每日英语近义词辨析(二)
earnest、serious 和 solemn 三字之间有何区别?
此三字均有「严肃的」之意,但其间有差别,或另有不同的意思,不宜错用。
Earnest 即 serious 或 over-serious,意为严肃的,或非常严肃的,例如﹕
He is an earnest student of English.
他学英文十分认真。
但不要说 I am earnest,而应说 I am in earnest,与 I am serious 意思相仿,可译作「我是认真的」。
Earnest 亦可解作 showing sincerity,意为态度热诚,例如﹕
He is earnest about giving his son a good education.
他热切地要给儿子良好的教育。
Serious 即 dealing with important issues 或 not joking,意为严肃的,或不是说笑的,例如﹕
I am serious about doing it.
我做此事是当真的。
但 serious 亦可解作 severe,意为严重的,例如﹕
This country is faced with a serious crisis.
这个国家面临一个严重的危机。
Solemn 则是 of a very serious nature,或 of a formal nature,或 sombre in appearance,意为
非常严重的,或庄严的,或老气横秋的,例如﹕
The organ played solemn music.
风琴奏出庄严的音乐。
He looked as solemn as a judge.
他神色凝重,看上去像个法官