court

A place where a judge hears legal cases and decides what should happen.

• She went to court yesterday.
• The witness spoke in court this morning.
• Several cases were heard at this court last week.

How to use it: in court (He gave evidence in court.); go to court (They went to court over the broken contract.)

Similar words: law court, courthouse

Common phrases: go to court, in court, court building, enter the court

An area marked out for playing games such as tennis, basketball, or badminton.

• The tennis court is empty.
• They built two new basketball courts.
• Her serve landed inside the other player’s court.

Common phrases: tennis court, basketball court, on court

The judge or group of officials who hear legal cases and make decisions.

• The court rejected his appeal.
• A higher court will review the decision.
• The court ordered the company to pay damages.

Similar words: tribunal

Common phrases: the court ruled, court decision, appeal court

The place where a king, queen, or other important ruler lives.

• The prince returned to court.
• Visitors gathered at the royal court.
• She spent several years at the king’s court.

How to use it: at court (The artist worked at court for many years.)

Similar words: palace

Common phrases: royal court, the queen’s court, at court

If you do this, you try to gain something or win someone’s support or interest.

• The party is courting young voters.
• Small firms often court foreign investors.
• He courted publicity to attract new customers.

Similar words: seek, pursue

Common phrases: court voters, court investors, court publicity

If you do this, you behave in a way that makes something bad more likely to happen.

• You are courting disaster.
• The minister courted controversy with her speech.
• Driving on those icy roads courts danger.

Similar words: risk, invite

Common phrases: court disaster, court danger, court controversy

If you do this, you try to win someone’s love, often hoping to marry them.

• He courted her for a year.
• She was courted by several young men.
• They met while his brother was courting her sister.

Similar words: woo

Common phrases: court someone, court a woman, court a man