Advanced English (2) • NOUNS • 'T'

noun [C ] C2 formal • synonyms: principle, doctrine, belief • core/fundamental tenet; tenets of democracy/religion/philosophy; challenge/violate a tenet • freq in AmE: 4/10

a principle, belief, or doctrine generally held to be true, especially one that is central to a system of thought or ideology

noun phrase [C ] C1 • synonyms: reasoning, mental path, logic • explain/follow/analyze someone’s thought process; thought process behind something; reveal/understand/interrupt thought process • freq in AmE: 7/10

the mental sequence or structure of reasoning, reflection, or decision-making; the way someone organizes and connects ideas to reach conclusions or solve problems

noun [U ] C1 • synonyms: brutality, intimidation, violence • political/street/emotional thuggery; condemn/justify/disguise thuggery • freq in AmE: 5/10

violent or brutal behavior, especially involving intimidation, coercion, or criminal force; often used to describe lawless aggression or bullying tactics

noun [C ] C2 business/logistics (UK also turnround time) • synonyms: processing time, delivery time, completion time • shorten/improve/guarantee turnaround time; 24-hour/standard/expected turnaround time • freq in AmE: 7/10

the amount of time taken to complete a process, task, or request — especially from initiation to delivery; commonly used in business, logistics, customer service, and production contexts

noun [S or U ] C1 metaphorical • synonyms: turning point, threshold, breaking point • each/hit/pass tipping point • bring/mark/represent tipping point in something • freq in AmE: 8/10

the critical moment or threshold at which a significant and often irreversible change occurs; the point where momentum shifts and transformation accelerates

collocation with tipping point noun [S or U ] C1 metaphorical • synonyms: hit, cross, approach • reach tipping point in something/when something happens • situation/market/climate/public opinion reaches tipping point • freq in AmE: 8/10

to arrive at a critical threshold where change becomes inevitable or accelerates rapidly; often marks the moment when pressure, momentum, or tension leads to transformation

noun [C or U ] C1 • synonyms: term, incumbency, service • tenure as president/professor/CEO; during/throughout/after one's tenure • freq in AmE: 6/10

the period during which someone holds a position, office, or role — especially in politics, academia, or leadership; implies formal authority and continuity

noun [S ] C2 • synonyms: end, conclusion, final stage • at/in/on the tail end of something; catch/join/arrive at the tail end; the tail end of a process/event/era • freq in AmE: 5/10

the final part, last stage, or concluding portion of something — often used to describe time periods, sequences, or events

collocation with tail end noun [S ] C2 • synonyms: final stage, conclusion, last part • at/in/on the tail end of something; the tail end of a process/event/era; catch/join something at the tail end • freq in AmE: 5/10

the final part or concluding stage of a period, event, process, or sequence — often implying that most of it has already passed

noun [S ] C1 • synonyms: elite, premium, upper echelon • in the top tier (of something); top-tier brand/university/talent; reach/join/compete in the top tier • freq in AmE: 7/10

the highest level, rank, or category within a system, organization, or classification; often associated with excellence, prestige, or elite status

noun [C ] C1 • synonyms: benchmark, standard, reference point • a touchstone for excellence/truth/tradition; serve as/become/remain a touchstone; cultural/moral/artistic touchstone • freq in AmE: 5/10

a standard or reference point by which something is judged, evaluated, or compared; often used in intellectual, cultural, or philosophical contexts

noun [C ] C1 • synonyms: pioneer, innovator, groundbreaker • trailblazer in science/art/activism; fearless/visionary trailblazer; become a trailblazer • freq in AmE: 6/10

a person who is the first to do something or to lead the way in a new field, method, or movement — often inspiring others to follow