prune

/pruːn/ (bre, ipa) · /pruːn/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈprün/ (ame, mw)

prune — verb

  • prunepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • prunes3rd person singular
  • pruning-ing form
  • prunedpast simple

1. to remove unwanted growth from a plant, especially by shortening its branches, s

1.動詞及物B2
釋義

to remove unwanted growth from a plant, especially by shortening its branches, so it can grow in a healthier shape.

例句

Sayaka pruned the rose bush after the spring flowers had faded.

common object: prune a rose bush

The gardener pruned back the apple tree to let more light in.

pattern: prune back + plant

同義詞
  • trim

    more general; used for hair, nails, and plants, not just branches

  • clip

    often suggests quick, light cutting with shears

  • cut back

    focuses on reducing growth rather than shaping it neatly

反義詞
  • let grow

    to leave the plant uncut so it becomes longer or fuller

文法句型

prune + [tree/bush/vine]

prune back + [branch/growth]

用法筆記

Usually used for trees, bushes, vines, and similar plants. 'Prune back' is common when you shorten growth without removing the whole plant.

常見錯誤

❌We pruned the paper into small squares.
✅We cut the paper into small squares.
💡'prune' is used for plants, not ordinary cutting of paper or cloth.
❌The gardener pruned the tree with more water.
✅The gardener watered the tree more.
💡'prune' means cutting branches, not caring for a plant in general.

2. to make something shorter, smaller, or less costly by taking out parts that are

2.動詞及物B2
釋義

to make something shorter, smaller, or less costly by taking out parts that are no longer needed.

例句

Eve pruned three weak points from her speech before the meeting.

pattern: prune + item + from + speech

The editor pruned several names from the guest list after cancellations.

同義詞
  • cut

    more direct and broader; can describe larger reductions too

  • reduce

    a neutral general term without the idea of removing extra parts

  • pare down

    suggests careful removal until only the necessary parts remain

反義詞
  • expand

    to make something larger in size, range, or amount

  • increase

    to make something greater in number, cost, or value

文法句型

prune + [list/report/plan]

prune + [item] + from + [speech/list/plan]

用法筆記

Usually takes abstract objects such as a budget, list, staff, or plan. The focus is on removing excess, not on cutting with a physical tool.

常見錯誤

❌The manager pruned a new section into the report.
✅The manager added a new section to the report.
💡this sense means removing extra material, not putting more in.
❌They pruned the office wall to save money.
✅They cut the office budget to save money.
💡this sense works with plans, lists, and costs, not physical walls.

prune — noun