palpitation

IPA/ˌpæl.pɪˈteɪ.ʃən/
KK[pˌælpətˈeʃən]IPA/ˌpæl.pəˈteɪ.ʃən/

palpitation — noun

1. An uncomfortable feeling in the chest that happens when the heart beats in a ver

1.名詞B2
釋義

An uncomfortable feeling in the chest that happens when the heart beats in a very fast, irregular, or unusually strong way — often caused by stress, anxiety, too much caffeine, exercise, or a medical condition.

例句

Chidi went to the clinic after experiencing heart palpitations that lasted nearly an hour.

collocation: heart palpitations / experience palpitations

The doctor explained that occasional palpitations are common and not usually dangerous for healthy people.

同義詞
  • flutter

    a lighter, more rapid sensation; often used for harmless episodes

  • pounding

    emphasises the strength of the heartbeat rather than speed

  • thumping

    informal; describes a loud or heavy heartbeat felt in the chest

反義詞

文法句型

palpitation

palpitations

用法筆記

Usually used in the plural form 'palpitations', even when referring to a single episode. Singular 'palpitation' is less common and often describes a single beat sensation.

常見錯誤

❌I have a palpitation in my arm.
✅I have a palpitation in my chest.
💡Palpitations are felt in the chest or throat area near the heart, not in other body parts.

2. A sudden, brief feeling of great shock, fear, or alarm that seems to make the he

2.名詞C1
釋義

A sudden, brief feeling of great shock, fear, or alarm that seems to make the heart jump — used in dramatic or literary descriptions rather than in everyday conversation.

例句

A palpitation of dread ran through Beatrix when she saw the urgent message.

pattern: a palpitation of [fear/dread/shock]

Dario felt a sharp palpitation as the car skidded on the icy road.

同義詞
  • jolt

    more informal; emphasises the sudden physical reaction

  • thrill

    can be positive or negative; suggests a rush of emotion

  • start

    a quick, surprised movement; less specific to heart sensation

反義詞
  • calm

    a state of emotional peace with no sudden shock

文法句型

a palpitation of [emotion]

用法筆記

This figurative sense is found mainly in literary or formal written English. In everyday speech, native speakers use phrases like 'heart skipped a beat' or 'gave me a fright' instead.

常見錯誤

❌She had a palpitation when her phone rang.
✅She had a palpitation of fear when she saw the boss standing at her door.
💡This sense requires a qualifying emotion (of fear/dread/shock) to make the meaning clear; a simple 'palpitation' sounds like the medical sense.