Reading Theme:
Resource Definition, Usage & Key Examples (3 meaning)
Meaning 1：available assets (resource)
resource
/rɪˈzɔːrs/
n.
Something a country, company, or person has that they can use to do things or get money.
available assets
➕
əˈveɪləbəl ˈæsets
n.
The raw materials, assets, or sources of supply that an entity possesses, which can be utilized to create wealth, function effectively, or achieve objectives.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'resurgere' (to rise again), via Old French. The prefix 're-' suggests 'again', and the base is related to 'source'. Thus, a resource is a 'source' from which one can draw repeatedly.
💡 Mnemonic
Imagine a **source** of a river. You can go **re-**peatly back to this **source** to get water. A **resource** is like that—a source you can return to again and again for what you need.
📖 Example
A country's resources, like oil and minerals, are very important for its economy.
The natural resources of a nation, such as its petroleum and mineral deposits, play a crucial role in its economic health.
🔗 Collocations
natural resources – Materials or substances occurring in nature which can be exploited for economic gain.
human resources – The personnel of a business or organization, regarded as a significant asset in terms of skills and abilities.
allocate resources – To distribute available assets or funds for specific purposes or projects.
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
liability (n.) – A thing for which someone is responsible, especially a debt or financial obligation.
🌱 Derivatives
resourceful (adj.) – Having the ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties.
resourceless (adj.) – Lacking resources or means; poor.
📖 Cultural Story
The word entered English in the 17th century from French, with a specific focus on providing aid or support. Its modern meaning as an 'available asset' solidified in economic and military contexts during the Industrial Revolution. Today, 'resource management' is a core concept in business, project planning, and environmental science, denoting the efficient allocation of available assets like time, money, personnel, and natural materials.
Meaning 2：inner strength and ingenuity (resource)
resource
/rɪˈzɔːrs/
n.
A person's natural ability or skill that helps them solve problems in difficult situations.
inner strength and ingenuity
➕
ˈɪnər strɛŋθ ænd ˌɪndʒəˈnuːəti
n.
The inherent personal ability to deal skillfully and promptly with new or difficult situations; one's mental and emotional capacity to cope and find solutions.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
She showed great inner resource by staying calm and fixing the broken machine with just a paperclip.
She demonstrated remarkable personal ingenuity by remaining composed and repairing the malfunctioning device using only a paperclip.
🔗 Collocations
inner resources – A person's psychological and emotional strengths, such as resilience, courage, or creativity.
draw on one's resources – To make use of one's personal skills, knowledge, or inner strength to handle a situation.
🔄 Synonyms
ingenuity (n.) – The quality of being clever, original, and inventive.
initiative (n.) – The ability to assess and initiate things independently.
🚫 Antonyms
helplessness (n.) – Inability to defend oneself or to act effectively.
🌱 Derivatives
resourceful (adj.) – Having the ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties.
Meaning 3：stored supply (resource)
resource
/rɪˈzɔːrs/
n.
Something you save or keep ready to use when you really need it, like in an emergency.
stored supply
➕
stɔːrd səˈplaɪ
n.
A supply of something that is held in reserve, saved, or set aside for use when needed, particularly in anticipation of future necessity or emergency.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
When my phone died, my old paper map was my only resource for finding the way home.
After my mobile phone's battery was depleted, my outdated physical map served as my sole available tool for navigating back home.
🔗 Collocations
emergency resource – A supply or piece of equipment kept specifically for use in urgent or crisis situations.
last resource – The final option or resort available when all others have failed.
Wordbook
Your data is saved in this browser