monster
/ˈmɒnstə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈmɑːnstər/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈmän(t)-stər/ (ame, mw) · /ˈmɒn.stər/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈmɑːn.stɚ/ (ame, ipa)
monster — noun
- monstersingular
- monstersplural
1. a frightening creature that exists only in stories, myths, or legends, usually w
a frightening creature that exists only in stories, myths, or legends, usually with a strange or unnatural appearance and often very large
The storybook showed a green monster with three eyes and sharp yellow teeth.
described with body parts: monster + with + features
Lara told her little brother that monsters only exist in fairy tales and movies.
According to Japanese folklore, a giant monster called Namazu causes earthquakes under the earth.
The fishermen claimed they saw a sea monster rise from the waves near the coast.
Gabriel dressed as a monster for the school play and scared the younger children.
用法筆記
Commonly described with specific physical features such as size, number of eyes, colour, or body parts. Often appears in children's literature, mythology, and fantasy films.
常見錯誤
2. a person whose behaviour is extremely cruel, evil, or harmful to others, especia
a person whose behaviour is extremely cruel, evil, or harmful to others, especially in a way that seems inhuman
The prison guards behaved like monsters who treated the prisoners with no respect at all.
behave like a monster: describing behaviour
Chidi called his former business partner a monster for stealing money from the charity fund.
call + someone + a monster + for + [reason]
History books describe the dictator as a monster who ordered the deaths of thousands.
Only a monster would hurt a small animal for fun, Marta thought angrily.
用法筆記
Often used as a strong accusation or insult. The accusation is typically backed by describing or implying the person's specific cruel actions.
常見錯誤
3. something that is surprisingly or impressively large in size, such as a building
something that is surprisingly or impressively large in size, such as a building, a vehicle, or a natural object
The new stadium is a glass and steel monster that towers over the old town.
a + [material] + monster: describing size through material
Sahil's dog grew into a monster that weighed over sixty kilograms and needed special food.
The thunderstorm produced a monster of a cloud that covered the entire valley in darkness.
Nellie said the old factory was an ugly concrete monster that nobody wanted to buy.
文法句型
a monster of a + noun
用法筆記
Common in the informal pattern 'a monster of a [noun]' (e.g., a monster of a wave, a monster of a bill). The thing described is often but not always ugly or difficult to manage.
常見錯誤
monster — adjective
- monsterpositive
- monsterercomparative
- monsterestsuperlative
1. extremely large in size, amount, or degree — used only before a noun to emphasis
extremely large in size, amount, or degree — used only before a noun to emphasise how big something is
A monster truck with enormous wheels drove past Pim's house during the parade.
common compound: monster truck
The storm left a monster hole in the roof of the church.
attributive only: monster + noun (hole)
Marta's grandmother cooked a monster pot of soup that fed the whole village.
The company reported a monster profit of over one billion dollars last year.
- tiny
opposite end of the size spectrum
文法句型
monster + noun
用法筆記
Cannot be used after linking verbs (e.g., 'The building is monster' is incorrect). Must always appear directly before the noun it modifies. Common in informal business and media language (a monster hit, a monster deal).
常見錯誤
monster — verb
- monsterpresent simple I / you / we / they
- monsters3rd person singular
- monstering-ing form
- monsteredpast simple
1. to criticise a person in a very harsh, forceful way — often in public — or to de
to criticise a person in a very harsh, forceful way — often in public — or to deal with them in a deliberately cruel or unfair manner
The film was monstered by critics who called it the worst movie of the year.
passive: be monstered by + agent
The teacher monstered the students for arriving late to class three times in a row.
monster + someone + for + [reason]
Fans monstered the referee on social media after his controversial call during the match.
His boss monstered him in front of the entire team, which was deeply humiliating.
- praise
opposite action; express warm approval
文法句型
monster + someone
be monstered by + agent
monster + someone + for + reason
用法筆記
Predominantly British and informal. Frequently used in the passive voice and in contexts of public criticism such as reviews, social media, or workplace confrontations.