case

noun (SITUATION)

/keɪs/

Definition

B1 [C] a particular situation or example of something: Over a hundred people were injured, in several cases seriously. Jobs are hard to find but in his case that's not the problem because he has so much experience. I wouldn't normally agree but I'll make an exception in this case. The number of new cases of the illness appears to be declining. We have lots of applications from people who want to study here and in each case we consider the candidate very carefully. She was suffering from an extreme case of sunburn.Samples and examplesSituations and circumstances in that case B2 because of the mentioned situation: There's no coffee left? In that case I'll have tea.Connecting words which introduce a cause or reason (not) the case B1 (not) true: If that is the case then I will be very disappointed.True, real, false, and unreal in any case B2 also: I don't want to go and in any case, I haven't been invited.Also, extra, and in addition (just) in case B1 because of a possibility of something happening, being needed, etc.: I don't think I'll need any money but I'll bring some just in case. Bring a map in case you get lost.Possible and probable in the case of sth/sb › in connection with someone or something, or in the situation of something: The law will apply equally to men and women except in the case of maternity leave.Samples and examples a case of sth › used when a situation is of a particular type: She doesn't want to work full-time, it's a case of having to.Situations and circumstances a case in point › an example that shows that what you are saying is true or helps to explain why you are saying it: Lack of communication causes serious problems and their marriage is a case in point.Samples and examples as the case might be (also whatever the case might be) › one of the stated possibilities that is true: When the election is called in April, or June, as the case might be, we shall be ready for it.Being based on or depending on something

(Definition of case noun (SITUATION) from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)

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