circumvent

/ˌsɜːkəmˈvent/ (bre, ipa) · [sˌɚkəmvˈɛnt] /ˌsɜːrkəmˈvent/ (ame, ipa) · [sˌɚkəmvˈɛnt] /ˌsər-kəm-ˈvent How to pronounce circumvent (audio)/ (ame, mw)

circumvent — verb

  • circumventpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • circumventshe / she / it
  • circumventedpast simple
  • circumventing-ing form

1. to get past a rule, question, or other barrier by using a clever method, often o

1.動詞及物C1
釋義

to get past a rule, question, or other barrier by using a clever method, often one that is not fully honest or allowed.

例句

The seller circumvented the import rule by relabeling the boxes.

circumvent + rule by + -ing

Eve tried to circumvent the paywall with a free library login.

circumvent + paywall

同義詞
  • bypass

    is less formal and often used for systems, roads, or procedures

  • evade

    more strongly suggests dishonest avoidance of duties or questions

  • get around

    is the everyday phrase for finding a way past a problem or rule

反義詞
  • obey

    means follow the rule instead of avoiding it

  • face

    means deal with the question or problem directly

文法句型

circumvent + rule

circumvent + question

circumvent + limit + by + -ing

用法筆記

The object is often a rule, limit, duty, or awkward question. A by-phrase often explains the method used, and the word sounds more formal than get around.

常見錯誤

❌They circumvented around the ban with fake badges.
✅They circumvented the ban with fake badges.
💡circumvent already includes the idea of going round something, so it takes a direct object.
❌She circumvented to answer the tax question.
✅She circumvented the tax question.
💡circumvent is followed by the thing avoided, not by to + verb.

2. to move round something that is in your way instead of going straight through it

2.動詞及物C1
釋義

to move round something that is in your way instead of going straight through it.

例句

The ambulance circumvented the stalled truck by using the farm lane.

move round a physical blockage

Tara circumvented the crowd and reached the side entrance.

同義詞
  • go around

    is the everyday choice for moving past a visible obstacle

  • bypass

    often fits planned routes or systems more naturally than a single object

  • detour around

    emphasizes taking another route because the direct path is blocked

反義詞
  • cross

    means go straight through or over the thing in front of you

文法句型

circumvent + obstacle

circumvent + blockage

circumvent + object + by + -ing

用法筆記

This sense takes a visible object or blockage such as a truck, crowd, bridge, or machine. Unlike sense 1, it is about physical movement rather than getting past a rule or duty.

常見錯誤

❌The driver circumvented through the bus.
✅The driver circumvented the bus.
💡use the obstacle as the direct object.
❌We circumvented the fence' (when meaning we climbed over it).
✅We climbed over the fence.
💡circumvent means going round an obstacle, not crossing straight over it.