ground
ground — 動詞
1. the form of the verb 'grind' that you use when you are talking about the past, w
磨碎
grind的過去式，壓碎成細小顆粒
the form of the verb 'grind' that you use when you are talking about the past, with the basic meaning of crushing something into very small pieces using a machine or a tool
Hao had already ground the coffee beans before his guests arrived.
Hao 在客人到來之前已經磨好了咖啡豆。
ground as past participle in past perfect tense
The old mill in the village ground wheat into flour every morning.
村莊裡的老磨坊每天早上把小麥磨成麵粉。
ground as simple past tense for a repeated action
Emre ground his teeth in frustration when the train left without him.
Emre 因為錯過火車而氣得咬牙切齒。
Freshly ground black pepper gives the sauce a much better taste.
現磨的黑胡椒能讓醬汁的味道好很多。
- crushed
more general — crush works for any material; grind specifically uses friction
- milled
technical term for processing grain in a mill
- pulverized
more formal and suggests very fine powder
文法句型
ground + noun phrase (transitive)
ground (intransitive, e.g. teeth grinding)
用法筆記
Only appears as the past tense or past participle of the verb 'grind'. It does not exist as a separate verb meaning — if you need the present form, use 'grind'.
常見錯誤
2. when a ship or boat touches the bottom of a sea, river, or lake and becomes stuc
擱淺
船隻觸及水底無法移動
when a ship or boat touches the bottom of a sea, river, or lake and becomes stuck there, unable to move anymore
The fishing boat grounded on some rocks near the coast of Kenting.
那艘漁船在墾丁附近的海岸觸礁擱淺了。
intransitive: boat + ground + on [obstacle]
The cargo ship grounded on a sandbar off the coast of Keelung.
貨輪在基隆外海的一處沙洲上擱淺。
intransitive: ship + grounded + on [obstacle]
The captain tried to steer away, but the ship grounded on a sharp reef.
船長試圖轉向，但船隻還是擱淺在一片尖銳的礁石上。
After the typhoon, several small boats were found grounded along the muddy shore.
颱風過後，有幾艘小船被發現擱淺在泥濘的海岸邊。
- run aground
phrasal alternative, equally common in maritime contexts
- beached
usually implies the ship is deliberately or permanently on shore
- set sail
to begin a journey on water, the opposite of getting stuck
文法句型
ground + on + noun phrase (intransitive)
be grounded (passive)
ground + noun phrase (transitive)
用法筆記
Often used in the passive form. The phrasal expression 'run aground' is a common alternative that means the same thing.
常見錯誤
3. to order that an aircraft must stay on the ground and not fly, usually because o
停飛
禁止飛機飛行
to order that an aircraft must stay on the ground and not fly, usually because of bad weather, mechanical problems, or other safety concerns
All flights at Songshan Airport were grounded after the earthquake damaged the runway.
松山機場的所有航班在地震損壞跑道後都被停飛。
passive: flights + be grounded + after [event]
The airline grounded its fleet of small planes for safety checks.
該航空公司暫停了其小型飛機機隊的飛行以進行安全檢查。
active: airline + ground + aircraft + for [reason]
Heavy snow grounded the rescue helicopters for the whole weekend.
大雪導致救難直升機整個週末都無法起飛。
The government grounded all private drones during the military exercise.
政府在軍事演習期間禁止所有私人無人機飛行。
- keep on the ground
periphrastic and less formal
- prevent from flying
explanatory but not a single-word verb
- clear for takeoff
to give permission to fly
文法句型
be grounded (passive)
ground + noun phrase (active)
用法筆記
Subject is usually an airline, airport authority, or government. The aircraft is the direct object in active sentences. Can also apply to drones and other flying vehicles.
常見錯誤
4. to stop a child or teenager from leaving the house or enjoying social activities
禁足
禁止小孩出門作為處罰
to stop a child or teenager from leaving the house or enjoying social activities as a form of punishment for bad behaviour
Jisoo's parents grounded her for two weeks after she lied about her grades.
Jisoo 因為謊報成績，被爸媽禁足兩個星期。
ground + [person] + for + [time period]
Mateo was grounded from his video games because he failed his maths exam.
Mateo 因為數學考試不及格，被禁止玩電動作為懲罰。
passive: be grounded from [activity]
Sade grounded her son for the whole weekend when he came home after midnight.
Sade 因為兒子半夜才回家，罰他整個週末不准出門。
The teenagers were grounded for a month when their parents caught them skipping school.
這幾個青少年被爸媽發現翹課後被禁足了一個月。
- confine to the house
more formal and neutral in tone
- restrict
broader — applies to many situations, not just parental punishment
文法句型
be grounded + for + time period
be grounded + from + activity
ground + noun phrase + for + time period
用法筆記
Only applies to children and teenagers living with parents or guardians. Never use for workplace discipline or adult punishment.
常見錯誤
5. to attach a wire between an electrical device and the earth so that electricity
接地
用導線連接電器至地面
to attach a wire between an electrical device and the earth so that electricity can safely escape if there is a fault in the equipment
The electrician grounded the new water heater before turning on the power.
水電師傅在打開電源之前先將新的熱水器接地。
active: [person] + ground + [device]
All outdoor power sockets must be properly grounded to prevent electric shocks.
所有戶外電源插座都必須妥善接地，以防觸電。
passive: must be grounded — safety requirement
Eleni asked the technician to check that her guitar amplifier was grounded.
Eleni 請技師檢查她的吉他音箱是否有接地。
The repairman showed Iris how the outdoor lamp was grounded to the metal pole.
修理工向 Iris 說明陽台的燈是如何接到金屬柱上的。
- earth
BrE equivalent — same meaning, different regional term
文法句型
be grounded (passive)
ground + noun phrase (active)
用法筆記
In British English, the word 'earth' is used instead of 'ground' for this meaning (e.g., 'Is the appliance properly earthed?').
常見錯誤
6. to base an idea, argument, or belief on a particular set of facts, principles, o
基於
以事實或原則為基礎
to base an idea, argument, or belief on a particular set of facts, principles, or life experiences — most often used in the passive form 'be grounded in'
Christopher's research is grounded in years of work with communities in Southeast Asia.
Christopher 的研究建立在東南亞多年的田野工作基礎之上。
passive: be grounded in + [experience/evidence]
The teacher's approach is grounded in the belief that every child can learn.
這位老師的教學方法建立在每個孩子都能學習的信念之上。
Professor Saira's arguments are grounded on solid data from five scientific studies.
Saira 教授的論點建立在五項科學研究的可靠數據之上。
A fair society should be grounded in the idea that everyone has the same rights.
一個公平的社會應該建立在人人享有平等權利的概念之上。
- based on
more common in everyday speech; 'grounded in' sounds more formal and solid
- founded on
similar register, often used for institutions or principles
- rooted in
metaphorical — suggests deep historical or emotional connection
- unsupported
not backed by evidence
- unfounded
based on no evidence at all
文法句型
be grounded in + noun phrase
be grounded on + noun phrase
用法筆記
Almost always used in the passive voice ('be grounded in/on'). The active form ('ground something in/on') is very rare in modern English. Use 'base' instead if you need an active verb.
常見錯誤
ground — 名詞
1. the solid outer layer of the world that people walk on and that plants, building
地面
地球的固體表面
the solid outer layer of the world that people walk on and that plants, buildings, and roads sit on, especially when compared with the air above or the water of the sea.
The ball hit the ground with a soft thud before rolling into the bushes.
球輕輕地砰一聲撞到地面，然後滾進了灌木叢。
When the snow melted, the ground turned muddy and slippery.
雪融化後，地面變得又泥濘又滑。
Birds were pecking at something on the ground near the bench.
鳥兒在長椅附近的地面上啄食東西。
The pilot guided the plane down safely and touched the ground gently.
飛行員安全地將飛機降下，輕輕觸地。
Amira lay on the ground and stared up at the stars.
Amira 躺在地上，凝視著星空。
常見錯誤
2. the loose dark or brown material at the top of the earth's surface, where plant
土壤
植物生長的泥土
the loose dark or brown material at the top of the earth's surface, where plant roots take in food and water to live and grow.
Otis dug a hole in the ground and planted a small apple tree.
Otis 在地上挖了一個洞，種了一棵小蘋果樹。
collocation: dig in the ground; plant in the ground
The ground here is too dry and sandy for growing vegetables.
這裡的土壤太乾、沙質太重，不適合種蔬菜。
Daichi knelt down and pushed the seeds gently into the warm ground.
Daichi 跪下來，輕輕地把種子按進溫暖的泥土裡。
After the heavy rain the ground was soft and easy to dig.
大雨過後，泥土變得鬆軟，很容易挖。
The gardener mixed compost into the ground to help the flowers grow.
園丁把堆肥拌進土裡，幫助花兒生長。
用法筆記
Countable as 'a ground' is rare; usually uncountable. Use 'soil' when focusing on quality or type ('sandy soil', 'rich soil').
常見錯誤
3. a defined outdoor area set aside for a particular activity, such as playing spor
場地
特定用途的土地區域
a defined outdoor area set aside for a particular activity, such as playing sport, parking vehicles, or holding a public event.
The children played football on the school sports ground every afternoon.
孩子們每天下午在學校的運動場上踢足球。
collocation: sports ground
Henry parked his car on the hospital parking ground near the entrance.
Henry 把車停在醫院入口附近的停車場。
collocation: parking ground
A large fairground was set up on the empty ground next to the river.
河邊的空地上搭起了一個大型的露天遊樂場。
The camping ground had cooking areas, showers, and a small shop.
露營地設有炊事區、淋浴間和一間小商店。
Darius took his dog to the recreation ground behind the park.
Darius 帶他的狗到公園後面的運動場。
用法筆記
Often appears in compound nouns: 'playground', 'fairground', 'camping ground', 'proving ground'. The plural 'grounds' can also mean the land around a large building (see sense 4).
常見錯誤
4. the gardens, lawns, and outdoor areas that surround a large house, school, hospi
庭園
建築物周圍的土地與花園
the gardens, lawns, and outdoor areas that surround a large house, school, hospital, or other institution, often enclosed by a fence or wall.
Students were not allowed to leave the school grounds during lunch.
午餐時間學生不得離開校園。
collocation: school grounds
The hospital grounds include a rose garden and a path for patients to walk.
醫院的庭園裡有一座玫瑰園和一條供病人散步的小徑。
Reema walked through the castle grounds and admired the old oak trees.
Reema 走過城堡的庭園，欣賞那些高大的老橡樹。
The hotel grounds are beautifully kept, with flowers blooming year-round.
飯店的庭園維護得非常漂亮，一年四季都有花盛開。
A guard patrols the embassy grounds twenty-four hours a day.
警衛二十四小時巡邏大使館的園區。
用法筆記
Always plural ('grounds') in this sense. Refers specifically to the land belonging to a property, not just any outdoor area.
常見錯誤
5. a reason for thinking or doing something, especially a valid or logical basis fo
理由；根據
支持信念或行動的根據
a reason for thinking or doing something, especially a valid or logical basis for a belief, action, or a formal decision such as a legal ruling.
The court accepted her complaint on the grounds of unfair treatment at work.
法院基於她在職場遭受不公平待遇的理由，受理了她的申訴。
pattern: on the grounds of + noun phrase
Aaron refused the job offer on the grounds that the salary was too low.
Aaron 以薪水太低為理由，拒絕了那份工作。
pattern: on the grounds that + clause
There are strong grounds for believing that the plan will succeed.
有充分理由相信這個計劃會成功。
The doctor had no medical grounds to keep the patient in hospital any longer.
醫生沒有醫學上的理由讓病人繼續住院。
Gabriela resigned from the committee on personal grounds.
Gabriela 基於個人理由辭去了委員會的職務。
- reason
everyday word; 'grounds' is more formal and suggests a legal or official basis
- basis
focuses on the foundation or principle, less common in informal speech
- justification
stronger; implies that the reason is morally or logically defensible
文法句型
grounds + for + noun/gerund
grounds + that-clause
on the grounds of/that
用法筆記
Usually plural ('grounds') in formal contexts. Used in set phrases: 'on the grounds of…', 'on the grounds that…', 'grounds for…'. In everyday speech, 'reason' is more natural; 'grounds' sounds legal or formal.
常見錯誤
6. a particular subject, field of knowledge, or set of ideas that someone is famili
領域
知識或經驗的範圍
a particular subject, field of knowledge, or set of ideas that someone is familiar with or exploring.
The two scientists found common ground in their research on climate change.
兩位科學家在氣候變遷的研究上找到了共同的觀點。
idiom: common ground (shared interests/beliefs)
The professor was teaching on familiar ground when he explained ancient Greek history.
那位教授講解古希臘歷史時，講的是他熟悉的領域。
The new study covers ground that no researcher has explored before.
這項新研究觸及了過去沒有研究者探索過的領域。
Tamar felt she was on shaky ground when the discussion turned to tax law.
當話題轉到稅法時，Tamar 覺得自己不太有把握。
The report goes over old ground and offers nothing new to the debate.
這份報告只是在重複老調，沒有為這場辯論帶來任何新意。
用法筆記
Frequently appears in figurative expressions: 'common ground' (shared opinions), 'firm ground' (strong knowledge), 'shaky ground' (weak knowledge), 'cover new ground' (do something original), 'go over old ground' (repeat known information).
常見錯誤
7. the level of public acceptance or support that an idea, belief, or political gro
聲勢；支持度
想法或政黨日益受歡迎
the level of public acceptance or support that an idea, belief, or political group has, especially when described as increasing or decreasing (this meaning appears mostly in the fixed phrases gain ground and lose ground)
The idea of a four-day work week has been gaining ground in several European countries.
「每週工作四天的想法在幾個歐洲國家逐漸獲得支持。」
gain ground — become more popular
Online education gained ground rapidly after schools closed during the pandemic.
「疫情期間學校關閉後，線上教育迅速取得優勢。」
The movement to reduce plastic packaging is gaining ground among younger shoppers.
「減少塑膠包裝的運動在年輕消費者中越來越受歡迎。」
Renata noted that renewable energy gained more ground in five years than in the previous two decades.
「Renata 指出，再生能源在五年內取得的進展比之前二十年還要多。」
文法句型
gain/lose + ground
用法筆記
Always appears in the verb phrases 'gain ground' or 'lose ground.' The noun itself does not vary; the verb carries tense and aspect changes.
常見錯誤
8. the position of an idea, belief, or group when it is declining in acceptance or
失勢；式微
想法或政黨逐漸失去支持
the position of an idea, belief, or group when it is declining in acceptance or influence, used in the fixed phrase lose ground to show that something is becoming less popular or effective
Traditional newspapers have been losing ground to online news platforms for more than a decade.
「十多年來，傳統報紙的市場不斷被網路新聞平台取代。」
lose ground to [competitor]
The ruling party lost ground in the rural regions during the last election.
「執政黨在上一屆選舉中在鄉村地區失去優勢。」
Cheap synthetic fabrics are losing ground as consumers choose more sustainable options.
「隨著消費者選擇更永續的材質，廉價合成纖維正在式微。」
Esme watched her favourite brand lose ground to newer, cheaper competitors in the market.
「Esme 看著她最愛的品牌在市場上逐漸輸給更新、更便宜的競爭對手。」
- decline
broader meaning; 'lose ground' implies a direct comparison with a gaining counterpart
- fall behind
more informal; focuses on relative position rather than absolute acceptance
- gain ground
the direct opposite in the same fixed-phrase pattern
文法句型
lose + ground
用法筆記
Opposite of sense 7. Often followed by 'to' to name the gaining competitor or alternative. This sense and sense 7 are frequently used in political and business reporting.
9. a conductive path, typically a wire, through which stray electricity is sent int
接地線；地線
將電流導入地下的安全線路
a conductive path, typically a wire, through which stray electricity is sent into the earth to prevent harm to users
The electrician checked that the ground wire was firmly attached to the metal pipe.
「水電師傅檢查接地線是否牢固地接在金屬管上。」
collocation: ground wire
Kemi's old toaster lacked a ground, so she bought a newer model.
「Kemi 的老烤麵包機沒有接地線，所以她換了一台新款。」
Ziad connected the ground to the copper rod buried outside the house.
「Ziad 將接地線接到埋在屋外的銅棒上。」
Without a proper ground, an electrical fault can give the user a serious shock.
「如果沒有正確接地，電器故障可能會讓使用者遭受嚴重觸電。」
- earth
British English equivalent; identical function
文法句型
ground + wire / connection / fault
用法筆記
Called 'earth' in British English; 'ground' is the American term. In Taiwan, both '接地' and 'ground' are used in technical contexts.
常見錯誤
10. the tiny particles that remain after coffee has been brewed, usually settling be
咖啡渣；沉澱
咖啡沖泡後沉在底部的細小顆粒
the tiny particles that remain after coffee has been brewed, usually settling beneath the liquid
Christopher emptied the coffee grounds from the filter into the kitchen compost bin.
「Christopher 把濾杯裡的咖啡渣倒進廚餘堆肥桶。」
collocation: coffee grounds
Min used the leftover grounds to make a gentle face scrub at home.
「Min 用剩下的咖啡渣在家裡自製溫和去角質霜。」
The coffee grounds in the cup made the last sip taste gritty and bitter.
「杯子裡的咖啡渣讓最後一口喝起來又沙又苦。」
Luca sprinkled used coffee grounds around the tomato plants to keep snails away.
「Luca 把用過的咖啡渣撒在番茄植株周圍，防止蝸牛靠近。」
- sediment
more general term for any solid particles settled in a liquid; more formal
文法句型
the grounds
coffee grounds
用法筆記
Almost always used as a plural noun ('grounds'). The singular form 'ground' in this sense is rare and only appears in compounds like 'coffee ground.'
常見錯誤
11. the act of starting something original or doing something never done before, or
開創；破土
做出創新或開始建造工程
the act of starting something original or doing something never done before, or the first digging at a construction site (used in the phrase break new ground or break ground)
The research team broke new ground with their study of how memories form during sleep.
「這個研究團隊針對睡眠期間記憶形成的方式進行了開創性的研究。」
break new ground — innovate in research
Quan's fashion designs broke new ground by combining traditional fabrics with modern cuts.
「Quan 的時裝設計結合傳統布料與現代剪裁，開創了全新的風格。」
Construction crews will break ground on the new community centre next spring.
「工程團隊將於明年春天動工興建新的社區中心。」
The mayor attended the ceremony to break ground for the city's first public library.
「市長出席了動土典禮，為該市第一座公共圖書館興建工程揭開序幕。」
文法句型
break + (new) + ground
用法筆記
'Break new ground' is almost always metaphorical (innovation). 'Break ground' without 'new' commonly refers to the literal start of construction. Both are fixed phrases — the noun does not vary freely.
12. the surface or area that lies behind the main subject of a painting, pattern, or
底色；底面
圖案或繪畫的背景表面
the surface or area that lies behind the main subject of a painting, pattern, or design, onto which the design is applied
The artist painted white daisies on a bright red ground for contrast.
「藝術家在鮮紅色的底色上畫了白色雛菊，營造強烈對比。」
on a + colour + ground — design description
The wallpaper has a pattern of gold leaves on a pale green ground.
「這款壁紙在淺綠色底面上有金色葉片的圖案。」
Liang chose a dark blue ground for the mural to make the figures stand out.
「Liang 為壁畫選擇深藍色底色，讓人物輪廓更加突出。」
The fabric features small yellow birds on a cream-coloured ground.
「這塊布料在奶油色底面上有黃色小鳥的圖案。」
- background
more general and more common in everyday use; 'ground' is more specific to art and design
- base
used in crafts and painting for the first layer of colour
- foreground
the area of a painting or image that appears closest to the viewer
文法句型
on a + adjective + ground
用法筆記
Common in descriptions of textiles, wallpaper, and paintings where a pattern or image appears on a single-colour background. In modern everyday English, 'background' is more common; 'ground' is more technical or decorative.
ground — 形容詞
1. Ground food such as meat, coffee, spices, or nuts has been through a machine tha
磨碎的
食物經研磨成細小顆粒或粉末
Ground food such as meat, coffee, spices, or nuts has been through a machine that breaks it down into tiny particles or a smooth powder.
Élise bought fresh ground coffee from a shop in Tainan.
Élise 從台南的一家店買了新鮮磨好的咖啡粉。
collocation: ground coffee
The recipe asks for two spoons of ground cinnamon.
食譜要求加入兩湯匙的肉桂粉。
Layla sprinkled ground black pepper over the grilled mushrooms.
Layla 在烤蘑菇上撒了黑胡椒粉。
Ground pork mixed with chopped vegetables makes excellent dumpling filling.
絞肉拌上切碎的蔬菜，可以做出很好吃的水餃餡。
Adina uses freshly ground nutmeg for her holiday cookies.
Adina 做節日餅乾時總是用現磨的肉豆蔻粉。
- minced
Used mainly for meat and onions; 'ground' is more general and also applies to coffee, spices, and nuts
- crushed
Refers to coarser, more uneven pieces (e.g. crushed peppercorns) whereas 'ground' suggests finer, more uniform particles
- powdered
Describes an even finer texture than 'ground', such as powdered sugar; 'ground' covers a range from coarse to fine
- milled
Usually implies processing in a mill (e.g. milled flour); 'ground' is broader and includes food processors and grinders
- whole
Whole beans, whole spices, or whole nuts keep their original form, the opposite of being ground
文法句型
ground + noun (e.g. ground coffee, ground beef)
adverb + ground + noun (e.g. freshly ground pepper)
用法筆記
Commonly used before a noun (attributive position) to describe food that has been put through a grinder. Applies most often to coffee, meat, pepper, spices, nuts, and grains. Can be modified by adverbs such as 'freshly', 'coarsely', or 'finely'.