term
term — 動詞
- termpresent simple I / you / we / they
- terms3rd person singular
- terming-ing form
- termedpast simple
1. to use a particular word or phrase to describe someone or something — for exampl
稱作；稱為
用特定詞語描述
to use a particular word or phrase to describe someone or something — for example, terming a plan a failure, a policy unfair, or a person a genius
Pim termed his new role at the company the best job in the world.
Pim 將他在公司的新職位稱作是世界上最好的工作。
term + object + noun phrase complement
This type of behavior is often termed passive-aggressive by mental health experts.
這種行為常被心理健康專家稱為「消極攻擊」。
passive: be + termed + adjective complement
Many voters termed the new law unfair and called for change.
許多選民稱這項新法律不公平，並要求改革。
Esteban termed his neighbor's help amazing because she brought food every day.
Esteban 稱鄰居的幫助很了不起，因為她每天送食物來。
The teacher termed the student's work the best in the class.
老師稱這位學生的作業是班上最好的。
- call
more common in everyday speech; 'term' sounds more deliberate or formal
- label
often implies a fixed or simplistic category, sometimes unfairly
- describe as
less direct; requires 'as' before the complement, unlike 'term' which takes it directly
文法句型
term + object + noun phrase complement (e.g., term the plan a failure)
term + object + adjective complement (e.g., term the plan unfair)
be + termed + noun/adjective complement (passive)
用法筆記
Requires a complement (noun phrase or adjective) after the object — you cannot use it as 'She termed the idea' without adding a description such as 'She termed the idea brilliant.'
常見錯誤
term — 名詞
- termsingular
- termsplural
1. a fixed length of time during which something lasts, such as a job, punishment,
期間
某事持續的一段固定時間
a fixed length of time during which something lasts, such as a job, punishment, or official arrangement
The US president serves a four-year term in office before the next election.
美國總統的任期為四年，直到下一次大選。
collocation: term in office
Hiro received a three-year prison term for the robbery he committed.
Hiro 因犯下的搶劫案被判處三年有期徒刑。
collocation: prison term
The warranty on this laptop has a term of two years from the purchase date.
這台筆記型電腦的保固期為兩年，從購買日起算。
During her first term as mayor, Rania built three new public schools.
Rania 在第一任市長任期內新建了三所公立學校。
The contract has a term of twelve months that begins in January.
這份合約的期限為十二個月，從一月開始起算。
文法句型
a [number]-[noun] term
term of [something]
用法筆記
Commonly combined with a specific length (two-year, five-year) or a role (presidential term, prison term).
常見錯誤
2. one of the parts that a school or college year is divided into, during which stu
學期
學校劃分學年的時段
one of the parts that a school or college year is divided into, during which students attend classes regularly
The autumn term at Oxford University starts in early October.
牛津大學的秋季學期於十月初開始。
collocation: autumn term / spring term / summer term
Élise was excited to begin her first term at the new school in September.
Élise 對於九月在新學校展開第一個學期感到興奮。
Students take their final exams at the end of each term.
學生們在每學期結束時參加期末考試。
The summer term is usually shorter than the spring term at most colleges.
大多數學校的夏季學期通常比春季學期短。
Beatrix transferred to a different university after just one term.
Beatrix 只讀了一個學期就轉到另一所大學了。
文法句型
[season] term
the [season] term
用法筆記
Variety note: 'term' is the standard word in the UK, Australia, and parts of Europe. In the US, 'semester' and 'quarter' are more common, though 'term' is still understood.
3. the period during which a legal document such as a contract, lease, or property
任期；租期
合約或租約的有效期限
the period during which a legal document such as a contract, lease, or property agreement remains valid and enforceable
The flat lease has a term of two years with an option to renew.
這間公寓的租約為期兩年，並可選擇續約。
During the term of the agreement, neither side may sell company shares.
在協議有效期內，任何一方都不得出售公司股份。
collocation: during the term of [agreement]
Asher agreed not to join a competitor for the term of his contract.
Asher 同意在合約期限內不加入競爭對手公司。
The tenancy runs for a fixed term of twelve months starting in March.
這份租約的固定期限為十二個月，從三月開始。
文法句型
term of [agreement/lease/contract]
during the term of
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 1 (TIME PERIOD): sense 1 covers any fixed period (jail, presidency, warranty), while sense 3 is restricted to periods defined by legal or contractual documents.
常見錯誤
4. the stage of pregnancy at which a baby is developed enough to be born safely, ty
足月；預產期
懷孕足月可生產的階段
the stage of pregnancy at which a baby is developed enough to be born safely, typically around 40 weeks
The baby was born two weeks before term and needed extra medical care.
這個嬰兒比預產期早兩週出生，需要額外的醫療照護。
Doctors prefer to let a pregnancy reach full term before considering induction.
醫師傾向讓懷孕達到足月後，才考慮進行催生。
collocation: reach full term
Carried safely to term, the twins each weighed over three kilograms.
這對雙胞胎在母體內平安待到足月，出生時各重超過三公斤。
The pregnancy reached full term, and the family is waiting for the baby.
懷孕已達足月，全家人正等著寶寶出生。
文法句型
full term
at term
carried to term
born before term
用法筆記
Frequently used in fixed phrases: 'full term' (the normal length of pregnancy), 'at term' (at the expected delivery date), 'pre-term' (before full term).
5. a way of describing a future period when grouping it by length, used especially
長期；短期
未來長短不同的時間段
a way of describing a future period when grouping it by length, used especially to weigh immediate results against later ones
In the long term, investing in education benefits the whole country.
長期而言，投資教育對整個國家都有好處。
collocation: in the long term
The company's short-term plan is to increase sales by twenty percent.
公司的短期計畫是將銷售額提高百分之二十。
Medium-term goals include opening new offices across Southeast Asia.
中期目標包括在東南亞各地開設新的辦公室。
We need to consider the environmental cost in the longer term.
我們需要考量更長期的環境成本。
Profits may fall this year, but the outlook in the medium term is much brighter.
今年的利潤可能會下降，但中期展望要好得多。
- run
used in similar phrases 'in the long run' and 'in the short run,' less common with 'medium'
文法句型
in the long/short/medium term
用法筆記
Almost always appears in the fixed phrases 'in the long/short/medium term' or as the compound adjectives 'long-term,' 'short-term,' 'medium-term.' The compound adjective form (with a hyphen) is also covered under the suffix entry.
常見錯誤
6. a vocabulary item that carries a precise meaning within a specific professional
術語
特定領域使用的專門詞彙
a vocabulary item that carries a precise meaning within a specific professional or academic field, such as medicine, law, or science
The doctor explained the medical term 'hypertension' to her patient.
醫師向病人解釋了醫療術語「高血壓」的意思。
collocation: medical term / legal term / technical term
Each profession has its own set of technical terms that outsiders may not know.
每個行業都有自己的一套專業術語，外行人可能聽不懂。
The legal term 'plaintiff' refers to the person who brings a case to court.
法律術語「原告」指的是向法院提起訴訟的人。
Hui learned several new business terms during her first week at the finance firm.
Hui 在這家金融公司工作的第一週學到了幾個新的商業術語。
The dictionary includes a helpful glossary of scientific terms used in the article.
這本詞典收錄了一份有用的科學術語表，供文章中查閱。
- word
more general; any unit of language rather than one specific to a field
- expression
a phrase or saying; broader than 'term' which implies technical or official use
- phrase
a group of words; 'term' can be a single word or a short phrase
- name
what something is called; less about subject-specific vocabulary
- everyday language
ordinary words not tied to a specific field
文法句型
[subject] term
technical/medical/legal term for/of [something]
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 2 of the verb ('to term'), which means 'to give something a name.' The noun refers to the word itself; the verb refers to the act of naming.
常見錯誤
7. a number, variable, or combination of these that functions as a separate element
項
數學式中的單個元素
a number, variable, or combination of these that functions as a separate element within a mathematical expression, such as an equation, sequence, or polynomial.
In the equation 3x + 7 = 22, the number 7 is a constant term.
在方程式 3x + 7 = 22 中，數字 7 是一個常數項。
constant vs variable term in an equation
Lan learned how to combine like terms when solving algebra homework.
Lan 學會如何在解代數作業時合併同類項。
Each term in the sequence is found by adding five to the one before it.
數列中的每一項都是將前一項加五得到的。
Theo wrote the first six terms of the series on the whiteboard.
Theo 在白板上寫下了該數列的前六項。
- element
broader; element can refer to any component, not just in math
用法筆記
Countable noun often used with 'constant', 'variable', 'like', or ordinal numbers ('first term', 'next term').
常見錯誤
8. an offensive or unkind word used to refer to someone, usually with the intention
貶稱
罵人或侮辱人的難聽稱呼
an offensive or unkind word used to refer to someone, usually with the intention of hurting or insulting them.
Calling someone a hurtful term because of their background is bullying.
因為對方背景而使用侮辱性用語稱呼他，就是霸凌行為。
derogatory term + for + group
Sari told the boy to stop using insulting terms when talking to his classmates.
Sari 告訴那個男孩，和同學說話時不要使用侮辱性的字眼。
The principal warned that using racial terms against other students would not be allowed.
校長警告說，使用帶有種族歧視的用語稱呼其他學生是不被允許的。
Defne felt deeply upset after a teammate used an ugly term to describe her.
Defne 因為隊友用難聽的字眼形容她，感到非常難過。
- compliment
a positive remark, not a label
文法句型
term + for + [person/group]
用法筆記
Frequently collocates with 'racial', 'insulting', 'ugly', and 'hurtful'. The structure 'term for [group]' is common ('an insulting term for people with disabilities').
常見錯誤
9. a friendly or affectionate word used to address or describe someone, showing war
暱稱
表示親密或喜愛的友好稱呼
a friendly or affectionate word used to address or describe someone, showing warmth, love, or closeness.
Her grandmother called her 'sweetheart', a term she used for all the grandchildren.
她的奶奶叫她「甜心」，這是她用來稱呼所有孫輩的親暱用語。
term of endearment for family member
Christopher uses the term 'buddy' when speaking to his younger brother.
Christopher 和弟弟說話時，會用「夥伴」這個親暱的稱呼。
In many cultures, warm terms like 'dear' are used even with strangers in shops.
在許多文化中，即使是對商店裡的陌生人，人們也會使用像「親愛的」這樣溫暖的稱呼。
Paul's letter began with the loving term 'my dearest' before the main message.
Paul 的信在正文之前，以充滿愛意的「我最親愛的」作為開頭。
- endearment
more specific; used in the fixed phrase 'term of endearment'
- nickname
broader; can be based on any characteristic, not just affection
- insult
an offensive remark, the opposite of an affectionate term
文法句型
term of endearment
term + for + [person]
用法筆記
The fixed phrase 'term of endearment' is the most common way to refer to this category. Individual terms vary widely by culture and relationship ('honey', 'love', 'sweetie').
10. used in the phrase 'in terms of' to indicate the specific aspect, subject, or po
在…方面
用於指明討論的特定領域
used in the phrase 'in terms of' to indicate the specific aspect, subject, or point of view from which something is being considered or described.
In terms of cost, this option is much cheaper than the other one.
在成本方面，這個選項比另一個便宜得多。
in terms of + abstract noun
The project was a complete success in terms of both time and budget.
這個專案在時間和預算方面都非常成功。
In terms of design, the new smartphone model is a big step forward.
就設計而言，這款新的智慧型手機是一大進步。
In terms of safety, the new system is a huge improvement over the old design.
在安全方面，新系統比舊設計有了巨大的改進。
- regarding
more formal; can replace 'in terms of' in many contexts
- concerning
more formal; similar meaning
文法句型
in terms of + [noun phrase]
用法筆記
Always appears in the phrase 'in terms of'. Do not confuse with sense 6 (a single word or expression used in a specialized field) — this sense covers the discourse marker 'in terms of' used to frame a topic.
常見錯誤
11. used in the phrase 'in no uncertain terms' to describe a statement that is expre
明確地
以毫不含糊的直接方式
used in the phrase 'in no uncertain terms' to describe a statement that is expressed very directly and clearly, leaving no room for doubt or misunderstanding.
The manager told the team in no uncertain terms that the deadline was final.
主管非常明確地告訴團隊，截止日期是不可更改的。
in no uncertain terms + tell + that-clause
Jenna was informed in no uncertain terms that her behaviour was unacceptable.
Jenna 被非常清楚地告知，她的行為是不被接受的。
The doctor explained in no uncertain terms the risks of skipping the treatment.
醫生以毫不含糊的語氣說明了放棄治療的風險。
In no uncertain terms, the teacher said that copying homework would result in a penalty.
老師非常明確地說，抄襲作業會受到處罰。
- explicitly
adverb; conveys directness without the idiomatic flavour
- unequivocally
formal; means leaving no doubt
- vaguely
in an unclear or uncertain way
文法句型
in no uncertain terms
用法筆記
Always appears as part of the fixed phrase 'in no uncertain terms'. Functions adverbially, usually modifying verbs like 'tell', 'say', 'warn', or 'explain'. Distinguish from sense 12, which focuses on emotional tone rather than clarity.
12. using language that expresses a particular feeling or attitude in a clear and po
措辭
用語言表達強烈的情感或態度
using language that expresses a particular feeling or attitude in a clear and powerful way, especially anger, disapproval, or strong support.
The newspaper described the politician's actions in the strongest possible terms.
該報以最強烈的措辭譴責了那位政治人物的行為。
in [strong] terms + describe/criticize
Antonia spoke in angry terms about the unfair treatment she had received at work.
Antonia 用憤怒的措辭談論她在工作中受到的不公平對待。
The committee condemned the proposal in very forceful terms during the meeting.
委員會在會議中以非常強硬的措辭反對該提案。
Lan praised the volunteers in glowing terms for their hard work after the storm.
Lan 以熱情洋溢的措辭讚揚了志工們在風災後的辛勤付出。
文法句型
in [adjective] terms
用法筆記
The adjective before 'terms' carries the emotional tone: 'strong/forceful/angry' for disapproval, 'glowing/high' for praise. Unlike sense 11, this sense does not imply clarity or directness — it emphasizes emotional intensity.
13. the specific rules, demands, or points that people or groups agree on as part of
條件；條款
協議中的具體規則
the specific rules, demands, or points that people or groups agree on as part of a deal, contract, or arrangement.
Before signing the lease, Anjali read every term in the contract carefully.
在簽署租約前，Anjali 仔細閱讀了合約中的每一項條款。
collocation: term of a contract / lease
The two companies finally agreed on the terms of their business partnership.
兩家公司終於就商業合作的條件達成共識。
agreed on the terms (common collocation)
One term of the deal required the buyer to pay within thirty days.
這筆交易的一項條件是買方必須在三十天內付款。
If you break any term of the agreement, the contract becomes invalid.
如果你違反協議中的任何一項條件，合約就會失效。
The lawyer explained each term so that her client understood the obligations.
律師逐一解釋了每一項條款，讓她的客戶明白自己應盡的義務。
- condition
more general; 'condition' often refers to something that must happen first, while 'term' is a stated rule in an agreement
- stipulation
formal; used mostly in legal or official contexts
- clause
a single section within a contract that contains one or more terms
文法句型
the terms of [something]
term(s) of [agreement]
用法筆記
Usually appears in the plural form 'terms' when referring to the conditions of an agreement. 'Term' in the singular is possible but less common in this sense.
常見錯誤
14. a buying arrangement where the cost is split into smaller payments made regularl
分期付款
分期付款的購買方式
a buying arrangement where the cost is split into smaller payments made regularly, instead of being paid all at once.
The store offered Eliska easy terms, so she paid for the sofa over six months.
家具店提供 Eliska 分期付款的優惠，所以她用六個月的時間付清了沙發的費用。
easy terms (fixed phrase for installment payment)
Many families buy appliances on terms because they cannot afford the full price at once.
許多家庭以分期付款的方式購買家電，因為他們無法一次付清全額。
on terms (abbreviated form meaning payment plan)
The car dealer gave Ramón reasonable terms with no interest for the first year.
汽車經銷商給 Ramón 合理的分期條件，第一年還免利息。
Buying electronics on easy terms usually means paying a little extra in the end.
以分期付款方式購買電子產品，到頭來通常會多付一些錢。
Joon checked the payment terms before agreeing to the monthly plan.
Joon 在同意每月付款方案之前，先確認了付款條件。
- installment plan
more common in American English; more explicit about the payment schedule
- credit arrangement
formal; can involve loans or other credit types, not just store payment plans
文法句型
on (easy/reasonable) terms
用法筆記
Used primarily in British English. The fixed phrase 'on easy terms' means paying in manageable installments. This sense is distinct from sense 13 (conditions of an agreement), which is about general contract conditions.
常見錯誤
15. the nature of a relationship between people or groups, especially regarding equa
關係；地位
人際之間的相處狀態
the nature of a relationship between people or groups, especially regarding equality, friendliness, or mutual understanding.
After the argument, Cyrus and his brother were not on speaking terms for a week.
那次爭吵之後，Cyrus 和他哥哥整整一個星期不說話。
on speaking terms (fixed phrase for communication status)
The manager promised to treat all staff on equal terms regardless of their rank.
經理承諾不論職位高低，都會以平等的待遇對待所有員工。
on equal terms (collocation for fairness)
Lisa and her neighbour are on friendly terms and often share meals together.
Lisa 和鄰居相處融洽，經常一起吃飯。
The two teams competed on equal terms, each with the same number of players.
兩支隊伍在平等的條件下比賽，雙方人數相同。
Anjali found it hard to stay on good terms with her co-worker after the disagreement.
發生爭執之後，Anjali 覺得很難和同事維持良好的關係。
文法句型
on (adjective) terms with [someone]
用法筆記
Always appears in the pattern 'on [adjective] terms with [someone]'. Common adjectives include 'good', 'bad', 'friendly', 'equal', 'speaking'. This sense is distinct from sense 13 (agreement conditions) and sense 14 (payment plan).
常見錯誤
16. the specific subjects, topics, or areas that a formal study, report, investigati
範圍；界限
研究或報告的限定範圍
the specific subjects, topics, or areas that a formal study, report, investigation, or discussion is limited to.
The committee's terms of reference did not include reviewing past decisions.
該委員會的職權範圍不包括檢討過去的決策。
terms of reference (fixed phrase for scope of an inquiry)
The professor told the students to state the terms of their research in chapter one.
教授告訴學生在研究報告的第一章說明研究範圍。
Within the terms of the investigation, the team could only examine safety issues.
在這項調查的範圍內，團隊只能檢查安全方面的問題。
The judge said the question was outside the terms set for the inquiry.
法官表示這個問題超出了調查所設定的範圍。
Eitan defined the terms of his study before collecting any data.
Eitan 在收集任何資料之前，先界定了他研究的範圍。
文法句型
terms of [something]
within/beyond the terms of [something]
用法筆記
Common in academic and formal contexts. The fixed phrase 'terms of reference' is especially frequent in committee work, official inquiries, and research proposals. Distinct from sense 13 (agreement conditions) because it defines the boundaries of an investigation rather than rules of a deal.
常見錯誤
term — 字尾
1. added to time words such as 'long' or 'short' to form adjectives that describe h
…期
加於時間形容詞後構成複合形容詞表持續時長
added to time words such as 'long' or 'short' to form adjectives that describe how long something lasts or continues
Jiwoo's long-term plan involves studying medicine and working in a hospital.
Jiwoo 的長期計劃包括學習醫學並在醫院工作。
compound adjective before noun
A medium-term solution was needed to fix the school's computer system.
學校的電腦系統需要一個中期解決方案來修復。
Folake signed a short-term lease while her house was being repaired.
Folake 簽了一份短期租約，在她自己的房子正在修繕的期間。
The short-term effects of the medicine include mild dizziness and tiredness.
這種藥物的短期副作用包括輕微的頭暈和疲倦。
The changes Valentina made to her diet are mostly long-term.
Valentina 在飲食上所做的改變大多是長期的。
文法句型
time-describing adjective + -term → compound adjective
用法筆記
This suffix attaches to time-describing adjectives such as 'long', 'short', 'medium', and 'near'. The resulting compound functions as an adjective, placed before a noun (e.g., 'a long-term solution') or after a linking verb (e.g., 'The effects are long-term').