Definition

1. Noun:

   • A particular situation or set of circumstances: An instance or example of something happening or existing.
   • An instance of a disease or problem: A person or thing considered as an example of a condition, especially in medicine or law.
   • A matter to be decided by a court of law: A legal action or suit.
   • A container or protective covering: A box, sheath, or shell designed to hold or protect something.
   • (Grammar) A form of a noun, pronoun, or adjective: A category showing the word's grammatical relationship to other words in a sentence (e.g., nominative, accusative).
   • (Printing, historical) A tray with compartments for holding type: Divided into sections for different letters, with "upper case" for capitals and "lower case" for small letters.

2. Verb:

   • To enclose or cover in a case: To surround something with a protective layer or container.
   • (Informal) To examine a place carefully: To inspect a building or area, typically with criminal intent.

Examples

• Noun (Situation):
  • In that case, we should postpone the meeting.
  • It was a clear case of mistaken identity.
• Noun (Medical/Legal Instance):
  • The doctor reviewed the patient's case file.
  • The lawyer presented a strong case to the jury.
• Noun (Container):
  • She packed her glasses in a protective case.
  • He bought a new case for his smartphone.
• Noun (Grammar):
  • The pronoun "him" is in the objective case.
• Verb:
  • The ancient artifact was cased in glass for display.
  • The thieves cased the bank before the robbery.

Advanced Usage

• "In case": As a precaution; if it happens that.
  • Take an umbrella in case it rains.
• "In any case": Whatever happens or happened; anyway.
  • We might be late, but in any case, we'll call you.
• "In the case of": Regarding; concerning.
  • In the case of a fire, use the emergency exit.
• "A case in point": A clear example of the subject being discussed.
  • His dedication is a case in point for the team's spirit.

Variants and Related Words

• Upper case (n/adj): Capital letters (A, B, C).
• Lower case (n/adj): Small letters (a, b, c).
• Casing (n): A protective or enclosing cover or shell.
• Briefcase (n): A flat, rectangular case for carrying documents. (Compound word listed separately).
• Suitcase (n): A case with a handle for carrying clothes and personal items. (Compound word listed separately).

Synonyms

• Instance: An example or single occurrence of something.
• Situation: A set of circumstances.
• Container: A box, can, or similar object for holding something.
• Legal suit: A lawsuit or legal action.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Case out (informal): To inspect or study a place carefully, often for illegal purposes. Synonymous with the verb sense "to examine".
  • The burglars spent a week casing out the neighborhood.

Related Idioms

• Make a case for: To argue in support of something; to provide reasons.
  • She made a strong case for increasing the budget.
• Get off my case! (informal): Stop criticizing or nagging me.
  • I'll do it later, just get off my case!
• On someone's case (informal): Constantly criticizing or nagging someone.
  • My boss has been on my case about the deadline.
• As the case may be: Depending on the circumstances.
  • We will go by train or car, as the case may be.

Noun

1. a glass container used to store and display items in a shop or museum or home
2. bed linen consisting of a cover for a pillow
   • the burglar carried his loot in a pillowcase
3. (printing) the receptacle in which a compositor has his type, which is divided into compartments for the different letters, spaces, or numbers
   • for English, a compositor will ordinarily have two such cases, the upper case containing the capitals and the lower case containing the small letters
4. the enclosing frame around a door or window opening
   • the casings had rotted away and had to be replaced
5. the housing or outer covering of something
   • the clock has a walnut case
6. an enveloping structure or covering enclosing an animal or plant organ or part
7. a specific size and style of type within a type family
8. a person of a specified kind (usually with many eccentricities)
   • a real character
   • a strange character
   • a friendly eccentric
   • the capable type
   • a mental case
9. a specific state of mind that is temporary
   • a case of the jitters
10. nouns or pronouns or adjectives (often marked by inflection) related in some way to other words in a sentence
11. the quantity contained in a case
12. a statement of facts and reasons used to support an argument
    • he stated his case clearly
13. a problem requiring investigation
    • Perry Mason solved the case of the missing heir
14. a person who is subjected to experimental or other observational procedures; someone who is an object of investigation
    • the subjects for this investigation were selected randomly
    • the cases that we studied were drawn from two different communities
15. a person requiring professional services
    • a typical case was the suburban housewife described by a marriage counselor
16. a portable container for carrying several objects
    • the musicians left their instrument cases backstage
17. the actual state of things
    • that was not the case
18. a comprehensive term for any proceeding in a court of law whereby an individual seeks a legal remedy
    • the family brought suit against the landlord
19. a special set of circumstances
    • in that event, the first possibility is excluded
    • it may rain in which case the picnic will be canceled
20. an occurrence of something
    • it was a case of bad judgment
    • another instance occurred yesterday
    • but there is always the famous example of the Smiths

Verb

1. enclose in, or as if in, a case
   • my feet were encased in mud
2. look over, usually with the intention to rob
   • They men cased the housed