wreath

wreath — noun

1. a rounded band made by weaving together fresh or dried plant material such as bl

1.名詞B1
釋義

a rounded band made by weaving together fresh or dried plant material such as blooms, greenery, or twigs. People hang one on a door during the Christmas season, or put one on a grave or at a monument in memory of someone who is no longer alive.

例句

Every Christmas, the Watanabes hang a wreath of pine branches on their front door.

collocation: wreath of [material]

Hamza placed a simple wreath of white roses at his grandfather's grave.

phrase: place a wreath at [location]

同義詞
  • garland

    a more general term for a loop or chain of flowers; it may not be a closed circle like a wreath

  • chaplet

    a specific type of wreath worn on the head or used in religious contexts; much less common in everyday language

用法筆記

Often used with verbs like 'lay' and 'place'. A funeral wreath is typically placed on a grave or at a memorial site. A Christmas wreath is usually hung on a door or wall.

常見錯誤

❌She hung a wreath of smoke in the air.
✅She hung a Christmas wreath on the door.
💡'wreath' for smoke or mist is a literary metaphor, not the everyday meaning taught at this level.

2. a ring of plant materials like blossoms, foliage, or stems that you place on top

2.名詞B2
釋義

a ring of plant materials like blossoms, foliage, or stems that you place on top of your head. In historical times people gave such headpieces to show respect for someone's achievements, and people still wear them today at weddings, festivals, and other special celebrations.

例句

In ancient Greece, winning athletes received a wreath of olive branches.

historical context: olive wreath as a victory prize

The bride wore a delicate wreath of white flowers in her hair.

同義詞
  • garland

    a more general term for a decorated band; can be worn on the head or around the neck

  • crown

    implies royalty and is often made of metal or jewels rather than flowers

  • laurel

    specifically a wreath made from laurel leaves, historically a symbol of victory or achievement

用法筆記

Commonly describes ancient or ceremonial headwear. Often specifies the material — 'laurel wreath', 'olive wreath', 'flower wreath'. Distinguish from sense 1: this sense is about wearing on the head, not hanging or placing as a decoration or memorial.

常見錯誤

❌I bought a wreath for my hair at the shop.
✅I bought a wreath of flowers to wear in my hair.
💡'wreath' implies a circular arrangement of natural materials, not a simple manufactured hairband.
❌He wore a wreath around his neck.
✅She wore a wreath of flowers on her head.
💡'wreath' is worn on the head, not around the neck.