amate

IPA/ˈameɪt/
IPA/ˈæmeɪt/

amate — verb

  • amatepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • amates3rd person singular
  • amating-ing form
  • amatedpast simple

1. to cause someone to lose confidence or hope, making them feel defeated and unabl

1.動詞及物C2
釋義

to cause someone to lose confidence or hope, making them feel defeated and unable to continue with something.

例句

The constant delays amated the crew, who had prepared carefully for the launch.

transitive: subject as setback or circumstance

Nora was amated by her professor's harsh comments about her thesis draft.

passive construction: amated by [person/circumstance]

同義詞
  • dishearten

    the modern, common equivalent; 'amate' is a rare synonym

  • discourage

    more widely used; focuses on loss of confidence rather than defeat

  • subdue

    stronger, implies active conquest or overwhelming force

反義詞
  • encourage

    to give someone hope or confidence

  • hearten

    to make someone feel more determined and hopeful

文法句型

amate + noun phrase

用法筆記

This sense is now very rare in modern English, found mainly in historical or literary writing. The past tense form 'amated' is more common than present tense.

常見錯誤

I was amazed by the rejection.' (when meaning disheartened)
I was amated by the rejection.
💡'amaze' means to surprise greatly; 'amate' means to dishearten.

amate — verb

  • amatepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • amates3rd person singular
  • amating-ing form
  • amatedpast simple

1. to be exactly as good as someone or something else in ability, quality, or achie

1.動詞及物C2
釋義

to be exactly as good as someone or something else in ability, quality, or achievement; to rival or equal.

例句

No other craftsman could amate the quality of Nadia's handmade furniture.

negative + could amate: inability to match

The young pianist's skill amated that of professional musicians twice her age.

transitive: [skill] amates [that of + entity]

同義詞
  • match

    the standard modern equivalent; far more common in everyday use

  • equal

    focuses on reaching the same standard without exceeding it

  • rival

    implies a competitive context of trying to surpass

反義詞
  • excel

    to go beyond, not merely equal

文法句型

amate + noun phrase

用法筆記

This sense is extremely rare and considered archaic. In modern English, 'match' or 'equal' are the usual words for this meaning.

常見錯誤

My score amates with yours.' (adding unnecessary preposition)
My score amates yours.
💡'amate' is directly transitive and takes no preposition.

amate — noun