Reading Theme:
Menace Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：threat (menace)
menace
/ˈmɛnəs/
n.
A person or thing that is likely to cause you harm or damage.
threat
➕
/θrɛt/
n.
Refers to a person, animal, or object that poses a risk of harm or damage.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'minacia' meaning threat, via Old French 'menace'.
💡 Mnemonic
Menace sounds like 'men ace' – imagine a man holding an ace card, symbolizing a hidden threat.
📖 Example
The great white shark was considered a menace to swimmers in the area.
The great white shark was considered a menace to swimmers in the area.
🔗 Collocations
pose a menace – to present a threat
a menace to society – a person or thing that endangers the community
the menace of crime – the threat posed by criminal activities
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
safety (n.) – the condition of being protected from harm
protection (n.) – the action of keeping someone or something safe
🌱 Derivatives
menacing (adj.) – suggesting the presence of danger; threatening
menacingly (adv.) – in a threatening manner
📖 Cultural Story
Originating from Latin 'minacia' (threat) via Old French, 'menace' entered English in the 14th century. It is often used in legal and daily contexts to indicate a threat.
Meaning 2：threatening atmosphere (menace)
menace
/ˈmɛnəs/
n.
A feeling or atmosphere that makes people scared or nervous, often without any direct action.
threatening atmosphere
➕
/ˈθrɛtənɪŋ ˈætməsfɪr/
n.
Describes an intangible feeling or environment that induces fear or nervousness, often implied rather than explicit.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Despite its calm expression, the statue had an air of menace that made visitors uneasy.
Despite its calm expression, the statue had an air of menace that made visitors uneasy.
🔗 Collocations
an air of menace – a threatening atmosphere or impression
sense of menace – a feeling of impending danger
menace in his tone – a threatening quality in the way he speaks
🔄 Synonyms
intimidation (n.) – the action of frightening or threatening someone
foreboding (n.) – a feeling that something bad will happen
ominousness (n.) – the quality of suggesting that something bad is going to happen
🚫 Antonyms
comfort (n.) – a state of physical ease and freedom from pain or constraint
reassurance (n.) – the action of removing someone's doubts or fears
🌱 Derivatives
menacing (adj.) – suggesting the presence of danger; threatening
menacingly (adv.) – in a threatening manner
Wordbook
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