wellspring

/ˈwelsprɪŋ/ (bre, ipa) · [wˈɛlsprˌɪŋ] /ˈwelsprɪŋ/ (ame, ipa) · [wˈɛlsprˌɪŋ] /ˈwel-ˌspriŋ How to pronounce wellspring (audio)/ (ame, mw)

wellspring — noun

1. a person, event, or thing from which a particular quality, idea, or feeling firs

1.名詞C1
釋義

a person, event, or thing from which a particular quality, idea, or feeling first appears or develops

例句

The civil rights movement was a wellspring of hope for millions across the country.

wellspring + of + abstract noun (hope)

For Asher, the old workshop behind his house became a wellspring of creative ideas.

同義詞
  • source

    the most common and neutral word for any starting point; less literary than wellspring

  • origin

    focuses on the beginning point in time or place; more factual than wellspring

  • fountainhead

    also literary, emphasises the idea of something flowing forth abundantly

  • root

    suggests the fundamental or hidden cause beneath the surface

反義詞
  • end

    the point at which something stops or is finished

  • outcome

    the result of a process, not the beginning

文法句型

wellspring + of + noun phrase

用法筆記

Sense 1 focuses on the starting point or cause of something. Unlike source or origin, wellspring carries a slightly literary or formal tone and is rarely used for concrete, physical origins. Frequently followed by of + an abstract noun such as hope, inspiration, creativity, or tradition.

常見錯誤

❌The wellspring of the river is in the mountains.
✅The source of the river is in the mountains.
💡Wellspring is usually metaphorical and literary, not used for literal bodies of water.
❌She bought a wellspring of apples at the market.
✅She bought a large supply of apples at the market.
💡Wellspring is not used for ordinary, concrete items or purchases.

2. something that provides an endless or very large amount of a positive quality, s

2.名詞C1
釋義

something that provides an endless or very large amount of a positive quality, such as energy, generosity, or determination

例句

After losing her job, Layla remained a wellspring of optimism that lifted everyone around her.

be a wellspring of [positive quality]

The community garden became a wellspring of fresh vegetables for the whole neighbourhood.

同義詞
  • fount

    literary synonym for a plentiful source; sounds even more elevated than wellspring

  • mine

    suggests a rich supply that can be drawn from repeatedly, e.g. 'a mine of information'

  • reservoir

    emphasises a store of something held in reserve, ready to be used

  • treasure trove

    informal, suggests a delightful or surprising collection of valuable things

反義詞
  • drain

    something that uses up resources or energy

  • shortage

    a situation where there is not enough of something

文法句型

wellspring + of + noun phrase

用法筆記

Sense 2 emphasises the idea of abundance that does not run out. It is often used with verbs like draw from, tap into, or flow from. Unlike sense 1, which points to the beginning of something, sense 2 describes the ongoing provision of a quality in large quantities. Objects are almost always positive abstract nouns: energy, kindness, creativity, wisdom.

常見錯誤

❌The factory is a wellspring of pollution.
✅The factory is a major source of pollution.
💡Wellspring is almost exclusively positive in modern usage; avoid it for negative qualities.
❌He drank from a wellspring in the forest.
✅He drank from a natural spring in the forest.
💡The literal sense of wellspring (a spring of water) is very rare and sounds archaic.