dove

dove — noun

IPA/dʌv/
KK[dˈʌv]IPA/dʌv/
  • dovesingular
  • dovesplural

1. a medium-sized bird with a plump body, short legs, and a soft cooing call. Acros

1.名詞A2
釋義

a medium-sized bird with a plump body, short legs, and a soft cooing call. Across many cultures, sending or displaying a white dove signals a wish for harmony and goodwill between people.

例句

A white dove landed on the fence outside Yasmin's kitchen window this morning.

symbol of peace: white dove released at ceremonies

The couple released two doves at their wedding ceremony in the park.

同義詞
  • pigeon

    refers to the same bird family; 'pigeon' is more common for larger, grey city birds, while 'dove' often suggests smaller or white varieties

  • squab

    a culinary term for a young dove or pigeon; not used in general conversation

常見錯誤

Pigeons and doves are completely different animals.
Pigeons and doves belong to the same bird family.
💡in everyday English, 'dove' usually refers to smaller, lighter-coloured members of the pigeon family.
The dove represents danger.
The dove represents peace.
💡a dove is a symbol of peace, not danger.

2. a politician or public figure who consistently argues for diplomatic solutions a

2.名詞B2
釋義

a politician or public figure who consistently argues for diplomatic solutions and peaceful negotiation, and who opposes using military force or violence to resolve conflicts

例句

Senator Marco is known as a dove who consistently votes against increasing the military budget.

contrast with hawk: dove vs hawk in politics

The party's doves argued that trade agreements would reduce tension more effectively than sending troops.

同義詞
  • pacifist

    stronger than 'dove'; a pacifist opposes all war on principle, while a dove may support limited military action as a last resort

  • moderate

    broader term; a moderate takes a centrist position on many issues, not just military policy

  • conciliator

    focuses on the act of bringing opposing sides together, whereas 'dove' is a label for a person's general stance

反義詞
  • hawk

    someone who favours aggressive military action or a强硬 foreign policy

用法筆記

Typically contrasted with 'hawk' (someone who favours military action). The dove/hawk framework is most common in discussions of foreign policy, defence spending, and armed conflict.

常見錯誤

She is a dove in the economics committee.
She is a dove on foreign policy issues.
💡'dove' is specific to war-and-peace debates, not general political moderation.
Doves are weak leaders.
Doves prefer diplomatic solutions over military ones.
💡the term describes a policy position, not a judgement of strength.

dove — verb

IPA/dəʊv/
KK[dˈov]IPA/doʊv/