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Definition case in British English

case noun

noun
/keɪs/
1

an example or instance of something

Example

a serious case of nerves

Synonyms and related words
1.1

an instance of a disease

Example

a bad case of food poisoning

Synonyms and related words
1.2

a person with a disease

Example

He treated several cases of severe sunburn.

Synonyms and related words
Example

I think we can make an exception in your case.

Example

This was the case in the past, but now life is different.

Example

If that's the case, I'm not surprised he was angry.

Example

Isn't it the case that they're afraid of change?

Example

It really is a case of 'no news is good news'.

Example

'I don't need it tonight.' 'In that case, I'll keep it until tomorrow.'

Example

They can still agree to our conditions, in which case the bombing will stop.

Example

Often, as is the case for these families, there is no other source of support.

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3

a legal matter that will be decided in a court

Example

a civil/criminal case

Example

The case involved charges of police corruption.

Example

A number of libel cases were taken to the Court of Appeal.

Example

He was confident the case against him would be dropped.

Example

He would do anything to win a case.

Synonyms and related words
3.1

a crime that the police are trying to solve

Example

At least a dozen officers are investigating the murder case.

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3.2

the evidence and arguments that one side can use against the other in a law court

Example

Mr Scott informed the judge that he had completed the case for the prosecution.

Example

The lawyers told me I didn't have a case.

Synonyms and related words
4

a set of facts and arguments that you can state for or against something

Example

This strengthens the case of those who argue that the UK should have a Bill of Rights.

Example

There is a strong case for government intervention.

Example

She was being offered a chance to state her case.

Example

Calvin makes a good case for this unpopular policy in his article.

Example

A case can be made for reducing taxes right now.

Synonyms and related words
5

a situation or person to be dealt with, often by an official

Example

There have been several reports of cases of neglected and abused children.

Example

Each social worker was assigned 30 cases.

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6

a container or cover for keeping or protecting something

Example

Have you seen my glasses' case anywhere?

Example

The paintings were shipped in large wooden cases.

Synonyms and related words
6.1

a piece of furniture made of wood and glass in which objects are shown in a shop or museum

Synonyms and related words
Example

We bought a case of wine.

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6.3

a suitcase

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7

a form of a noun, adjective, or pronoun in some languages that shows its relationship in grammar to other words in a sentence

Synonyms and related words
8

the distinction between a letter written in upper-case (ABC), also called a capital letter, or lower-case (abc), also called a minuscule letter

Example

In typography, the case of the text is as important as typing in bold font or in italics.

9

to cite arguments in favour or against something

Example

The education minister set out the case for reforming the current system of education.

Definition case in British English