spasmodic

IPA/spæzˈmɒdɪk/
KK[spæzmˈɔdɪk]IPA/spæzˈmɑːdɪk/

spasmodic — 形容詞

  • spasmodicpositive
  • more spasmodiccomparative
  • most spasmodicsuperlative

1. happening in sudden short bursts with uneven gaps in between, rather than steadi

1.形容詞C1
釋義

一陣一陣的

短暫發作且不規律

happening in sudden short bursts with uneven gaps in between, rather than steadily or regularly

例句

Rafael's spasmodic coughing kept the whole family awake through the night.

Rafael 一陣一陣的咳嗽讓全家人整晚都睡不著。

spasmodic + coughing (bodily action that starts and stops)

The internet connection was spasmodic all week, cutting out every few hours.

這週的網路連線一陣一陣的，每隔幾個小時就斷一次。

spasmodic + connection (service that keeps dropping)

同義詞
  • intermittent

    more neutral and common; lacks the sudden-burst feel of spasmodic

  • fitful

    suggests restless, disturbed irregularity, often used of sleep or light

  • sporadic

    scattered and infrequent; does not imply the abruptness of each occurrence

  • erratic

    emphasises unpredictability rather than stop-start rhythm

反義詞

用法筆記

Distinguish from sense 2 (MUSCLE SPASMS): this sense describes the irregular on-and-off timing pattern of any action or event, not a physical medical condition.

常見錯誤

❌He made sporadic efforts to exercise.' (when you mean irregular, short-lived bursts).
✅He made spasmodic efforts to exercise.
💡'sporadic' means scattered and infrequent but does not carry the sudden-stop-start quality of 'spasmodic.'

2. caused by or involving sudden, uncontrollable tightening of muscles

2.形容詞C2
釋義

痙攣性

肌肉不由自主地收縮

caused by or involving sudden, uncontrollable tightening of muscles

例句

Theo felt a spasmodic jerk in his leg as he was falling asleep.

Theo 快睡著時，腿部突然一陣痙攣性抽動。

spasmodic + jerk (involuntary muscle twitch)

After the long hike, Adina's calf muscles tightened in spasmodic waves.

長途健行後，Adina 的小腿肌肉一陣陣痙攣收縮。

同義詞
  • convulsive

    more violent and forceful; suggests whole-body or severe jerking

  • spastic

    clinical term; can be offensive when applied to people in non-medical contexts

  • involuntary

    broader term covering any uncontrolled movement, not only spasms

反義詞

用法筆記

This is the literal, medical sense. Used almost exclusively for involuntary muscle movements — do not use it for general irregular timing (see sense 1).