alloyed
alloyed — verb
- alloyedpresent simple I / you / we / they
- alloyeds3rd person singular
- alloyeding-ing form
- alloyededpast simple
1. to heat a metal together with other metals or substances so they fuse into a new
to heat a metal together with other metals or substances so they fuse into a new material with different properties
The jeweler alloyed silver with copper to make the rings more durable.
pattern: alloy + [metal] + with + [metal] for adding a second element
Factories in Taiwan alloy iron with chromium and nickel to make stainless steel for sinks.
active pattern: factories/agents + alloy + [metal] + with + [metal] for manufacturing
The design team alloyed titanium with aluminum to make a lighter racing bicycle frame.
文法句型
alloy + [metal] + with + [metal]
be alloyed with + [metal]
用法筆記
Frequently used in the passive voice ('be alloyed with') when describing how a base metal is transformed by adding other elements. The subject of the active form is typically a person or organisation performing the process.
常見錯誤
2. to bring a negative element into something good, so that the original quality, v
to bring a negative element into something good, so that the original quality, value, or purity becomes weaker or is spoiled
The directors worried that commercial advertising would alloy the artistic value of the museum exhibition.
abstract usage: alloy + [quality] + with implied negative element
Amara's relief at winning was alloyed with sadness that her mentor was absent.
passive emotional sense: be alloyed with + [feeling]
文法句型
alloy + [abstract noun] + with + [something undesirable]
用法筆記
This sense is almost always used in figurative or literary contexts, not for physical mixtures. The verb typically takes an abstract subject (a feeling, quality, or value) and is followed by 'with' + the spoiling element. Common in formal writing.
常見錯誤
alloyed — noun
1. a solid mixture made by melting several metals together, or a metal with another
a solid mixture made by melting several metals together, or a metal with another substance, to create a stronger or more useful material
Bronze is an alloy of copper and tin used for tools and statues.
pattern: an alloy of + [metal] + and + [metal]
The engine parts are made from a lightweight aluminium alloy that does not rust easily.
modifier use: [metal] + alloy as a compound noun
The shipyard chose a nickel alloy for propeller shafts because it resists seawater corrosion.
- pure metal
a metal in its uncombined, natural form, not mixed with anything else
- element
a single chemical substance that cannot be broken down further
文法句型
an alloy of + [metal] + and + [metal]
alloy + noun (as modifier)
用法筆記
Used both as a countable noun ('a strong alloy') and in attributive position before another noun ('alloy steel'). The common alloys students encounter include bronze (copper + tin) and brass (copper + zinc).
常見錯誤
2. an added element that spoils something or makes it less valuable or pure than it
an added element that spoils something or makes it less valuable or pure than it originally was
Critics called the commercial breaks an alloy that weakened the film's emotional impact.
figurative use: an alloy that weakens/ spoils [abstract quality]
Professor Lin argued that social media updates were an alloy weakening students' research focus.
- contaminant
a substance that makes something impure; more physical and scientific
- adulterant
something added that makes a product weaker or poorer; formal, often used for food or drugs
- blemish
a mark or flaw; focuses on appearance rather than composition
文法句型
an alloy + in/on + [something]
用法筆記
Almost exclusively figurative and formal. This sense is less common in everyday speech and appears more frequently in literary criticism, philosophical writing, or evaluative commentary.