ginger
ginger — adjective
1. describes hair or fur that is a light orange-brown or reddish-brown colour, rath
describes hair or fur that is a light orange-brown or reddish-brown colour, rather than the more common black, brown, blonde, or white shades.
Aoi has naturally ginger hair that glows like copper in the sunlight.
attributive adjective before 'hair'
A ginger cat sat on the garden wall, watching the birds.
Layla's ginger beard was thick and neatly trimmed.
The family adopted a small ginger puppy from the local shelter.
文法句型
ginger + noun (hair, cat, beard, fur)
用法筆記
In British English, 'ginger' is the common word for orange-brown hair. In American English, 'red' or 'red-haired' is more typical. Some people with ginger hair may dislike being described this way, as it can feel reductive.
ginger — noun
1. the underground stem from the ginger plant, sold fresh or as a dried powder, tha
the underground stem from the ginger plant, sold fresh or as a dried powder, that people add to food and drinks for its strong, warm, slightly sweet taste. It is widely used in dishes from Asia.
Padma added fresh ginger and garlic to the vegetable stir-fry.
uncountable: fresh ginger as an ingredient
Kwame sipped hot ginger tea to calm his upset stomach.
Asher grated some ginger into the soup for extra warmth.
A teaspoon of ground ginger gives the curry a rich, spicy flavour.
文法句型
fresh/ground/grated ginger
ginger + noun (tea, beer, cake)
用法筆記
Fresh ginger (the root) and ground ginger (dried powder) have slightly different flavours — ground ginger is milder and often used in baking.
常見錯誤
2. a light orange-brown or reddish-brown colour, similar to the colour of the ginge
a light orange-brown or reddish-brown colour, similar to the colour of the ginger root or the hair of certain people and animals.
Christopher chose a warm ginger shade for his living room walls.
countable: a ginger shade
The autumn leaves had turned a beautiful shade of ginger.
Tyler wore a soft ginger sweater with a dark blue jacket.
Joaquín picked out a ginger scarf to go with his brown winter coat.
- reddish-brown
more general, describes a range of similar shades
- orange-brown
emphasises the orange tone of the colour
文法句型
shade of ginger
ginger colour
a warm ginger
3. a person whose hair is naturally red or orange-brown in colour.
a person whose hair is naturally red or orange-brown in colour.
Apinya's cousin is a ginger with bright red curls and freckles.
countable noun: a ginger
The boy was teased for being a ginger during his first years at school.
Felix was one of only three gingers in his class, his bright red hair making him easy to spot.
Heloísa's grandfather was a ginger with pale blue eyes and a kind smile.
- redhead
the standard neutral term for a person with red hair
文法句型
a ginger
be a ginger
用法筆記
This term can be considered offensive by some people because it reduces a person to a single physical trait. A safer and more neutral alternative is 'a redhead' or 'a person with red hair.'
常見錯誤
4. a non-alcoholic drink with bubbles and a strong ginger flavour, made from ginger
a non-alcoholic drink with bubbles and a strong ginger flavour, made from ginger, sugar, and carbonated water; short for ginger ale.
Jude ordered a ginger with ice and a slice of lime at the bar.
countable: a ginger = a glass of ginger ale
The children each had a glass of ginger with their burgers.
The café serves homemade ginger ale with a slice of lemon on the side.
Would you like a ginger or an orange juice with your meal?
- ginger ale
the full name; more formal and internationally understood
文法句型
a ginger
a glass of ginger
用法筆記
This short form is most common in British English. In American English, people usually say 'ginger ale' rather than just 'ginger.'
5. a quality of being full of energy, enthusiasm, or spirit — a spark that makes so
a quality of being full of energy, enthusiasm, or spirit — a spark that makes something or someone feel active and exciting.
The team played without much ginger in the first half, then scored three goals in the final ten minutes.
uncountable idiom: without much ginger
The singer's performance had real ginger, and the crowd was on its feet.
The dog still had plenty of ginger despite being twelve years old.
Her grandmother was a small woman full of ginger and good humour.
- energy
more general and neutral in register
- enthusiasm
focuses on the excitement aspect
- pep
similar informal tone, slightly old-fashioned
- lethargy
lack of energy or enthusiasm
文法句型
full of ginger
without much ginger
add some ginger to
用法筆記
This sense is now somewhat old-fashioned and is mainly used in British English in phrases like 'full of ginger' or 'add some ginger to.'
常見錯誤
ginger — verb
1. to make something more lively, interesting, or exciting by adding new energy, id
to make something more lively, interesting, or exciting by adding new energy, ideas, or activity to it.
The head teacher brought in a new coach to ginger up the school sports day.
phrasal verb: ginger up + noun phrase
Élise added some colourful slides to ginger up the quarterly presentation.
The manager hired young designers to ginger up the brand image.
The coach organised a weekend trip to ginger up team spirit.
- dampen
to reduce enthusiasm or energy
文法句型
ginger up + noun phrase
用法筆記
Almost always used with the particle 'up'. Common in British English but rare in American English. Informal in register.