sterling
sterling — noun
1. the official money used in the United Kingdom, with the pound as its main unit
the official money used in the United Kingdom, with the pound as its main unit
Before her trip to London, Dewi exchanged her euros for sterling at the bank.
collocation: exchanged [currency] for sterling
The price list showed costs in sterling, so American tourists calculated the dollar value.
collocation: in sterling
Talia paid the London hotel bill in sterling using the cash she had withdrawn.
International investors watch the value of sterling closely against the euro and the dollar.
- pound
everyday word for UK currency; 'sterling' is more formal and refers to the monetary system
- pound sterling
the full official name of the currency
- GBP
the three-letter currency code used in finance and exchange rates
用法筆記
Uncountable — do not say 'a sterling' or 'sterlings'. The full official name is 'pound sterling', but it is commonly shortened to 'sterling' in financial and travel contexts.
常見錯誤
sterling — adjective
1. describing silver that meets an official standard of purity — sterling silver co
describing silver that meets an official standard of purity — sterling silver contains 92.5% pure silver mixed with copper or other metals for durability
Xiu chose a sterling silver bracelet for her sister's wedding because it lasts long.
collocation: sterling silver [item]
The jewellery box held sterling silver spoons dating from the late nineteenth century.
Unlike pure silver, sterling is mixed with copper to make it hard for daily use.
David checked the tiny '925' mark inside the ring to confirm it was genuine sterling silver.
- hallmarked silver
silver that has been tested and stamped with an official purity mark
- 925 silver
common alternative name for sterling silver, referring to the 925 parts per thousand purity
文法句型
sterling silver + noun
用法筆記
Only used before a noun (attributive), almost always with the word 'silver'. The '925' hallmark stamped on an item guarantees it is sterling silver.
常見錯誤
2. of the highest standard or quality — used to praise someone's work, character, o
of the highest standard or quality — used to praise someone's work, character, or actions as admirable and reliable
Ada received a letter of thanks for her sterling work on the school fundraising project.
collocation: sterling work
The firefighter's sterling bravery saved three families from the burning apartment building.
Mateo built a sterling reputation as a fair judge over twenty years on the bench.
The volunteers received a community award for their sterling efforts throughout the flooding crisis.
- first-rate
less formal and broader in use — can describe many things, not just human qualities
- exemplary
more formal, often used for behaviour that serves as a model
- top-notch
informal; covers a wide range of things from skills to products
- poor
opposite in quality
- substandard
below the expected level
文法句型
sterling + abstract noun (work, efforts, reputation, character)
用法筆記
Nearly always used before a noun — you say 'sterling work' or 'sterling reputation', not 'Her work is sterling'. Collocates strongly with abstract nouns (work, efforts, character, reputation, service).