case

/keɪs/

Reviewed on

Type

Noun

Meaning

  1. A particular situation or example of something.

    • In some cases, students can take the test online.

  2. A container or cover that holds or protects something.

    • I dropped my phone, but the case kept it safe.

  3. A matter that the police or a court is dealing with.

    • The detective was assigned to a difficult case.

  4. An occurrence of a disease or medical problem in a person.

    • There have been several cases of flu at the school this month.

  5. A set of reasons or facts that support one side of an argument.

    • She made a strong case for hiring more staff.

  6. A box containing a set number of bottles or cans of a product.

    • We bought a case of water for the trip.

How it's used

When this means “because something might happen; to be ready for it”

  • in case + clause

Take an umbrella in case it rains.

When this means “used to say what you will do because of what was just said”

  • in that case

"It's closed." "In that case, let's go somewhere else."

Collocations

  • in this case
  • in most cases
  • phone case
  • pencil case
  • solve a case
  • court case
  • case of the flu
  • strong case
  • case of water

Synonyms

Idioms

  • just in case

    to be safe if something happens

    I'll bring a snack just in case we get hungry.

  • in any case

    whatever happens; anyway

    I may be late, but in any case I'll call you.

  • case closed

    said when a question or problem is completely finished

    The keys were in your coat. Case closed!