crumble

/ˈkrʌmbl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈkrʌmbl/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈkrəm-bəl/ (ame, mw) · /ˈkrʌm.bəl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈkrʌm.bəl/ (ame, ipa)

crumble — 動詞

  • crumblepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • crumbleshe / she / it
  • crumbledpast simple
  • crumbling-ing form

1. to use your fingers to press something dry, such as bread, a biscuit, or a dried

1.動詞及物 / 不及物B1
釋義

弄碎；碎裂

用手將乾物壓成小碎塊

to use your fingers to press something dry, such as bread, a biscuit, or a dried herb, until it turns into tiny crumbs; or for old, dry, or weak material to break into fragments by itself.

例句

Jisoo crumbled the dried rosemary into the stew with her fingertips.

Jisoo 用手指將乾迷迭香弄碎到燉菜裡。

transitive: crumble + object + into [liquid/food]

The old brick wall had crumbled after centuries of winter rain and frost.

那面老磚牆經過數世紀的冬雨和霜凍後已經碎裂了。

intransitive: subject (structure) + crumbles [gradual decay]

同義詞
  • crush

    stronger pressure, often with a tool or full hand; can be less precise than crumble

  • break up

    more general; can apply to any material into any size

  • disintegrate

    formal; implies complete breakdown into fragments, often gradual

反義詞

文法句型

crumble + object (transitive)

subject + crumble (intransitive)

用法筆記

The transitive use describes an intentional action (you crumble food by pressing it). The intransitive use describes natural decay over time. Do not confuse with 'crumple' (to crush into creases, like paper).

常見錯誤

❌She crumbled the letter and threw it away.
✅She crumpled the letter and threw it away.
💡'crumple' means to crush paper into creases or wrinkles; 'crumble' means to break into small pieces.
❌He crumbled the cookie in one hand.
✅He crushed the cookie in one hand.
💡'crush' applies to applying strong pressure to break something; 'crumble' specifically involves fingers pressing dry things apart.

2. for a system, organization, relationship, or someone's emotional control to grad

2.動詞不及物B2
釋義

崩潰；瓦解

逐漸失去力量或影響力

for a system, organization, relationship, or someone's emotional control to gradually become weaker and fail, especially because of pressure from outside.

例句

The family business crumbled when the local economy slowed down.

當地經濟放緩後，那家家族企業便逐漸瓦解了。

intransitive: business/institution + crumbles [gradual failure]

Selim's confidence crumbled after he failed the driving test three times.

Selim 第三次沒通過駕照考試後，他的自信心崩潰了。

同義詞
  • collapse

    more sudden and complete; can be physical or abstract

  • deteriorate

    gradual decline in quality or condition, not necessarily ending in failure

  • disintegrate

    break into parts; more dramatic and final than crumble

反義詞

文法句型

subject (system/confidence/business) + crumble

crumble + under + [pressure/stress/criticism]

用法筆記

Subject is usually an abstract noun: confidence, resistance, a relationship, an empire, a system, or one's composure. Often used with 'under' to introduce the cause of the failure.

常見錯誤

❌The building crumbled during the earthquake.' (for sudden physical collapse)
✅The building collapsed during the earthquake.
💡'crumble' describes gradual breaking; 'collapse' is better for sudden physical failure.

crumble — 名詞