shed light on pessimism
To help explain or clarify pessimism
직역: To drop light onto a negative outlook
Use this phrase when you provide facts that explain why someone is feeling negative or doubtful.
15초 만에
- Explaining the reasons behind a negative or hopeless attitude.
- Using logic or facts to clarify why people feel bad.
- Making a dark or confusing situation easier to understand.
뜻
Imagine a dark room where you can't see anything. When you 'shed light' on something, you turn on a lamp so you can finally understand it. This phrase means you are explaining or providing new information to help someone understand why a person or group is feeling negative or hopeless.
주요 예문
3 / 6Discussing a coworker's attitude
The recent budget cuts `shed light on the pessimism` among the staff.
The recent budget cuts explain the negative attitude among the staff.
Texting a friend about a movie
That documentary really `shed light on the pessimism` of the 1970s.
That documentary really explained the negativity of the 1970s.
A serious talk with a partner
I hope this conversation `sheds some light on my pessimism` lately.
I hope this talk explains why I've been so negative lately.
문화적 배경
The metaphor of light as knowledge dates back to the Enlightenment era. In modern English, 'shedding light' is a sophisticated way to describe investigative work or psychological breakthroughs. It suggests that pessimism isn't just a mood, but a puzzle that can be solved with facts.
The 'Shed' Secret
In English, 'shed' usually means to lose something (like a snake shedding skin). But here, it means to radiate or spread. Don't confuse it with a garden shed!
Don't Overuse It
This is a 'flavor' phrase. If you use it three times in one conversation, you'll sound like a textbook. Save it for the most important explanation.
15초 만에
- Explaining the reasons behind a negative or hopeless attitude.
- Using logic or facts to clarify why people feel bad.
- Making a dark or confusing situation easier to understand.
What It Means
Think of shed light on pessimism as a way to clarify a dark mood. It’s not just about being sad. It’s about explaining the 'why' behind a negative attitude. You are taking a complex, gloomy situation and making it clear. It turns a mystery into a logical explanation.
How To Use It
You use this phrase when you provide a reason for someone's bad vibes. It usually follows a discovery or a deep conversation. You can say, "This report sheds light on the pessimism in the office." It sounds smart and empathetic. It shows you are looking for solutions, not just complaining.
When To Use It
Use it in meetings when discussing why sales are down. Use it with friends when a mutual buddy is acting grumpy. It’s perfect for serious discussions about feelings or trends. It’s great for texting when you finally realize why your sister is upset. It makes you sound like a thoughtful observer of human nature.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for small, silly things. If your friend is mad because they dropped their ice cream, it's too dramatic. Don't use it if you are the one being pessimistic. It’s usually for an outside observer looking in. Also, avoid it in high-energy, happy parties. It’s a bit too 'heavy' for a dance floor conversation.
Cultural Background
Light has always represented knowledge in English culture. Think of the 'lightbulb moment' in cartoons. Pessimism is often seen as a 'cloud' or 'shadow.' By 'shedding light,' you are using the classic Western metaphor of logic defeating darkness. It became popular in academic and psychological circles first.
Common Variations
You might hear throw light on or cast light on. They mean the exact same thing. Sometimes people say shine a light on to be more intense. If you want to be less formal, you can just say explain the negativity. But shed light adds a nice touch of poetic flair to your English.
사용 참고사항
This phrase sits in the 'Goldilocks zone' of formality—not too stiff, not too casual. It's perfect for when you want to sound intelligent and helpful. Just remember that it requires an object (the thing you are explaining).
The 'Shed' Secret
In English, 'shed' usually means to lose something (like a snake shedding skin). But here, it means to radiate or spread. Don't confuse it with a garden shed!
Don't Overuse It
This is a 'flavor' phrase. If you use it three times in one conversation, you'll sound like a textbook. Save it for the most important explanation.
British vs. American
Both cultures use this equally! However, Brits might occasionally say 'throw light on' more often than Americans do.
예시
6The recent budget cuts `shed light on the pessimism` among the staff.
The recent budget cuts explain the negative attitude among the staff.
Connects a specific cause to a general mood.
That documentary really `shed light on the pessimism` of the 1970s.
That documentary really explained the negativity of the 1970s.
Used to discuss a historical or cultural period.
I hope this conversation `sheds some light on my pessimism` lately.
I hope this talk explains why I've been so negative lately.
Self-reflective and vulnerable use of the phrase.
New data `sheds light on the pessimism` surrounding the housing market.
New data explains the lack of hope regarding the housing market.
Very standard way to present facts in journalism.
My empty fridge `sheds light on my pessimism` about making it to Friday.
My empty fridge explains why I'm feeling hopeless about reaching Friday.
Using a serious phrase for a relatable, minor problem.
The author's childhood `sheds light on the pessimism` found in his poems.
The author's childhood explains the negativity found in his poems.
Analyzing the background of a creative work.
셀프 테스트
Choose the best word to complete the phrase.
The detective's discovery helped ___ light on the pessimism of the townspeople.
While 'drop' and 'give' make sense literally, 'shed light' is the fixed idiomatic expression used in English.
Select the correct context for this phrase.
You would use 'shed light on pessimism' when you want to ___.
The phrase is about clarification and understanding the root cause of a negative outlook.
🎉 점수: /2
시각 학습 자료
Formality of 'Shed Light on Pessimism'
Talking to a sibling about a bad day.
My bad grade sheds light on my mood.
Discussing a news story with a friend.
This article sheds light on the pessimism in the city.
Writing a business or academic report.
The study sheds light on consumer pessimism.
When to use 'Shed Light on Pessimism'
Work Meeting
Explaining low morale.
History Class
Analyzing a war's impact.
Relationship Talk
Understanding a partner's doubt.
News Commentary
Explaining economic fear.
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문No, you can shed light on anything mysterious. However, shed light on pessimism is a specific way to address a negative atmosphere.
No, you must use the preposition on. It is always shed light on [something].
It's a bit sophisticated, but not 'too' formal. It works well if you are trying to be supportive or insightful with a friend.
You would have to change the sentence. You can shed light on why he is pessimistic, but you shed light on his pessimism.
There isn't a direct opposite idiom, but you could say someone is clouding the issue or keeping us in the dark.
No! In this context, shed is a verb meaning to cast or give off, like a candle sheds light.
Yes, it is very common in journalism, business, and academic writing. It's a B1/B2 level phrase.
Yes, adding 'a' is also correct. Both shed light on and shed a light on are used frequently.
Pessimism is about the future—thinking things will go wrong. Sadness is just an emotion about the present or past.
It is definitely shed. Shred means to cut into tiny pieces, which would be very messy with light!
관련 표현
Clear the air
To remove tension or misunderstanding.
Get to the bottom of
To find the real cause of something.
Demystify
To make a difficult subject easier to understand.
Cast doubt on
To make something seem less certain (the opposite of shedding light).
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