earthbound

earthbound — adjective

1. stuck on the ground and not able to move away from it, usually because of a phys

1.形容詞B2
釋義

stuck on the ground and not able to move away from it, usually because of a physical limitation or lack of the right equipment.

例句

Sana watched the birds fly away while her own feet felt heavy and earthbound.

be/look/feel + earthbound for physical restriction

The research team used an earthbound telescope because the satellite launch had failed.

earthbound + noun describing equipment

同義詞
  • grounded

    suggests a temporary or deliberate restriction; also used literally for aircraft

  • land-bound

    more neutral and factual; lacks the sense of limitation or frustration

反義詞

文法句型

earthbound + noun

be/look/remain + earthbound

用法筆記

This sense is most often used for living things, vehicles, or equipment that are naturally or unexpectedly prevented from moving through the air or into space. Compare with grounded, which often implies a temporary or deliberate restriction.

常見錯誤

❌The plane became earthbound after takeoff.
✅The plane remained earthbound because the engine would not start.
💡Earthbound means unable to leave the ground, not unable to return to it.
❌The earthbound fish swam quickly through the water.
✅Most fish are earthbound only in the sense that they cannot fly, but they move freely in water.
💡The word more naturally contrasts air/space movement with being stuck on land.

2. ordinary and lacking new or interesting ideas — describing a story, plan, or way

2.形容詞C1
釋義

ordinary and lacking new or interesting ideas — describing a story, plan, or way of thinking that never surprises or inspires you.

例句

Quinn stopped reading after three chapters because the earthbound plot offered no real surprises.

earthbound + plot / story / writing for dull creative work

Lara wanted a career that pushed boundaries, not something earthbound and predictable.

earthbound + and + synonym for emphasis

同義詞
  • pedestrian

    similar register and meaning; slightly more common in criticism of writing

  • unimaginative

    more direct and common; less formal

  • prosaic

    suggests dull practicality rather than lack of ideas specifically

  • mundane

    focuses on everyday ordinariness rather than lack of creativity

反義詞

文法句型

earthbound + noun

be/seem/become + earthbound

用法筆記

This is a critical, somewhat literary word. It is applied to creative products (films, books, ideas) or to people's thinking. It carries a stronger negative tone than 'unexciting' — it suggests the thing is not merely boring but also small-minded or tied to everyday concerns.

常見錯誤

❌His earthbound ideas were very original.
✅His earthbound ideas failed to excite anyone in the meeting.
💡Earthbound is always negative when describing ideas.
❌The view from the mountain was earthbound.
✅The view from the mountain was breathtaking, but our earthbound guide refused to try the climbing route.
💡For physical views, use 'ground-level' instead. The figurative sense of earthbound applies to people and ideas, not landscapes.