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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Sphere: Meaning, Examples, and Usage (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：round object (sphere)

sphere 🔊

/sfɪər/

A perfectly round, three-dimensional object, like a ball or a globe.

round object 🔊

➕

/raʊnd ˈɒbdʒɪkt/

A perfectly round three-dimensional shape where all points on the surface are the same distance from the center.

📁 Category：Objects & Materials 🔖 Level：beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Greek 'sphaira' meaning ball or globe.

💡 Mnemonic

Think 'S' + 'phere' like a 'space ball' – both start with 'sp' and are perfectly round.

📖 Example

The sphere on his desk wasn't just a paperweight; it was a beautiful, antique globe of the world. 🔊 The sphere on his desk wasn't just a paperweight; it was a beautiful, antique globe of the world.

🔗 Collocations

perfect sphere – a sphere that is exactly round without any imperfections

celestial sphere – an imaginary sphere of infinite radius with Earth at its center, used in astronomy

sphere of influence – a region or area over which a person, group, or country has power or influence

🔄 Synonyms

ball (n.) – a spherical object used in games or as a toy

globe (n.) – a spherical representation of the Earth or another planet

orb (n.) – a spherical body, especially one that is luminous or decorative

🚫 Antonyms

cube (n.) – a solid object with six equal square sides

pyramid (n.) – a solid object with a polygonal base and triangular faces meeting at a point

cylinder (n.) – a solid object with two parallel circular ends and straight sides

🌱 Derivatives

spherical (adj.) – shaped like a sphere

sphericity (n.) – the quality of being spherical

spheroid (n.) – a slightly flattened or elongated sphere

📖 Cultural Story

The word comes from Ancient Greek σφαῖρα (sphaîra), meaning 'ball'. In medieval astronomy, celestial spheres were thought to carry the planets in concentric layers around the Earth.

Meaning 2：area of activity (sphere)

sphere 🔊

/sfɪər/

A particular area of activity, knowledge, or influence.

area of activity 🔊

➕

/ˈɛəriə əv ækˈtɪvɪti/

A particular field, domain, or scope in which someone or something operates, is active, or has influence.

📁 Category：Social Economy 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

Her work is highly respected in the sphere of contemporary art. 🔊 Her work is highly respected in the sphere of contemporary art.

🔗 Collocations

public sphere – the area of social life where people can discuss and form public opinion

private sphere – the area of personal life that is separate from public or work life

sphere of influence – a region or area over which a person, group, or country has power or influence

🔄 Synonyms

domain (n.) – a particular area of activity, interest, or knowledge

realm (n.) – a field or area of activity or interest

field (n.) – a particular branch of study or area of activity

🚫 Antonyms

void (n.) – an empty space or area without activity

limitation (n.) – a restricting condition or boundary of activity

🌱 Derivatives

spheres (n. pl.) – multiple areas of activity or influence

spherical (adj.) – relating to or within a sphere of activity (rare in this sense)