omnibus
/'ɔmnibəs/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun:
- A large motor vehicle for carrying many passengers, especially along a fixed route; a bus. This is the original meaning, referring to public transportation.
- A volume containing several works, often by one author or on one theme; an anthology. This meaning refers to a collection of literary or artistic works published together.
Adjective:
- Including or dealing with many different items or subjects at once. This describes something comprehensive that covers multiple elements.
Examples
Noun (Vehicle):
- The old-fashioned omnibus was a common sight in the city a century ago.
- She took the omnibus from the station to her hotel.
Noun (Book/Anthology):
- The library acquired an omnibus of Agatha Christie's early novels.
- He published an omnibus of his scientific essays.
Adjective:
- The senator proposed an omnibus bill addressing tax reform, education, and infrastructure.
- The committee released an omnibus report covering all aspects of the investigation.
Advanced Usage
"Omnibus edition": A special publication that combines several previously separate works into one volume.
- The television series was released in an omnibus edition on DVD.
"Omnibus survey": A survey that covers a wide range of topics, often conducted regularly.
- The market research firm conducts an omnibus survey every quarter.
Variants and Related Words
- Bus (n): The modern, shortened form of "omnibus" for the vehicle.
- Anthology (n): A published collection of writings (e.g., poems, stories). This is a close synonym for the literary meaning.
- Compendium (n): A concise but comprehensive collection of information on a subject.
Synonyms
- Noun (Vehicle): Coach, motorcoach, charabanc (archaic).
- Noun (Book): Collection, compilation, digest.
- Adjective: Comprehensive, all-inclusive, sweeping, blanket.
Related Phrases
Omnibus legislation: A single bill that packages together multiple, often unrelated, measures.
- The omnibus legislation passed after lengthy debate.
Omnibus clause: A clause in a contract, law, or insurance policy that covers a variety of items not specifically named.
- The omnibus clause in the contract provided for additional unforeseen expenses.
Idioms
Note: There are no common idioms centered solely on the word "omnibus." Its usage is typically direct and formal.
Adjective
- providing for many things at once
- an omnibus law
Noun
- a vehicle carrying many passengers; used for public transport
- he always rode the bus to work
- an anthology of articles on a related subject or an anthology of the works of a single author