eddy
eddy — verb
- eddypresent simple I / you / we / they
- eddies3rd person singular
- eddying-ing form
- eddiedpast simple
1. When water, wind, smoke, or a similar substance turns in a circular path, often
When water, wind, smoke, or a similar substance turns in a circular path, often moving against the main current.
Smoke from the campfire eddied upward into the cold night air.
eddy + adverb of direction (upward)
The river eddied around the fallen tree before rushing onward.
eddy + prepositional phrase (around [obstacle])
Cold wind eddied around the corners of the narrow alleyways, spinning dust into small spirals.
Leaves eddied in small circles on the surface of the pond after the gust passed.
- flow straight
moving in a direct line without circling
文法句型
eddy + adverb/preposition
eddy + around/through/upward
用法筆記
Frequently used with a preposition or adverbial phrase describing where or how the circular movement happens. Not used in passive constructions.
常見錯誤
2. When many people move together as a group while continuously shifting their posi
When many people move together as a group while continuously shifting their positions among one another, they eddy.
The crowd eddied around the market square, stopping at different stalls.
eddy + around [place] describing crowd motion
Shoppers eddied through the department store during the New Year sale.
Protesters eddied across the plaza, chanting and waving signs.
Tourists eddied in and out of the museum entrance all afternoon.
- mill around
less literary; describes aimless movement of a group in a limited area
- surge
implies a sudden forward push rather than circular restlessness
文法句型
eddied + adverb/preposition
eddied through/across
用法筆記
The subject is always a group noun (crowd, shoppers, audience, protesters). Individual people do not 'eddy' — the word describes collective movement.
3. When rumors, thoughts, or feelings move in a restless way — coming, going, and s
When rumors, thoughts, or feelings move in a restless way — coming, going, and shifting before they settle.
Conflicting rumors about the layoffs eddied through the sales department after the CEO's announcement.
figurative: rumors eddied through [place]
Thoughts of doubt and hope eddied in Mei-Lin's mind as she lay awake in the dark hotel room.
Questions about the new overtime policy eddied around the staff meeting room for hours before anyone offered an answer.
Gossip about the singer Ananya's retirement eddied through the Mumbai film industry for months.
- settle
to become fixed or calm
文法句型
eddied + adverb/preposition
eddied through
用法筆記
This is a figurative extension of the physical meaning. Only used with abstract subjects that can come and go: rumors, doubts, questions, reports, or ideas. Not used for concrete objects.
eddy — noun
- eddysingular
- eddiesplural
1. A place in water, wind, or dust where the flow turns in a circle against the dir
A place in water, wind, or dust where the flow turns in a circle against the direction of the main current.
A small eddy formed near the bridge, spinning dry leaves in a tight circle.
eddy + formed + spinning [objects] pattern
The kayaker steered into an eddy behind the boulder to rest.
eddy behind [obstacle] — typical position
Dust formed small eddies across the dry field as the jeep drove past.
An eddy of smoke rose slowly from the kitchen chimney and curled into the sky.
文法句型
eddy + of + noun
in an eddy
用法筆記
An eddy is smaller and gentler than a whirlpool. In rivers, eddies often form behind rocks or at bends where the current doubles back.
常見錯誤
2. A confusing time or scene where many events, opinions, or strong feelings push i
A confusing time or scene where many events, opinions, or strong feelings push in different directions at the same time.
The small publishing house was caught in an eddy of confusing policy changes and sudden layoffs.
caught in an eddy of [troubles]
In the eddy of post-election debates, lawmakers struggled to reach clear decisions on the budget.
The local high school found itself in an eddy of conflicting opinions from parents about the new dress code.
From their quiet mountain village, the Okonkwo family watched the eddy of political change in the distant capital.
- calm
a state of peace and stillness
文法句型
an eddy of + noun
用法筆記
Typically found in literary or journalistic writing. Often appears in the pattern 'eddy of [abstract nouns]' and is used to describe political, social, or organizational turmoil.