flicker
/ˈflɪkə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈflɪkər/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈfli-kər/ (ame, mw) · /ˈflɪk.ər/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈflɪk.ɚ/ (ame, ipa)
flicker — verb
- flickerpresent simple I / you / we / they
- flickershe / she / it
- flickeredpast simple
- flickering-ing form
1. to give off light that keeps growing brighter and weaker instead of staying stea
to give off light that keeps growing brighter and weaker instead of staying steady.
A single candle flickered beside the hospital bed all night.
flicker beside [place/object]
The porch light flickered during the storm and then went out.
flicker during a storm
Neon signs flickered above the empty noodle shop after midnight.
The campfire flickered in the wind while Bao boiled water.
- shine steadily
describes light that remains even and stable
文法句型
flicker
flicker in the wind
flicker on and off
用法筆記
Used for flames, bulbs, screens, and other light sources that do not stay steady. Distinguish from sense 2, which is about something appearing briefly or moving in quick, slight bursts.
常見錯誤
2. to show itself for only a moment, or to move in quick uneven bursts and then van
to show itself for only a moment, or to move in quick uneven bursts and then vanish again.
A smile flickered across Élise's face when she saw the postcard.
flicker across someone's face
Hope flickered in Hao's voice after the nurse mentioned new treatment.
flicker in someone's voice
The moth flickered around the hallway lamp and vanished upstairs.
Shadows flickered across the white tent as people walked outside.
- linger
describes something that stays instead of appearing only briefly
文法句型
flicker across someone's face
flicker in someone's voice
flicker around
用法筆記
Often used for expressions, feelings, shadows, or small quick movements that last only a moment. This sense commonly appears with across, in, or around.
常見錯誤
flicker — noun
- flickersingular
- flickersplural
1. a small light, or a short change in light, that is not steady.
a small light, or a short change in light, that is not steady.
The only light in the cabin was a flicker by the stove.
a flicker by [place]
Kemi watched the flicker of the TV from the dark hallway.
the flicker of [light source]
A faint flicker came from the lantern near the garden gate.
The power returned with one flicker in the kitchen lights.
- steady glow
describes a light that remains even instead of wavering
文法句型
a flicker
a flicker of light
用法筆記
Often used for a brief wavering light from a flame, lamp, television, or electrical supply. It commonly appears with of when the light source is named.
2. a very short sign of a feeling, expression, or personal quality.
a very short sign of a feeling, expression, or personal quality.
A flicker of fear crossed Rodrigo's face when the dog lunged.
a flicker of + emotion
There was a flicker of hope after the nurse smiled.
Antonia hid a flicker of annoyance and poured more tea.
The judge caught a flicker of surprise when the witness laughed.
文法句型
a flicker of hope
a flicker of fear
a flicker of surprise
用法筆記
Usually followed by of plus an emotion or quality. This sense is about something briefly showing on a face, in a voice, or in a general atmosphere.
常見錯誤
3. a small movement that happens quickly and does not stay steady.
a small movement that happens quickly and does not stay steady.
The guard saw a flicker of movement behind the storage shed.
a flicker of movement
A flicker in the curtains told Yael the window was open.
a flicker in [object]
Christopher caught a flicker near the reeds and stopped rowing.
The deer froze at a flicker of a tail by the fence.
- stillness
describes a complete lack of movement
文法句型
a flicker of movement
see a flicker
用法筆記
Often used when someone notices only a slight movement for a moment, especially in curtains, leaves, animals, or distant objects. It commonly appears in the phrase a flicker of movement.
常見錯誤
4. a North American woodpecker that often searches for ants on the ground.
a North American woodpecker that often searches for ants on the ground.
We spotted a flicker pecking at ants beside the trail.
spot a flicker
The guide pointed to a flicker on the dead tree.
A young flicker flew from the fence to the apple tree.
In winter, the backyard feeder sometimes attracts a flicker.
- woodpecker
is the broader bird group; a flicker is one North American type
文法句型
a flicker
spot a flicker
用法筆記
Used in North American birdwatching for one particular kind of woodpecker, not for woodpeckers in general.