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1 case

Pronounced:

/ˈkeɪs/Listen to audio

Function:

noun

Inflected forms:

plural cas·es

Meaning:

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
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.
2used 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
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