sched|ule ◆◆◇ /ʃe djuːl, [AM ] ske dʒuːl/ (schedules , scheduling , scheduled )
1 N‑COUNT A schedule is a plan that gives a list of events or tasks and the times at which each one should happen or be done. □ He has been forced to adjust his schedule. □ We both have such hectic schedules.
2 N‑UNCOUNT You can use schedule to refer to the time or way something is planned to be done. For example, if something is completed on schedule , it is completed at the time planned. □ The jet arrived in Johannesburg two minutes ahead of schedule. □ Everything went according to schedule.
3 VERB [usu passive] If something is scheduled to happen at a particular time, arrangements are made for it to happen at that time. □ [be V -ed to-inf] The space shuttle had been scheduled to blast off at 04:38. □ [be V -ed + for ] A presidential election was scheduled for last December. □ [be V -ed] No new talks are scheduled.
4 N‑COUNT A schedule is a written list of things, for example a list of prices, details, or conditions.
5 N‑COUNT A schedule is a list of all the times when trains, boats, buses, or aircraft are supposed to arrive at or leave a particular place. [mainly AM ] □ …a bus schedule. in BRIT, usually use timetable 6 N‑COUNT In a school or college, a schedule is a diagram that shows the times in the week at which particular subjects are taught. [AM ] in BRIT, usually use timetable SYNONYMS schedule NOUN 1
plan: …a detailed plan of action for restructuring the group.
programme: The programme of sell-offs has been implemented by the new chief executive.
agenda: Please find attached the agenda for tomorrow's meeting.
timetable: The timetable was hopelessly optimistic.
sche|ma /skiː mə/ (schemas or schemata /skiː mətə/) N‑COUNT A schema is an outline of a plan or theory. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] …a definite position in the schema of the economic process.
sche|mat|ic /skiːmæ t I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A schematic diagram or picture shows something in a simple way. □ This is represented in the schematic diagram below.
scheme ◆◆◇ /skiː m/ (schemes , scheming , schemed )
1 N‑COUNT [oft N to-inf, n N ] A scheme is a plan or arrangement involving many people which is made by a government or other organization. [mainly BRIT ] □ …schemes to help combat unemployment. □ …a private pension scheme. in AM, use program 2 N‑COUNT [oft N to-inf] A scheme is someone's plan for achieving something. □ …a quick money-making scheme to get us through the summer. [Also + for ]
3 VERB [oft cont] If you say that people are scheming , you mean that they are making secret plans in order to gain something for themselves. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ [V ] Everyone's always scheming and plotting. □ [V to-inf] The bride's family were scheming to prevent a wedding. □ [V + against ] They claimed that their opponents were scheming against them. □ [V -ing] You're a scheming little devil, aren't you? ● schem|ing N‑UNCOUNT □ …their favourite pastimes of scheming and gossiping.
4 → see also colour scheme , pension scheme
5 PHRASE When people talk about the scheme of things or the grand scheme of things , they are referring to the way that everything in the world seems to be organized. □ We realize that we are infinitely small within the scheme of things. SYNONYMS scheme NOUN 1
plan: …a detailed plan of action for restructuring the group.
programme: The programme of sell-offs has been implemented by the new chief executive.
strategy: What should our marketing strategy have achieved?
system: …a flexible and relatively efficient filing system.
schem|er /skiː mə r / (schemers ) N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a schemer , you mean that they make secret plans in order to get some benefit for themselves. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ …office schemers who think of nothing but their own advancement.
scher|zo /skeə r tsoʊ/ (scherzos ) N‑COUNT A scherzo is a short, lively piece of classical music which is usually part of a longer piece of music.
schism /sk I zəm, s I z-/ (schisms ) N‑VAR When there is a schism , a group or organization divides into two groups as a result of differences in thinking and beliefs. [FORMAL ] □ The church seems to be on the brink of schism.
schiz|oid /sk I tsɔ I d/
1 ADJ If you describe someone as schizoid , you mean that they seem to have very different opinions and purposes at different times. [OFFENSIVE , DISAPPROVAL ] □ …a rather schizoid fellow.
2 ADJ Someone who is schizoid suffers from schizophrenia. □ …a schizoid personality.
schizo|phre|nia /sk I tsəfriː niə/ N‑UNCOUNT Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness. People who suffer from it are unable to relate their thoughts and feelings to what is happening around them and often withdraw from society.
schizo|phren|ic /sk I tsəfre n I k/ (schizophrenics )
1 N‑COUNT A schizophrenic is a person who is suffering from schizophrenia. □ He was diagnosed as a paranoid schizophrenic. ● ADJ Schizophrenic is also an adjective. □ …a schizophrenic patient. □ …schizophrenic tendencies.
2 ADJ Someone's attitude or behaviour can be described as schizophrenic when they seem to have very different opinions or purposes at different times. □ …the schizophrenic mood of the American public.