sub-zero

/ˌsʌb ˈzɪərəʊ/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌsʌb ˈzɪrəʊ/ (ame, ipa)

sub-zero — adjective

1. describing a temperature that is below zero degrees; extremely cold and often ca

1.形容詞B1
釋義

describing a temperature that is below zero degrees; extremely cold and often causing ice and frost.

例句

In Anchorage, the thermometer showed sub-zero temperatures all week.

attributive: sub-zero + temperatures

Rangers warned hikers about the sub-zero conditions on the Mount Whitney trail.

attributive: sub-zero + conditions

同義詞
  • below freezing

    more common in everyday speech; 'below freezing' can mean exactly 0°C/32°F, while 'sub-zero' means strictly below zero

  • arctic

    more dramatic and less precise; suggests extreme cold like the Arctic region, not limited to below zero

  • freezing

    broader in meaning; can refer to 0°C/32°F or any very cold temperature, not strictly below zero

反義詞
  • above zero

    literal opposite; any temperature higher than zero degrees

  • tropical

    opposite in feel; describes very warm or hot conditions rather than cold

文法句型

sub-zero + noun

用法筆記

Almost always used before a noun (attributive position), as in 'sub-zero temperatures' or 'sub-zero conditions.' The predicative form (e.g., 'The temperature is sub-zero') is possible but less natural than 'below zero.'

常見錯誤

❌The weather is sub-zero today outside.
✅The temperature is below zero today.
💡'Sub-zero' is most natural before a noun; use 'below zero' after a verb like 'be.'
❌It was sub-zero ten degrees.
✅It was ten degrees below zero.
💡Do not put the number before 'sub-zero'; place it after 'below zero.'