to spread out or cover a large area of land

[uncountable and countable]

the process of watching something or someone carefully for a period of time

• (verb) to say something to someone as a reply when they have asked you a question, made a suggestion etc:
  She thought for a moment before answering.

appearing to have a particular quality, when this may or may not be true [= apparently]:

The new minister was faced with a seemingly impossible task.

waste matter from animals that is mixed with soil to improve the soil and help plants grow

design (verb) context: is designed as

Definition: to plan or develop something for a specific purpose (Longman DCE 2008)

Example: These exercises are designed to sthrengthen your muscles. (Longman DCE 2008)

This textbook has been designed to explain the basic terminology of the subject area.

synonym of 'if'

fairly, to some degree

Abigail's always been rather a difficult child.

rather than: instead of

Rather than go straight on to university why not get some work experience first?

to continue to be in the same state or condition:

adjective

if you are aware that a situation exists, you realize or know that it exists

The children are aware of the danger of taking drugs.