knack

/næk/ (bre, ipa) · /næk/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈnak/ (ame, mw)

knack — noun

1. a natural feel for handling a certain task well and with little effort.

1.名詞C1
釋義

a natural feel for handling a certain task well and with little effort.

例句

Dahlia has a knack for calming nervous dogs before the vet visit.

have a knack for + -ing

Tomás showed a knack for fixing old radios after one lesson.

同義詞
  • skill

    broader and often linked to training rather than a naturally easy touch

  • talent

    stronger and often used for more impressive artistic or athletic ability

  • flair

    adds a sense of style or originality, not just effectiveness

反義詞
  • clumsiness

    suggests repeated awkward failure rather than easy success

文法句型

have a knack for + noun/-ing

用法筆記

Usually used in the pattern have a knack for + noun or -ing. This sense is about a person's ability, not the method itself.

常見錯誤

❌She has a knack to calm upset customers.
✅She has a knack for calming upset customers.
💡This sense normally takes 'for' plus a noun or -ing form.

2. the small move or useful technique that makes a job easier once you know it.

2.名詞C1
釋義

the small move or useful technique that makes a job easier once you know it.

例句

There is a knack to peeling mangoes without wasting the fruit.

there is a knack to + -ing

Paul finally learned the knack of folding the tent alone.

同義詞
  • technique

    more neutral and often more formal; it names the method itself

  • method

    broader and less likely to suggest a clever hidden move

  • trick

    more informal and often emphasizes a quick practical shortcut

文法句型

get the knack of + -ing

learn the knack of + -ing

there is a knack to + -ing

用法筆記

Often appears in get or learn the knack of + -ing when someone masters a method after practice. Distinguish from sense 1, which focuses on a person's ability.

常見錯誤

❌I finally got the knack for fold the tent.
✅I finally got the knack of folding the tent.
💡This sense usually uses 'of' plus an -ing form.