doormat

/ˈdɔːmæt/ (bre, ipa) · [dˈɔrmˌæt] /ˈdɔːrmæt/ (ame, ipa) · [dˈɔrmˌæt] /ˈdȯr-ˌmat How to pronounce doormat (audio)/ (ame, mw)

doormat — noun

  • doormatsingular
  • doormatsplural

1. a mat kept at a doorway so people can rub dirt or water off their shoes before c

1.名詞B1
釋義

a mat kept at a doorway so people can rub dirt or water off their shoes before coming inside.

例句

Sayaka wiped rain off her boots on the doormat before entering.

wipe dirt or water off shoes before entering

Mud from Joaquin's cleats covered the doormat outside the gym door.

同義詞
  • entrance mat

    a broader term for any mat by a doorway

  • welcome mat

    often decorative and welcoming, though it can also serve as a doormat

用法筆記

Usually appears with verbs like wipe, step on, leave by, or replace. It refers to the mat at an entrance, not to larger decorative floor coverings inside a room.

常見錯誤

❌Please wipe your shoes on the rug by the front door.
✅Please wipe your shoes on the doormat by the front door.
💡a doormat is the specific mat kept at an entrance for dirty shoes.

2. someone who lets other people push them around and stays quiet instead of object

2.名詞C1
釋義

someone who lets other people push them around and stays quiet instead of objecting.

例句

Rohan stopped being a doormat after challenging his rude boss.

be a doormat = accept unfair treatment

At family dinners, Ife refuses to be anyone's doormat now.

同義詞
  • pushover

    informal and emphasizes giving way too easily

  • soft touch

    often stresses being easy to exploit for money or favors

用法筆記

Usually follows be, become, or treat like, and often appears in advice about work, family, or dating. Distinguish it from simple patience: a doormat is treated unfairly and still does not push back.

常見錯誤

❌He is very kind, so he is a doormat.
✅He is kind, but he is not a doormat because he sets limits.
💡doormat implies being taken advantage of, not simple kindness.