inure

/i-ˈnu̇r -ˈnyu̇r/ (ame, mw)

inure — verb

  • inurepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • inures3rd person singular
  • inuring-ing form
  • inuredpast simple

1. to gradually make someone stop being strongly affected by something unpleasant o

1.動詞及物C1
釋義

to gradually make someone stop being strongly affected by something unpleasant or painful, because they have experienced it so many times — for example, working for years in a noisy factory may inure a person to loud sounds, or a doctor may become inured to the sight of blood after treating many wounds

例句

Years of treating wounded refugees had inured Keiko to scenes that would shock most newcomers.

passive: become inured to [something unpleasant]

Constant criticism did not inure Ibrahim to harsh words — every negative review still stung.

negative construction: did not inure [someone] to

同義詞
  • harden

    focuses on emotional toughening, often used for character

  • desensitize

    more clinical; can refer to physical or emotional responses

  • habituate

    more neutral and technical; common in psychology

反義詞
  • sensitize

    to make someone more aware or responsive to something

文法句型

be/become inured to + noun phrase (most common, passive)

inure + object + to + noun phrase (rare, active transitive)

用法筆記

The passive form 'be/become inured to' is the most common way this sense is used. The active transitive form (e.g., 'The experience inured him to hardship') is much rarer and very formal. Followed by 'to' + noun phrase to specify what someone becomes accustomed to.

常見錯誤

❌The cold weather inured the tourists.
✅The cold weather inured the tourists to harsh conditions.
💡'inure' always needs 'to' to specify what someone becomes used to.
❌She inured to the noise.
✅She became inured to the noise.
💡The stative meaning ('be/become used to') requires the passive construction; 'inure' is transitive and needs an object.

2. to be or become useful or advantageous, especially in a legal or formal context

2.動詞不及物C2
釋義

to be or become useful or advantageous, especially in a legal or formal context — for instance, when a benefit or profit passes to a particular person or group as a result of an agreement or law

例句

The new trade agreement shall inure to the benefit of both nations.

formal/legal pattern: inure to the benefit of

Any profits from the sale will inure to the company's shareholders.

同義詞
  • accrue

    more common in legal/financial contexts; emphasizes accumulation over time

  • redound

    very formal; often paired with 'to the benefit of' similarly

文法句型

inure + to + noun phrase

用法筆記

Archaic or legal register. Almost exclusively used in the fixed expression 'inure to the benefit/advantage of'. The subject is typically a rule, law, profit, or benefit, not a person.