symmetry
/ˈsɪmətri/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈsɪmətri/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈsi-mə-trē/ (ame, mw)
symmetry — 名詞
1. a visually pleasing quality that comes from having matching shapes, sizes, or po
對稱
兩側形狀大小一致，形成和諧美感
a visually pleasing quality that comes from having matching shapes, sizes, or positions on both sides of a central line or point — for example, the identical wings of a butterfly or the balanced windows on either side of a door.
Theo admired the symmetry of the temple entrance, with identical stone lions on each side.
Theo 很欣賞寺廟入口的對稱感，兩邊各有一隻一模一樣的石獅。
noun + of [building] + with [matching features on each side]
The architect designed the garden with careful symmetry, planting the same flowers on both sides.
建築師精心設計花園的對稱，在小徑兩旁種了一樣的花。
noun + with [adjective] describing the arrangement
Kwame created symmetry by placing two armchairs on each side of the sofa.
Kwame 在沙發兩側各放一張扶手椅，營造出對稱感。
The symmetry of the patterned tiles gave the kitchen floor a clean and orderly look.
那些圖案瓷磚的對稱為廚房地板帶來乾淨又整齊的視覺效果。
Many classical buildings from ancient Greece are famous for their beautiful symmetry.
古希臘的許多經典建築以其優美的對稱而聞名。
- balance
emphasizes weight distribution; more general than symmetry (e.g., balance in diet)
- proportion
focuses on the size relationship between parts; can apply even when sides are not mirror images
- harmony
broader — refers to any pleasing combination of parts, not necessarily matching sides
- asymmetry
the lack or absence of symmetry
用法筆記
This general sense is uncountable. It often describes architecture, design, art, nature, or the human face. To talk about something that has this quality, use the adjectives 'symmetrical' or 'symmetric'.
常見錯誤
2. a mathematical property of shapes and figures: if a straight line can be drawn t
對稱性
圖形兩側完全鏡像對應的數學性質
a mathematical property of shapes and figures: if a straight line can be drawn through the center so that every point on one side has an identical partner at the same distance on the other side, like a left hand and a right hand facing each other.
Yuki learned in math class that a square has four lines of symmetry.
Yuki 在數學課學到正方形有四條對稱軸。
collocation: line(s) of symmetry
Clara drew a butterfly and checked its symmetry by folding the paper along the center.
Clara 畫了一隻蝴蝶，然後將紙沿中線對摺，檢查對稱性。
The snowflake that Omar examined under the microscope showed perfect six-way symmetry.
Omar 在顯微鏡下觀察的那片雪花呈現出完美的六向對稱。
In geometry class, Ananya proved the triangle had reflection symmetry because both halves matched when folded at the midline.
Ananya 在幾何課上證明這個三角形具有反射對稱性，因為沿中線對摺後兩半完全重合。
A circle shows symmetry along any straight line through its center.
圓形沿任何通過圓心的直線都呈現對稱。
- reflection symmetry
more specific — refers to symmetry created by mirroring across a line
- mirror symmetry
an everyday term for reflection symmetry, often used in school geometry
- asymmetry
the lack of any symmetry; opposite of having a matching mirror half
用法筆記
In mathematics, 'symmetry' is countable when referring to types or instances of symmetry (e.g., 'a square has four symmetries'). This sense is most commonly paired with the prepositions 'of' and 'in', and the noun 'line' or 'axis' before 'of symmetry'.