symmetrical
/sɪˈmetrɪkl/ (bre, ipa) · [səmˈɛtrɪkəl] /sɪˈmetrɪkl/ (ame, ipa) · [səmˈɛtrɪkəl] /sə-ˈme-tri-kəl How to pronounce symmetrical (audio)/ (ame, mw)
symmetrical — 形容詞
- symmetricalpositive
- more symmetricalcomparative
- most symmetricalsuperlative
1. describing an object or form whose two sides match each other perfectly, as if r
對稱的
左右兩側形狀大小完全相同的
describing an object or form whose two sides match each other perfectly, as if reflected in a mirror
The butterfly rested on the leaf, its symmetrical wings catching the morning light.
蝴蝶停在葉子上,對稱的翅膀映著晨光。
symmetrical + body part (wings, face, features)
Ignacio folded the paper in half to make a perfectly symmetrical cut-out shape.
Ignacio 小心地對摺紙張,剪出完美對稱的圖案。
Nala turned the ceramic bowl in her hands and noticed the two sides were not quite symmetrical.
Nala 捧著陶瓷碗端詳,發現兩側不太對稱。
From the front, the building looks symmetrical, but the back is a different story.
從正面看,這棟建築很對稱,但背面卻完全不同。
The garden path was laid out in a symmetrical pattern around the central pond.
花園小徑以中央水池為軸,鋪成對稱的圖案。
- asymmetrical
direct opposite — not matching on both sides
- lopsided
informal, suggests something is visibly heavier or larger on one side
- uneven
simpler word, can describe surfaces or arrangements that are not regular
用法筆記
Object must be something with visible parts or sides (a face, room, design, shape). Frequently used with 'perfectly' or 'not quite' to describe how closely the halves match.
常見錯誤
2. describing an arrangement or relationship where both sides are equal, each givin
對等的
各方元素互相對應或平衡的
describing an arrangement or relationship where both sides are equal, each giving or receiving the same as the other — for example, partners sharing the workload evenly, or a contract granting matching rights to both parties
Cyrus and Beatrix ran the bakery as a symmetrical partnership — each worked the same shifts for equal pay.
Cyrus 和 Beatrix 的烘焙坊採對等的合夥模式——兩人值相同的班,領同等的薪水。
symmetrical + relationship noun (partnership, arrangement, agreement)
The marketing and sales departments made a symmetrical deal — each paid half the conference fee and ran two workshops.
行銷部和業務部達成對等的協議——各自分攤一半會議費用,各負責兩場工作坊。
Anya set up a symmetrical childcare swap with her neighbour — each watched both children two afternoons a week.
Anya 和鄰居安排對等的托兒交換——每週各幫忙帶對方的孩子兩個下午。
The peace deal set out symmetrical obligations: each side had to pull back its troops ten kilometres from the river.
和平協議訂定了對等的義務——雙方都必須從河岸撤軍十公里。
- reciprocal
more formal, emphasises mutual exchange
- equal
simpler word, focuses on quantity or value rather than structural balance
- even-handed
informal, specifically about fair treatment
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 1 (MIRRORED HALVES): this use describes relationships, agreements, and systems — not physical shapes. Common in formal writing about deals, policies, and organisational structures.