sprout
sprout — verb
- sproutpresent simple I / you / we / they
- sproutshe / she / it
- sproutedpast simple
- sprouting-ing form
1. when a plant, seed, or part of a living body produces new leaves, shoots, roots,
when a plant, seed, or part of a living body produces new leaves, shoots, roots, or hair, or when these new parts start to appear and grow out
Takeshi's bean seeds sprouted after just three days of warm, damp weather.
intransitive: seeds + sprout (no object)
The old maple tree in the backyard sprouted bright green leaves after the spring rain.
transitive: tree + sprout + leaves
Nkechi saw tiny white roots sprouting from the avocado seed in the jar.
After shaving his head for charity, Anthony's hair sprouted again within a week.
文法句型
sprout + noun (transitive)
sprout (intransitive)
sprout from + noun phrase
用法筆記
The transitive pattern ('the plant sprouted leaves') focuses on the plant producing new growth; the intransitive pattern ('leaves sprouted from the stem') centres on the new parts appearing. Frequently used for hair regrowth after cutting or shaving.
常見錯誤
2. when many similar things start showing up in a place where there used to be very
when many similar things start showing up in a place where there used to be very few or none at all — like new cafés opening in a residential street, or housing blocks rising on previously empty land
New coffee shops sprouted up all over the neighbourhood during the past year.
sprout + up for sudden appearance of multiples
Housing complexes sprouted along the highway almost overnight after the new train station opened.
During the cherry blossom festival, temporary food stalls sprouted in every park along the river.
Asher watched brightly coloured tents sprout across the field as campers unpacked their gear.
文法句型
sprout up
sprout (without 'up')
用法筆記
Subject is usually a plural noun or collective group — a single item rarely 'sprouts up.' The particle 'up' is optional but very common. Often describes buildings, businesses, or structures appearing rapidly in a previously empty or quiet area.
常見錯誤
sprout — noun
- sproutsingular
- sproutsplural
1. the tender new outgrowth that pushes up from a seed, root, or stem in the first
the tender new outgrowth that pushes up from a seed, root, or stem in the first stage of a plant's development
The first green sprouts pushed up through the soil after the snow finally melted.
Marta carefully watered the tiny bean sprouts on the kitchen windowsill every morning.
common collocation: bean sprouts
The tender sprouts on the willow tree glowed yellow-green in the March sunlight.
Romi added a handful of fresh alfalfa sprouts to her sandwich for extra crunch.
文法句型
adjective + sprout
sprout + of + noun
用法筆記
Bean sprouts (mung bean sprouts) and alfalfa sprouts are the most common edible types. In gardening, 'sprout' refers to the earliest visible growth above soil, before true leaves unfold.
常見錯誤
2. a small round dark-green vegetable made of many tightly packed leaves, resemblin
a small round dark-green vegetable made of many tightly packed leaves, resembling a tiny cabbage, which grows on the stem of a plant of the cabbage family and is typically eaten cooked
Omar tossed the Brussels sprouts with olive oil and garlic before roasting them for dinner.
Evelyn refused to eat her sprouts until her mother melted cheese on top of them.
The farmer harvested baskets of fresh Brussels sprouts just before the first frost of November.
Vinícius thinks halved Brussels sprouts taste best when roasted until golden and crispy.
- Brussels sprout
the full name; interchangeable but slightly more formal than just 'sprouts'
文法句型
Brussels sprout(s)
eat + sprouts
用法筆記
Short for 'Brussels sprout,' but in most contexts the full name 'Brussels sprouts' is preferred. Almost always used in the plural form, even when referring to individual pieces on a plate.