Meaning & use
term
Last updated
Meanings
nouncountable
A word or phrase used for a particular idea, especially in a specialist field.
Grammar: Plural terms; e.g. a technical term.
Patterns
- the term for something
- a term of abuse
"Photosynthesis" is a scientific term.
What is the legal term for this?
He used a rude term.
nouncountable
A fixed period of time, such as part of a school year or a time in office.
Grammar: Countable: the spring term.
Patterns
- in term
- a term of office
The spring term starts in January.
The president won a second term.
He served a four-year term.
nounusually plural
A condition set out in an agreement, usually plural.
Grammar: Usually terms, with a plural verb.
Patterns
- terms and conditions
- on someone's terms
Read the terms before you sign.
The terms of the loan were strict.
They agreed on the terms.
nounplural
The relationship between people, as in 'on good terms'.
Grammar: Plural: on speaking terms.
Patterns
- on good terms with someone
We are on good terms with our neighbors.
They are no longer on speaking terms.
She remained on friendly terms with him.
nouncountablemathematics
A part of a mathematical expression separated by plus or minus.
Grammar: Math sense: like terms.
Patterns
- combine like terms
Combine like terms to simplify.
The first term of the series is two.
The equation has three terms.
verbtransitiveformal
To call or name something in a particular way.
Grammar: Takes an object and a complement: term it a failure.
Patterns
- term something something
Critics termed the project a failure.
She termed his behavior rude.
We term this process recycling.
Word forms
| plural | terms |
|---|---|
| third person singular | terms |
| past tense | termed |
| past participle | termed |
| -ing form | terming |
Common combinations
- technical term
- It's a technical term.
- long-term
- The long-term plan is clear.
- come to terms with
- She came to terms with the loss.
- terms and conditions
- Accept the terms and conditions.
- in terms of
- In terms of cost, it's cheap.
- serve a term
- He served a term as mayor.
Synonyms and how they differ
- expression
- Expression is any phrase, not necessarily a technical one.
- semester
- Semester is a half-year school period in the US.
- condition
- Condition is a single requirement in an agreement.
- label
- Label is more informal for a name given to something.
Word family
- terminology noun
- the set of terms used in a subject
- terminate verb
- to end
- determine verb
- to decide or find out
Commonly confused: term or turn?
term vs turn
Turn sounds similar but means to rotate.
Practice
The 'terms' of a contract are its...
Choose one answer.
Terms are the conditions agreed in a contract.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “term”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.