symbiosis

IPA/ˌsɪmbaɪˈəʊsɪs/
KK[sˌɪmbaɪˈosəs]IPA/ˌsɪmbaɪˈəʊsɪs/

symbiosis — noun

1. An arrangement found in the natural world in which two living things of differen

1.名詞B2
釋義

An arrangement found in the natural world in which two living things of different kinds form a close, long-lasting connection that helps both to stay alive — for example, when a bee collects food from a flower and at the same time carries the flower's pollen to other plants.

例句

Clownfish live in symbiosis with sea anemones, gaining protection while providing food for the host.

lives in symbiosis with + [species]

Lichens are a well-known example of symbiosis between a fungus and an alga.

example of symbiosis between X and Y

同義詞
  • mutualism

    Technical term for a symbiosis where both species benefit; more precise in biology

  • interdependence

    Broader term describing any mutual reliance, not limited to species relationships

  • co-dependence

    Less formal, sometimes carries a negative tone in psychology contexts

反義詞
  • parasitism

    One species benefits at the expense of the other

  • competition

    Each species tries to outcompete the other for resources

文法句型

symbiosis between + plural noun

in symbiosis with + noun

a symbiosis of + plural noun

用法筆記

Distinguish from 'mutualism': in biology, symbiosis is the broad term for any close, long-term relationship between two species. Mutualism is a subtype in which both sides benefit. Outside technical contexts, however, most speakers use symbiosis to mean mutual benefit only.

常見錯誤

❌The tick and the dog are in symbiosis.
✅The tick and the dog have a parasitic relationship.
💡In everyday language, symbiosis implies mutual benefit; a tick that takes blood from a dog harms its host.
❌Symbiosis means two organisms living together.
✅Symbiosis specifically means two different species living closely together, usually with benefits for both.
💡'Living together' alone is too vague; symbiosis always involves different species and a close association.

2. A close partnership in which two or more people, groups, or companies rely on on

2.名詞C1
釋義

A close partnership in which two or more people, groups, or companies rely on one another and all sides benefit from the connection.

例句

The symbiosis between a tech company and a university lab led to several important inventions.

symbiosis between + [institution] and + [institution]

Small bookstores thrive in symbiosis with nearby cafes, as each brings customers to the other.

thrive in symbiosis with — verb + collocation

同義詞
  • partnership

    More general; can describe any collaborative arrangement, not necessarily one of mutual dependency

  • collaboration

    Focuses on working together on a task; may be short-term or project-based

  • alliance

    Often implies a formal agreement, especially in politics or business

反義詞
  • rivalry

    A competitive relationship where each side tries to outperform the other

  • conflict

    A relationship defined by opposition rather than mutual benefit

文法句型

symbiosis between + plural noun

in symbiosis with + noun

a symbiosis of + plural noun

用法筆記

Common in business journalism and political analysis. Unlike 'partnership,' symbiosis stresses that each side could not succeed — or would find it much harder to succeed — on its own.

常見錯誤

❌The two companies have a symbiosis because A sells products to B.
✅The two companies have a symbiosis because they share resources and both grow together.
💡Symbiosis requires mutual benefit and interdependence, not just one-way trade.
❌There is a symbiosis between the manager and her assistant.
✅The manager and her assistant have a good working relationship.
💡Symbiosis implies deep, lasting interdependence, not a standard employer-employee arrangement.