族馆里有一些罕见的热带鱼，很有意思。

illustration (rather formal) a story, an event or an example that clearly shows the truth about something:

The statistics are a clear illustration of the point I am trying to make.这些统计数字清楚地阐明了我要陈述的要点。

example or illustration?An illustration is often used to show that something is true. An example is used to help to explain something.Patterns

a(n) example/case/instance/specimen/illustration of something
in a particular case/instance
for example/instance

Extra Examples

In her case, she failed the exam because she wasn't well.就她的情况来说，她是因为身体不好而没有通过考试。
He highlighted the case of Harry Farr, who was executed in 1916.他特别举出了 1916 年被处决的哈里・法尔的案例。
Complaints are dealt with on a case by case basis.投诉要按个案情况具体处理。
The teacher must judge each case according to its merits.教师必须根据每一件事情的实际情况来作判定。
Let's consider the case of a dealer trying to make a sale.我们来考虑一下一个商人想要做成一笔生意的情况。

Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective

classic
textbook
typical
…

verb + case

illustrate
show
cite
…

case + verb

arise
occur

case + noun

study
example

preposition

in somebody’s/this case
case of

phrases

case by case
a case in point

police investigation

[countable] a matter that is being officially investigated, especially by the police（尤指警方）侦查的案情，调查的案件

They never solved the Jones murder case.琼斯谋杀案一直未能侦破。
Police believe it is a simple case of theft.警方认为这是一起简单的盗窃案。
Four officers are investigating the case.四名警官正在调查此案。

Collocations CrimeCrimeCommitting a crime

commit a crime/a murder/a violent assault/a brutal killing/an armed robbery/fraud
be involved in terrorism/a suspected arson attack/human trafficking
engage/participate in criminal activity/illegal practices/acts of mindless vandalism
steal somebody’s wallet/purse/(British English) mobile phone/(North American English) cell phone
rob a bank/a person/a tourist
break into/ (British English) burgle/ (North American English) burglarize a house/a home/an apartment
hijack a plane/ship/bus
smuggle drugs/weapons/arms
traffic people/wildlife/narcotics/cocaine
launder drug money (through something)
forge documents/certificates/passports
take/accept/pay somebody/offer (somebody) a bribe
run a phishing/an email/an internet scam

Fighting crime

combat/fight crime/terrorism/corruption/drug trafficking
prevent/stop credit-card fraud/child abuse/software piracy
deter/stop criminals/burglars/thieves/shoplifters/vandals
reduce/tackle/crack down on knife/gun/violent/street crime; (especially British English) antisocial behaviour
foil a bank raid/a terrorist plot
help/support/protect the victims of crime

Investigating crime

report a crime/a theft/a rape/an attack/(especially British English) an incident to the police
witness the crime/attack/murder/incident
investigate a murder/(especially North American English) a homicide/a burglary/a robbery/the alleged incident
conduct/launch/pursue an investigation (into…); (especially British English) a police/murder inquiry
investigate/reopen a criminal/murder case
examine/investigate/find fingerprints at the crime scene/the scene of crime
collect/gather forensic evidence
uncover new evidence/a fraud/a scam/a plot/a conspiracy/political corruption/a cache of weapons
describe/identify a suspect/the culprit/the perpetrator/the assailant/the attacker
question/interrogate a suspect/witness
solve/crack the case

in court

[countable] a question to be decided in court待裁决的案件

a court case诉讼案件
a criminal/civil case刑事／民事案件
The case will be heard next week.此案下周审理。
The Supreme Court heard the case yesterday.昨天，最高法院审理了此案。
to win/lose a case胜诉；败诉
When does her case come before the court?她的案子什么时候提交法庭？

arguments

[countable, usually singular] a set of facts or arguments that support one side in a trial, a discussion, etc.（在审判、讨论等中支持一方的）论据，理由，辩词

Our lawyer didn't think we had a case (= had enough good arguments to win in a court of law).我们的律师认为我们论据不足，无法赢得官司。
case for something the case for the defence/prosecution 有利于被告／原告的论据
case against somebody/something The case against her was very weak.对她不利的论据非常薄弱。
Let us consider the case for and against private education.让我们考虑一下支持和反对私立教育的理由。
case for doing something The report makes out a strong case (= gives good arguments) for spending more money on hospitals.报告充分阐明了增加医院经费的理由。
He successfully argued the case for accepting the agreement.他成功地为接受协议进行了辩护。
case that… They try to make the case that this war is necessary.他们试图论证这场战争是必要的。
You will each be given the change to state your case.你们每个人都将获得陈述您的情况的机会。

container

enlarge image

[countable] (often in compounds) a container or cover used to protect or store things; a container with its contents or the amount that it contains箱；盒；容器及内容物；（容器的）容量

a jewellery case首饰盒
The museum was full of stuffed animals in glass cases.博物馆摆满了放在玻璃柜里的动物标本。
case of something a case (= 12 bottles) of champagne一箱（12 瓶）香槟酒

see also attaché case, display case, document case, jewel case, packing case, pencil case, vanity case

Extra Examples

He put the binoculars back in their carrying case.他把双筒望远镜放回到便携盒里。
She kept all her trophies in a display case.她把自己所有的奖品放在陈列柜里。
The winner will receive a case of champagne.胜者将获得一箱共计12瓶的香槟酒。
a gold watch in a presentation case展示柜里的金表

Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective

carrying
packing
glass
…

preposition

in a/the case
inside a/the case
out of a/the case
…

(also suitcase)

[countable] a container with flat sides and a handle, used for carrying clothes, etc. when you are travelling箱子：带有平边和提手的容器，用于旅行时携带衣服等

Let me carry your case for you.我来帮你提箱子吧。

Extra Examples

a packing case一个包装箱
They put their cases in the boot and drove off.他们把行李箱放进后备箱，然后开车离开。
She wanted to pack her case and leave immediately.她想收拾行李马上离开。
I left my cases at the hotel and set off to meet him.我把行李留在酒店，然后出发去见他。

Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective

attaché
overnight

of disease

[countable] case (of something) the fact of somebody having a disease or an injury; a person who has a disease or an injury某人患病或受伤的事实；患有疾病或受伤的人

a severe case of food poisoning食物中毒重症病例
Over 130 000 cases of cholera were reported in 2016.2016 年报告了超过 13 万个霍乱病例。
The most serious cases were treated at the scene of the accident.受伤最严重的人在事故现场就得到了救治。

Extra Examples

He had contracted a severe case of pneumonia.他感染了严重的肺炎。
He claims there has never been a case of food poisoning at his restaurant.他声称他的餐厅从未发生过食物中毒事件。
Two million new cases of hypertension are diagnosed each year.每年诊断出 200 万新增高血压病例。
There have been no confirmed cases of BSE in the US.美国还没有疯牛病的确诊病例。
The Department of Health reported five human cases of bird flu.卫生部报告了 5 起人感染禽流感的病例。
He had a bad case of appendicitis.他得了严重的阑尾炎。
About 25% of AIDS cases are linked with the sharing of needles.大约 25% 的艾滋病病例与共用针头有关系。

Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective

acute
chronic
advanced
…

verb + case

diagnose
report

case + noun

history
notes
records
…

preposition

case of

person

[countable] a person who needs, or is thought to need, special treatment or attention（需特别对待或注意的）人

He's a hopeless case.他是无可救药了。
After the exams, the teacher gave all borderline cases a spoken test.考试后老师对那些在及格在线下的学生进行了一次口试。

grammar

[countable, uncountable] the form of a noun, an adjective or a pronoun in some languages, that shows its relationship to another word格（某些语言中表示名词、形容词或代词与另一词关系的形式）

the nominative/accusative/genitive case 主格；宾格；所有格
Latin nouns have case, number and gender.拉丁语名词有格、数和性。
In Polish the verb ‘to be’ takes the instrumental case.在波兰语中，动词to be 用工具格。

Wordfinder

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Word Originnoun senses 1 to 6 and noun senses 9 to 11 Middle English: from Old French cas, from Latin casus ‘fall’, related to cadere ‘to fall’; in sense (11) directly from Latin, translating Greek ptōsis, literally ‘fall’. noun senses 7 to 8 late Middle English: from Old French casse, chasse (modern caisse ‘trunk, chest’, châsse ‘reliquary, frame’), from Latin capsa, related to capere ‘to hold’.