wallflower
/ˈwɔːlflaʊə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · [wˈɔlflˌaʊɚ] /ˈwɔːlflaʊər/ (ame, ipa) · [wˈɔlflˌaʊɚ] /ˈwȯl-ˌflau̇(-ə)r How to pronounce wallflower (audio)/ (ame, mw)
wallflower — noun
- wallflowersingular
- wallflowersplural
1. a garden plant grown for its sweet-smelling spring flowers, which bloom in warm
a garden plant grown for its sweet-smelling spring flowers, which bloom in warm colours such as gold and rust
Amani planted wallflowers along the front of her garden, where orange blooms brightened the path.
wallflowers + along [location]
The wallflowers in Mei's garden opened in late spring, filling the air with a sweet scent.
Andrew grew wallflowers from seeds and was pleased to see yellow flowers appear by May.
Asher chose wallflowers for the balcony because their scent carried into the living room.
Sven's wallflowers bloomed every spring without much care, making them his favourite plant.
用法筆記
Countable noun; most often used in the plural form when referring to a group of these plants.
2. a person who avoids joining in at social gatherings, staying apart from the grou
a person who avoids joining in at social gatherings, staying apart from the group because shyness or nervousness holds them back
At the office party, Apinya felt like a wallflower, standing alone by the window.
feel like a wallflower
Owen was a wallflower in high school, too nervous to speak up in a group.
Yara used to be a wallflower at parties, but she learned to start conversations.
Sven prepared questions before the conference so he would not end up a wallflower.
Asher noticed a wallflower near the buffet table and went over to say hello.
- introvert
formal term for someone who gains energy from being alone, not necessarily shy
- loner
stronger and more negative; suggests a person who actively avoids others
- shy person
neutral and descriptive; less figurative than wallflower
- social butterfly
informal; someone who moves easily between people at social events
用法筆記
Often used with the verb 'feel like' (feel like a wallflower) or with 'be' (be a wallflower). The expression is informal and usually not applied to young children.