parasite

parasite — noun

1. a small living thing such as a worm, insect, or tiny organism that survives by f

1.名詞B2
釋義

a small living thing such as a worm, insect, or tiny organism that survives by feeding off the body of a larger animal or plant, which is called its host.

例句

Mosquitoes can carry a parasite that causes malaria in humans.

parasite + that-clause naming the disease

The vet checked the dog's fur for fleas, ticks, and other parasites.

listing common examples of parasites

同義詞
  • bloodsucker

    informal; usually for parasites that drink blood, like leeches or ticks.

  • pest

    broader term for any harmful insect or small animal, including ones that aren't parasites.

反義詞
  • host

    the animal or plant that the parasite lives on or in.

文法句型

parasite + of/in/on + host noun

用法筆記

Often used in the pattern 'a parasite of/in/on [host]'. Frequently appears with words like host, infect, infection, and disease, which together signal the biology sense.

常見錯誤

❌A virus is a parasite of the lungs.
✅A flu virus infects the lungs.
💡in everyday English, 'parasite' usually means a worm or small animal; viruses and bacteria are normally called germs, viruses, or bacteria, not parasites.
❌The dog has a parasite in his ear.' (when meaning earwax or dirt)
✅The dog has wax in his ear.
💡'parasite' must be a living thing that feeds off the host.

2. an insulting word for someone who keeps living off the money, work, or kindness

2.名詞C1
釋義

an insulting word for someone who keeps living off the money, work, or kindness of others while giving very little back in return.

例句

The newspaper called the lazy heir a parasite on his hardworking family.

pattern: a parasite on + group

Marcus felt like a parasite after living rent-free at Sara's flat for a year.

self-description: feel like a parasite

同義詞
  • leech

    very similar in tone; suggests draining money or energy from one specific person.

  • freeloader

    milder; someone who takes free meals, rides, or rooms without paying.

  • sponger

    British informal; someone who keeps borrowing money or living off others.

反義詞
  • contributor

    someone who actively gives time, money, or effort to a group.

  • breadwinner

    the family member who earns the income that supports others.

文法句型

a parasite on + group/society

用法筆記

Strong negative term — close to 'leech' or 'sponger'. Distinguish from sense 1 by context: when the noun refers to a person and there is no biological host, you are in this sense. Avoid using it about real people in formal writing; it sounds harsh and judging.

常見錯誤

❌My little brother is such a parasite when he asks me for snacks.
✅My little brother is so annoying when he asks me for snacks.
💡'parasite' is too strong for everyday family teasing; save it for serious criticism.
❌She is a parasite to her parents.
✅She is a parasite on her parents.
💡the typical preposition is 'on', not 'to'.