mainspring
mainspring — 名詞
- mainspringsingular
- mainspringsplural
1. the main force or motive behind an activity, plan, or way of living that keeps i
動力；動機
推動某事物持續發展的主要原因
the main force or motive behind an activity, plan, or way of living that keeps it going
Curiosity was the mainspring of Folake's career as a scientist.
好奇心是 Folake 科學家職涯的主要動力。
the mainspring of + [a person's life or work]
The mainspring behind the town's clean-up was a group of angry neighbours.
這個小鎮清潔行動背後的主要動力，是一群憤怒的鄰居。
mainspring behind + [a project or plan]
Faisal says his love of music is the mainspring that keeps him practising every day.
Faisal 說，他對音樂的熱愛是讓他每天持續練習的主要動力。
What do you think is the mainspring of Rin's energy at school?
你覺得 Rin 在學校精力充沛的主要動力是什麼？
question form: What is the mainspring of + [something]?
- the mainspring of life
- the mainspring behind
- the mainspring of his career
- driving force
the most common everyday phrase for a strong push behind something
- motive
focuses on a person's reason for acting
- main cause
plain wording that names what makes something happen
文法句型
the mainspring of + noun
用法筆記
Usually followed by 'of' and the thing it drives, as in 'the mainspring of his life'. Distinguish from sense 2, which is a physical part and not a reason or motive.
常見錯誤
2. the strong coiled spring inside a watch or a clock that stores energy and slowly
主發條
鐘錶內儲存動力、推動機件的彈簧
the strong coiled spring inside a watch or a clock that stores energy and slowly lets it out to move the machinery
Ilan turned the key until the mainspring inside the old clock felt tight.
Ilan 轉動鑰匙，直到老鐘裡的主發條感覺上緊了為止。
mainspring + inside a clock or watch
When the mainspring in Amihan's watch broke, the hands stopped moving.
Amihan 手錶裡的主發條斷掉後，指針就停了。
collocation: the mainspring breaks
As the mainspring slowly uncoils, it moves the gears and the hands of the clock.
主發條慢慢鬆開時，會帶動時鐘的齒輪和指針。
The watch repairer charged Hamza twenty dollars to replace the broken mainspring.
鐘錶修理師收了 Hamza 二十美元來更換斷掉的主發條。
collocation: replace a mainspring
- replace the mainspring
- the mainspring breaks
- the mainspring of a watch
用法筆記
Literal, countable use for a part inside a clock or watch. Distinguish from sense 1, which is about a reason or motive and not a physical object.