Reading Theme:
Violence: Definition, Examples, and Usage (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：aggressive force (violence)
violence
/ˈvaɪələns/
n.
Using physical force to hurt people or break things.
aggressive force
➕
/əˈɡrɛsɪv fɔːrs/
n.
The use of physical power or strength with the intention to cause injury or damage to someone or something.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'violentia' (vehemence), from 'vis' (strength).
💡 Mnemonic
Imagine a 'viol' (instrument) smashed with force: 'viol-ence' = broken viol.
📖 Example
The speaker at the school assembly strongly condemned the use of violence to solve conflicts between students.
The speaker at the school assembly strongly condemned the use of violence to solve conflicts between students.
🔗 Collocations
domestic violence – Violent behavior within a household, usually between family members.
acts of violence – Instances of physical aggression or harm.
violence against women – Aggressive actions targeting women, often in a domestic or social context.
🔄 Synonyms
brutality (n.) – Cruel and violent treatment.
aggression (n.) – Hostile or violent behavior.
force (n.) – Physical strength or power used to compel.
🚫 Antonyms
peace (n.) – Freedom from disturbance; quiet.
nonviolence (n.) – The use of peaceful means, not force, to bring about change.
🌱 Derivatives
violent (adj.) – Involving physical force intended to hurt or damage.
violently (adv.) – In a way that involves physical force or strong emotion.
nonviolence (n.) – The practice of refraining from using force.
📖 Cultural Story
The word entered English via Old French. In Roman law, 'violentia' referred to unlawful use of force, and it has since been used in legal and social discussions about physical harm.
Meaning 2：raging power (violence)
violence
/ˈvaɪələns/
n.
When natural forces like storms are very strong and cause damage.
raging power
➕
/ˈreɪdʒɪŋ ˈpaʊər/
n.
The extreme strength or destructive force of natural elements such as storms, winds, or waves.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
We could only watch from the window as the violence of the storm uprooted trees and tore tiles from the roofs.
We could only watch from the window as the violence of the storm uprooted trees and tore tiles from the roofs.
🔗 Collocations
violence of the storm – The destructive intensity of a storm.
natural violence – Forceful events in nature, like earthquakes or hurricanes.
force of nature – A powerful natural phenomenon that cannot be controlled.
🔄 Synonyms
fury (n.) – Uncontrolled anger or force, often in nature.
intensity (n.) – The quality of being very strong or extreme.
destructiveness (n.) – The capability of causing great damage.
🚫 Antonyms
calm (n.) – The absence of strong movement or noise; tranquility.
gentleness (n.) – The quality of being mild and soft.
🌱 Derivatives
violent (adj.) – Involving physical force intended to hurt or damage.
violently (adv.) – In a way that involves physical force or strong emotion.
nonviolence (n.) – The practice of refraining from using force.
Wordbook
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