of course

adverb

as might be expected (Freq. 123)

-

naturally, the lawyer sent us a huge bill

• Syn: ↑naturally, ↑course

• Ant: ↑unnaturally (for: ↑naturally)

* * *

used to introduce an idea or turn of events as being obvious or to be expected

the point is, of course, that the puzzle itself is misleading

■ used to give or emphasize agreement or permission

"Can I see you for a minute?" "Of course."

■ introducing a qualification or admission

of course we've been in touch by phone, but I wanted to see things for myself

* * *

of course

1

— used to show that what is being said is very obvious or already generally known

We're talking, of course, about what happened last night.

She was late and rude–so of course she didn't get the job.

Of course, it wasn't easy for me to admit I was wrong.

“Has the bus already left?” “Of course.”

2

— used informally to give permission or say yes in a way that shows you are very certain

“May I borrow this book?” “Of course!” [=absolutely, certainly]

“Will you go?” “Of course!”

“Are you angry with me for being late?” “Of course not!” [=I am not at all angry]

“Did you take the money?” “Of course not!” [=I definitely did not]

3

— used to stress that what you are saying is true and you feel no doubt about it

Of course we'll be there. We wouldn't miss it for the world!

Of course I don't hate you! How could you think such a thing?

see also as a matter of course at ↑matter, 1

• • •

Main Entry: ↑course

————————

of course — see ↑course, 1

• • •

Main Entry: ↑of

* * *

of course idiom

1. (also course) (informal) used to emphasize that what you are saying is true or correct

•

‘Don't you like my mother?’ ‘Of course I do!’

•

‘Will you be there?’ ‘Course I will.’

2. (also course) (informal) used as a polite way of giving sb permission to do sth

•

‘Can I come, too?’ ‘Course you can.’

•

‘Can I have one of those pens?’ ‘Of course— help yourself.’

3. (informal) used as a polite way of agreeing with what sb has just said

•

‘I did all I could to help.’ ‘Of course,’ he murmured gently.

4. used to show that what you are saying is not surprising or is generally known or accepted

•

Ben, of course, was the last to arrive.

•

Of course, there are other ways of doing this.

Main entry: ↑course_idiom