Reading Theme:
Neglect: Definition, Usage, and Common Errors (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：fail to care for (neglect)
neglect
/nɪˈɡlekt/
n./vt.
To fail to take care of or pay attention to something or someone that you are responsible for.
fail to care for
➕
/feɪl tə kɛr fɔr/
n./vt.
To give insufficient attention to someone or something that requires care, resulting in deterioration or harm.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
neg- (not) + legere (choose) = disregard.
💡 Mnemonic
Imagine a neglected garden: weeds overtake flowers. 'Neg' sounds like 'negative', so think negative care.
📖 Example
She was so busy with her new job that she began to neglect her houseplants, and many of them died.
She was so busy with her new job that she began to neglect her houseplants, and many of them died.
🔗 Collocations
neglect one's duties – Fail to perform one's responsibilities
child neglect – The failure to provide adequate care for a child
neglect to inform – Fail to give necessary information
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
negligence (n.) – The state of being careless or failing to act
negligent (adj.) – Failing to take proper care
neglectful (adj.) – Not giving enough attention or care
📖 Cultural Story
From Latin 'neglegere' (neg- 'not' + legere 'choose'). In Roman culture, neglecting one's duties was a grave offense. Today, 'child neglect' is a key concept in social welfare.
Meaning 2：state of being uncared for (neglect)
neglect
/nɪˈɡlekt/
n./vt.
The state or condition of not receiving the proper care or attention.
state of being uncared for
➕
/steɪt əv ˈbiːɪŋ ʌnˈkeərd fɔr/
n./vt.
The condition of being left without proper attention or maintenance, leading to deterioration.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The old house showed years of neglect, with its broken windows and overgrown garden.
The old house showed years of neglect, with its broken windows and overgrown garden.
🔗 Collocations
in a state of neglect – Condition of being uncared for or abandoned
suffer neglect – Experience lack of proper care
years of neglect – Long period of being ignored or forgotten
🔄 Synonyms
abandonment (n.) – The act of leaving someone or something behind
desertion (n.) – The act of leaving a person, place, or duty without intending to return
disrepair (n.) – Poor condition due to lack of maintenance
🚫 Antonyms
maintenance (n.) – The act of keeping something in good condition
care (n.) – The provision of what is necessary for well-being
renovation (n.) – The act of restoring to a good state of repair
🌱 Derivatives
neglected (adj.) – Suffering from lack of attention or care
neglectful (adj.) – Not giving enough attention or care
Wordbook
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