launchpad
launchpad — noun
- launchpadsingular
- launchpadsplural
1. A specially built structure or area where spacecraft, missiles, or rockets are s
A specially built structure or area where spacecraft, missiles, or rockets are sent up into the sky.
The rocket stood on the launchpad, ready for its journey to the space station.
countdown context: launchpad + ready for journey
Engineers inspected every part of the launchpad before the morning launch.
collocation: inspect the launchpad
Amara watched from a safe distance as the countdown began on the launchpad.
The abandoned launchpad was covered in rust and wild grass.
Mei-Lin's job was to check the fuel lines on the seaside launchpad.
- launch site
refers to the entire facility including buildings and support equipment, not just the platform itself
- launching pad
an older or more technical term for the same structure
常見錯誤
2. Something that gives you the chance to begin or move forward with a project, car
Something that gives you the chance to begin or move forward with a project, career, or new activity.
The internship at the hospital was the perfect launchpad for Elena's medical career.
collocation: launchpad for [career]
Vikram used his first novel as a launchpad to start a series of bestsellers.
collocation: use as a launchpad
The small pop-up shop became a launchpad for the family's bakery business.
Fatima saw the scholarship as a launchpad to study abroad and explore the world.
For many young artists, this annual festival serves as a launchpad to international fame.
- springboard
stronger emphasis on propulsion or sudden advancement; suggests a bigger leap
- stepping stone
suggests gradual, incremental progress rather than a single big opportunity
- foundation
focuses on the stable base rather than the act of launching forward
用法筆記
Often followed by 'for' + the goal that opens up ('a launchpad for a new career'), or by 'to' + the destination ('a launchpad to success').