mechanics

[məkˈænɪks] /mi-ˈka-niks/ (ame, mw)

mechanics — noun

1. The scientific study of how physical forces affect the movement, position, and s

1.名詞B2
釋義

The scientific study of how physical forces affect the movement, position, and shape of objects — for example, how gravity pulls a falling stone or how the wind pushes a sailboat forward.

例句

Tariro chose to study mechanics at university to understand how rockets move through space.

study mechanics at university (academic subject)

The mechanics of a simple bicycle wheel explain why it stays upright while spinning.

the mechanics of [object]

同義詞
  • physics

    broader field; mechanics is a sub-branch of physics

  • dynamics

    specifically the study of forces and motion, a sub-field within mechanics

  • statics

    the branch of mechanics dealing with objects at rest, not in motion

文法句型

the mechanics of [something]

mechanics + singular verb

用法筆記

When referring to the academic subject, mechanics takes a singular verb: 'Mechanics is a core part of any physics degree.'

常見錯誤

❌Mechanics are difficult to understand.
✅Mechanics is difficult to understand.
💡mechanics is an uncountable noun and takes a singular verb.
❌I learned mechanic in school.
✅I learned mechanics in school.
💡the science is always mechanics, not mechanic.

2. The practical details, rules, or steps that explain how a particular system, act

2.名詞B2
釋義

The practical details, rules, or steps that explain how a particular system, activity, or process operates — such as the steps required to publish a blog post, or the rules that keep a committee meeting on track.

例句

Kabir learned the mechanics of filing a tax return by watching a short online tutorial.

the mechanics of [process/activity]

Before designing your own game, you need to understand the mechanics of how the scoring system works.

mechanics of how... works

同義詞
  • workings

    very similar in meaning; 'the inner workings of a clock' vs 'the mechanics of a clock'

  • procedure

    more formal and focused on the steps; 'the mechanics' implies both steps and underlying logic

  • logistics

    focuses on organization and coordination rather than underlying rules

  • details

    broader term; 'mechanics' adds a sense of how parts fit together

文法句型

the mechanics of [system/process]

用法筆記

This sense is frequently followed by 'of + noun phrase' to specify which system or activity is being described: 'the mechanics of voting', 'the mechanics of a job interview'.

常見錯誤

❌I don't understand the mechanic of this software.
✅I don't understand the mechanics of this software.
💡use 'mechanics' (plural form) even when describing one system; 'mechanic' alone means a person who repairs machines.