science
science — noun
1. The organized study of the natural and physical world, based on observation, exp
The organized study of the natural and physical world, based on observation, experimentation, and the development of theories that explain how things happen.
Anjali decided to study science because she wanted to understand how the human body works.
collocation: study science
The science of genetics has helped doctors find new ways to treat disease.
science of [branch/field]
The ecologist used science to measure how pollution changed the river's pH each week.
Sahil showed that science could turn seawater into drinking water using a simple filter.
- knowledge
broader — includes non-scientific knowledge such as history or philosophy
- natural science
more specific — refers only to fields that study the physical world
- art
art relies on creativity and expression rather than systematic experimentation
- pseudoscience
claims presented as scientific but lacking proper methodology
文法句型
usually uncountable
用法筆記
This sense is uncountable — you cannot say 'a science' to mean the whole system of knowledge. For a specific branch, see sense 3.
常見錯誤
2. The information, facts, or conclusions that scientists produce by studying a par
The information, facts, or conclusions that scientists produce by studying a particular question or problem.
The science on climate change is clear: human activity is warming the planet.
the science on [topic]
Critics questioned the science behind the new drug's safety report.
the science behind [something]
Adina looked at the science before deciding which diet to follow.
Ignacio presented the science linking air pollution to lung disease.
- opinion
based on personal belief rather than systematic evidence
文法句型
usually uncountable
the science on [topic]
the science behind [something]
用法筆記
Often used in phrases like 'the science on…' or 'the science behind…' to refer to research findings on a specific topic. Frequently appears in debates about public policy, health, and the environment.
常見錯誤
3. A particular area of study that follows scientific methods, such as biology, che
A particular area of study that follows scientific methods, such as biology, chemistry, physics, or computer science.
Computer science helped the hospital create a system to detect early signs of heart disease.
[adjective] science — applied to a real-world problem
Yasmin chose to study environmental science because she wanted to protect the planet.
Political science research showed the town council why young voters stayed home during the election.
Materials science has led to stronger and lighter metals for airplane parts.
- discipline
more general — includes non-scientific fields of study
- field
more general — any area of study or work
- subject
more general — any topic taught in school
文法句型
[adjective] science — names a specific field
用法筆記
Used with an adjective to name a specific discipline (computer science, political science, materials science). When used without an adjective it often refers to natural sciences like biology, chemistry, or physics.
常見錯誤
4. The study of science as a subject taught in school or university, covering topic
The study of science as a subject taught in school or university, covering topics from biology, chemistry, and physics.
Minh has a science test tomorrow and needs to study the solar system.
Jack's favourite subject in school has always been science.
The science teacher asked the class to draw a diagram of a plant cell.
Christopher stayed after class to ask the science teacher a question about gravity.
- subject
more general — any topic taught at school
文法句型
usually uncountable
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 1: sense 1 refers to the field of science as a whole system of knowledge, while this sense refers to science as a class or subject in an educational setting. Common in phrases like 'science class', 'science teacher', 'science homework'.