stratum

/ˈstrɑːtəm/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈstreɪtəm/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈstrā-təm ˈstra-/ (ame, mw)

stratum — 名詞

  • stratumsingular
  • strataplural

1. A distinct level or grade that forms one part of a multi-layered structure, in c

1.名詞B2
釋義

層級

多層結構中的一個層次或等級

A distinct level or grade that forms one part of a multi-layered structure, in contexts ranging from geology and biology to society and culture.

例句

The advanced stratum of Dr. Chen's writing workshop covers academic essays and research papers.

Dr. Chen 寫作工作坊的高階層級涵蓋學術論文與研究報告。

stratum + of + noun for a graded level

Elena's piano exam belongs to the most difficult stratum of the graded syllabus.

Elena 的鋼琴考試屬於分級大綱中最困難的層級。

stratum of a graded system

同義詞
  • layer

    more everyday and concrete; 'layer of tissue' is interchangeable but 'layer of meaning' sounds less technical than 'stratum of meaning'

  • level

    broader and less formal; works for hierarchies and abstractions but lacks the stacked-image of 'stratum'

  • tier

    suggests a carefully ordered series, often used for ranks or seating; more artificial than 'stratum'

文法句型

stratum + of + noun phrase describing the layered system

用法筆記

The plural form is strata, not 'stratums'. This sense is common in formal, academic, and scientific writing across many fields.

常見錯誤

❌The researcher examined the stratum of the society.
✅The researcher examined the strata of society.
💡'stratum' is singular; use 'strata' when referring to multiple layers.

2. A clearly defined band of natural material — rock, soil, sand, or sediment — tha

2.名詞B2
釋義

地層

岩石或土壤的天然層

A clearly defined band of natural material — rock, soil, sand, or sediment — that lies between other bands in the ground.

例句

The miners broke through a hard stratum of granite before reaching the coal seam.

礦工們在抵達煤層前鑿穿了一層堅硬的花崗岩。

collocation: stratum of [rock type]

A thin stratum of clay separates the two layers of sandstone in this valley.

這個山谷中有一層薄薄的黏土將兩層砂岩隔開。

stratum + of + material name

同義詞
  • layer

    the everyday alternative; 'layer of rock' is more common in general speech, while 'stratum' is the formal geology term

  • bed

    a technical geology synonym for a single distinct layer of sedimentary rock

文法句型

stratum + of + rock/soil/clay type

用法筆記

In geology, stratum is the standard technical term. The plural strata is very common because rock formations typically contain multiple layers.

常見錯誤

❌This area has three different stratums of limestone.
✅This area has three different strata of limestone.
💡The Latin plural 'strata' is the only correct form in geology.

3. A group within a society whose members share a similar economic position, level

3.名詞B2
釋義

階層

社會中地位相近的一群人

A group within a society whose members share a similar economic position, level of education, or social status.

例句

Education offers a path for people to move from one social stratum to another.

教育為人們提供了從一個社會階層移動到另一個的途徑。

social stratum (core collocation)

The upper stratum of wealthy families controlled most of the city's land.

富裕家庭的上層階層掌控了這座城市的大部分土地。

upper stratum / lower stratum

同義詞
  • class

    the more common and less formal term; 'working class' is everyday language, while 'lower stratum' sounds like sociology

  • rank

    suggests a clear ordering within a hierarchy, often in an organisation rather than in society at large

  • caste

    a more rigid, inherited social division; much stronger and more specific than 'stratum'

文法句型

stratum + of + society/population

用法筆記

More academic and formal than 'class'. In sociology, 'social stratum' is preferred over 'social class' when the boundaries between levels are seen as continuous rather than sharply divided.

常見錯誤

❌People from all stratums of society attended the festival.
✅People from all strata of society attended the festival.
💡'strata' is the plural, even in social contexts.