Frequency: The word is one of the 1500 most common words in English.
1.
You use ~ to emphasize that you are talking about one thing or one kind of thing rather than other similar ones.
I remembered a ~ story about a postman who was a murderer...
I have to know exactly why it is I’m doing a ~ job.
ADJ: ADJ n emphasis
2.
If a person or thing has a ~ quality or possession, it is distinct and belongs only to them.
I have a ~ responsibility to ensure I make the right decision...
ADJ: ADJ n
3.
You can use ~ to emphasize that something is greater or more intense than usual.
Particular emphasis will be placed on oral language training.
ADJ: ADJ n emphasis
4.
If you say that someone is ~, you mean that they choose things and do things very carefully, and are not easily satisfied.
Ted was very ~ about the colors he used.
ADJ: usu v-link ADJ, oft ADJ about n
5.
see also ~s
6.
You use in ~ to indicate that what you are saying applies especially to one thing or person.
The situation in Ethiopia in ~ is worrying...
Why should he notice her car in ~?...
= ~ly
PHRASE: PHR with cl/group
7.
You use nothing in ~ or nobody in ~ to mean nothing or nobody important or special.
Drew made some remarks to nobody in ~ and said goodbye.
PHRASE