每日一词之instrumental复盘
- 这是什么词?
词:instrumental
英英释义:involved in an important way in making something happen
例句:Details are instrumental in achieving success.
- 为什么选这个词?
“instrumental”来自名词 “instrument”(乐器),除了表示与乐器演奏有关的意思外,它还常用来表示“有帮助的” “起作用的”。我们很多时候都可以用它来替换 helpful,play an important role 等表达。
我们常说“细节决定成败”,说的是细节的重要性,我们可以用 instrumental 把它表述为:
Details are intrumental in achieving success.
当别人对我们有所帮助,我们在写邮件和卡片的时候就可以用上 instrumental。比如流行小说 Crazy Rich Asians 的作者在书尾鸣谢部分就用到了 instrumental:
In your inimitable and wonderful ways, you have each been instrumental in helping me bring this book to life.
《经济学人》在一篇保护穿山甲(pangolin)的文章中也用到了 instrumental:
In China, for example, Jackie Chan, a film star who was instrumental in bringing about that country’s recent ban on the sale of elephant ivory, has thrown his weight behind the pangolin.
- 怎样学会使用这个词?
1)使用《牛津英语搭配词典》查“instrumental”,了解它作为形容词时的常用搭配。
2)翻译下面的句子:
教育改变了我的命运。
(参考翻译:Education has been highly instrumental in transforming my life. 或者
Education is an instrumental tool in shaping my destiny.
场景:口红会让女人看起来更漂亮。
造句:Wearing lipstick is instrumental in making a woman look more beautiful.