springboard

/ˈsprɪŋbɔːd/ (bre, ipa) · [sprˈɪŋbˌɔrd] /ˈsprɪŋbɔːrd/ (ame, ipa) · [sprˈɪŋbˌɔrd] /ˈspriŋ-ˌbȯrd How to pronounce springboard (audio)/ (ame, mw)

springboard — noun

  • springboardsingular
  • springboardsplural

1. A long board fixed at one end that throws you upward when you bounce on it, espe

1.名詞B2
釋義

A long board fixed at one end that throws you upward when you bounce on it, especially for diving or gymnastic jumps.

例句

Obi bounced twice on the springboard before diving into the deep end.

bounce on the springboard before a dive

The coach checked whether the springboard was too slippery after the rain.

同義詞
  • diving board

    used specifically for pool diving, so it is narrower than springboard

  • board

    much more general and does not itself suggest a surface that bends

文法句型

on the springboard

from the springboard

step onto the springboard

用法筆記

Usually used for diving and gymnastics. Common prepositions are 'on' and 'from'. Distinguish from sense 2, which is about a helpful chance rather than a physical board.

常見錯誤

❌The swimmer stood in the springboard for a minute.
✅The swimmer stood on the springboard for a minute.
💡You stand on a springboard, not in it.

2. Something that gives a person, plan, or project the first useful push toward a n

2.名詞B2
釋義

Something that gives a person, plan, or project the first useful push toward a new activity, idea, or success.

例句

The internship became a springboard for Nikhil's career in museum design.

springboard for [future step]

Winning the local contest gave Élise a springboard into national politics.

同義詞
  • launchpad

    often sounds more modern or strategic, especially in business or technology

  • stepping stone

    suggests one stage in a gradual path rather than one strong push upward

  • platform

    can mean a base for action, but it does not always imply later progress

反義詞
  • dead end

    a situation that does not lead to useful progress

文法句型

a springboard for [noun]

a springboard to [noun]

a springboard into [field/activity]

用法筆記

This figurative sense often appears with 'for', 'to', or 'into' before the next step. It usually describes an opportunity that helps someone move ahead quickly.

常見錯誤

❌Her first job was a springboard of bigger roles.
✅Her first job was a springboard to bigger roles.
💡This sense normally takes 'to', 'for', or 'into', not 'of'.