| 例句 |
light noun
⇨ light 1 (a beam of light) ⇨ light 2 (Turn on the lights.) ⇨ shed/cast/throw light on sth ⇨ explain verb 1 ⇨ bring sth to light ⇨ reveal verb ⇨ come to light ⇨ turn out phrasal verblight verb
⇨ light 1 (light a fire) ⇨ light 2 (well lit streets)light adj.
⇨ gentle (light winds/exercise) ⇨ minor (light reading) ⇨ pale 2 (light blue eyes) ⇨ make light of sth ⇨ understate verblight1 noun He blinked in the bright light. 明亮的光使他直眨眼睛。Turn on the light. 把灯打开。light ♦︎ lighting ♦︎ brightnessThese are all words for the energy that allows us to see, or a particular type of this energy. 这些词均表示光线、光亮。PATTERNS AND COLLOCATIONS 句型和搭配◆light / brightness from sth◆in the light / brightness◆good / bright / strong / poor / electric light / lighting◆to give light / brightness to sth◆to provide light / lighting■ light [uncountable, singular] the energy from the sun, a lamp or other source that makes it possible to see things; a particular type of light with its own colour and qualities; light colours in a picture, which contrast with darker ones 光；光线；光亮；（图画中与暗色对比的）亮色，浅色◆She could just see by the light of the candle.她就着烛光勉强能看见。◆a beam / ray of light一束／一缕光线◆Bring it into the light so I can see it.把它拿到明亮的地方，好让我看见。◆We could only just make out the path in the dim light.光线昏暗，我们只能看到脚下的小路。◆A cold grey light crept under the curtains.一缕幽暗阴冷的光从窗帘下面透进来。◆Examine the artist's use of light and shade.研究一下画家如何运用明暗对比手法。OPP darkness , the dark , shade ⇨ darkness see also daylight , natural light , sunlight ⇨ sun ▸ light adjective ◆We'll leave in the morning as soon as it's light.早晨天一亮我们就出发。◆It gets light at about 5 o'clock.大约5点钟天就亮了。◆It was a light spacious apartment at the top of the building.那是大楼顶层的一套宽敞明亮的房子。 OPP dark ⇨ dark 1 ■ lighting [uncountable] the arrangement or type of light in a place 照明；灯光；布光◆Good lighting is essential in the window displays.良好的照明是橱窗展示的关键。◆The play had excellent sound and lighting effects.这出戏剧的音响和灯光效果极佳。■ brightness [uncountable, singular] the quality of being full of light or shining strongly 明亮；光亮；亮度◆He turned on the lights and blinked at the sudden brightness.他打开灯，突然的亮光让他眨了眨眼睛。◆Turn down the brightness on the screen.把屏幕的亮度调暗一些。◆There was colour in her cheeks and a brightness in her eyes.她的脸颊泛着红晕，眼睛闪着光亮。 OPP gloom ⇨ darkness light2 noun He blinked in the bright light. 明亮的光使他直眨眼睛。Turn on the light. 把灯打开。light ♦︎ lamp ♦︎ candle ♦︎ torch ♦︎ flashlight ♦︎ lanternThese are all words for things which produce energy and allow us to see. 这些词均表示灯、发光体或光源。PATTERNS AND COLLOCATIONS 句型和搭配◆a lighted candle / torch◆an electric light / lamp / torch◆a gas light / lamp / lantern◆an oil lamp / lantern◆to switch on / off a light / a lamp / a torch / a flashlight◆to light a lamp / candle / torch / lantern◆to shine a light / torch / flashlight / lantern on sth◆to blow out a lamp / candle / lantern◆to carry a lamp / candle / torch / flashlight / lantern◆a light / a lamp / a torch / a lantern shines◆a light / lamp / candle / torch / lantern burns◆a lamp / candle / torch / lantern lights sth◆a light / lamp / candle / torch flickers◆a light / lamp / candle / torch goes out■ light [countable] a thing that produces light, especially an electric light 发光体；光源；（尤指）电灯◆Turn on the lights!把灯打开！◆Suddenly all the lights went out.突然间所有的灯都灭了。◆The lights dimmed and the curtain rose.灯光暗了，幕布升了起来。◆Check your car before you drive to make sure that your lights are working.开车前要检查一下，确保车灯运作正常。◆Keep going－the lights (= traffic lights) are green.不用停车，前面是绿灯。◆It was getting dark and the street lights had come on.天色渐暗，路灯已经亮了。■ lamp [countable] a device that uses electricity, oil or gas to produce light; an electrical device that produces rays of heat and that is used for medical or scientific purposes 灯；（理疗用的）发热灯；（科学上用的）射线照射器◆He got into bed and switched off the bedside lamp.他躺到床上，关掉了床头灯。◆The specimen was viewed under an ultraviolet lamp.那标本是在紫外线灯光下观看的。■ candle [countable] a round stick of wax with a piece of string through the middle (= a wick) which is lit to give light as it burns 蜡烛◆The room was lit by candles.那个房间用蜡烛照明。◆Aren't you going to blow out the candles (= on a birthday cake)?你不想把生日蛋糕上的蜡烛吹灭吗？■ torch [countable] (BrE) a small electric lamp that uses batteries and that you can hold in your hand 手电筒◆Shine the torch on the lock while I try to get the key in.我插钥匙时，你用手电筒照着锁头。ⓘ In American English this is called a flashlight. In both British and American English a torch is also a long piece of wood that has material at one end that is set on fire and that people carry to give light. 在美式英语中，手电筒称作flashlight。在英式和美式英语中，torch也可指火炬、火把◆Supporters carried flaming torches to welcome him.支持者们手擎点燃的火炬来欢迎他。◆The Olympic torch will arrive next month.奥运火炬将于下月到达。 ■ flashlight / /ˈflæʃlaɪt/ / [countable] (especially NAmE) an electric torch 手电筒◆He shone a flashlight in the boy's face.他用手电筒照着男孩的脸。■ lantern /ˈlæntən; NAmE ˈlæntərn/ a lamp in a container, often a metal case with glass sides, that has a handle, so that you can carry it outside 灯笼；提灯◆Coloured lanterns hung in the trees around the lawn.草坪周围的树上挂了一些彩色灯笼。 explain1 verb explain how sth works 解释⋯的工作原理explain your behaviour 说明你这样做的原因explain ♦︎ illustrate ♦︎ define ♦︎ clarify ♦︎ shed/cast/throw light on sth ♦︎ spell sth out ♦︎ interpret ♦︎ expoundThese words all mean to tell sb about sth in a way that makes them able to understand it. 这些词均表示解释、说明。PATTERNS AND COLLOCATIONS 句型和搭配◆to explain / clarify / spell sth out / expound sth to sb◆to explain / spell out that...◆to explain / illustrate / clarify / shed light on / spell out how / what... / why...◆to explain / clarify / shed light on a / an situation / issue◆to explain / illustrate / clarify / expound an idea◆to explain / illustrate / clarify a point◆to explain / illustrate / define / clarify the position / role / nature / meaning of sth◆to explain / illustrate / expound a theory◆to clearly explain / illustrate / define / spell out / expound sth■ explain [transitive, intransitive] to tell sb about sth in a way that makes it easy or easier for them to understand 解释；说明；阐明◆First, let me explain the rules of the game.首先，我来说明一下游戏的规则。◆I tried to explain the problem to the technician.我试图向那个技术员解释这个问题。◆She explained to them what to do in the event of an emergency.她向他们说明了紧急情况下要怎么做。◆'It was like this,' she explained.“事情就是这样了。”她解释道。◆There's no need to explain. We understand.没有必要解释，我们明白。ⓘ You cannot say 'explain me/him/her, etc.'. * explain后不能直接跟人称代词，要用explain sth to sb◆Can you explain the situation to me?能给我说明一下情况吗？◆Can you explain me the situation? see also explanatory ⇨ descriptive ▸ explanation [countable] ◆For a full explanation of how the machine works, turn to page 5.关于机器工作原理的详细说明，请见第5页。■ illustrate [transitive] to make the meaning of sth clearer by using examples, pictures, diagrams, etc. （用事例、图片、图表等）说明，解释◆To illustrate my point, let me tell you a little story.为了说明我的观点，我来给你们讲个小故事。◆Last year's sales figures are illustrated in Figure 2.图2显示了去年的销售数字。 see also illustrate ⇨ show 1 , illustration ⇨ diagram , illustration ⇨ example 1 , illustrative ⇨ descriptive ■ define [transitive] to say or explain what the meaning of a word or phrase is 解释（词语）含义；给（词语）下定义◆The term 'mental illness' is difficult to define.“精神病”这个词很难下定义。◆Life imprisonment is defined as 60 years under state law.按照州法律终身监禁定义为60年。 see also definition ⇨ definition ■ clarify / /ˈklærəfaɪ/ / [transitive] (rather formal) to make sth clearer or easier for sb to understand 使更清晰易懂；阐明；澄清◆Let me clarify my position on this matter.我来澄清一下我在这件事情上的立场。◆There are one or two issues that need to be clarified.有一两个问题需要再说明一下。◆I hope I managed to clarify things a little.希望我已经把事情解释得清楚些了。▸ clarification noun [uncountable, countable] ◆I am seeking clarification of the regulations.我正努力弄清这些规则。■ shed ˈlight on sth■ throw ˈlight on sth■ cast ˈlight on sth idiom (shedding, shed, shed; cast, cast; threw, thrown)to make sth easier to understand by explaining parts of it （部分地）解释清楚，阐明◆Recent research has thrown some new light on the causes of the disease.最新的研究进一步解释了这种病的病因。◆The report casts no light on (= does not explain) why some children are still failing to achieve at school.这个报告没有解释为什么一些儿童仍然不能在学业上取得进步。ⓘ A person, sth they say or write, or a new discovery can shed/cast/throw light on sth. * shed/cast/throw light on sth的主语可以是人、言论或文章，或是新的研究发现。■ ˌspell sth ˈout phrasal verb to explain sth in a very clear, simple way （用浅显的方式）解释明白，讲清楚◆You know what I mean－ I'm sure I don't need to spell it out.你明白我的意思－肯定不需要解释了。■ interpret [transitive] to explain the meaning of sth such as a text or work of art, especially when it is possible to understand or explain it in several different ways 诠释，解读（文本、艺术品等，尤指诠释方式不只一种）◆The students were asked to interpret the poem.学生被要求诠释那首诗。 see also interpretation ⇨ definition , interpretative ⇨ descriptive ■ expound [transitive, intransitive] (formal) to explain sth by talking about it in detail 详解；详述；阐述◆She expounded her theory further in the course of her talk.她在发言中进一步详述了她的理论。◆He was there to expound on the government's latest policy initiative.他去那儿的目的是阐述政府政策的最新方案。 reveal verb reveal ♦︎ disclose ♦︎ expose ♦︎ uncover ♦︎ leak ♦︎ betray ♦︎ divulge ♦︎ give sb/sth away ♦︎ bring sth to lightThese words all mean to give information about sb/sth to sb, especially when that information is supposed to remain secret. 这些词均表示揭示、揭露、透露，尤其是应当保密的信息。PATTERNS AND COLLOCATIONS 句型和搭配◆to reveal / disclose / expose / leak / betray / divulge / give away sth to sb◆to reveal / disclose / expose / uncover sb / sth as sb / sth◆to reveal / disclose / betray / divulge / give away that...◆It was revealed / disclosed that...◆to reveal / disclose / betray / divulge what / how / who / where / whether...◆to reveal / disclose / uncover / leak / betray / divulge / give away a secret◆to reveal / disclose / expose / uncover / give away the truth◆to reveal / disclose / leak / divulge / give away details of sth◆to fully / publicly reveal / disclose / expose sth■ reveal [transitive] to make sth known to sb, especially sth that was previously secret 揭示，透露（尤指原先保密之事）◆Her expression revealed nothing.从她的表情什么也看不出来。◆The report reveals (that) the company made a loss of £20 million last year.报告显示，公司去年亏损2 000万英镑。◆Officers could not reveal how he died.警察不能透露他的死因。◆Salted peanuts were recently revealed as the nation's favourite snack.最近发现，咸花生是该国最受欢迎的零食。 see also reveal ⇨ show 2 , revealing ⇨ informative ▸ revelation / /ˌrevəˈleɪʃn/ / noun [countable, uncountable] ◆He was dismissed after revelations that confidential files were missing.机密文件不翼而飞的消息披露后他被解雇了。◆The company's financial problems followed the revelation of a major fraud scandal.重大欺诈丑闻被揭露后，公司随之出现了财政问题。■ disclose / /dɪsˈkləʊz; NAmE dɪsˈkloʊz/ [transitive] (rather formal) to make sth known to sb, especially sth that was previously secret 揭示，透露（尤指原先保密之事）◆The spokesman refused to disclose details of the takeover to the press.发言人拒绝向新闻界透露收购细节。◆It was disclosed that two women were being interviewed by the police.据透露，有两个女人正接受警方的问话。 see also undisclosed ⇨ secret 1 ▸ disclosure /dɪsˈkləʊʒə(r); NAmE dɪsˈkloʊʒər/ noun [countable, uncountable] ◆ (formal) There were some startling disclosures about his private life.他私生活的一些耸人听闻的秘闻被公之于众。◆The bank will need full disclosure of your financial situation and assets.银行需要你充分披露自身的财务状况和资产。NOTE 辨析 Reveal or disclose?There is no real difference in meaning between these words, but disclose is always rather formal; reveal can be used in formal or less formal contexts, including popular journalism. 这两个词在含义上没有实质差别，但disclose总是相当正式，reveal可用于正式或不太正式的语境中，包括热点新闻◆Salted peanuts were recently disclosed as the nation's favourite snack. ■ expose [transitive] to tell the true facts about a person or situation, and show them/it to be bad or illegal 揭露，揭穿，使曝光（坏人坏事）◆She was exposed as a liar and a fraud.她说谎和欺骗的面目被揭穿了。◆He threatened to expose the racism that existed within the police force.他扬言要把警察内部存在的种族歧视公之于众。 see also expose ⇨ show 2 ▸ exposé /ekˈspəʊzeɪ; NAmE ˌekspoʊˈzeɪ/ noun [countable] (journalism 新闻) ◆The magazine contained a damning exposé of police corruption.该杂志对警方的贪污腐败进行了谴责性的曝光。■ uncover [transitive] to discover sth that was previously hidden or secret 发现，揭露，揭发（原先隐瞒或保密之事）◆Police have uncovered a plot to kidnap the President's son.警方发现了一起绑架总统之子的阴谋。■ leak [transitive] (journalism 新闻) to give secret information to the public, for example by telling a newspaper （通过报纸等向公众）泄露，透露（秘密信息）；走漏◆The contents of the report were leaked to the press.报告的内容泄露给了新闻界。◆He obtained a leaked document containing the views of some officials.他获得了一份泄密文件，内载有一些官员的意见。 see also leak out ⇨ turn out ▸ leak noun [countable] ◆There will be an enquiry into the alleged security leaks.将对据称的安全漏洞进行调查。■ betray [transitive] to tell sb or make them aware of a piece of information or a feeling, usually without meaning to （无意中）泄漏信息，流露情感◆His voice betrayed the worry he was trying to hide.他的声音泄漏了极力掩饰的担忧。◆She was terrified of saying something that would make her betray herself (= show her feelings or who she was).她害怕说话时露了自己的底。■ divulge /daɪˈvʌldʒ/ / [transitive] (formal) to give sb information that is supposed to be secret 泄漏，透露（秘密）◆Police refused to divulge the identity of the suspect.警方拒绝透露嫌疑犯的身份。ⓘ Divulge is often used in the negative, or with a verb that has a negative meaning. * divulge常用于否定句，或与含否定之意的动词连用。■ ˌgive sb/sth aˈway phrasal verb (gave, given)to make known sth that sb wants to keep secret 泄露，暴露（想保密之事）◆She gave away state secrets to the enemy.她把国家机密泄露给了敌人。◆His voice gave him away (= showed who he really was).他的声音使他露馅了。◆ (especially BrE) It was supposed to be a surprise but the children gave the game away.那本来是打算作为意外惊喜的，可孩子们把计划泄露了。 see also betray ⇨ tell 2 NOTE 辨析 Divulge or give sth away?A person who gives sth away should really be keeping the information secret; a person who divulges information is more likely to have the authority to do so. * give sth away指本应对信息保密却将之泄露，divulge则更可能是透露信息者有权这样做。■ bring sth to ˈlight idiom (brought, brought)to make new information known to people 揭露，披露，揭示（新消息）◆These facts have only just been brought to light.这些事实刚刚才被披露出来。 turn out phrasal verb turn out ♦︎ emerge ♦︎ come out ♦︎ come to light ♦︎ get out ♦︎ transpire ♦︎ leak outThese words are all used to talk about unknown information that becomes known. 这些词均表示未知信息为人所知、披露、公开。PATTERNS AND COLLOCATIONS 句型和搭配◆news / the truth emerges / comes out / gets out / leaks out◆It turns out / emerges / transpires that...◆it now turns out / emerges / transpires...◆to turn out / emerge / come out / come to light / transpire later◆to turn out / emerge / transpire / leak out subsequently◆to turn out / emerge / come out / come to light finally■ ˌturn ˈout phrasal verb to be finally discovered to be sth, especially when this is unexpected 原来是，结果是（尤指结果出人意料）◆The job turned out to be harder than we thought.结果这工作比我们想象的要难。◆It turned out that she was a friend of my sister.她原来是我姐姐的朋友。■ emerge / /iˈmɜːdʒ; NAmE iˈmɜːrdʒ/ [intransitive] (rather formal) (of facts, ideas or evidence) to become known （事实、意见或证据）显露，为人所知◆No new evidence emerged during the investigation.调查过程中未发现新证据。◆It emerged that the company was going to be sold.这家公司准备出售一事已浮出水面。◆One thing emerges very clearly from this study.通过这项研究，弄清楚了一件事。■ ˌcome ˈout phrasal verb (came, come)(of news, an account of sth or the truth) to become known to people （消息、说法或真相）显露，为人所知◆The full story came out at the trial.案情始末在审判时真相大白。◆It came out that he'd been telling lies.后来才知道他一直在说谎。■ come to ˈlight idiom (came, come)(of evidence or knowledge) to become known （证据或知识）为人所知，披露◆New evidence has recently come to light.新的证据最近已经披露。■ ˌget ˈout phrasal verb (getting, got, got; NAmE spoken getting, got, gotten) (not usually used in the progressive tenses 通常不用于进行时) (rather informal) (of secret information) to become known （秘密信息）泄露，为人所知◆If this gets out there'll be trouble.这事要是被人知道就麻烦了。■ transpire /trænˈspaɪə(r)/ / verb [intransitive] (not usually used in the progressive tenses 通常不用于进行时) (formal) (of secret or unknown information) to become known （秘密或未知信息）公开，透露，为人所知◆It transpired that the gang had had a contact inside the bank.据报这伙歹徒在银行里有内应。◆This story, it later transpired, was untrue.后来得知，此事纯属编造。■ ˌleak ˈout phrasal verb (not usually used in the progressive tenses 通常不用于进行时) (rather informal) (of secret information) to become known to the public （秘密信息）泄露，走漏，被公开◆Details of the plan soon leaked out.计划的细节很快就泄露出去了。 see also leak ⇨ reveal NOTE 辨析 Get out or leak out? Leak out is used especially to talk about information that is only known by people inside a particular organization, for example a government. Information may get out either by accident or deliberately. If information leaks out, it is usually done deliberately, for example in order to influence or damage the organization. * leak out尤指仅被政府等特定组织内部人员知晓的信息泄露出来。get out指信息因意外或故意泄露出来。leak out通常指信息被人故意泄露，如为了影响或损害此组织。 light1 verb light a fire 点火well lit streets 灯火通明的街道light ♦︎ set fire to sth/set sth on fire ♦︎ ignite ♦︎ torchThese words all mean to make sth start to burn. 这些词均表示点燃、着火。PATTERNS AND COLLOCATIONS 句型和搭配◆to light / ignite a fire / flame◆to set fire to / torch a car / building◆to set a car / building on fire◆to set fire to / torch sb / yourself◆to set sb / yourself on fire◆to light / ignite the gas◆a spark lights sth / sets fire to sth / sets sth on fire / ignites sth■ light (lit, lit) [transitive] to make sth start to burn 点燃；点着◆Come in, I'll light a fire and you can get warmed up.进来吧。我来生火，你可以暖暖身子。◆to light a match / cigarette / candle划着火柴；点着香烟／蜡烛■ ˌset ˈfire to sth■ ˌset sth on ˈfire idiom (setting, set, set)to make sth start to burn, especially sth big like a building 点燃；纵火焚烧（尤指建筑物等大型物体）◆Several youths had set fire to the police car.几个年轻人纵火焚烧了那辆警车。◆A candle had set the curtains on fire.一根蜡烛把窗帘给点着了。 see also be on fire ⇨ burn 1 ■ ignite / /ɪgˈnaɪt/ / [transitive] (rather formal) to make sth start to burn 点燃；点火◆Flames melted a lead pipe and ignited leaking gas.火焰熔化了一段铅管，引燃了泄漏出来的煤气。NOTE 辨析 Light, set fire to sth or ignite? Light is used especially when a person makes sth burn deliberately, often when it causes just one flame. It is used about sth that is supposed to burn, such as a match, a cigarette or a fire. * light指点燃本该点燃的东西，如match、cigarette或fire，尤指有意为之，产生的常常是一缕火苗◆He lit a candle.他点燃了一根蜡烛。◆He lit the curtains. Set fire to sth/set sth on fire is used when lighting sth causes a big fire and not just one flame. It is used especially about sth that is not supposed to burn. * set fire to sth或set sth on fire尤指点燃不该点燃的东西，造成大火而不只是一缕火苗◆She set fire to the curtains.她放火点着了窗帘。◆She set fire to a candle. Sth is usually ignited not by a person but by a spark or flame. * ignite的主语通常是spark或flame，而不是某个人◆He was badly injured when a spark ignited the gas.一个火星引燃了煤气，使他严重灼伤。◆He ignited the gas. ■ torch [transitive] (rather informal) to set fire to a building or vehicle deliberately in order to destroy it; to set fire to sb/yourself in order to kill them/yourself 纵火焚烧（建筑物或车辆）；放火烧死（某人或自己）◆Rioters threw bottles at police and torched a number of cars.暴徒向警察投掷瓶子，并纵火焚烧了几辆汽车。 light2 verb light a fire 点火well lit streets 灯火通明的街道light ♦︎ light (sth) up ♦︎ illuminate ♦︎ flood ♦︎ brightenThese words all mean to provide light to sth or to a place. 这些词均表示照亮、使明亮。PATTERNS AND COLLOCATIONS 句型和搭配◆to be lit / lit up / illuminated / flooded with sth◆to light / illuminate / flood / brighten a room◆to light / illuminate the streets◆the sky lights up / brightens◆the sun lights / lights up / illuminates / floods sth◆sunlight illuminates / floods sth◆to suddenly / briefly light / light up / illuminate (sth)◆to be well / brightly / dimly / softly lighted / illuminated■ light (lit, lit) [transitive, usually passive] to give light to sth or to a place 照亮；使照明◆The stage was lit by bright spotlights.舞台上有明亮的聚光灯照明。◆Make sure you always park your car in busy, well lit streets.务必总把车停在繁忙且灯光明亮的街道上。ⓘ In literary English light can also mean to guide sb with a light. 在文学语言中，light还表示用光指引◆Our way was lit by a full moon.一轮圆月照亮了我们的路。 ▸ lighted adjective ◆scenes glimpsed through other people's lighted windows透过别人亮着灯的窗户瞥见的一些场面 OPP unlit ⇨ dark 1 ■ ˌlight ˈup■ ˌlight sth ˈup phrasal verb (lit, lit)to become bright with light or colour; to make sth bright with light or colour 放光彩；使光亮◆There was an explosion and the whole sky lit up.一声爆炸照亮了整个天空。◆The night sky was lit up with fireworks.烟花照亮了夜空。■ illuminate / /ɪˈluːmɪneɪt/ / [transitive] (rather formal) to shine light on sth 照明；照亮；照射◆Floodlights illuminated the stadium.泛光灯把体育场照得通亮。◆The earth is illuminated by the sun.太阳给地球带来光明。▸ illuminated adjective ◆There is a large garden with an illuminated pond.有个大花园，里面的池塘带灯光照明。◆The doctor examined his X-ray on an illuminated screen.医生在发光屏上查看了他的X光片。■ flood [intransitive, transitive](of light or bright colours) to spread suddenly into sth （光或颜色）照进，覆盖◆She drew the curtains and the sunlight flooded in.她拉开窗帘，阳光倾泻而入。◆She looked away as the colour flooded her cheeks.她双颊泛起了红晕，赶紧把视线转向别处。◆The room was flooded with evening light.房间里一片暮色。■ brighten [intransitive, transitive] to become or make sth lighter or brighter in colour （使）更明亮，色彩鲜艳◆The sky was beginning to brighten.天空开始泛白。◆This shampoo will brighten and condition your hair.这种洗发剂会亮发、护发。 gentle adjective gentle ♦︎ light ♦︎ mildThese words all describe things that are not strong or extreme and do not hurt or harm you too much. 这些词均表示温和的、徐缓的、柔和的。PATTERNS AND COLLOCATIONS 句型和搭配◆a gentle / light breeze / wind / rain◆gentle / light work / exercise◆a light / mild punishment■ gentle not strong or extreme; not making you tired or hurting you 温和的；徐缓的；平和的；柔和的◆the gentle swell of the sea缓慢起伏的海浪◆Cook over a gentle heat.用文火烹煮。◆We went for a gentle stroll.我们溜达去了。◆This soap is very gentle on the hands.这块肥皂擦在手上很柔和。 OPP vigorous ⇨ energetic ■ light not strong or extreme; not making you tired or punishing you too much 温和的；徐缓的；轻松的；从轻发落的◆The forecast is for light showers.天气预报有小阵雨。◆light traffic来往车辆稀少◆After his accident he was moved to lighter work.他出事故后就改做轻活儿了。◆He was convicted of assaulting a police officer but he got off with a light sentence.他被定了个袭警罪，却获从轻判处。OPP heavy ⓘ Heavy conditions, activity or punishments are greater or worse than usual. * heavy形容状况严重、活动繁忙或惩罚严厉◆heavy traffic繁忙的交通◆heavy frost / rain / snow严霜；暴雨；大雪◆heavy drinking / fighting过量饮酒；激烈打斗◆The penalty for speeding can be a heavy fine.超速驾驶可处以高额罚款。 ■ mild not strong or extreme; not harming, hurting or punishing you too much 温和的；徐缓的；柔和的；从轻发落的◆a mild form of the disease病势不重◆It's safe to take a mild sedative.服用药性不强的镇静剂没有危险。◆It was a very mild criticism but he took it very badly.这是很温和的批评，他却很恶劣地对待。OPP severe ⇨ serious 1 NOTE 辨析 Gentle, light or mild? Gentle is used especially to describe weather, temperature, work and exercise. Light is used especially to describe weather, work, exercise and punishments. Mild is used especially to describe diseases, drugs, criticism and punishment. It can also describe weather. * gentle尤用于描述天气、温度、工作或运动。light尤用于描述天气、工作、运动和惩罚。mild尤用于描述疾病、药品、批评和惩罚，还可描述天气。 see also mild ⇨ sunny minor adjective ➡ See also the entry for ⇨ slight 另见slight条minor ♦︎ trivial ♦︎ petty ♦︎ insignificant ♦︎ peripheral ♦︎ light ♦︎ unimportantThese words all describe people or things that are not important or do not deserve serious attention. 这些词均表示不重要的、次要的、无足轻重的。PATTERNS AND COLLOCATIONS 句型和搭配◆minor / trivial / petty / peripheral / unimportant things◆a minor / trivial / petty problem◆minor / trivial / insignificant / unimportant details◆a minor / a trivial / an insignificant matter / incident◆a minor / trivial / petty offence◆minor / petty crime / theft / criminals◆a minor / trivial ailment◆a trivial / an insignificant / an unimportant fact◆very minor / trivial / petty / insignificant / light / unimportant◆apparently / seemingly minor / trivial / insignificant / unimportant■ minor [usually before noun] not very large, important or serious 较小的；次要的；轻微的◆The new plan involves widening a minor road through the valley.新规划包括拓宽一条穿过山谷的小路。◆There may be some minor changes to the schedule.时间安排上也许会有些小变动。◆Women played a relatively minor role in the organization.妇女在这个组织中发挥着相对次要的作用。◆The CD contains a number of delightful short pieces by minor composers.这张光碟内有几首由不太出名的作曲家创作的欢快的短曲。◆Both the driver and the passenger suffered minor injuries.司机和乘客两人都受了轻伤。◆You may need to undergo minor surgery.你也许得做个小手术。OPP major ⇨ main , serious , severe ⇨ serious 1 ■ trivial / /ˈtrɪviəl/ / (often disapproving) not important or serious; not worth worrying about 不重要的；琐碎的；微不足道的◆I didn't want to bother you with such a trivial matter.我不想拿这样的琐事来烦你。◆I know it sounds trivial, but I'm worried about it.我知道这事听起来微不足道，但我还是放心不下。ⓘ Trivial is used especially to talk about an incident, a matter or a detail. People also often say that sth is too trivial to bother about/worry about/mention/make a fuss about. * trivial尤用以形容incident、matter和detail；常见的搭配还有be too trivial to bother about/worry about/mention/make a fuss about。▸ triviality / /ˌtrɪviˈæləti/ / noun [countable, uncountable] ◆ (disapproving) I don't want to waste time on trivialities.我不想把时间浪费在琐事上。◆His speech was one of great triviality.他的讲话无足轻重。■ petty [usually before noun] (usually disapproving) small and not important; not deserving serious attention 小的；琐碎的；无足轻重的◆I don't want to hear any more about your petty squabbles.我再也不想听到你们那些小口角了。◆There are plenty of petty bureaucrats (= who do not have much power or authority) who would report you for that.有很多小官僚会为那件事告发你。◆The removal of petty restrictions has made life easier.解除了各种琐碎的限制后，日子变得轻松了一些。ⓘ Petty is used especially to talk about crimes and conflicts that are not very serious. * petty尤用以形容不太严重的罪行和冲突◆petty crime / theft / corruption / tyranny轻微罪行；小偷小摸；轻微的腐败／专制◆a petty criminal / thief / tyrant轻罪犯；小窃贼；小暴君◆petty squabbles / jealousies / feuds小口角；小小的妒忌／不和 ■ insignificant (rather formal, especially written) not big or valuable enough to be considered important 微不足道的；无足轻重的◆These results are statistically insignificant.在统计学的意义上，这些结果无关紧要。◆The levels of chemicals in the river are not insignificant.河水中化学物质的含量不容忽视。◆He made her feel insignificant and stupid.他让她感到自己卑微愚蠢。ⓘ Not insignificant is a rather formal way of saying that sth is actually quite important, or more important than people might think. Insignificant can also be used to talk about a person who seems or feels as if they are not important or have no influence. * not insignificant是颇为正式的用法，表示某事实际上很重要，或者比人们想象的更为重要。insignificant亦可用来表示某人看起来或觉得自己似乎不重要或没有影响力。 OPP significant ⇨ important ▸ insignificance noun [uncountable] ◆Her own problems paled into insignificance beside this terrible news.跟这个可怕的消息相比，她自己的问题就显得微不足道了。OPP significance ⇨ importance ■ peripheral / /pəˈrɪfərəl/ / (formal, especially business 尤用于商业) not as important as the main aim or part of an activity 次要的；附带的◆The experiment looks at subjects' ability to take in peripheral information.这项实验要考查实验对象吸收辅助信息的能力。◆Fund-raising is peripheral to their main activities.与他们的主要活动相比，筹集资金是次要的。ⓘ Peripheral is used especially to talk about information or details, or activities and developments. * peripheral尤用以形容information、detail、activity和development。 see also periphery ⇨ edge noun ■ light entertaining rather than serious and not needing much mental effort 娱乐性的；消遣性的；轻松的◆Do you need some light reading for the beach?你是否需要一些在海边休闲时看的消遣读物？◆a concert of light classical music古典轻音乐会ⓘ Light is used especially to talk about leisure activities. * light尤用以形容休闲活动◆light reading / fiction / entertainment / comedy / music / opera消遣读物；轻松的小说／娱乐；轻喜剧；轻音乐；轻歌剧 ■ unimportant (especially written) not important; not deserving serious attention 不重要的；次要的；无足轻重的◆Don't worry about these unimportant details.别为这些细枝末节烦恼。◆They dismissed the problem as unimportant.他们认为这个问题无关紧要而未予理会。OPP important ⇨ important pale2 adjective a pale face 苍白的脸pale colours 淡淡的颜色pale ♦︎ light ♦︎ soft ♦︎ dull ♦︎ pastel ♦︎ subtle ♦︎ dusky ♦︎ neutral ♦︎ coolThese words all describe light or a colour which is not bright or strong. 这些词均表示昏暗的、不鲜艳的。PATTERNS AND COLLOCATIONS 句型和搭配◆a pale / light / soft / dull / pastel / subtle / neutral / cool colour◆a pale / light / soft / dull / pastel / subtle / neutral / cool shade◆pale / light / soft / pastel / subtle / neutral tones◆pale / light / soft / dull / pastel / subtle / dusky pink◆pale / light / soft / dull / pastel / subtle / cool green◆pale / light / soft / dull / dusky red◆pale / light / soft / dull / pastel / cool blue◆pale / light / soft / dull / cool grey◆pale / light / soft / dull brown / yellow◆pale / light / dull / dusky orange◆a pale / soft / dull / dusky light◆a pale / soft / dull glow◆a pale / dull sky◆pale / light / soft / cool blue eyes◆sth is pale / light / neutral in colour■ pale (of a colour or light) containing a lot of white 浅色的；暗淡的◆The bedroom walls are pale green.卧室的墙壁是淡绿色。◆The rooftops and chimneys stood out against the pale sky.在昏暗的天色映衬下，屋顶和烟囱清晰可见。◆The flowers were pale and wilted.花都枯萎失色了。OPP dark , deep ⇨ dark 2 ■ light pale in colour 浅色的；淡色的◆He's got light blue eyes.他有一双浅蓝色的眼睛。◆Lighter shades suit you best.较浅的颜色最适合你。◆People with pale complexions should avoid wearing light colours.肤色白皙的人应当避免穿浅色衣服。 OPP dark ⇨ dark 2 NOTE 辨析 Pale or light?When describing colours you can use either word. 形容颜色时，这两个词可以通用◆pale / light blue / green / yellow / orange / red / pink / purple / grey / brown浅蓝色；浅绿色；浅黄色；浅橙色；浅红色；浅粉红色；浅紫色；浅灰色；浅棕色◆pale / light colours / shades / tones淡淡的颜色／色彩／色调 Pale is also used to describe a kind of light that contains a lot of white, especially when it is not very bright. * pale还可形容光线昏暗◆a pale light / glow / sky昏暗的光线／光／天色◆a light light/glow/sky ■ soft [usually before noun] not too bright, in a way that is pleasant and relaxing to the eyes 柔和的；悦目的◆a colour scheme of soft pink and cream柔和的粉红色和奶油色的组合◆the soft glow of candlelight柔和的烛光 OPP harsh ⇨ strong 3 ■ dull not bright or shiny 不明亮的；不鲜艳的；无光泽的◆The blood stained the grass a dull red colour.鲜血把草染成了暗红色。◆The fire died down to a dull glow.火焰逐渐变弱，只剩些许暗淡的光。OPP bright ⇨ bright ■ pastel / /ˈpæstl; NAmE pæˈstel/ [only before noun] having a pale delicate colour 颜色淡雅的◆The white walls were repainted in pastel shades.白色的墙壁被重新漆成淡雅的色调。▸ pastel noun [countable] ◆The whole house was painted in soft pastels.整座房屋都漆成了柔和淡雅的色彩。■ subtle /ˈsʌtl/ / [usually before noun] (approving) (of colours) not too bright or noticeable, in a way that is attractive （颜色）不刺眼的，淡雅的◆Her paintings are characterized by sweeping brush strokes and subtle colours.她的画特点是奔放的笔锋和淡雅的色彩。■ dusky [usually before noun] (literary) dark or soft in colour （颜色）暗的，柔和的◆The setting sun tinged the sky with a dusky orange.落日把天空染成了柔和的橙色。■ neutral /ˈnjuːtrəl; NAmE ˈnuːtrəl/ (of colours) not very bright or strong, such as grey or light brown （颜色）素淡的，不鲜艳的（如灰色或浅棕色）◆a neutral colour scheme浅色系组合◆Neutral tones will give the room a feeling of space.浅色调能给房间营造空间感。■ cool (usually approving) (of colours) making you feel pleasantly cool （颜色）使人感到凉爽的；冷色的◆a room painted in cool greens and blues用冷色调的绿色和蓝色油漆过的房间 OPP warm ⇨ dark 2 understate verb understate ♦︎ play sth down ♦︎ make light of sth ♦︎ minimize ♦︎ trivializeThese words all mean to state that sth is smaller, less important or less serious than it really is. 这些词均表示轻描淡写、避重就轻地说。PATTERNS AND COLLOCATIONS 句型和搭配◆to understate / play down / minimize the importance / extent of sth◆to play down / minimize the significance / role of sb / sth◆to play down / make light of a problem◆to play down / trivialize an issue■ understate / /ˌʌndəˈsteɪt; NAmE ˌʌndərˈsteɪt/ [transitive] (rather formal, especially written) to state that sth is smaller, less important or less serious than it really is 轻描淡写；避重就轻地说◆It would be a mistake to understate the seriousness of the problem.对该问题的严重性加以淡化是错误的。◆The figures probably understate the real unemployment rate.这些数字很可能低估了真实的失业率。OPP overstate ⇨ exaggerate ▸ understatement noun [countable, uncountable] ◆To say we were pleased is an understatement (= we were extremely pleased).说我们满意，那可是说得太轻了。◆He always goes for subtlety and understatement in his movies.他总是在自己的电影中运用细腻刻画和淡化手法。■ ˌplay sth ˈdown phrasal verb (rather informal, especially journalism 尤用于新闻) to try to make sth seem less important or less serious than it really is 使显得不重要；贬低；淡化◆The government has been playing down rumours of differences of opinion.政府一直在淡化有关意见分歧的传言。ⓘ Play sth down is often used by journalists to report attempts by governments or other organizations to stop people from losing confidence in them. 新闻记者常用play sth down表示政府或其他组织企图淡化矛盾，防止人们对其失去信心。■ make ˈlight of sth idiom (made, made)to treat sth as not serious or important 轻视；对⋯等闲视之◆I didn't mean to make light of your injuries.我不是要把你的伤不当回事。◆Although he later made light of the experience, he had been in considerable danger.虽然他后来对那次经历轻描淡写，但当时他的处境相当危险。ⓘ When you make light of your own problems you try to have a positive attitude towards a difficult situation so that other people don't worry about it too much. If you make light of sb else's problems however, you may offend them, because they may think that you are suggesting that they are complaining about sth that is not really very serious. * make light of自己的困难，表示你对困境尽量采取积极的态度，使他人不过分担心。然而，如果你make light of别人的困难，也许就会得罪人，因为他们会以为你在暗示他们所抱怨之事并非真的很严重。■ minimize (BrE also minimise) /ˈmɪnɪmaɪz/ / to try to make sth seem less important or less serious than it really is 使显得不重要；贬低；淡化◆He always tried to minimize his own faults, while exaggerating those of others.他总是试图对自己的错误轻描淡写，对别人的错误夸大其词。ⓘ Minimize is most often used to talk about people trying to make personal strengths or weaknesses seem less important, or with importance or significance to talk about people trying to make any action or event seem less important than it really is. * minimize最常用以表示试图使个人的长处或弱点显得不那么重要；或与importance或significance搭配，指让行为或事件显得不如实际那么重要。■ trivialize (BrE also trivialise) / /ˈtrɪviəlaɪz/ / [transitive] (rather formal, usually disapproving) to make sth seem less important or less serious than it really is 使显得琐碎（或不重要、不严重）；轻视◆It is important not to trivialize children's worries.不轻视孩子的烦恼很重要。◆The magazine has been accused of trivializing serious issues.该杂志被指责对严肃的问题轻描淡写。 |