Collocations for term - noun
1. word or group of words
ADJ.
specific | blanket, broad, general, generic | clear, precise | vague | ambiguous | strong
His objection was couched in the strongest terms.
His objection was couched in the strongest terms.
mild | colloquial, slang | pejorative
‘Swot’ is a pejorative term for someone who studies a lot.
‘Swot’ is a pejorative term for someone who studies a lot.
technical | clinical, legal, medical, musical, etc.
VERB + TERM
use | be couched in | define, explain | coin
The term ‘acid rain’ was coined in the nineteenth century.
The term ‘acid rain’ was coined in the nineteenth century.
TERM + VERB
connote sth, denote sth, describe sth, mean sth | apply to sth, be applied to sth, cover sth, refer to sth
The term ‘renewable energy’ is applied, for example, to energy deriving from solar radiation.
The term ‘renewable energy’ is applied, for example, to energy deriving from solar radiation.
PREP.
~ for
‘Old man’ is a slang term for ‘father’.
‘Old man’ is a slang term for ‘father’.
~ of
a term of abuse/endearment
a term of abuse/endearment
PHRASES
in glowing terms
The chairman spoke of the achievements of the company in glowing terms.
The chairman spoke of the achievements of the company in glowing terms.
in no uncertain terms
We let them know in no uncertain terms just how disappointed we were.
We let them know in no uncertain terms just how disappointed we were.
in simple terms 2 in … terms
showing what aspect of something you are considering
showing what aspect of something you are considering
ADJ.
absolute, material, practical, real
Income has increased in real terms by 5%.
Income has increased in real terms by 5%.
relative
Iceland has had a mild winter, in relative terms.
Iceland has had a mild winter, in relative terms.
broad, general | concrete | abstract | international | cultural, economic, financial, money, political, social, etc.
In money terms, the event was a disaster.
In money terms, the event was a disaster.
3. (usually ‘terms’) of an agreement/a relationship
ADJ.
favourable, unfavourable | express
the breach of an express term in the contract
the breach of an express term in the contract
implied | contract, credit, peace
VERB + TERM
dictate, negotiate, set
Our opponents set the terms of the debate.
Our opponents set the terms of the debate.
agree on
PREP.
under the ~s of
Under the terms of the alliance, Japan was not obliged to enter the war.
Under the terms of the alliance, Japan was not obliged to enter the war.
PHRASES
on amicable/friendly/good terms
The dispute was resolved on amicable terms.
The dispute was resolved on amicable terms.
on equal terms
It is a sport in which the top men and women can compete on equal terms.
It is a sport in which the top men and women can compete on equal terms.
on familiar/first-name terms
I''m on first-name terms with my boss.
I''m on first-name terms with my boss.
on speaking terms
They haven''t been on speaking terms since they had that big row.
They haven''t been on speaking terms since they had that big row.
terms and conditions
A wide range of accounts are available, with varying terms and conditions.
A wide range of accounts are available, with varying terms and conditions.
4. period of a school/university year
ADJ.
college, school, university | autumn, spring, etc. | teaching
PREP.
during (the) ~
It''s hard to get away during term.
It''s hard to get away during term.
in the ~
We have exams in the summer term.
We have exams in the summer term.
PHRASES
the beginning/end of term
We have exams at the end of term.
We have exams at the end of term.
5. period of time
ADJ.
long, short
a long term of imprisonment
a long term of imprisonment
full
(medical) The pregnancy went to full term (= lasted the normal length of time).
(medical) The pregnancy went to full term (= lasted the normal length of time).
fixed
The contract was for a fixed term of five years.
The contract was for a fixed term of five years.
jail, prison | presidential
VERB + TERM
serve
He served a five-year prison term.
He served a five-year prison term.
TERM + VERB
expire, run out
PREP.
at ~
(medical) Her baby was born at term.
(medical) Her baby was born at term.
PHRASES
in the long/medium/short term
In the long term, our efforts will pay off.
In the long term, our efforts will pay off.
a term of imprisonment, a term of office
The president was sworn in for his second term of office.
The president was sworn in for his second term of office.
a term of years
The lease is granted for a set term of years.
The lease is granted for a set term of years.