Reading Theme:

Language:

Font Size:

📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Defect: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：flaw or imperfection (defect)

defect 🔊

/ˈdiːfekt/

A part of something that is not good or not working properly, making it less than perfect.

Defect illustrated by a smartphone screen with a single dead pixel, showing a manufacturing flaw.

flaw or imperfection 🔊

➕

/flɔː ɔːr ˌɪmpərˈfɛkʃən/

A defect is a fault or shortcoming in an object that prevents it from being perfect.

📁 Category：Objects & Materials 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'defectus' (failure), from 'de-' (away) + 'facere' (to make).

💡 Mnemonic

A defect is a de-FAIL-ure – something that fails to be perfect.

📖 Example

When checking her new phone, she immediately noticed a small defect on the screen. 🔊 While inspecting her new phone, she spotted a minor flaw on the screen.

🔗 Collocations

manufacturing defect – a flaw that occurs during the production process

design defect – a fault inherent in the product's design

serious defect – a significant flaw that affects functionality

🔄 Synonyms

flaw (n.) – an imperfection or fault that detracts from perfection

imperfection (n.) – a fault or blemish that makes something less than perfect

fault (n.) – a defect or weakness in something

🚫 Antonyms

perfection (n.) – the state of being flawless and without defects

strength (n.) – a good quality or advantage

🌱 Derivatives

defective (adj.) – having one or more defects; faulty

📖 Cultural Story

Derived from Latin 'defectus', meaning 'a failure or lack'. Historically used in legal and military contexts for desertion; now common in manufacturing for product flaws and in politics for switching allegiances.

Meaning 2：desertion or betrayal (defect)

defect 🔊

/ˈdiːfekt/

When a person, especially a politician or soldier, leaves their own country, party, or group to join the opposing side.

Defection scene showing a diplomat changing allegiance, representing betrayal or desertion.

desertion or betrayal 🔊

➕

/dɪˈzɜːrʃən ɔːr bɪˈtreɪəl/

Defection refers to the act of abandoning one's own country, party, or group to join an opposing side, often seen in political or military contexts.

📁 Category：Countries & Government 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

The high-ranking official's defection to the neighbouring country was a major scandal. 🔊 The official's decision to leave for a neighboring country created a major scandal.

🔗 Collocations

political defection – the act of leaving one political party or country for another

mass defection – a large-scale abandonment by many people

defection to the enemy – deserting to join the opposing force in a conflict

🔄 Synonyms

desertion (n.) – the act of abandoning one's duty, post, or allegiance

betrayal (n.) – the act of being disloyal or treacherous

treason (n.) – the crime of betraying one's country

🚫 Antonyms

loyalty (n.) – faithfulness to a person, cause, or country

allegiance (n.) – loyalty or commitment to a group or cause

🌱 Derivatives

defector (n.) – a person who defects from their country or group

defection (n.) – the act or instance of defecting