earth
earth — noun
1. the world, third from the Sun after Venus and before Mars, that supports all kno
the world, third from the Sun after Venus and before Mars, that supports all known living things
The Earth travels around the Sun once every year.
often capitalised as 'the Earth'
Lisa hopes to visit every continent on Earth before she turns forty.
Satellite images help scientists watch how the Earth changes over time.
Of all the planets in our solar system, only Earth has liquid water on its surface.
The view of Earth from the Moon left the astronauts speechless.
文法句型
the Earth
on Earth
常見錯誤
2. the solid outer layer of the planet, as opposed to the sky, the sea, or outer sp
the solid outer layer of the planet, as opposed to the sky, the sea, or outer space
The plane began its descent, and the earth came into view below the clouds.
'the earth' contrasting with sky
Caleb lay on the grass and felt the cool earth beneath his back.
After weeks at sea, the sailors were thrilled to feel solid earth under their feet again.
The earthquake made the earth shake so hard that books fell off the shelves.
文法句型
on earth
to earth
the earth
用法筆記
Unlike sense 1 ('the planet'), this sense is not capitalised, even though it refers to the same physical substance. The definite article is common ('the earth') but not always required in fixed phrases such as 'to earth' (falling to the ground).
常見錯誤
3. the dark, loose material found in the ground and used by plants for rooting and
the dark, loose material found in the ground and used by plants for rooting and growth
Mizuki filled the flowerpot with fresh earth before planting the seeds.
collocation: 'fill with earth'
The earth in this garden is rich and easy to dig because of the compost.
Road workers piled the earth into a large mound beside the new road.
Anjali wiped the earth from her hands before going inside for lunch.
The old cabin had a floor made of packed earth instead of wooden boards.
文法句型
earth + noun (earth floor)
earth for [purpose]
用法筆記
This sense is interchangeable with 'soil' in most contexts, but 'earth' sounds slightly more natural when describing the material as something you touch or move. 'Soil' is preferred in technical or agricultural writing.
常見錯誤
4. a wire or other connection that links an electrical device to the ground so that
a wire or other connection that links an electrical device to the ground so that if a fault occurs the electric current can flow safely away
The electrician checked that the earth was properly connected before turning the power back on.
Old houses often lack an earth in their electrical sockets, making them dangerous.
countable: 'an earth'
Darius replaced the damaged earth wire in the washing machine himself.
Without a proper earth connection, the metal case of the appliance could give you a shock.
- ground
American English equivalent; more widely understood internationally
文法句型
earth wire
connect to earth
an earth
用法筆記
This is the British English term. In American English, the same concept is called 'ground'. If writing for an international audience, consider using 'ground' or explaining the difference.
常見錯誤
5. a hole dug under the surface of the soil for shelter, typically used by wild ani
a hole dug under the surface of the soil for shelter, typically used by wild animals such as foxes or badgers
The hunters found a fox earth hidden among the roots of an old oak tree.
collocation: 'fox earth'
A badger had dug a large earth under the fence at the edge of the field.
The puppies stayed inside the earth while their mother went out to hunt for food.
The gamekeeper found a fox earth among the rocks near the top of the hill.
文法句型
[animal] + earth
into its earth
用法筆記
This sense is most commonly used with foxes in British English. For other animals, 'burrow' or 'den' are more general terms.
earth — verb
1. to connect an electrical device or system to the ground with a wire so that dang
to connect an electrical device or system to the ground with a wire so that dangerous currents can flow away safely
The electrician earthed the washing machine before testing it.
past simple active
All the sockets in the new kitchen have been properly earthed, making them safe to use.
passive: 'have been earthed'
Ramón made sure the generator was earthed to a metal rod driven into the ground.
If you do not earth the amplifier, you may hear a buzzing sound from the speakers.
- ground
American English equivalent; more widely understood in international contexts
文法句型
earth + object
be earthed
earth [device] to [ground]
用法筆記
This is the British English verb form. In American English, the equivalent is 'to ground'. The word is most commonly used in the past participle form ('earthed') or passive constructions ('must be earthed').