single-minded

/ˌsɪŋɡl ˈmaɪndɪd/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌsɪŋɡl ˈmaɪndɪd/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌsiŋ-gəl-ˈmīn-dəd ˈsiŋ-gəl-ˌmīn-/ (ame, mw)

single-minded — adjective

1. focusing all your effort and attention on one particular aim, and refusing to le

1.形容詞B2
釋義

focusing all your effort and attention on one particular aim, and refusing to let anything distract or discourage you from reaching it

例句

Keiko was single-minded in her quest to open a library for the children in her town.

single-minded in + noun phrase (quest)

The research team showed single-minded determination while developing the new vaccine.

attributive: single-minded + noun (determination)

同義詞
  • determined

    broader and more common; lacks the 'singular focus' nuance

  • resolute

    more formal, emphasises firmness of purpose in the face of difficulty

  • unwavering

    stresses steadiness and consistency over time, less about active effort

  • dedicated

    focuses on commitment and loyalty rather than refusal to be distracted

反義詞
  • half-hearted

    suggests lack of commitment or effort

  • distracted

    opposite of focused; unable to concentrate on one aim

  • indecisive

    unable to settle on a single course of action

文法句型

single-minded + noun

be single-minded in + noun / gerund

be single-minded about + noun / gerund

用法筆記

Unlike words for mere stubbornness or obsession, this describes a positive goal-driven quality. Frequently used attributively (e.g., 'single-minded dedication') or with 'in' followed by a noun or gerund (e.g., 'single-minded in her pursuit of justice').

常見錯誤

❌He was single-minded to win the competition.
✅He was single-minded in his drive to win the competition.
💡'single-minded' is followed by 'in' + noun/gerund, not by an infinitive.
❌She was single-minded about lose weight.
✅She was single-minded about losing weight.
💡the preposition 'about' must be followed by a gerund, not a bare verb.