intrigue
intrigue — verb
1. to make someone feel very curious or interested, especially because something is
to make someone feel very curious or interested, especially because something is mysterious, unusual, or not easily explained
Léa was intrigued by the old wooden chest with strange carvings and an unusual lock.
passive: be intrigued by [something]
What intrigued Hugo most was the small piece of fabric found near the broken window.
what-clause as subject of intrigue
Mayumi found the professor's theory intriguing, though she could not understand all of it.
An ancient device that seemed to need no power source intrigued the research team.
- bore
to make someone lose interest or feel tired
文法句型
intrigue + object
be intrigued by/with [something]
what + intrigues + object
用法筆記
The verb is pronounced /ɪnˈtriːɡ/ with stress on the second syllable. This sense is most often found in the passive pattern (be intrigued by/with) or with a what-clause as the grammatical subject. The active form (something intrigues someone) is also common but slightly more formal.
常見錯誤
2. to make secret plans together with others, typically in order to gain an advanta
to make secret plans together with others, typically in order to gain an advantage or cause harm to someone
Several nobles intrigued against the young king, hoping to place his cousin on the throne.
intrigue against [someone]
Lara and her business partner intrigued to force the company's owner into selling his shares.
intrigue + to-infinitive
For years the two rival politicians had intrigued against each other while smiling in public.
Matthew suspected his cousin was intriguing with their uncle to claim the family fortune.
文法句型
intrigue against [someone]
intrigue with [someone] to [do something]
用法筆記
This sense is older and less common in everyday speech. It is mainly used in historical or political contexts. The target of the scheming is introduced by against. Distinguish from sense AROUSE CURIOSITY, which is transitive and far more frequent.
常見錯誤
intrigue — noun
1. the activity of making secret plans, or a particular secret plan, usually aimed
the activity of making secret plans, or a particular secret plan, usually aimed at gaining power or hurting others
Sayaka enjoyed novels full of political intrigue and unexpected twists in the story.
uncountable: political intrigue
The newspaper article revealed a web of intrigue involving several government officials.
collocation: web of intrigue
Anjali discovered the project was part of an intrigue to steal a valuable technology design.
Élise and her colleagues were trapped in a dark intrigue that had lasted for years.
- conspiracy
often implies an illegal plot by a group against the law or government
- plot
a more specific, concrete plan with definite steps
- scheming
more negative; focuses on the dishonest or selfish nature of the planning
文法句型
full of intrigue
a web of intrigue
an intrigue to [do something]
用法筆記
The noun is pronounced /ˈɪn.triːɡ/ with stress on the first syllable, unlike the verb /ɪnˈtriːɡ/. As an uncountable noun (e.g. political intrigue) it refers to the general practice of secret scheming. As a countable noun (e.g. a dark intrigue) it refers to one specific plan.
常見錯誤
2. a romantic relationship that is kept hidden from others, typically because it wo
a romantic relationship that is kept hidden from others, typically because it would cause trouble if it became known
The ambassador's romantic intrigue with a local actress was an open secret in the city.
intrigue with [someone]
In the novel, the married countess carries on a dangerous intrigue with a young artist.
Tariro discovered letters proving the intrigue between the general and his wife's closest friend.
Aylin ended the intrigue when her husband threatened to expose the relationship to her family.
文法句型
an intrigue with [someone]
carry on an intrigue
用法筆記
This sense is literary or old-fashioned. In modern everyday English, affair or secret relationship is far more common. The word intrigue in this meaning often appears in historical novels or period dramas.