Courses

/ˈkɔːrsɪz/

nounBeginnerVery CommonAcademic

Definitions

3 meanings
1

A series of lessons or lectures on a particular subject, typically leading to a qualification or certification.

/ˈkɔːrsɪz/

nounneutralBeginner
Academic

A series of lessons or lectures on a particular subject.

The university offers a wide range of courses in different disciplines.

💡 Simply: Imagine you're learning to cook. A 'course' is like a whole set of cooking classes, teaching you different recipes and techniques. Like, 'I'm taking a cooking course to learn how to bake bread!'

👶 For kids: A bunch of lessons that teach you about something, like how to draw or read!

More Examples

2

He enrolled in a online coding course to learn a new skill.

3

She completed all the required courses to graduate with honors.

How It's Used

Education

"She is taking several courses at the university this semester."

2

The route or direction followed by a ship, aircraft, road, river, or other moving objects.

/ˈkɔːrsɪz/

nounneutralIntermediate
Academic

A route or direction followed by a ship, aircraft, or other moving object.

The pilot adjusted the plane's course due to strong winds.

💡 Simply: Imagine you're on a road trip. The 'course' is the path you're driving, and the direction you're headed. For instance, "The pilot adjusted the plane's course to avoid the turbulence."

👶 For kids: The way you are going, like the path you walk or the direction a boat sails.

More Examples

2

The river's course changed over many years.

3

He plotted a course to sail around the world.

How It's Used

Navigation

"The ship altered its course to avoid the storm."

Tip:Visualize a path on a map or a planned path for a journey.
3

A part of a meal served at one time, sometimes in a specific order.

/ˈkɔːrsɪz/

nounneutralIntermediate
Academic

A part of a meal, typically served in a specific order.

The wedding reception featured a four-course meal.

💡 Simply: At a fancy dinner, the 'courses' are the different parts of the meal, like the appetizer, the main dish, and dessert. For instance, "We enjoyed a delicious three-course meal at the restaurant."

👶 For kids: The different parts of a meal, like the appetizer, main dish, and dessert.

More Examples

2

They skipped the first course and went straight to the main dish.

3

She carefully planned the menu for a seven-course dinner party.

How It's Used

Culinary

"The restaurant offered a five-course meal."

Tip:Picture a multi-part meal, each part bringing new flavors.

Idioms & expressions

in due course

Eventually; at the appropriate time.

"The results of the exam will be announced in due course."

of course

Certainly; definitely; naturally.

"Of course, I'll help you with your project."

From Middle English cours, from Old French cours, ultimately from Latin cursus, past participle of currere ('to run').

Used since the Middle Ages to describe educational programs, routes, and parts of meals.

Memory tip

Think of a pathway through learning – a series of steps to gain knowledge.

courscoarses

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written