Reading Theme:
Fault Definition, Usage & Key Examples (3 meaning)
Meaning 1：responsibility for a mistake (fault)
fault
/fɔːlt/
n.
something wrong that someone did and should be responsible for.
responsibility for a mistake
➕
/rɪˌspɒnsɪˈbɪlɪti fɔːr ə mɪˈsteɪk/
n.
Refers to the accountability or blame for an error or wrongdoing.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'fallere' (to deceive), via Old French 'faute' (failing).
💡 Mnemonic
Think of 'fault' as a 'fall' into blame or a crack in the ground.
📖 Example
During the argument, my friend said, "It's your fault we forgot the keys!" as we stood locked outside.
In the argument, my friend blamed me for causing us to forget the keys.
🔗 Collocations
at fault – responsible for a mistake
find fault with – criticize or blame someone
admit fault – confess responsibility for an error
🔄 Synonyms
blame (n.) – responsibility for a fault or wrong
responsibility (n.) – the state of being accountable
error (n.) – a mistake
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
📖 Cultural Story
Derived from Latin 'fallita' (deceit). In geology, adopted in the 19th century for crustal fractures. Modern use includes legal terms like 'no-fault divorce'.
Meaning 2：defect or imperfection (fault)
fault
/fɔːlt/
n.
a small problem or weakness in something that makes it not perfect.
defect or imperfection
➕
/ˈdɛfɛkt ɔːr ˌɪmpəˈfɛkʃən/
n.
A minor flaw or weakness that prevents something from being perfect.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The new phone works well, but the only fault I can find is that its battery drains a bit too fast.
The new phone functions well, but its only drawback is the rapid battery drain.
🔗 Collocations
design fault – a flaw in the design of something
manufacturing fault – a defect caused during production
fault tolerance – the ability to continue operating despite failures
🔄 Synonyms
flaw (n.) – an imperfection or weakness
defect (n.) – a fault or shortcoming
imperfection (n.) – a lack of perfection
🚫 Antonyms
perfection (n.) – the state of being flawless
strength (n.) – a good or advantageous quality
🌱 Derivatives
faulty (adj.) – having defects or imperfections
Meaning 3：geological fracture (fault)
fault
/fɔːlt/
n.
a big crack in the Earth's crust where rocks have moved.
geological fracture
➕
/ˌdʒiːəˈlɒdʒɪkəl ˈfrækʧər/
n.
A fracture in the Earth's crust where tectonic plates have shifted.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The powerful earthquake was caused by the sudden movement along a major geological fault.
The earthquake was triggered by movement along a significant geological fracture.
🔗 Collocations
fault line – the trace of a fault on the Earth's surface
strike-slip fault – a fault where movement is horizontal
normal fault – a fault where the hanging wall drops down
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
stability (n.) – the state of being stable or unchanging
continuity (n.) – uninterrupted connection or sequence
🌱 Derivatives
faulting (n.) – the process of forming faults in geology
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