dwell
/dwel/ (bre, ipa) · /dwel/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈdwel/ (ame, mw)
dwell — verb
- dwellpresent simple I / you / we / they
- dwellshe / she / it
- dweltpast simple
- dwelledpast simple
- dwelling-ing form
1. to keep thinking, talking, or writing about a particular subject for too long, e
to keep thinking, talking, or writing about a particular subject for too long, especially when doing so causes worry or sadness
Priya chose not to dwell on the harsh words after the argument.
dwell + on + thing (negative: choose not to dwell)
The journalist's report dwelt at length on the officials' mistakes during the storm.
dwell + on + mistake (criticism, at length)
Mika dwelt on her failed exam for days before her tutor helped her change focus.
The movie does not dwell on violence but shows how the town recovers afterwards.
- linger on
softer than 'dwell on'; can be positive or neutral ('linger on a memory')
- harp on
more informal and critical; implies annoying repetition
- obsess about
stronger and more emotional; suggests anxiety or compulsion
文法句型
dwell + on/upon + noun phrase
用法筆記
The phrasal verb 'dwell on' (or 'dwell upon') is the core pattern for this sense. Typically used with negative or critical content — the subject of dwelling is something unpleasant, disappointing, or painful. Positive topics are rarely 'dwelt on' in this sense.
常見錯誤
2. to make your home in a particular place for a long period of time, often over ma
to make your home in a particular place for a long period of time, often over many years or generations
The Nguyen family had dwelt in a small coastal village for generations before the war.
dwell + in + place (literary past perfect)
Monks dwell in simple stone huts high up in the mountains, far from any town.
dwell + in + place (present tense, describing lifestyle)
The cave where the ancient people once dwelt was discovered by hikers last spring.
For centuries, these tribes have dwelt along the great river and fished its waters.
- reside
similar formality — 'reside' is equally formal and often used in official or legal contexts
- inhabit
implies that someone or something occupies a region naturally, often used for animals or peoples
- live
the everyday, neutral word; 'dwell' and 'live' overlap in meaning but differ greatly in register
文法句型
dwell + in/at/among/with + place or group
用法筆記
Frequently used in formal or literary contexts. In everyday conversation, 'live' is the more natural choice. The past tense 'dwelt' (rather than 'dwelled') is more common in British English.
常見錯誤
3. to be present as a noticeable quality, feeling, or feature within a person, grou
to be present as a noticeable quality, feeling, or feature within a person, group, thing, or situation
Deep peace dwells within the old temple's walls, even when crowds pass through.
dwell + within + abstract quality (literary register)
The novel's true power dwells in its careful descriptions of everyday life during that era.
dwell + in + feature as source of value
A quiet confidence dwells in the coach, though she rarely raises her voice.
The beauty of this music dwells in its pauses, not in its speed.
文法句型
dwell + in/within + abstract noun phrase
用法筆記
This sense is always intransitive and requires a prepositional phrase complement. Subject is typically an abstract quality (peace, power, beauty, confidence). Very rare in spoken English — found mainly in literary, philosophical, or formal descriptive writing.