hold

/həʊld/ (bre, ipa) · /həʊld/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈhōld/ (ame, mw) · /hoʊld/ (ame, ipa)

hold — 動詞

  • holdpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • holdshe / she / it
  • heldpast simple
  • holding-ing form

1. to grip something using your fingers and palm so that it stays where it is and d

1.動詞及物A2
釋義

拿著；握住

用手拿住物體不讓掉落

to grip something using your fingers and palm so that it stays where it is and does not fall or get taken away

例句

The toddler held his mother's hand tightly while crossing the street.

那個幼兒過馬路時緊緊握著媽媽的手。

hold + body part for security

Can you hold this bag for me while I look for my keys?

你可以幫我拿一下這個袋子嗎？我要找鑰匙。

同義詞
  • grip

    suggests holding more tightly, with greater force

  • clutch

    implies holding suddenly or desperately, often out of fear or need

  • grasp

    focuses on taking hold firmly, sometimes used figuratively too

反義詞
  • release

    to let go of something you were holding

  • drop

    to let something fall, often by accident

文法句型

hold + object

用法筆記

This sense focuses on the physical act of grasping or keeping something in the hand. It differs from sense 2 (SUPPORT WEIGHT), which is about bearing the weight of a person or object from below.

常見錯誤

❌I held the box on my head.
✅I balanced the box on my head.
💡'hold' means with your hands, not other body parts.

2. to bear the load of someone or something from underneath, keeping them upright a

2.動詞及物B1
釋義

支撐；承載

從下方承受重量使其不掉落

to bear the load of someone or something from underneath, keeping them upright and preventing them from falling

例句

Four thick pillars hold the roof of the old temple.

四根粗大的柱子支撐著這座古老寺廟的屋頂。

subject = structure that bears weight

Ilan held the ladder steady while his sister climbed up to the attic.

Ilan 穩穩扶住梯子，讓他妹妹爬上閣樓。

同義詞
  • support

    slightly more formal; can be used for both physical and emotional help

  • bear

    more formal, often used for heavy loads or responsibility

  • carry

    implies moving while bearing weight, not just keeping in position

反義詞
  • drop

    to let something fall

  • collapse

    to fall down because unable to bear weight

文法句型

hold + object

hold + up + object

用法筆記

Common with subjects referring to structures, furniture, or body parts that bear pressure from below. Not used for hanging or suspending (use 'support' or 'suspend' instead).

常見錯誤

❌This hook holds the coat from the ceiling.
✅This hook supports the coat from the ceiling.
💡'hold' typically means bearing weight from below, not suspending.

3. if a pair of people hold hands, each person grasps the other hand in their own,

3.動詞A2
釋義

牽手

兩人互相握住對方的手

if a pair of people hold hands, each person grasps the other hand in their own, often to express that they care for one another or to feel safe together

例句

The elderly couple held hands as they walked slowly through the park.

那對老夫婦牽著手慢慢走過公園。

hold hands as a sign of affection

Sahil reached out and held her hand during the scary movie.

Sahil 伸出手，在看恐怖片時握住她的手。

同義詞
  • clasp hands

    more formal, often used in ceremonial or dramatic contexts

文法句型

hold hands

hold + possessive + hand

用法筆記

The phrase 'hold hands' (no article before 'hands') is a fixed expression describing mutual action. 'Hold someone's hand' is one-directional — only one person does the holding.

常見錯誤

❌They held their hand.
✅They held hands.
💡when both people hold each other's hands, use the plural fixed phrase 'hold hands' without a possessive.

4. to provide enough interior room for a given number of people or a given amount o

4.動詞及物B1
釋義

容納；裝

內部空間可裝載一定數量

to provide enough interior room for a given number of people or a given amount of things

例句

This suitcase is small but it can hold enough clothes for a week.

這個行李箱雖小，但足夠裝一週的衣服。

hold + enough + noun for a period

The newly built sports stadium holds fifty thousand cheering fans.

這座新體育場可容納五萬名觀眾。

同義詞
  • contain

    more formal; focuses on what is inside rather than capacity

  • accommodate

    specifically for people; suggests comfort and suitability

  • take

    informal; 'the boot takes three suitcases'

文法句型

hold + quantity

hold + number of people/things

用法筆記

Not used in continuous tenses ('is holding' as 'containing' is incorrect in standard English). Often used with 'can' to express capacity.

常見錯誤

❌The box is holding ten apples.
✅The box holds ten apples.
💡do not use the continuous form for this sense; use simple present.

5. when speaking about what is to come, hold means that a future time or situation

5.動詞及物B1
釋義

會有；將帶來

未來或生活將發生的事

when speaking about what is to come, hold means that a future time or situation contains something that will take place or be encountered

例句

Nobody knows what the future holds for us.

沒有人知道未來會發生什麼事。

what the future holds for [someone]

Lucía wondered what her new job would hold for her.

Lucía 想知道她的新工作會有怎樣的際遇。

同義詞
  • bring

    more general and informal; 'next year will bring new opportunities'

  • offer

    suggests positive possibilities; 'the future offers many paths'

文法句型

hold + for + someone

what + noun + holds

用法筆記

Almost always used with abstract subjects such as 'future', 'year', 'life', 'journey'. The object is typically something unknown or not yet revealed. Cannot be used with a concrete, specific time in the past (*'last Tuesday held a meeting').

常見錯誤

❌Next week holds a party for my sister.
✅Next week there will be a party for my sister.
💡'hold' in this sense sounds unnatural with specific planned events; use it for broader, less certain outcomes.

6. to contain a certain trait, feature, or degree of worth inside itself — for inst

6.動詞及物B1
釋義

具備；具有

具備某種特質或價值

to contain a certain trait, feature, or degree of worth inside itself — for instance, an idea that holds appeal, a role that holds potential, or a place that holds importance for someone

例句

The idea of living abroad holds a strong appeal for many young people.

到國外生活的想法對許多年輕人來說具有極大的吸引力。

holds + appeal for [someone]

This old house holds great sentimental value for the family.

這棟老房子對這家人來說具有深厚的情感價值。

同義詞
  • have

    more general, works for both concrete and abstract qualities

  • possess

    more formal, often used in writing

  • offer

    suggests potential benefit; 'the plan offers many advantages'

反義詞
  • lack

    to not have a quality

文法句型

hold + abstract noun

hold + appeal/attraction/value

用法筆記

The subject is usually an abstract thing (idea, plan, object) and the object is an abstract quality (appeal, value, promise, significance). Not used with concrete qualities like colour or size.

常見錯誤

❌This book holds a red cover.
✅This book has a red cover.
💡'hold' is not used for concrete physical features like colour or size.

7. to own or keep control of something important or valuable, such as an official p

7.動詞及物C1
釋義

掌握；擁有

保有重要事物或控制權

to own or keep control of something important or valuable, such as an official position, a large amount of money, an academic qualification, a sports record, or a piece of land under your command.

例句

Sana holds a degree in chemistry from the National University of Singapore.

Sana 持有新加坡國立大學的化學學位。

hold + academic qualification

The company holds the rights to sell the medicine in Southeast Asia.

該公司擁有在東南亞銷售此藥物的權利。

hold + legal rights/permit

同義詞
  • possess

    more formal; focuses on legal ownership rather than control

  • occupy

    suggests physical presence in a place or role

  • command

    stronger authority; often used for military or leadership roles

反義詞
  • lose

    the opposite of keeping control or possession

  • surrender

    giving up control, especially in a conflict

文法句型

hold + noun phrase (position/territory/qualification/record)

用法筆記

Frequently used with nouns that indicate status, authority, or territory — such as position, office, degree, record, land, or rights. The defensive meaning ('hold the fort / hold territory') is common in military and sports contexts.

常見錯誤

❌She held a headache all day.
✅She had a headache all day.
💡hold is used for things you control or possess, not for physical pain or illness.
❌He holds a problem at work.
✅He holds a senior position at work.
💡hold does not mean 'experience' or 'deal with'; it means 'possess or control.'

8. to be in a particular position within a race, contest, or ranking list.

8.動詞及物B2
釋義

保持排名

在比賽中處於某個名次

to be in a particular position within a race, contest, or ranking list.

例句

Eve holds second place in the national chess tournament this year.

Eve 今年在全國西洋棋錦標賽中保持第二名。

hold + rank/place in competition

New Zealand now holds the top spot in the world rugby rankings.

紐西蘭目前在世界橄欖球排名中位居第一。

同義詞
  • occupy

    more formal; emphasises being in a particular spot on a list

  • be in

    simpler alternative; less formal and more common in speech

文法句型

hold + (the/NOUN) + rank/position + in/of + competition

用法筆記

Always used with a number or rank word (first, second, top, third) and a named competition, ranking, or domain. The structure is 'hold + (the) + rank + in/of + competition.'

常見錯誤

❌The singer holds the crowd's attention.
✅The singer holds first place in the charts.
💡this sense is about competition rankings, not about attracting interest.

9. to set something aside or keep it available for yourself or someone else to use

9.動詞及物C1
釋義

保留；預留

為將來使用而保留某物

to set something aside or keep it available for yourself or someone else to use later, especially when there is a risk of losing it if you do not act.

例句

Hannah asked the front desk to hold her room until Friday evening.

Hannah 請櫃檯將她的房間保留到星期五晚上。

hold + reservation for someone

Could you hold a copy of the report for me while I am away?

我不在的時候，可以幫我留一份報告嗎？

hold + something + for + someone

同義詞
  • reserve

    more formal; often used for bookings and appointments

  • keep aside

    less formal; common in everyday speech

  • save

    simpler alternative; common with money or time

反義詞
  • give away

    to let someone else have what you kept

  • use up

    to consume rather than set aside

文法句型

hold + noun + for + someone

hold + noun + (prepositional phrase of time)

用法筆記

Often used in service contexts: hotels hold rooms, shops hold items, restaurants hold tables. The pattern 'hold + something + for + someone' is very common. Not used for physical keeping in your hands — that is sense 1.

常見錯誤

❌Please hold my call while I check.
✅Please hold my reservation for another night.
💡holding a call belongs to the 'delay' sense, not this 'save for later' sense.
❌I held the ticket in my hand.
✅I asked them to hold a ticket for me.
💡the first is physical grasp (sense 1); this sense is about setting things aside.

10. to keep a person in a place and stop them from leaving, often by using force or

10.動詞及物B2
釋義

拘留；扣留

不讓某人離開某處

to keep a person in a place and stop them from leaving, often by using force or authority.

例句

The police held the man at the station for questioning overnight.

警方將該男子留在警局問話過夜。

hold + person for questioning

Eli was held by the security team until the manager checked the cameras.

Eli 被保全人員留下來，直到主管檢查監視器畫面。

passive: be held by authority

同義詞
  • detain

    more formal; standard in legal and police contexts

  • confine

    emphasises being kept within limits or a small space

  • imprison

    stronger; implies a jail or prison setting

反義詞
  • release

    to let someone go free

  • free

    to set someone at liberty

文法句型

hold + person + (place)

be held + by + authority

用法筆記

The subject is usually an authority figure or group (police, security, captors, a teacher). Frequently used in the passive voice: 'be held + by + authority.' Not used for keeping objects — only people or groups.

常見錯誤

❌The police held the stolen phone.
✅The police held the suspect.
💡this sense is about people, not objects. Holding objects is sense 1.
❌She held her breath.
✅The guards held the prisoner.
💡holding your breath is a different sense (stopping temporarily).

11. to organise and run a gathering or planned activity where people take part — for

11.動詞及物B1
釋義

舉行；舉辦

組織並進行某項活動

to organise and run a gathering or planned activity where people take part — for instance, a meeting, a ceremony, an election, a class, or a party.

例句

The school holds a graduation ceremony every year in early June.

該校每年六月初舉辦畢業典禮。

hold + ceremony/event

We will hold the board meeting on Tuesday morning at ten o'clock.

我們將在星期二上午十點舉行董事會。

同義詞
  • conduct

    more formal; suggests a methodical, organised approach

  • organise

    focuses on the preparation rather than the carrying out

  • run

    less formal; suggests active management during the event

反義詞
  • cancel

    to decide that a planned event will not happen

文法句型

hold + event noun (meeting/election/ceremony/party/conference)

用法筆記

Common with event nouns: meeting, election, ceremony, conference, party, class, conversation, talks. Can be used in the passive voice ('talks were held'). This is the most straightforward sense for a B1 learner — the translation '舉行' helps distinguish it from other senses.

常見錯誤

❌Let's hold a problem to discuss it.
✅Let's hold a meeting to discuss it.
💡you hold events, not issues or topics.

12. to remain in a fixed way without changing or becoming weaker; or to make somethi

12.動詞及物 / 不及物B2
釋義

保持；維持

使持續不變或維持穩定

to remain in a fixed way without changing or becoming weaker; or to make something continue steady and unchanged.

例句

The silk held its bright colour even after many months of washing.

這塊絲綢即使洗了好幾個月，依然保持鮮豔的顏色。

hold + quality (colour/shape/size)

Eli held his speed for the last two kilometres of the race.

Eli 在比賽最後兩公里保持著速度。

同義詞
  • maintain

    more formal; emphasises active effort to keep things unchanged

  • stay

    intransitive only; simpler and more common

  • keep

    can be used in similar contexts but is more general

反義詞
  • change

    to become different from before

  • weaken

    to become less strong or effective

文法句型

hold + noun + adjective (hold steady/straight)

subject + hold (intransitive: weather/rope/luck)

用法筆記

Can be used transitively ('hold + noun + adjective/unchanged') or intransitively ('if the weather/rope/luck holds'). The intransitive use is common in fixed expressions like 'if the weather holds' or 'tight hold.' Distinguish from sense 9 (SAVE) — that sense is about setting something aside for later; this sense is about keeping something constant.

常見錯誤

❌The bread held fresh for a week.
✅The bread stayed fresh for a week.
💡hold is less natural with food freshness; 'stay' or 'remain' is more common.
❌She held the conversation going.
✅She kept the conversation going.
💡'hold' is not used with a following -ing form. Use 'keep + -ing' instead.

13. to have a particular belief or opinion about something — for example, holding th

13.動詞及物B2
釋義

抱持；認為

持有某種信念或看法

to have a particular belief or opinion about something — for example, holding that a policy is wrong, or holding a strong view on a topic.

例句

Christopher holds that speaking daily is the best way to learn a language.

Christopher 認為每天開口說是學習語言的最佳方式。

hold + that-clause for expressing a belief

Padma holds strong opinions about how the city should spend its money.

Padma 對於市政府應該如何花費預算，抱持著很強烈的意見。

hold + strong opinions about [topic]

同義詞
  • believe

    more general and more common in everyday speech; 'hold' can sound slightly more formal or emphatic

  • maintain

    suggests defending the opinion despite disagreement; more formal

  • think

    less formal and weaker; 'think' does not necessarily imply strong conviction

反義詞
  • doubt

    to lack conviction about something

文法句型

hold + that-clause

hold + an opinion/a belief + about/on

用法筆記

This sense is not used in continuous tenses (❌ 'I am holding that...'). It pairs most naturally with nouns like opinion, view, belief, or idea.

常見錯誤

❌I am holding that the plan is good.
✅I hold that the plan is good.
💡'hold' in this sense does not take the continuous form.

14. to decide that a specific person or group caused a problem or did something wron

14.動詞及物C1
釋義

追究；歸咎

認定某人須為過錯負責

to decide that a specific person or group caused a problem or did something wrong, and that they must accept the consequences.

例句

The court held the construction company responsible for the bridge's collapse.

法院認定這家營造公司必須為橋樑倒塌負責。

hold + [entity] + responsible for [negative outcome]

The voters will hold the government accountable for failing to improve public schools.

選民將會追究政府未能改善公立學校的責任。

hold + [authority] + accountable for [failure]

同義詞
  • blame

    less formal and does not require a complement structure; 'blame someone for something' is simpler

  • make answerable

    more formal and explicitly emphasises the duty to explain or justify actions

反義詞
  • absolve

    to declare someone free from blame or responsibility

文法句型

hold + sb + responsible/accountable/liable + for + sth

用法筆記

The object complement is most commonly responsible, accountable, or liable. This sense frequently appears in legal, political, or formal contexts.

常見錯誤

❌The court held responsible the company.
✅The court held the company responsible.
💡the object must come directly after 'hold' and before the adjective complement.

15. to have a particular opinion about someone or something, believing them to have

15.動詞及物B2
釋義

視為；認定

認為某人或某物具有某種特質

to have a particular opinion about someone or something, believing them to have a certain quality or to be a particular kind of person or thing.

例句

The committee holds this proposal to be the most practical solution available.

委員會認為這項提案是目前可用的最務實方案。

hold + [object] + to be + [judgment]

Most students hold Professor Okafor to be one of the best teachers in the department.

大多數學生認為 Okafor 教授是系上最好的老師之一。

同義詞
  • consider

    more common in everyday use; 'consider' can take either 'to be' or 'as'

  • regard

    similar formality but takes 'as' instead of 'to be' (regard someone as)

  • deem

    more formal and often used in official or legal language

文法句型

hold + sb/sth + to be + adj/noun

用法筆記

This sense typically takes the pattern 'hold + object + to be + complement'. It is more formal than 'think' or 'consider' and is common in legal, academic, and official statements.

常見錯誤

❌I hold him as a good friend.
✅I hold him to be a good friend.
💡the complement is introduced by 'to be', not 'as'.

16. to pause briefly, or to keep something from moving forward or being dealt with t

16.動詞及物 / 不及物B1
釋義

暫停；等候

暫時停止或延後處理

to pause briefly, or to keep something from moving forward or being dealt with temporarily.

例句

The airline held the plane until the passengers from the delayed flight arrived.

航空公司把飛機一直等到轉機延誤的乘客抵達後才起飛。

transitive: hold + [vehicle/service] + until [condition]

Can you hold my coffee order while I run to the cash machine?

你可以先幫我留著咖啡，等我去提款機領個錢嗎？

同義詞
  • wait

    intransitive only and more general; 'hold' implies a deliberate pause

  • pause

    suggests stopping briefly before continuing; more neutral

  • delay

    stronger sense of causing lateness; can have negative connotation

反義詞
  • release

    to let something proceed or be given out

  • continue

    to carry on without stopping

文法句型

hold + for + time period

hold + on

hold + object (delay)

用法筆記

When used intransitively (e.g. 'hold for a moment'), this sense often appears in phone or service contexts. The transitive use (hold + object) means 'keep something back temporarily'.

17. a request made when ordering food or drink, asking the server to leave out a spe

17.動詞及物B2
釋義

不加；不要放

點餐時要求去掉某樣配料

a request made when ordering food or drink, asking the server to leave out a specific ingredient from the order.

例句

I'll have a grilled chicken sandwich, but please hold the onions.

我要一份烤雞肉三明治，但是不要放洋蔥。

imperative: hold the [ingredient]

Layla asked the waiter to hold the cheese on her salad as she is dairy-free.

Layla 請服務生在她的沙拉裡不要加起司，因為她不吃乳製品。

同義詞
  • leave out

    broader context; can be used outside of food orders

  • skip

    very informal; 'skip the onions' is common in casual speech

文法句型

hold + the + ingredient

用法筆記

Used almost exclusively in restaurant or food-service situations. The structure is always 'hold + the + ingredient'. The speaker assumes the ingredient would normally come with the dish.

常見錯誤

❌Please hold the onions off my burger.
✅Please hold the onions on my burger.
💡the preposition is 'on', not 'off'.

18. to keep someone interested or paying attention to something, usually because it

18.動詞及物B2
釋義

吸引；抓住

持續引起某人的注意或興趣

to keep someone interested or paying attention to something, usually because it is entertaining or compelling.

例句

The documentary held the audience's attention from the very first scene.

那部紀錄片從第一個畫面就抓住了觀眾的注意力。

hold + [person/audience]'s + attention

A good mystery novel should hold the reader's interest until the final chapter.

一本好看的推理小說應該要能讓讀者一直保持興趣，直到最後一章。

hold + [person]'s + interest

同義詞
  • capture

    suggests a sudden or powerful effect; 'capture attention' implies immediacy

  • engage

    more active; 'engage the audience' suggests interaction rather than passive observation

  • grip

    stronger, suggesting intense involvement ('a gripping story')

反義詞
  • bore

    to cause someone to lose interest

  • lose

    as in 'lose the audience's attention'

文法句型

hold + sb's + attention/interest/fascination

hold + sb + adjective (spellbound/captive)

用法筆記

The most typical objects are attention, interest, fascination, or a person followed by an adjective like spellbound or captivated. The sense implies sustained engagement, not just a momentary reaction.

19. When a statement, rule, or argument holds, it is still correct or valid in a par

19.動詞不及物B2
釋義

適用；成立

規則或論點仍然正確有效

When a statement, rule, or argument holds, it is still correct or valid in a particular situation.

例句

The same principle holds for all teams in the competition.

同樣的原則適用於比賽中的所有隊伍。

hold for + noun phrase — introducing the situation

Does this argument still hold when you consider the latest findings?

這個論點在考量了最新發現之後，是否仍然成立？

同義詞
  • apply

    more commonly used for rules and conditions; 'hold' is more about logical validity

  • stand

    suggests an argument remains unchallenged; 'hold' implies it withstands scrutiny

  • remain valid

    more formal and explicit than 'hold'

反義詞
  • fail

    the direct opposite — 'the argument fails'

  • collapse

    suggests the argument falls apart completely under examination

文法句型

hold (true) for something

hold in something

用法筆記

Frequently used with 'for' to introduce the situation where the statement applies. The fixed expression 'hold true' is common and idiomatic.

常見錯誤

❌The container holds for all the leftover food.' (used for physical capacity).
✅The rule holds for all employees in the office.
💡This sense only applies to ideas, rules, and arguments, not physical containers.

20. To have the ability to drink alcohol, sometimes in large amounts, without becomi

20.動詞及物B2
釋義

酒量好

能喝大量酒而不醉倒

To have the ability to drink alcohol, sometimes in large amounts, without becoming drunk or showing ill effects.

例句

Tuan cannot hold his liquor at all — one glass of beer makes him dizzy.

Tuan 的酒量很差——一杯啤酒就讓他頭暈。

cannot hold one's liquor — common idiomatic expression

Shirin can really hold her wine; she drank three glasses and stayed completely alert.

Shirin 的酒量真的很好，她喝了三杯酒仍然非常清醒。

同義詞
  • tolerate

    more general — can apply to spicy food or medicine, not just alcohol

  • handle

    informal and broader in meaning, can refer to any challenging situation

反義詞
  • can't hold

    the most natural antonym — the negative form of the same expression

文法句型

can/can't hold one's liquor/wine/drink

can/can't hold + quantity of alcohol

用法筆記

Almost always paired with 'can', 'could', or their negatives to express capacity. The object is typically 'liquor', 'wine', 'beer', 'drink', or the general term 'alcohol'.

常見錯誤

❌She held three beers.' (sounds like she was carrying them).
✅She can hold three beers without getting drunk.
💡This sense requires 'can/could' to express ability, not physical holding.

hold — 名詞