laurel

laurel — noun

1. honour and recognition given to someone as a reward for their achievements or co

1.名詞B2
釋義

honour and recognition given to someone as a reward for their achievements or contributions, especially in competitive fields such as sports, the arts, or public life

例句

The young pianist won musical laurels at several international competitions before she turned eighteen.

collocation: win laurels

After leading the team to three championships, the coach finally received the laurels he deserved.

passive: receive laurels

同義詞
  • acclaim

    more intense, suggesting loud public approval

  • honour

    wider in scope; can apply to any recognition, not just competitive achievement

  • glory

    stronger, often implying fame and admiration from many people

反義詞
  • criticism

    negative evaluation of someone's work or achievements

  • disgrace

    loss of honour or respect

用法筆記

Almost always used in the plural form 'laurels' in this sense. The singular 'laurel' for praise is rare and mostly found in fixed phrases such as 'poet laureate' or 'Nobel laureate'.

常見錯誤

She received much laurel for her work.
She received many laurels for her work.
💡This sense is nearly always plural.

2. a type of evergreen shrub or small tree with smooth, shiny dark green leaves tha

2.名詞B1
釋義

a type of evergreen shrub or small tree with smooth, shiny dark green leaves that stay on the branches all year and small black berry-like fruits

例句

The gardener planted a laurel hedge along the edge for complete privacy all year.

collocation: laurel hedge / row of laurel

Dario picked a few laurel leaves from the tree and dropped them into the soup.

laurel leaves used in cooking

同義詞
  • bay tree

    common alternative name for the true laurel used in cooking

  • shrub

    more general term for a woody plant of similar size

用法筆記

Often confused with 'bay laurel' — the leaves of true laurel (Laurus nobilis) are the same bay leaves used in cooking. The term 'laurel' is also used in the common names of many unrelated shrubs and trees, such as 'cherry laurel' and 'spotted laurel'.

常見錯誤

The chef added laurel to the stew.
The chef added bay leaves to the stew.
💡In everyday cooking, the dried leaves are called 'bay leaves', not 'laurel'.

laurel — verb