mechanical
mechanical — adjective
1. using a motor or engine to do work, rather than relying on human or animal stren
using a motor or engine to do work, rather than relying on human or animal strength; also, having to do with machines, their parts, and how those parts function together.
The old mechanical clock in the town square still keeps perfect time.
Lien studied mechanical engineering at the university for four years.
collocation: mechanical engineering
A mechanical failure caused the factory production line to stop.
The farmer replaced the old hand tools with mechanical harvesters last spring.
Maeve called a repair service when the mechanical lock on her gate broke.
- manual
operated or done by hand, not by a machine
- hand-operated
requiring direct human effort to work
文法句型
mechanical + noun
be/become/seem + mechanical
用法筆記
Often used before a noun to describe equipment or systems that rely on moving parts and an engine or motor. Contrast with 'electronic' (which uses microchips) and 'manual' (which requires human effort).
常見錯誤
2. concerning the way forces make objects move, stop, or change direction; related
concerning the way forces make objects move, stop, or change direction; related to the physics of motion and energy.
The engineer calculated the mechanical advantage of the pulley system.
collocation: mechanical advantage
Devika learned about mechanical energy in her physics class today.
The robot's arm converts electrical signals into mechanical movement.
Tanvi's science project showed how mechanical forces affect bridge structures.
A mechanical vibration from the train rattled the cups on the shelf.
文法句型
mechanical + noun
be + mechanical
用法筆記
This sense belongs to the field of mechanics and physics, describing how physical forces cause or affect motion. It does NOT refer to machines in general — use Sense 1 for that.
常見錯誤
3. done or said without conscious thought or emotion, as if following a preset rout
done or said without conscious thought or emotion, as if following a preset routine rather than making a fresh choice each time.
Yasmin gave a mechanical reply without really listening to the question.
After hours of data entry, Eitan's movements became slow and mechanical.
predicative use: became + mechanical
Sumin's smile seemed mechanical, like she was just going through the motions.
Ryan answered every greeting with a mechanical 'fine, thanks' that morning.
The tour guide's mechanical voice made the museum tour feel dull and rushed.
- thoughtful
showing careful consideration
- deliberate
done consciously and on purpose
- spontaneous
natural and unplanned, not following a routine
文法句型
mechanical + noun
seem/look/become + mechanical
用法筆記
Describes human behaviour that is automatic and lifeless, often from boredom, tiredness, or habit. It carries a slightly negative tone — suggesting a lack of genuine feeling or attention.