Reading Theme:
Gold - 英语词汇详解 (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：precious metal (Gold)
Gold
/ɡoʊld/
n.
A precious yellow metal that is very valuable, used to make jewelry and coins, or stored as wealth.
precious metal
➕
/ˈprɛʃəs ˈmɛtəl/
n.
A dense, soft, yellow precious metal that is highly valued for its beauty and resistance to tarnish, commonly used in jewelry, coins, and as a store of value.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Old English 'gold', from Proto-Germanic *gulþą, ultimately from PIE *ǵʰelh₃- meaning 'to shine, yellow'.
💡 Mnemonic
Imagine 'G-O-L-D' as 'Gleaming, Ornate, Lustrous, Durable' - a quick reminder of its shining qualities.
📖 Example
My grandmother's favorite ring is made of pure gold and has a beautiful shine.
My grandmother's favorite ring is made of pure gold and has a beautiful shine.
🔗 Collocations
solid gold – made entirely of gold, not plated
gold rush – a period when many people rush to newly discovered gold deposits
gold leaf – very thin sheets of gold used for gilding
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
base metal (n.) – A common metal (like iron or copper) that is not precious
🌱 Derivatives
📖 Cultural Story
Gold has been highly prized for millennia, used in coinage, jewelry, and as a symbol of wealth. Its rarity and luster made it a universal standard for value.
Meaning 2：gold medal (Gold)
Gold
/ɡoʊld/
n.
The medal given to the winner of a competition, or used to describe something of the highest quality or rank.
gold medal
➕
/ɡoʊld ˈmɛdəl/
n.
The highest award given to the winner of a competition, typically a medal made of or colored like gold; also used metaphorically to describe something of top quality or rank.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
She trained for years and finally won the gold in the swimming competition.
She trained for years and finally won the gold in the swimming competition.
🔗 Collocations
gold medalist – the person who wins the gold medal
go for gold – to strive for first place or the highest achievement
gold standard – the best or most prestigious example of something
🔄 Synonyms
championship (n.) – A title or award for being the best in a competition
trophy (n.) – A prize awarded for victory, often a cup or plaque
🚫 Antonyms
bronze (n.) – The third-place medal, considered the lowest among the three
last place (n.) – The position of the competitor who finishes last
🌱 Derivatives
golden (adj.) – very successful or excellent (e.g., golden opportunity)
Wordbook
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