lo ng-sta nding ADJ [usu ADJ n] A long-standing situation has existed for a long time. □ They are on the brink of resolving their long-standing dispute over money. □ …long-standing economic links between Europe and much of Africa.
lo ng-su ffering ADJ [usu ADJ n] Someone who is long-suffering patiently puts up with a lot of trouble or unhappiness, especially when it is caused by someone else. □ He went back to Yorkshire to join his loyal, long-suffering wife.
lo ng-term ◆◆◇ (longer-term )
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is long-term has continued for a long time or will continue for a long time in the future. □ A new training scheme to help the long-term unemployed is expected. □ The association believes new technology will provide a long-term solution to credit card fraud.
2 N‑SING When you talk about what happens in the long term , you are talking about what happens over a long period of time, either in the future or after a particular event. □ In the long term the company hopes to open in Moscow and other major cities. □ Over the long term, such measures may only make the underlying situation worse.
lo ng-time ◆◇◇ ADJ [ADJ n] You use long-time to describe something that has existed or been a particular thing for a long time. □ She married her long-time boyfriend.
lo ng wave N‑UNCOUNT Long wave is a range of radio waves which are used for broadcasting. □ …broadcasting on long wave. □ …1500m on long wave.
lo ng-wea ring also long wearing ADJ Something that is long-wearing is strong and well made so that it lasts for a long time and stays in good condition even though it is used a lot. [AM ] □ …luxurious, long-wearing, real-leather slippers. in BRIT, use hard-wearing
lo ng-wi nded ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you describe something that is written or said as long-winded , you are critical of it because it is longer than necessary. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ The manifesto is long-winded, repetitious and often ambiguous or poorly drafted. □ I hope I'm not being too long-winded.
loo /luː / (loos ) N‑COUNT A loo is a toilet. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ I asked if I could go to the loo.
loo|fah /luː fə/ (loofahs ) N‑COUNT A loofah is a long rough sponge-like piece of plant fibre which you use to scrub your body.
look
➊ USING YOUR EYES OR YOUR MIND
➋ APPEARANCE
➊ look ◆◆◆ /lʊ k/ (looks , looking , looked )
→ Please look at category 19 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.
1 VERB If you look in a particular direction, you direct your eyes in that direction, especially so that you can see what is there or see what something is like. □ [V prep/adv] I looked down the hallway to room number nine. □ [V prep/adv] She turned to look at him. □ [V prep/adv] He looked away, apparently enraged. □ [V ] If you look, you'll see what was a lake. ● N‑SING Look is also a noun. □ Lucille took a last look in the mirror. □ Assisi has a couple of churches that are worth a look if you have time.
2 VERB If you look at a book, newspaper, or magazine, you read it fairly quickly or read part of it. □ [V + at ] You've just got to look at the last bit of Act Three. ● N‑SING Look is also a noun. □ [+ at ] A quick look at Monday's British newspapers shows that there's plenty of interest in foreign news.
3 VERB If someone, especially an expert, looks at something, they examine it, and then deal with it or say how it should be dealt with. □ [V + at ] Can you look at my back? I think something's wrong. [Also V ] ● N‑SING Look is also a noun. □ [+ at ] The car has not been running very well and a mechanic had to come over to have a look at it.
4 VERB If you look at someone in a particular way, you look at them with your expression showing what you are feeling or thinking. □ [V + at ] She looked at him earnestly. 'You don't mind?' ● N‑COUNT [oft adj N ] Look is also a noun. □ He gave her a blank look, as if he had no idea who she was. □ [+ of ] Sally spun round, a feigned look of surprise on her face.
5 VERB If you look for something, for example something that you have lost, you try to find it. □ [V + for ] I'm looking for a child. I believe your husband can help me find her. □ [V + for ] I had gone to Maine looking for a place to work. □ [V prep/adv + for ] I looked everywhere for ideas. □ [V prep/adv] Have you looked on the piano? ● N‑SING Look is also a noun. □ Go and have another look.
6 VERB If you are looking for something such as the solution to a problem or a new method, you want it and are trying to obtain it or think of it. □ [V + for ] The working group will be looking for practical solutions to the problems faced by doctors.
7 VERB If you look at a subject, problem, or situation, you think about it or study it, so that you know all about it and can perhaps consider what should be done in relation to it. □ [V + at ] Next term we'll be looking at the Second World War period. □ [V + at ] He visited Florida a few years ago looking at the potential of the area to stage a big match. ● N‑SING Look is also a noun. □ [+ at ] A close look at the statistics reveals a troubling picture.
8 VERB If you look at a person, situation, or subject from a particular point of view, you judge them or consider them from that point of view. □ [V + at ] Brian had learned to look at her with new respect. □ [V + at ] It depends how you look at it.