prism

prism — noun

1. a geometric solid whose two end faces are identical flat polygons, connected by

1.名詞B1
釋義

a geometric solid whose two end faces are identical flat polygons, connected by side faces that are parallelograms or rectangles

例句

Takeshi built a triangular prism from cardboard for the school science fair.

built from cardboard — shows material collocation

In geometry class, Kabir learned how to calculate the volume of a rectangular prism.

同義詞
  • polyhedron

    broader category — all prisms are polyhedra, but many polyhedra are not prisms

  • solid

    more general term for any 3D object, not specific to prisms

文法句型

a [adjective] prism

prism + made of/from [material]

prism with [number]-sided ends

用法筆記

Often appears with a prefix describing the shape of the end faces, such as triangular, rectangular, or hexagonal.

常見錯誤

❌A prism is a shape with circles on both ends.
✅A prism has two identical flat ends, not round ones.
💡Prisms have polygonal faces, not circular bases.
❌A cube is not a prism.
✅A cube is a special kind of rectangular prism.
💡A cube is actually a type of prism with square faces.

2. a see-through object, usually triangular in shape, that bends light and splits w

2.名詞B1
釋義

a see-through object, usually triangular in shape, that bends light and splits white light apart into the separate colours contained within it

例句

When sunlight passes through a glass prism, bands of colour appear on the wall.

passes through a [glass] prism — shows light + prism collocation

Hassan held the crystal prism up to the window and watched the rainbow form.

文法句型

a [material] prism

prism + bends/splits/divides [light]

through a/the prism

用法筆記

In everyday English, prism usually refers to this optical device rather than the mathematical shape. The triangular form is the most common type.

常見錯誤

❌A prism makes new colours appear.
✅A prism separates white light into the colours that are already in it.
💡The colours are part of the light, not created by the prism.

3. a way of looking at or thinking about a situation that changes or shapes your un

3.名詞B2
釋義

a way of looking at or thinking about a situation that changes or shapes your understanding of it — like seeing a film through the prism of your own life experience

例句

Beatrix tried to see the argument through the prism of her grandmother's experience during the war.

through the prism of — core figurative pattern expanded with context

The documentary offered a new prism through which to view the country's history.

prism through which to view — extended pattern

同義詞
  • perspective

    more neutral and common — lacks the connotation of bending or colouring that prism carries

  • lens

    very close synonym, also suggests a filter that shapes perception

  • angle

    suggests a specific viewpoint or approach rather than a broad worldview

文法句型

through the prism of [something]

a different prism

a new prism

用法筆記

Always used figuratively in this sense. The phrase through the prism of is by far the most common pattern. Frequently describes how personal experience, culture, or ideology shapes perception.

常見錯誤

❌I see life through a prism.
✅I see life through the prism of my cultural upbringing.
💡The figurative sense needs a modifier or context to specify what is shaping the view.