torchbearer

torchbearer — noun

1. a person who holds and carries a burning flame in a public ceremony, especially

1.名詞B2
釋義

a person who holds and carries a burning flame in a public ceremony, especially in the Olympic Games where the flame passes from one runner to the next along a route

例句

Pim trained for months before carrying the flame as a torchbearer in the national relay.

literal: carrying a flame in a ceremonial relay

Each torchbearer passed the flame to the next runner while the crowd cheered loudly.

同義詞
  • flame carrier

    less common; emphasizes the flame rather than the ceremony

  • relay runner

    more general; not limited to torch-carrying events

文法句型

torchbearer + for [event]

torchbearer + in [relay]

用法筆記

This sense is strongly tied to the Olympic Games and similar ceremonial relays. It is not used for practical or everyday use of a torch, such as by firefighters or campers.

常見錯誤

❌The firefighter carried a torchbearer into the building.
✅The firefighter carried a torch into the building.
💡A torchbearer is a person, not a tool.
❌He was a torchbearer for his camping trip.
✅He was a torchbearer in the Olympic relay.
💡This sense is reserved for public ceremonies, not everyday torch use.

2. a person who actively guides or inspires others in a movement, tradition, or fie

2.名詞C1
釋義

a person who actively guides or inspires others in a movement, tradition, or field of work, helping to keep it alive and moving forward

例句

Henrik has become a torchbearer for sustainable farming practices in his local community.

figurative: inspiring change in a cause or movement

As the last original member, Joaquín became a torchbearer of the band's musical style.

同義詞
  • pioneer

    emphasizes being the first to do something, while torchbearer emphasizes carrying on a tradition

  • standard-bearer

    slightly more formal; strongly associated with causes and ideals

  • champion

    more active and combative; suggests fighting for a cause

  • advocate

    focuses on speaking in support, while torchbearer focuses on leading by example

反義詞
  • follower

    a person who is guided rather than guiding others

  • opponent

    someone who works against the cause or tradition

文法句型

torchbearer + of [tradition/cause]

torchbearer + for [movement/value]

用法筆記

Often followed by 'of' (torchbearer of democracy, torchbearer of a tradition) or 'for' (torchbearer for peace, torchbearer for change). The subject is usually a person or an organization. This sense frequently appears in formal, journalistic, or ceremonial writing.

常見錯誤

❌She was the torchbearer of the department, telling everyone what to do.
✅She was a torchbearer for workplace diversity, setting an example through her actions.
💡A torchbearer leads by inspiration and example, not by giving direct orders.
❌He is a torchbearer for cooking dinner.
✅He is a torchbearer for traditional cooking methods.
💡The goal or cause should be meaningful and long-term, not a routine task.