do

Universal Words verb, auxiliary verb, noun-see also DO verb (does ) action 1 [VN] used to refer to actions that you do not mention by name or do not know about: What are you doing this evening? * We will do what we can to help. * Are you doing anything tomorrow evening? * The company ought to do something about the poor service. * There's nothing to do (= no means of passing the time in an enjoyable way) in this place. * There's nothing we can do about it (= we can't change the situation). * What can I do for you (= how can I help)? behave 2 [V+adv./prep.] ~ (as...) to act or behave in the way mentioned: Do as you're told! * They are free to do as they please. * You would do well to (= I advise you to) consider all the options before buying. succeed / progress 3 [V+adv./prep.] used to ask or talk about the success or progress of sb/sth: How is the business doing? * She did well out of (= made a big profit from) the deal. * He's doing very well at school (= his work is good). * Both mother and baby are doing well (= after the birth of the baby). * (informal) How are you doing (= how are you)? task / activity 4 [VN] to work at or perform an activity or a task: I'm doing some research on the subject. * I have a number of things to do today. * I do aerobics once a week. * (especially AmE) Let's do (= meet for) lunch. * (spoken) Sorry. I don't do funny (= I can't be funny). 5 [VN] used with nouns to talk about tasks such as cleaning, washing, arranging, mending, etc: to do (= wash) the dishes * to do (= arrange) the flowers * I like the way you've done your hair. 6 [VN] ~ the ironing, cooking, shopping, etc.