mechanic
mechanic — noun
1. Someone who earns a living by finding and fixing faults in cars, trucks, motorcy
Someone who earns a living by finding and fixing faults in cars, trucks, motorcycles, or other machinery.
Cyrus took his car to a mechanic when the engine started making a strange noise.
collocation: take [vehicle] to a mechanic
The mechanic at Minho's garage replaced the brake pads and topped up the oil.
Amelia decided to become a mechanic after she helped fix her uncle's old motorcycle.
Finding a reliable mechanic you can trust is important if you own an older car.
The cruise ship employs a team of mechanics to maintain its engines and pumps.
- technician
broader term — covers electronic and computer repairs too
- engineer
more formal and often implies higher-level design knowledge
- repair person
gender-neutral, more general, less specific to vehicles
文法句型
mechanic + verb
a mechanic who…
用法筆記
Countable; refers to a person. The typical setting is a garage or workshop, but mechanics also work in factories, on ships, and at construction sites.
常見錯誤
2. The branch of science that studies how forces affect the movement and behaviour
The branch of science that studies how forces affect the movement and behaviour of physical objects.
In physics class, students studied the mechanics of how a ball rolls down a ramp.
pattern: the mechanics of how [something] does [something]
The mechanics of a bicycle explain how the rider's leg motion turns the wheels.
Beatriz used the equations of classical mechanics to predict how far a steel ball would roll down the ramp.
Understanding the mechanics of flight helped the engineers design a more efficient wing.
文法句型
the mechanics of [system/object]
用法筆記
In this sense, the word is almost always used as 'mechanics' (with an -s) but takes a singular verb, e.g. 'Mechanics is a core subject in engineering.'
常見錯誤
3. The detailed processes, methods, or practical steps by which a system, activity,
The detailed processes, methods, or practical steps by which a system, activity, or organisation operates.
It took Kabir several weeks to learn the mechanics of the new accounting system.
pattern: the mechanics of [system]
The mechanics of how a proposal becomes law can seem confusing to new voters.
Before you start writing a novel, it helps to understand the basic mechanics of storytelling.
Anjali explained the mechanics of how the committee selects candidates for the scholarship.
文法句型
the mechanics of [system/process]
用法筆記
Usually appears as 'the mechanics of [something],' referring to how a complex system works step by step. Common in business, government, and education contexts.
常見錯誤
4. A programmed rule or system inside a video or board game that determines what pl
A programmed rule or system inside a video or board game that determines what players can do and how their choices influence the final result.
The stealth mechanic in this game lets players sneak past enemies instead of fighting them.
pattern: [adjective] mechanic in [game]
One popular game mechanic is 'crafting', where players combine materials to make new items.
collocation: popular game mechanic
The designers added a climbing mechanic that lets characters scale walls and reach high places.
Gabriel learned the core mechanics of Valley's Edge by practising when to use stealth and when to fight.
- gameplay element
broader term for any feature that affects play
- rule system
more formal; emphasises the rule-based nature
文法句型
game mechanic
a [specific] mechanic
用法筆記
Common in discussions of video game design. A single game usually has multiple mechanics that work together (jumping, crafting, combat, etc.). Also used for board games and card games.
常見錯誤
mechanic — adjective
1. Relating to work that involves using the hands or physical skill rather than int
Relating to work that involves using the hands or physical skill rather than intellectual activity.
The school offers courses in mechanic arts such as welding and plumbing.
collocation: mechanic arts
Rachid took on mechanic work at the factory, operating the assembly line equipment.
collocation: mechanic work
Her mechanic abilities helped when the kitchen sink started leaking late at night.
The vocational school tests each student's mechanic aptitude before placing them in a trade.
- manual
modern, common synonym
- intellectual
opposite in the mind-vs-hands distinction
文法句型
mechanic [noun]
用法筆記
This adjective is old-fashioned and largely replaced by 'mechanical' in modern English. You are more likely to encounter 'manual work' or 'hands-on skills' instead.
常見錯誤
2. Done in a way that is regular, repetitive, and lacking natural feeling or variat
Done in a way that is regular, repetitive, and lacking natural feeling or variation — like a machine rather than a person.
The dancers moved with mechanic precision, each gesture exactly like the last.
collocation: mechanic precision
Aylin's mechanic repetition of the same greeting began to feel cold and impersonal.
collocation: mechanic repetition
The security guard's mechanic route around the building never varied by a single step.
The assembly line worker's mechanic motions eventually caused a shoulder injury.
- mechanical
modern, more common equivalent
- robotic
similar meaning, even stronger machine implication
- natural
relaxed and genuine, not forced
- spontaneous
unplanned and natural
文法句型
mechanic [movement / action / quality]
用法筆記
Also largely replaced by 'mechanical' in modern English. This sense is slightly negative when applied to people — it suggests they are acting without warmth or thought.