C1 adjective 文学

arch

/ɑːrtʃ/

As an adjective, 'arch' describes a style of communication or a look that is playfully mischievous, knowing, or ironic. It implies that the person is teasing or shares a secret understanding that others might not possess.

例句

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1

She gave him an arch look when he pretended not to know who had sent the flowers.

She gave him a knowing, playful look when he pretended not to know who had sent the flowers.

2

The professor's arch comments about the curriculum suggested he found the new rules slightly absurd.

The professor's ironic comments about the curriculum suggested he found the new rules slightly absurd.

3

Stop being so arch and just tell me the gossip already!

Stop being so mysterious and playful and just tell me the gossip already!

词族

名词
archness
副词
archly
形容词
arch
相关
arch-rival
💡

记忆技巧

Visualize someone raising their eyebrow into the shape of an 'arch' while they tell you a playful secret or a sarcastic joke.

快速测验

When I asked if she knew about the surprise party, she just gave me an ______ smile and walked away.

正确!

正确答案是: arch

例句

1

She gave him an arch look when he pretended not to know who had sent the flowers.

everyday

She gave him a knowing, playful look when he pretended not to know who had sent the flowers.

2

The professor's arch comments about the curriculum suggested he found the new rules slightly absurd.

formal

The professor's ironic comments about the curriculum suggested he found the new rules slightly absurd.

3

Stop being so arch and just tell me the gossip already!

informal

Stop being so mysterious and playful and just tell me the gossip already!

4

The novelist employs an arch narrative voice to critique the vanity of the upper classes.

academic

The novelist employs a sophisticated and ironic narrative voice to critique the vanity of the upper classes.

5

The marketing director made an arch remark about the competitor's surprisingly high prices.

business

The marketing director made a sly, knowing remark about the competitor's surprisingly high prices.

词族

名词
archness
副词
archly
形容词
arch
相关
arch-rival

常见搭配

arch smile a knowing or mischievous smile
arch look a playful or teasing facial expression
arch tone a voice that sounds ironic or teasing
arch eyebrow an eyebrow raised in a knowing or skeptical way
arch comment a remark intended to be sly or witty

常用短语

with an arch expression

having a playful or teasing look on one's face

arch-nemesis

a principal or chief enemy (different sense of 'arch')

arch-villain

a main or most powerful villain

容易混淆的词

arch vs arch (noun)

The noun refers to a curved physical structure; the adjective refers to a mischievous personality trait.

arch vs arched

'Arched' describes something physically curved into a shape, while 'arch' describes a tone or attitude.

📝

使用说明

This adjective is primarily used in literary contexts or sophisticated social descriptions. It almost always describes a facial expression, a tone of voice, or a specific remark that suggests the person knows more than they are saying.

⚠️

常见错误

Learners often mistakenly use 'arch' as an adjective to describe physical shapes (e.g., 'an arch window'), when they should use 'arched'.

💡

记忆技巧

Visualize someone raising their eyebrow into the shape of an 'arch' while they tell you a playful secret or a sarcastic joke.

📖

词源

Derived from the Greek 'arkhos' (meaning chief or principal), it evolved from 'arch-rogue' (a chief rogue) to describing the playful, sly characteristics associated with such a person.

语法模式

Used attributively (before a noun) like 'an arch smile'. Can be used predicatively (after a verb) like 'Her tone was arch'.
🌍

文化背景

The term is frequently encountered in 19th and 20th-century British literature, such as the works of Jane Austen or Oscar Wilde, to denote subtle social wit.

快速测验

When I asked if she knew about the surprise party, she just gave me an ______ smile and walked away.

正确!

正确答案是: arch

相关词

overall

B2

Describing the total or general nature of something when all parts or factors are considered together. It refers to the whole of a situation rather than specific details or individual components.

overlap

B2

To cover part of the same area of space or time as something else, or to have some common qualities or features. It describes situations where two things occupy the same physical space partially or where two events happen simultaneously for a period.

overseas

B2

Relating to, coming from, or situated in a country across the sea or ocean. It is used to describe international contexts, particularly travel, trade, or living arrangements in a foreign land.

panel

B2

A panel is a small group of people brought together to discuss a specific topic, provide expert advice, or make decisions. It can also refer to a distinct, flat, and often rectangular section of a larger surface, such as a wall, door, or control board.

parameter

B2

A parameter is a limit or boundary that defines the scope of a particular process, system, or activity. In technical or mathematical contexts, it refers to a measurable factor that sets the conditions of an operation.

passive

B2

Describing someone who allows things to happen or accepts what others do without resistance or participation. It is also used in grammar to describe a sentence structure where the subject is the recipient of the action rather than the performer.

persist

B2

To continue firmly in an opinion or a course of action despite difficulty, opposition, or failure. It also refers to a state or condition that continues to exist or endure over a prolonged period.

philosophy

B2

Philosophy is the study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence, especially when considered as an academic discipline. It also refers to a specific set of beliefs, values, or principles that guide the behavior and outlook of an individual or an organization.

portion

B2

A portion is a part of a whole that has been divided or allocated to a specific person or purpose. It is most commonly used to describe a serving of food or a specific share of a larger amount, such as money or time.

pose

B2

To present or constitute a problem, danger, or challenge that needs to be addressed. It also refers to the physical act of assuming a specific position for a photograph, painting, or artistic work.

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