mechanisms

IPA/ˈmek.ə.nɪ.zəm/
KK[mˈɛkənˌɪzəmz]IPA/ˈmek.ə.nɪ.zəm/

mechanisms — 名詞

  • mechanismssingular
  • mechanismsesplural

1. a part or set of parts inside a machine or device that move or work together so

1.名詞B2
釋義

機械裝置

機器中的零件或運作結構

a part or set of parts inside a machine or device that move or work together so that the machine can perform a specific task — for example, the winding mechanism of a watch or the lifting mechanism of a crane.

例句

Theo opened the back of the remote control to look at its small plastic mechanism.

Theo 打開遙控器背蓋，查看裡面那個小型的塑膠機械裝置。

countable noun: a single part inside a device

A safety mechanism on the elevator stops it from moving when the doors are open.

電梯的安全裝置會在車門開啟時阻止電梯移動。

compound noun: safety mechanism

同義詞
  • device

    a broader term; a mechanism is one type of device with moving parts

  • apparatus

    more formal and implies a more complex piece of equipment

  • machinery

    uncountable and refers to machines as a whole, not a single part

文法句型

mechanism + for + noun/gerund

mechanism + of + noun

用法筆記

This sense is always countable. It often pairs with a compound noun that names the device's function (e.g. locking mechanism, safety mechanism, winding mechanism). The plural form mechanisms is used when referring to more than one part or system within a machine.

常見錯誤

❌The mechanism of the printer is jammed.' (vague)
✅The paper-feeding mechanism in the printer is jammed.
💡naming the specific part makes the sentence clearer and more natural.

2. an organised system, method, or set of processes that is designed to achieve a p

2.名詞B2
釋義

機制；過程

有系統的做事方法或自然過程

an organised system, method, or set of processes that is designed to achieve a particular result, or that explains how something happens in nature, business, or society — for example, a legal mechanism for resolving disputes, or the biological mechanism by which a plant converts sunlight into food.

例句

Yasmin studied the mechanism by which the human body regulates its temperature.

Yasmin 研究了人體調節體溫的運作機制。

mechanism + by which + clause: explaining how a natural process works

The university has a clear mechanism for handling student complaints within thirty days.

這所大學有明確的機制，可在三十天內處理學生的申訴。

mechanism + for + gerund: describing a formal process

同義詞
  • system

    broader; a system may not have the step-by-step procedural nature that a mechanism implies

  • process

    focuses on the sequence of events rather than the organised structure

  • procedure

    suggests a formal, step-by-step method, often in an institutional setting

文法句型

mechanism + for + noun/gerund

mechanism + of + noun

mechanism + by which + clause

用法筆記

Frequently used with of or for to introduce the goal or domain of the process (e.g. mechanism of evolution, mechanism for reporting errors). In academic and technical writing, mechanism by which is a common pattern that introduces an explanation of cause and effect.

常見錯誤

❌The mechanism of solve the problem is unclear.
✅The mechanism for solving the problem is unclear.
💡after mechanism, use for + gerund, not of + bare verb.
❌We need a mechanism to protect personal data.' (acceptable but vague)
✅We need a mechanism for protecting personal data.
💡the for + gerund pattern is more formal and natural in this sense.

3. an unconscious pattern of thoughts, feelings, or actions that your mind uses to

3.名詞B2
釋義

心理機制

無意識應對困難的心理模式

an unconscious pattern of thoughts, feelings, or actions that your mind uses to protect you from emotional pain, anxiety, or situations that feel too difficult to handle — for example, making jokes about a frightening event instead of showing fear.

例句

After losing her job, Amelia developed a coping mechanism of going for a long run every morning.

Amelia 失業後養成了應對機制：每天早上出門跑很遠的步。

compound: coping mechanism — a behaviour that helps manage stress

The therapist explained that blaming others was a defence mechanism Ari used to protect his self-esteem.

治療師解釋說，責怪別人是 Ari 用來保護自尊的防衛機制。

compound: defence mechanism — an unconscious protective response

同義詞
  • strategy

    a strategy can be deliberate; a psychological mechanism is unconscious

  • response

    broader and less technical; not limited to unconscious protection

  • reaction

    focuses on the outcome rather than the inner process

文法句型

defence mechanism

coping mechanism

mechanism for + gerund

用法筆記

Commonly appears in the compounds defence mechanism and coping mechanism. Unlike the other two senses, this sense always refers to an unconscious mental process, not a deliberate strategy. The phrase defence mechanism comes from Freudian psychology but is now used in everyday language.

常見錯誤

❌I used a defence mechanism to finish my homework on time.
✅Procrastination was his defence mechanism whenever he felt anxious about an exam.
💡a defence mechanism is unconscious, not a deliberate plan to get work done.
❌Exercising is a good cope mechanism.
✅Exercising is a good coping mechanism.
💡the correct adjective form is coping, not cope.