noun

case

case, instance, lawsuit, container

This is a simple case of cause and effect.

This is a simple case of cause and effect.

The lawyer is working on a difficult case.

The lawyer is working on a difficult case.

He packed his clothes in a small case.

He packed his clothes in a small case.

In case of fire, use the stairs.

In case of fire, use the stairs.

a case of ((sth.)) an instance or example of (sth.). It was a clear case of fraud.

in case ((clause)) as a precaution. Take an umbrella in case it rains.

Synonyms: instance, situation, container, box, lawsuit, trial.

From Latin 'casus' meaning 'a fall, event', from 'cadere' 'to fall'. It shares a root with 'cascade'.

Think of how different things can 'fall' into a category: items into a 'case' (container), events into a 'case' (instance), or actions into a 'case' (legal).

This page is designed for learning support. Please use it as a learning reference, not as a formal reference.