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in a way that is simultaneous (= happening or being done at exactly the same time): This game can be played simultaneously by two or three players. Two children answered the teacher's question simultaneously.

happening or being done at exactly the same time. There were several simultaneous explosions in different cities. A simultaneous translation was available through our headphones

despite not being affected by something: The plan for a new office building went ahead regardless of local opposition. This job is open to all, regardless of previous experience.

a tenable approach/solution/point of view. His theory is no longer tenable in the light of the recent discoveries. The fellowship is tenable for (= lasts for) three years.

Too bad the sins of people weren't as easy to scrape off. Jamie fell over and scraped his knee. We'll have to scrape the snow off the car before we go out in it.

to succeed in something but with a lot of difficulty. He managed to scrape through his final exams.

a sudden and great increase: An unexpected surge in electrical power caused the computer to crash. There has been a surge in house prices recently.

with many turns and changes of direction; not direct or simple: He took a tortuous route through back streets. The path to peace seems at last to be clear, although it may be a long and tortuous one.

not probable or likely to happen: It's pretty unlikely (that) they'll turn up now - it's nearly ten o'clock. You're unlikely to make errors, if you're careful. It’s unlikely (that) we will ever learn what happened.

mitigation of damage. mitigation plan/measure/project, there must be a mitigation measure. Mitigation funds/grants/money The victims received federal aid in the form of disaster mitigation funds. mitigation costs/fees

to make something less harmful, unpleasant, or bad. It is unclear how to mitigate the effects of tourism on the island.

used to describe a person who is eager or willing to help other people, for example by changing his or her plans: I'm sure she'll help you - she's always very accommodating.

an urgent and emotional request: He made a plea for help/mercy. The president made a strong plea to Congress to vote on the health-care bill. The child's mother made a passionate plea for help.

to take legal action against a person or organization, He was so furious about the accusations in the letter that he threatened to sue. She sued the newspaper for (= in order to get) damages. She is suing her husband for (= in order to get a) divorce.