coddling

/ˈkɒd.əl/ (bre, ipa) · [kˈɑdəlɪŋ] /ˈkɑː.dəl/ (ame, ipa) · [kˈɑdəlɪŋ] /ˈkä-dᵊl/ (ame, mw)

coddling — verb

  • coddlingpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • coddlings3rd person singular
  • coddlinging-ing form
  • coddlingedpast simple

1. to cook something, usually an egg, in water that is very hot but not bubbling, s

1.動詞及物B1
釋義

to cook something, usually an egg, in water that is very hot but not bubbling, so that the inside stays soft.

例句

Bilal coddled two eggs for breakfast and served them with toast.

coddle[d] + object (eggs) for a meal

The recipe says to coddle the eggs for exactly four minutes.

coddle + time specification with 'for'

同義詞
  • poach

    Cook in liquid at or just below boiling; poaching uses water deep enough to cover the food, coddling is gentler and often done in a shell or small cup.

  • simmer

    Cook in liquid at a temperature just below boiling; simmering is used for longer cooking of soups or stews, not specifically for eggs.

反義詞
  • boil

    Cook in water at 100°C with vigorous bubbling; the opposite of the gentle, non-bubbling method of coddling.

文法句型

coddle + object (usually eggs)

用法筆記

Commonly used with eggs as the direct object; less often applied to other delicate foods like fish or custard.

常見錯誤

❌I coddled the pasta in salted water.
✅I boiled the pasta in salted water.
💡Coddling is for delicate foods, especially eggs; pasta requires boiling water.

2. to give someone so much care, attention, and protection that they do not learn h

2.動詞及物B2
釋義

to give someone so much care, attention, and protection that they do not learn how to handle problems or difficulties on their own.

例句

Femi believes that coddling children only makes them less confident as adults.

coddling + somebody as a gerund subject

The coach refused to coddle his players when they complained about the early morning practices.

同義詞
  • pamper

    Indulge with treats and comfort; pampering is often pleasant, while coddling has a stronger negative suggestion of preventing growth.

  • mollycoddle

    Treat someone too delicately; very similar to coddle but less common and more informal.

  • spoon-feed

    Give someone too much help so they do not think for themselves; more specific to learning and problem-solving contexts.

反義詞
  • neglect

    Pay too little attention to someone; the opposite of excessive attention.

  • harden

    Make someone tougher through difficult experiences; opposite in effect to coddling.

文法句型

coddle + person/group as object

用法筆記

Often used critically — to say that someone is being treated too softly. Frequently appears in discussions about parenting, education, and workplace culture.

常見錯誤

❌Grandma coddled me a warm blanket.
✅Grandma wrapped me in a warm blanket.
💡Coddling is about overprotecting a person, not providing a physical object.