shortest
shortest — 動詞
- shortestpresent simple I / you / we / they
- shortests3rd person singular
- shortesting-ing form
- shortestedpast simple
1. to create an electrical fault in which the current flows the wrong way, often cu
短路
電流異常路徑導致故障
to create an electrical fault in which the current flows the wrong way, often cutting off the power or damaging the equipment
When Rania plugged in the old lamp, the wires shorted and the lights went out.
Rania 插上那盞舊檯燈時，電線短路了，燈全都熄滅。
intransitive use: the wires shorted
A mouse had chewed through the cable and shorted the entire security system.
老鼠咬破了電線，導致整個保全系統短路。
transitive use: shorted the entire security system
The kitchen lights shorted when water spilled onto the power strip near the sink.
水濺到水槽旁的延長線上時，廚房的燈短路了。
Arjun called an electrician after the fuse box shorted twice in one week.
Arjun 在一週內保險絲盒短路了兩次之後，叫了水電工來檢查。
The old washing machine shorted when Yan tried to run it and the dryer at the same time.
Yan 試圖同時開啟洗衣機和烘衣機時，那臺舊洗衣機短路了。
- short-circuit
the full form; more formal and technical
- short out
phrasal verb; equally informal, emphasises the stopping of function
文法句型
short + noun phrase (transitive)
noun phrase + shorts (intransitive)
用法筆記
This sense is the informal shortened form of 'short-circuit'. It is frequently used in passive constructions: 'The power was shorted by the storm.' Unlike the full form 'short-circuit', the verb 'short' is rarely used in formal or technical writing.
常見錯誤
2. to give someone less money, time, attention, or other resources than they have a
少給；剋扣
給予少於應得之金額或事物
to give someone less money, time, attention, or other resources than they have a right to expect or than they were promised
The taxi driver shorted Hugo by charging the night rate during the day.
那輛計程車司機白天就用夜間費率收費，坑了 Hugo。
short + person + by + amount/method
Camila felt the school had shorted her son by cutting the music programme he loved.
Camila 認為學校削減了她兒子喜愛的音樂課程，對他很不公平。
The waiter shorted us on the change after we paid for the meal.
我們吃完飯付錢後，服務生少找了零錢給我們。
Bao calculated that his employer had shorted him nearly two thousand dollars in overtime pay.
Bao 算出他的雇主少給了他近兩千美元的加班費。
Parents complained that the new schedule shorted their children of valuable study time before exams.
家長們抱怨新的時間表剝奪了孩子們考前寶貴的溫書時間。
- shortchange
the full form; more common and slightly more formal
- cheat
broader meaning; does not always imply giving less of something
- underpay
specific to money; more formal
- overpay
opposite direction of unfairness
文法句型
short + person
short + person + amount
short + person + on + noun phrase
用法筆記
The direct object is usually the person who receives less than they should. The thing they are shorted (money, time, services) can appear as a direct object ('shorted him $50') or after 'on' ('shorted him on the change') or 'of' ('shorted them of sleep'). Frequently used in passive: 'The workers felt they were being shorted.'
常見錯誤
3. to borrow and then sell shares, currencies, or other financial products because
放空；做空
借券賣出，預期跌價後低價買回
to borrow and then sell shares, currencies, or other financial products because you believe their price will fall, allowing you to buy them back at a cheaper price later
Hedge funds shorted the company's stock after the accounting scandal broke.
那起會計醜聞爆發後，避險基金放空了該公司的股票。
short + stock/share as object
Eshe learned how to short currencies during her first year at the investment bank in London.
Eshe 在倫敦投資銀行任職的第一年學會了如何放空貨幣。
Anthony shorted the tech shares just before the market dropped sharply in March.
Anthony 在三月股市大跌前放空了科技股。
That stock was one of the most shorted on the exchange during the economic crisis.
在那次經濟危機期間，那支股票是交易所裡被放空最多的股票之一。
Rohan warned his team not to short emerging-market bonds because the risk was too high.
Rohan 警告他的團隊不要放空新興市場債券，因為風險太高了。
- sell short
the full phrasal form; equally common in financial speech
- go short
also common; describes taking a short position rather than the act of selling
文法句型
short + noun phrase (stock/share/currency)
be shorted (passive)
用法筆記
The direct object names the asset being sold short: a stock, a share, a currency, or a market index. This sense is rarely used without a direct object. Very common in passive form in financial journalism: 'The pound was heavily shorted ahead of the election.' Professional traders also use 'short' as a noun ('a short position'), but that is a noun sense, not this verb.
常見錯誤
shortest — 名詞
- shortestsingular
- shortestsplural
1. a small serving of a strong alcoholic drink such as whisky, brandy, or gin, serv
純烈酒
不加水的烈酒
a small serving of a strong alcoholic drink such as whisky, brandy, or gin, served without water, ice, or other mixers.
Yuki ordered a short of single-malt whisky after finishing her dinner.
Yuki 吃完晚餐後點了一杯純麥芽威士忌。
a short of [spirit name] — uncounted measure
The pub keeps a selection of shorts behind the counter for regular customers.
這間酒吧在吧檯後方存放了多種純烈酒，供熟客選用。
plural: shorts — variety of spirits
Arun asked the bartender for a short of Japanese whisky, served neat.
Arun 向調酒師點了一杯純的日本威士忌。
In many British pubs, a short costs about the same as a pint of beer.
在許多英國酒吧裡，一杯純烈酒的價格和一品脫啤酒差不多。
- shot
American English; a shot is measured (usually 1.5 oz) whereas a short is an informal pour
- long drink
a drink with a mixer, e.g. whisky and soda
文法句型
a short of [spirit name]
用法筆記
Common in British English. In American English the phrase 'a shot of [spirit]' or 'straight up' is more typical for the same meaning.
常見錯誤
2. a movie that runs for a much shorter time than a typical feature, and is sometim
短片
長度比一般電影短很多的影片
a movie that runs for a much shorter time than a typical feature, and is sometimes screened ahead of the main attraction at cinemas or during festivals.
The film festival opened with a ten-minute short about a fisherman on the Mekong River.
影展以一部關於湄公河漁夫的十分鐘短片揭開序幕。
a [length] short about [topic]
Ingrid's animated short won the audience award at the Berlin showcase.
Ingrid 的動畫短片在柏林影展獲得了觀眾票選獎。
Before the main feature, the cinema played a comedy short that made everyone laugh.
在正片開始前，電影院播放了一部喜劇短片，把大家都逗笑了。
Many young directors make shorts on small budgets to attract attention from producers.
許多年輕導演用小成本拍攝短片，以吸引製作人的注意。
- short film
more formal and explicit; 'short' is the usual cinema-industry term
- feature film
a full-length movie, typically 80 minutes or longer
用法筆記
Often followed by a time phrase ('a ten-minute short') or a topic ('a short about…'). The plural 'shorts' can refer to a collection or genre.
3. a problem in an electrical system that happens when two wires touch when they sh
短路
電線異常接觸造成的電路故障
a problem in an electrical system that happens when two wires touch when they should not, causing the current to take the wrong path.
The old lamp caused a short that tripped the circuit breaker in the basement.
那盞舊燈造成短路，讓地下室的無熔絲開關跳掉了。
a short in [device] / caused a short
Fatima called an electrician after smelling burning wires from a short behind the kitchen wall.
Fatima 聞到廚房牆壁後方傳來電線燒焦的氣味，便打電話叫電工來處理。
A short in the power strip nearly started a fire in the office break room.
延長線插座發生短路，差點在辦公室休息室引發火災。
The washing machine stopped mid-cycle because of an electrical short in its motor.
洗衣機在運轉中停了下來，因為馬達內部發生電氣短路。
- short circuit
the full form; used in both formal and informal contexts
文法句型
a short in [device]
用法筆記
Informal shortening of 'short circuit.' Used in everyday speech about household appliances. Formal contexts prefer 'short circuit.'
常見錯誤
4. the baseball fielding role that patrols the left side of the infield, or the per
游擊手
棒球二壘與三壘間的守備位置或球員
the baseball fielding role that patrols the left side of the infield, or the person who plays that role.
Kwame has played short for the Toronto Blue Jays for the past three seasons.
Kwame 過去三季一直為多倫多藍鳥隊擔任游擊手。
play short — play the shortstop position (no article)
The batter grounded to short, and the fielder threw to first for the out.
打者擊出滾地球到游擊方向，守備員傳球到一壘完成刺殺。
A good short needs quick feet, a strong arm, and the ability to read swings.
好的游擊手需要腳步快、臂力強，並且能判讀打者的揮棒動作。
The coach moved Grace from third base to short because of her fast reflexes.
教練因為 Grace 反應快，把她從三壘調到游擊位置。
- shortstop
the full term; 'short' is a shortening used in commentary and informal baseball talk
文法句型
play short
hit to short
the team's short
用法筆記
When referring to the position, 'short' is used without an article ('plays short,' 'hit to short'). When referring to the player, it can take an article ('the team's short made an error').
常見錯誤
shortest — 形容詞
- shortestpositive
- more shortestcomparative
- most shortestsuperlative
1. not reaching far from one end to the other; not tall when describing a person's
短的；矮的
長度或高度小的
not reaching far from one end to the other; not tall when describing a person's height
Camila wore a short skirt to the party last night.
Camila 昨晚穿了一條短裙去參加派對。
The path to the beach is quite short, so we walked there.
通往海灘的路很短，所以我們走路過去。
intensifier: quite short / very short / too short
Mizuki is shorter than her classmates but plays basketball very well.
Mizuki 比班上同學矮，但籃球打得很好。
We took a short cut through the park to reach the station on time.
我們穿過公園抄捷徑，以便準時到達車站。
The dog's short legs make it hard for him to run fast.
那隻狗的腿很短，跑不快。
常見錯誤
2. applied to a word or name that is a reduced form of a longer version
簡稱
名字的縮略形式
applied to a word or name that is a reduced form of a longer version
Everyone calls her Alex, which is short for Alexandra.
大家都叫她 Alex，這是 Alexandra 的簡稱。
pattern: X is short for Y (full name)
In addresses, 'St.' is short for 'Street' in most countries.
在多數國家，地址中的「St.」是「Street」的簡稱。
The word 'phone' is short for 'telephone' in everyday English.
日常英語中，「phone」是「telephone」的簡稱。
'Ave.' written on a letter is short for 'Avenue' in the UK.
信件上寫的「Ave.」在英國是「Avenue」的簡稱。
- abbreviated
more formal; can describe any shortened form
- condensed
suggests the content is compressed, not a nickname
文法句型
short for [full name]
[name] for short
用法筆記
This sense is almost always used in the patterns 'short for [name]' or '[name] for short'. It cannot be used alone — you cannot say 'This name is short.' to mean it is a nickname.
3. lasting or taking only a small amount of time
短暫的
時間持續短的
lasting or taking only a small amount of time
Lakshmi took a short break after studying for three hours.
Lakshmi 連續讀了三個小時書後，休息了一小段時間。
collocation: short break
Winter days are short in Norway, with only five hours of light.
挪威的冬季白晝很短，日照只有五個小時。
We had a short meeting to discuss the new project timeline.
我們開了個簡短的會議，討論新專案的時程。
The bus ride to school is short enough to read a few pages.
搭公車到學校的路程很短，足夠讀幾頁書。
After a short pause, the teacher continued with her lesson.
老師短暫停頓了一下，然後繼續上課。
用法筆記
Frequently used with time-related nouns: short break, short visit, short period, short while.
常見錯誤
4. describes a written work that uses few words and can be read quickly
簡短的
篇幅不長的
describes a written work that uses few words and can be read quickly
The professor asked us to write a short essay about climate change.
教授要求我們寫一篇關於氣候變遷的短文。
collocation: short essay / short report
Mira sent a short message to confirm the dinner reservation.
Mira 發了一封簡短的訊息，確認晚餐訂位。
This short book can be finished in one afternoon easily.
這本薄書一個下午就能輕鬆讀完。
The newspaper published his short letter about the new park plan.
報紙刊登了他那封關於新公園計畫的簡短信件。
We need a short summary of the report, no more than one page.
我們需要的報告摘要必須簡短，不要超過一頁。
用法筆記
Used specifically for written works — books, letters, essays, messages, reports. For spoken communication (a short speech, a short conversation), use sense 3 (TIME).
5. not having enough of something that is needed or expected
不足的
缺少所需事物的
not having enough of something that is needed or expected
The restaurant was short of staff, so customers waited a long time.
那家餐廳人手不足，顧客等了很久。
pattern: short of + noun
We are short on cash this month after the expensive car repairs.
這個月因為昂貴的汽車維修費，我們的現金有點吃緊。
pattern: short on + noun (more informal)
The team is short of players for the match on Saturday afternoon.
球隊在週六下午的比賽中球員不足。
The hospital is running short of clean masks after the emergency.
急診過後，醫院的乾淨口罩快要見底了。
Amani was short of options when her flight was suddenly cancelled.
Amani 的航班突然被取消，她幾乎沒有其他選擇。
- abundant
having plenty of something
- well-supplied
having enough or more than enough
文法句型
short of [something]
short on [something]
run short of [something]
用法筆記
Usually followed by of or on before a noun (short of time, short on patience). In informal speech, short can be used alone: 'I'm a little short this week.' (= I do not have enough money).
常見錯誤
6. unable to breathe easily, especially after physical effort or because of illness
喘不過氣
呼吸困難的
unable to breathe easily, especially after physical effort or because of illness
After running up the stairs, Sirin was short of breath.
跑上樓梯後，Sirin 喘不過氣來。
fixed phrase: short of breath
The doctor said feeling short of breath could be a sign of asthma.
醫生說感覺喘不過氣可能是氣喘的徵兆。
Tamás became short of breath after cycling up the steep hill.
Tamás 騎腳踏車爬上陡坡後喘不過氣來。
Climbing three flights of stairs leaves my aunt short of breath.
爬三層樓梯就會讓我阿姨喘不過氣。
- breathless
same meaning; can be used alone (he was breathless)
- panting
describes the action of breathing quickly and loudly
- winded
informal; out of breath from exertion
文法句型
short of breath
用法筆記
Almost always used in the fixed expression short of breath. Cannot be used as 'short breath' — the of is mandatory.
常見錯誤
7. used about objects or resources that exist only in small numbers, so that there
稀缺
數量不足不夠用的
used about objects or resources that exist only in small numbers, so that there are not enough for everyone who needs them
During the drought, clean drinking water was in short supply across the region.
乾旱期間，該地區乾淨的飲用水供應短缺。
fixed phrase: in short supply
Nikos checked three different stores, but winter coats were in short supply everywhere.
Nikos 跑了三家不同的店，但到處都缺冬季外套。
Affordable apartments in this city are in short supply, so many young people move to smaller towns.
這個城市平價公寓數量稀缺，所以許多年輕人搬到較小的城鎮。
After the factory closed, skilled workers were in short supply in the local area.
工廠關閉後，當地熟練工人供應短缺。
- scarce
direct synonym; can be used in more contexts than the fixed phrase
- limited
suggests there is a fixed amount, not necessarily too little
- insufficient
more formal; emphasises that the amount is not enough
文法句型
in short supply
用法筆記
Almost always used with the verb be in the fixed expression be in short supply. Common in news reports about shortages of goods, resources, or workers.
常見錯誤
8. forced to live without something that is necessary for basic well-being, such as
匱乏
缺乏生活必需品的
forced to live without something that is necessary for basic well-being, such as enough food, money, or clothing
Feng's parents always made sure their children never went short of food during hard times.
Feng 的父母在艱困時期總是確保孩子們不缺食物。
pattern: go short of [essential item]
Even on a tight budget, the family refused to let their elderly grandmother go short of medicine.
即使預算很緊，這家人也不讓年邁的祖母缺乏藥物。
During the long winter, many families in the village went short of heating fuel for several months.
漫長的冬季期間，村裡許多家庭好幾個月缺乏取暖燃料。
The charity works to ensure that no child in the area goes short of warm clothing in winter.
該慈善機構致力於確保當地沒有任何孩子在冬天缺乏保暖衣物。
- well-off
having more than enough of life's necessities
- comfortable
having enough to meet all basic needs
文法句型
go short (of [something])
go without
用法筆記
Most common in British English. Typically used in negative constructions (never go short, not go short) or questions about whether someone has enough. The of-phrase can be omitted when the missing item is understood from context.
常見錯誤
9. speaking to someone using very few words and with a tone that clearly shows you
簡短不耐
說話簡短且不耐煩的
speaking to someone using very few words and with a tone that clearly shows you are irritated or annoyed
Gabriela was short with the receptionist because she had been waiting for over an hour.
Gabriela 對接待人員說話很不耐煩，因為她等了一個多小時。
pattern: be short with [someone]
I am sorry I was so short with you earlier — the news about the cancelled project really upset me.
抱歉我剛才對你那麼簡短不耐——專案取消的消息讓我很沮喪。
The manager was short with everyone after the morning meeting went badly.
早上的會議開得不順利之後，經理對每個人口氣都很不耐煩。
Rachid did not mean to sound short with his sister; he was just exhausted from the long flight.
Rachid 不是故意對妹妹說話不耐煩，他只是長途飛行後太疲憊了。
文法句型
be short with [someone]
用法筆記
Always followed by with + the person being spoken to. Cannot be used without a referent — you cannot say 'He was short' to mean he spoke curtly. The person being addressed must be specified.
常見錯誤
10. describes a memory that does not hold information for long, making the person fo
健忘的
記性不好的
describes a memory that does not hold information for long, making the person forget things easily
Padma has a short memory for names and often introduces herself twice to new colleagues.
Padma 很健忘，總是向新同事自我介紹兩次。
collocation: have a short memory
My grandfather's short memory makes it hard for him to remember what he ate for breakfast.
我祖父記性不好，常常不記得早餐吃了什麼。
Investors have a famously short memory when it comes to past market crashes.
投資人對於過去的市場崩盤，健忘是出了名的。
Minh joked that his short memory was a blessing because he could enjoy the same movie twice.
Minh 開玩笑說，健忘是一種福氣，因為他可以重複欣賞同一部電影。
- forgetful
describes the person rather than the memory itself
- unretentive
very formal; describes the trait of not holding information
- good memory
the ability to remember things well
- retentive
formal; describes a memory that holds information well
文法句型
have a short memory
用法筆記
Always used with memory as the noun; the adjective short modifies memory directly. Cannot describe a person — you say someone has a short memory, not that they are short-memoried. Often used figuratively to criticise people or groups who ignore past lessons.
常見錯誤
shortest — 副詞
1. Not reaching an intended target, goal, or limit; ending or halting earlier than
提前；不足；猛然
比預期提早發生、未達目標，或突然中止
Not reaching an intended target, goal, or limit; ending or halting earlier than expected, often without warning.
The bus stopped short of the station, so passengers walked the rest in the rain.
公車在離站牌還有一段距離的地方就停了，乘客只好在雨中走完剩下的路。
stop short of + location (not reaching)
Aarav cut his presentation short when the fire alarm went off.
Aarav 看到火災警報響起，只好提前結束他的簡報。
cut + object + short (end early)
The charity fundraiser fell short of its fifty-thousand-dollar goal by nearly eight thousand.
那場慈善募款最終短少了將近八千美元，未能達到五萬美元的目標。
The archer's arrow fell short of the target by just a few inches.
弓箭手的箭距目標只差了幾英吋，未能命中靶心。
The horse stopped short when a snake slithered across the trail, nearly throwing its rider.
一條蛇滑過小徑，那匹馬猛然停下，差點把騎手甩下來。
Takeshi pulled up short when he saw the collapsed tree blocking the road.
Takeshi 看到倒塌的大樹擋住了路，便猛然停了下來。
Mia stopped short mid-sentence when she noticed her boss behind her.
Mia 話說到一半突然停住，因為她發現老闆就在她身後。
Heloísa stopped short when she heard her name called across the busy market.
Heloísa 聽到有人從熱鬧的市場另一頭喊她的名字，便猛然停下腳步。
- prematurely
implies occurring before the proper time, but not tied to goal-reaching
- early
more general; 'short' emphasises a specific limit that was not reached
- abruptly
the closest general synonym; can replace 'short' in stop-short contexts for suddenness
- suddenly
broader; 'short' implies a sharper, more immediate halt
- fully
reaching the expected extent or target
文法句型
fall short of + goal/amount
cut short + object
stop short + of + location
pull up short
用法筆記
Commonly paired with the verbs fall, cut, stop, draw up, and pull up. Fall short always requires of to introduce the unreached target. Cut short always takes a direct object (e.g., cut the meeting short). Stop short and pull up short can be used with of (emphasising not reaching a target: stop short of the line) or without of (emphasising a sudden halt to movement: stop short when something blocks the way).
常見錯誤
2. Speaking or responding in a deliberately brief, unfriendly, and discourteous way
簡短無禮地
說話簡短且不客氣，顯得慍怒
Speaking or responding in a deliberately brief, unfriendly, and discourteous way, using as few words as possible to show annoyance or impatience.
When the journalist asked a second question, the mayor answered short: 'Next topic, please.'
記者追問第二個問題時，市長簡短無禮地回答：「下一個話題，謝謝。」
answer short (respond rudely with few words)
The helpline operator spoke short to every caller, cutting people off before they finished.
客服專線的接線生對每位來電者都態度簡短，不等對方說完就打斷。
Otis answered short when his sister asked about the broken vase, then left the room.
Otis 的妹妹問起那只打碎的花瓶時，他簡短地應了一聲就離開了房間。
Ziad spoke short to the customer who kept asking the same question.
Ziad 對那位一直問同樣問題的顧客說話很不客氣。
- politely
with courtesy and consideration
文法句型
speak short
answer short
reply short
用法筆記
This sense is restricted to verbs of speaking (answer, reply, speak, say). The more common adverb for this meaning is 'curtly'; 'short' in this sense sounds old-fashioned or literary in many dialects.
常見錯誤
3. In a position of disadvantage because something unexpected happens, leaving one
措手不及
因突發狀況而處於不利地位
In a position of disadvantage because something unexpected happens, leaving one unprepared or without enough of what is needed.
The snowstorm caught the climbers short, with no extra food or warm clothes.
暴風雪讓登山客措手不及，他們沒有多餘的食物或保暖衣物。
catch + someone + short (leave unprepared)
Soraya was taken short by the rent rise and had to borrow from her brother.
房租突然調漲，讓 Soraya 措手不及，只好向哥哥借錢。
Luca was caught short when his wallet was stolen right before buying a train ticket.
Luca 正要買火車票時錢包被偷，這讓他措手不及。
João and his band were taken short by the venue's sudden cancellation of their show.
João 和他的樂團因場地臨時取消演出而措手不及。
文法句型
catch (someone) short
be taken short
用法筆記
Almost always appears in the fixed patterns 'catch someone short' (leave unprepared) or 'be taken short' (be caught unprepared). In British English, 'be taken short' can also be a euphemism for needing the toilet urgently.
常見錯誤
shortest — 字首
1. A prefix added to nouns to make compound adjectives that end in -ed, meaning 'ha
短…
接名詞構成 -ed 形容詞，表具短部位
A prefix added to nouns to make compound adjectives that end in -ed, meaning 'having a short [noun]' — for example, a short-sleeved shirt has short sleeves, a short-legged dog has short legs, and a short-haired cat has short hair.
Lara bought a short-sleeved linen shirt for her trip to Bali.
Lara 買了一件短袖亞麻襯衫，準備去峇里島旅行。
short- + sleeve + -ed → adjective for clothing
The short-legged corgi puppy could not jump onto the sofa.
那隻短腿的柯基幼犬跳不上沙發。
short- + leg + -ed → adjective for animal body part
Jiwoo adopted a short-haired stray cat from the local shelter.
Jiwoo 從當地的收容所領養了一隻短毛流浪貓。
Baraka prefers short-sleeved uniforms during the hot season.
Baraka 在炎熱的季節比較喜歡穿短袖制服。
The short-tailed Weimaraner stood out among the other dogs at the park.
那隻短尾的威瑪獵犬在公園裡特別引人注目。
文法句型
short- + noun + -ed → adjective
用法筆記
This prefix only combines with nouns that naturally describe a measurable part or feature (sleeve, leg, tail, hair, life, sight). The resulting compound always ends in the suffix -ed and is used before a noun (attributive position). Do not use this pattern for abstract nouns — you cannot say 'short-minded' or 'short-hearted'.