1 case
Pronounced:
/ˈkeɪs/
Function:
nounInflected forms:
plural cas·esMeaning:
1 [count] : a situation or occurrence that is an instance or example of something ▪ That was true in all three cases. [=instances] ▪ We usually ask for a 100-dollar deposit, but in this case we'll make an exception. ▪ They might not let you buy the tickets yet, in which case [=and if that is true] you should try again tomorrow. ▪ It was a case of mistaken identity. [=a situation in which someone or something is mistakenly thought to be someone or something else] ▪ a classic case [=a typical example] of sibling rivalry
2 [count] : a situation that is being investigated or managed by someone (such as a police officer or social worker) in an official way ▪ Her disappearance is a case for the police. ▪ Detectives are on the case. ▪ a murder/rape/kidnapping case ▪ The abused child's case was turned over to state authorities.
3 [count] grammar : a form of a noun, pronoun, or adjective showing its relationship to other words in a sentence ▪ The word “child's” in “a child's shirt” is in the possessive case.
4 the case : what actually exists or happens ▪ A lot of people have had trouble working with him, and that was certainly the case with me. [=I also had trouble working with him] ▪ She had expected him to come home, but that was not to be the case. [=but that didn't happen] ▪ The doctor may or may not have been at fault, but whatever the case (may be) [=either way] the patient almost died. ▪ Is it not the case [=isn't it true] that she took the car without permission?
5 [count] law : a situation that will be talked about and decided in court ▪ a court case ▪ a civil/criminal case ▪ The lawyer agreed to take/handle the case. ◊The phrase I rest my case can be used to say that you have finished an argument or to suggest that something proves that what you are saying is true. ▪ I said that it wouldn't work and it didn't. I rest my case. —see also test case
6 [count] : a convincing argument ▪ He makes a good case for cutting expenses.
7 [count] a : an occurrence of a disease or an injury ▪ an AIDS case ▪ He has a bad/severe/slight case of the flu. b : an occurrence of discomfort, fear, etc. ▪ She had a bad case of the nerves/jitters/butterflies [=she was very nervous] before she gave her report.
8 [singular] : a particular person and his or her condition or character ▪ You are a sad case. —see also basket case, head case
2 [count] : a situation that is being investigated or managed by someone (such as a police officer or social worker) in an official way ▪ Her disappearance is a case for the police. ▪ Detectives are on the case. ▪ a murder/rape/kidnapping case ▪ The abused child's case was turned over to state authorities.
3 [count] grammar : a form of a noun, pronoun, or adjective showing its relationship to other words in a sentence ▪ The word “child's” in “a child's shirt” is in the possessive case.
4 the case : what actually exists or happens ▪ A lot of people have had trouble working with him, and that was certainly the case with me. [=I also had trouble working with him] ▪ She had expected him to come home, but that was not to be the case. [=but that didn't happen] ▪ The doctor may or may not have been at fault, but whatever the case (may be) [=either way] the patient almost died. ▪ Is it not the case [=isn't it true] that she took the car without permission?
5 [count] law : a situation that will be talked about and decided in court ▪ a court case ▪ a civil/criminal case ▪ The lawyer agreed to take/handle the case. ◊The phrase I rest my case can be used to say that you have finished an argument or to suggest that something proves that what you are saying is true. ▪ I said that it wouldn't work and it didn't. I rest my case. —see also test case
6 [count] : a convincing argument ▪ He makes a good case for cutting expenses.
7 [count] a : an occurrence of a disease or an injury ▪ an AIDS case ▪ He has a bad/severe/slight case of the flu. b : an occurrence of discomfort, fear, etc. ▪ She had a bad case of the nerves/jitters/butterflies [=she was very nervous] before she gave her report.
8 [singular] : a particular person and his or her condition or character ▪ You are a sad case. —see also basket case, head case
in any case
—used to indicate that something is true or certain regardless of what else has happened or been said ▪ I'm not sure if I'll be at the next meeting, but I'll see you Sunday in any case. [=I may or may not see you at the next meeting, but I'll definitely see you Sunday] ▪ In any case, you still owe me five dollars.
in case
1 : for the purpose of being ready for something that might happen ▪ Bring an umbrella in case it rains. ▪ We brought extra money just in case.
2 —used to talk about something that might have happened or that might be true ▪ Today is our anniversary, in case you've forgotten. ▪ In case [=if] you're wondering, I'm looking for my glasses.
2 —used to talk about something that might have happened or that might be true ▪ Today is our anniversary, in case you've forgotten. ▪ In case [=if] you're wondering, I'm looking for my glasses.
in case of
: if (something) happens ▪ That door is for use in case of [=in the event of] fire.
in that case
: when that is considered : because of that ▪ “The traffic could be heavy tomorrow.” “In that case, we better leave early.”
on/off your case
informal ◊Someone who is always or frequently criticizing you or telling you what to do is on your case and won't get off your case. ▪ Her brother is always on her case about the clothes she wears. ▪ Get off my case! I'm working as hard as I can!
—compare 2case