gale

/ɡeɪl/ (bre, ipa) · [ɡˈel] /ɡeɪl/ (ame, ipa) · [ɡˈel] /ˈgāl/ (ame, mw)

gale — noun

  • galesingular
  • galesplural

1. A wind that blows very strongly, with enough force to damage buildings, knock do

1.名詞B2
釋義

A wind that blows very strongly, with enough force to damage buildings, knock down trees, or make walking outdoors difficult.

例句

A sudden gale blew several trees down across the road near Quan's village.

The ferry service was cancelled because of the gale-force winds forecast for the afternoon.

compound form: gale-force winds

同義詞
  • storm

    broader term that includes rain, snow, or thunder along with strong winds

  • hurricane

    much stronger and more destructive; a specific tropical system category

  • gust

    a brief, sudden burst of wind rather than a sustained strong wind

反義詞
  • breeze

    a light, gentle wind, opposite in strength

文法句型

a + gale

gale-force + [noun]

用法筆記

Frequently used in weather forecasts and maritime reports. The compound form gale-force winds corresponds to force 8 on the Beaufort scale (34–40 knots). Distinguish from the everyday word 'wind' — a gale is specifically strong enough to cause visible damage or danger.

常見錯誤

❌A light gale blew the leaves across the yard.
✅A light breeze blew the leaves across the yard.
💡A gale is by definition very strong; a gentle wind is a breeze, not a gale.
❌The gale lasted only a few seconds.
✅The gust lasted only a few seconds.
💡A gale is sustained strong wind; a short burst is a gust.

2. A sudden, loud burst of laughter or emotion from a group of people, often in res

2.名詞B2
釋義

A sudden, loud burst of laughter or emotion from a group of people, often in response to something funny or moving.

例句

Gales of laughter echoed through the cinema during the comedy's funniest scene.

fixed phrase: gales of laughter

Diya's joke was met with such a gale of laughter that the teacher had to pause the lesson.

fixed phrase: a gale of laughter

同義詞
  • outburst

    broader; can refer to anger, crying, or any emotional release, not just laughter

  • peal

    specifically of laughter or thunder; suggests ringing, musical sound

  • roar

    describes the loud, deep sound of laughter, emphasising volume

反義詞
  • murmur

    soft, quiet, indistinct sound, opposite of loud laughter

文法句型

gales of + [noun]

a gale of + [noun]

用法筆記

Almost always appears in the fixed expressions 'gales of laughter' or 'a gale of laughter/emotion.' The plural form 'gales of laughter' is more common than the singular. Typically describes a collective group response rather than one person's laughter.

常見錯誤

❌She laughed a gale.
✅She let out a gale of laughter.
💡'Gale' in this sense needs the preposition 'of' and a noun like 'laughter' or 'emotion.'
❌He felt a gale of sadness.
✅A wave of sadness washed over him.
💡'Gale' in the figurative sense is used mainly for laughter or strong emotion expressed outwardly, not for quiet internal feelings.