gain
gain — noun
1. something useful, desirable, or profitable that you get, often as a result of ef
something useful, desirable, or profitable that you get, often as a result of effort, hard work, or a good decision.
The main gain from volunteering at the shelter was the joy of helping abandoned pets.
gain from + noun phrase for benefit
Investors who bought early saw substantial gains when the company went public.
substantial gains — common collocation
Anong felt the gain in confidence after training was worth every hour she spent.
The new marketing strategy brought clear gains in customer loyalty and brand awareness.
- loss
direct opposite in financial and general contexts
文法句型
gain + noun
gain in + noun
用法筆記
Often used in financial or business contexts, but also describes any positive outcome from effort. 'Gains' (plural) is very common when referring to profits or improvements.
常見錯誤
2. a rise in the amount, size, weight, or level of something, measured over time or
a rise in the amount, size, weight, or level of something, measured over time or compared to a previous state.
Sayaka noticed a steady weight gain of two kilograms after she stopped running daily.
weight gain — common fixed phrase
The quarterly report showed a healthy gain of 12 percent in online sales across Asia.
gain of + percentage — common in business
A sudden gain in temperature caused the snow on the mountain to begin melting.
After three months of strength training, Romi saw a clear gain in muscle mass.
文法句型
gain + in + noun
gain + of + number
用法筆記
Commonly used with measurements: weight gain, price gain, temperature gain. When specifying a number, use 'gain of' (a gain of 5 points). When specifying an area, use 'gain in' (a gain in height).
常見錯誤
gain — verb
1. to get or achieve something useful, desirable, or positive — such as a skill, qu
to get or achieve something useful, desirable, or positive — such as a skill, quality, opportunity, or advantage — often through effort, experience, or a process over time.
Asher gained valuable experience working as a research assistant at the university laboratory.
gain + experience — most common collocation
The charity gained the support of over two thousand local residents within a single week.
gain + support of + group
Kian gained an advantage over other candidates by learning to speak Mandarin fluently.
Sana gained entry to the design school after submitting a strong portfolio of original work.
The new public park gained widespread approval from families who live in the neighborhood.
- lose
direct opposite: gain support vs lose support
文法句型
gain + noun phrase
gain + noun + from + noun
用法筆記
Unlike 'get' or 'obtain', 'gain' often suggests that the thing acquired builds up gradually or is the result of a meaningful effort. Common objects: experience, knowledge, support, access, entry, confidence, approval.
常見錯誤
2. to reach a higher level or amount of something measurable, such as weight, speed
to reach a higher level or amount of something measurable, such as weight, speed, height, value, or strength — or for a measuring instrument to show a higher number.
The delivery truck gained speed as it went down the long hill toward the highway.
gain speed — very common collocation
Yasmin gained five kilograms during the first year of her recovery from the surgery.
gain + weight amount — intransitive use with object
The company's stock gained seven points in a single afternoon after the product launch.
Christopher's confidence has grown steadily as he gained more knowledge in his new role.
The river gained nearly a meter in depth after three days of non-stop rain.
文法句型
gain + noun (amount)
gain + number + noun (unit)
noun + gains (intransitive) + in + noun
用法筆記
Can be transitive (gain weight, gain speed) or intransitive (the dollar gained against the euro). When used intransitively with a specific area, use 'gain in' (gain in value, gain in popularity).
常見錯誤
3. A timepiece that runs faster than normal is said to gain — the displayed time mo
A timepiece that runs faster than normal is said to gain — the displayed time moves gradually ahead of the correct time.
My wristwatch gains about three minutes a week, so I reset it every Monday morning.
gain + time amount — transitive use specifying duration
The grandfather clock in the hallway gains an hour each month and needs regular adjustment.
Élise noticed her kitchen clock was gaining time after she changed the batteries.
Megan checked her watch against the station clock and found it had gained four minutes.
文法句型
clock/watch gains
clock/watch gains + number + minutes/seconds
用法筆記
Used specifically for timekeeping devices. The opposite is 'lose' (a clock that runs too slowly loses time). Can be used both with and without a specific time amount.