core
core — 名詞
1. the most essential part of something, without which the rest would not exist or
核心；精髓
事物最關鍵、不可少的部分
the most essential part of something, without which the rest would not exist or make sense
The core of the problem is a lack of trust between the two groups.
問題的核心在於兩個群體之間缺乏信任。
the core of the problem — identifying root cause
Honesty is at the core of their relationship, so they never hide things from each other.
誠實是他們關係的核心，所以彼此從不隱瞞任何事。
at the core of [something] — foundational element
Lan's argument went right to the core of the matter, asking who would pay for the repairs.
Lan 的發言直指問題的核心，追問誰來支付維修費用。
After the flood destroyed their village, the core of the relief effort was getting clean water to families.
洪水摧毀他們的村莊後，救援行動的核心是為受災家庭提供乾淨的飲水。
For the Watanabe family, the core of their Sunday tradition is sharing a meal together.
對 Watanabe 一家來說，他們週日傳統的核心是全家人一起吃飯。
- heart
more emotional or affectionate tone; 'the heart of the city' feels warmer than 'the core of the city'
- essence
more philosophical; refers to the fundamental nature, not just importance
- foundation
emphasises that everything else is built on top of this part
- surface
the outer, less important aspects vs. the deep, essential part
文法句型
the core of [something]
用法筆記
Often found in fixed phrases like 'at the core of', 'core of the problem', or 'to the core'. This sense is almost always singular and uncountable.
常見錯誤
2. the hard middle section of fruits like apples or pears that holds the seeds
果核
蘋果、梨等水果中間含籽的硬心
the hard middle section of fruits like apples or pears that holds the seeds
Putri cut the apple in half and removed the core with a small knife.
Putri 把蘋果切成兩半，用小刀挖掉了果核。
remove the core — common cooking instruction
Cyrus bit into his apple but stopped when he reached the hard core near the centre.
Cyrus 咬了一口蘋果，但咬到中心堅硬的果核時就停了下來。
Nikos threw the apple core into the compost bin behind the garden shed.
Nikos 把蘋果核丟進了花園後面的堆肥桶裡。
You can tell a ripe pineapple by the colour of its skin, not by its core.
成熟的鳳梨要看外皮顏色，而不是看它的果心。
The recipe says to slice each pear and remove the core before baking.
食譜上說，要把每個梨子切片並在烘烤之前去掉果核。
- centre
more general; 'centre' can mean any middle point, while 'core' is specific to the seed-holding part
文法句型
the core of [a fruit]
用法筆記
Distinguish from the metaphorical 'core' (sense 1): when talking about fruit, 'core' always refers to the physical centre. Most commonly used with apples, pears, and pineapples.
常見錯誤
3. the innermost region of a planet, moon, or star, where conditions such as temper
地核；核心
行星中心高溫高密度的區域
the innermost region of a planet, moon, or star, where conditions such as temperature, pressure, and make-up differ from the surrounding layers
The Earth's core is made mainly of iron and nickel and is extremely hot.
地球的核心主要由鐵和鎳組成，溫度極高。
Earth's core — most common collocation
Wren explained how scientists study the core of Mars using data from space probes.
Wren 解釋了科學家如何利用太空探測器的數據研究火星核心。
Scientists study the Earth's core by measuring how earthquake waves travel through the planet.
科學家透過測量地震波如何穿過地球來研究地核。
Shirin read that the Moon's core is smaller than scientists first believed.
Shirin 讀到月球的核心比科學家原先認為的要小。
Deep below the crust, the planet's core spins at a different speed from the outer layers.
在地殼深處，行星核心的轉速與外層不同。
- crust
the outermost solid layer of a planet, opposite the core
文法句型
the core of [a planet]
用法筆記
Frequently appears in geology and astronomy contexts with 'Earth's core' as the most common phrase. The core is distinct from the 'crust' (outer layer) and 'mantle' (middle layer).
常見錯誤
4. the central part of a nuclear power plant where controlled splitting of atoms pr
反應爐核心
核反應爐中進行分裂反應的區域
the central part of a nuclear power plant where controlled splitting of atoms produces heat
Engineers monitor the temperature inside the reactor core every few seconds.
工程師每隔幾秒就會監測反應爐核心的溫度。
reactor core — fixed compound noun
The fuel rods in the core of the nuclear plant must be replaced every few years.
核電廠核心的燃料棒每隔幾年必須更換一次。
A cooling system circulates water around the core to prevent overheating.
冷卻系統讓水在核心周圍循環，以防止過熱。
Safety drills at the power station practise what to do if the core reaches dangerous temperatures.
發電廠的安全演習練習在核心達到危險高溫時該如何應對。
文法句型
the core of [a reactor]
用法筆記
Almost always appears in technical or news contexts related to nuclear power. The phrase 'reactor core' functions as a compound noun. Not used in everyday conversation.
5. the muscles in the middle part of your body — around your stomach, lower back, a
核心肌群
腹部、下背和臀部用於平衡的肌肉
the muscles in the middle part of your body — around your stomach, lower back, and hips — that help you keep your balance and move strongly
Arjun does pilates every morning to strengthen his core and improve his posture.
Arjun 每天早上做皮拉提斯來強化核心肌群、改善姿勢。
strengthen your core — most common collocation
A strong core helps runners maintain good form even when they get tired.
核心肌群強壯有助於跑者在疲勞時仍保持正確姿勢。
The yoga teacher told the class to engage their core before lifting their legs.
瑜伽老師告訴全班，在抬腿之前要先收緊核心肌群。
Isabela felt pain in her lower back, so the trainer gave her core exercises to do at home.
Isabela 感覺下背疼痛，教練便給了她一些可以在家做的核心訓練。
Swimming is excellent for building core strength because you use your whole torso.
游泳對鍛鍊核心肌群非常有效，因為你能運用到整個軀幹。
- torso
refers to the physical trunk of the body, not specifically the muscles; less common in fitness instructions
- mid-section
less formal, more vague; can include only the stomach area
用法筆記
In fitness contexts, 'core' is uncountable and used without an article: 'build core strength', 'work on your core'. The plural 'cores' is not used in this sense.
常見錯誤
6. a long, narrow piece of rock, soil, or ice that is cut out from underground or f
岩芯
從地下或冰川取出的柱狀樣本
a long, narrow piece of rock, soil, or ice that is cut out from underground or from a glacier so that scientists can study its layers
The research team drilled deep into the ice and pulled out a core sample from the glacier.
研究團隊在冰層深處鑽探，從冰川中取出了一段岩芯樣本。
core sample — compound noun in geology
Nala examined the core sample and found tiny fossils from a prehistoric ocean floor.
Nala 仔細檢查岩芯，發現了來自史前海底的微小化石。
Each core sample taken from the seabed reveals information about the climate thousands of years ago.
從海床取出的每一段岩芯都揭示了數千年前的氣候資訊。
The museum displayed a core sample showing layers of rock from different geological periods.
博物館展示了一段岩芯，呈現了不同地質時期的岩石層。
- drill core
more specific; emphasises that the sample was obtained by drilling
用法筆記
The terms 'core sample' and 'drill core' are used interchangeably in geology and archaeology. 'Core' alone often implies this meaning when the context is scientific drilling.
7. the middle area of a physical object, as opposed to its outer edges or surface
中心部分
物體的中間區域，有別於外層
the middle area of a physical object, as opposed to its outer edges or surface
The cable has a copper core surrounded by a thick layer of plastic.
這條電纜有銅質的中心部分，外面包了一層厚厚的塑膠。
[material] core — describing layered objects
The old tree had rotted from the inside, leaving its core hollow and weak.
老樹從內部開始腐爛，中心部分變得中空而脆弱。
Saira cut into the loaf of bread and found the core still doughy and uncooked.
Saira 切開那條麵包，發現中心部分還是濕軟未熟的。
Each strand of rope contains a strong central core made of twisted fibres.
每一股繩索內部都有一個由扭絞纖維組成的堅固中心。
The golf ball has a rubber core that gives it bounce when it hits the ground.
高爾夫球有一個橡膠核心，讓球落地時能夠彈起來。
- centre
simpler and more general; does not imply a different material from the outer part
- surface
the outermost layer, opposite to the innermost core
文法句型
the core of [an object]
用法筆記
This sense describes the physical centre of any layered or structured object. It overlaps with 'centre' but 'core' implies the material is different from the outer part. Common in manufacturing and materials descriptions.
8. a small, tightly connected group of people within a larger organisation or commu
核心成員
組織中最活躍、投入的一小群人
a small, tightly connected group of people within a larger organisation or community who are the most active or committed
A core group of volunteers comes to the shelter every Saturday to walk the dogs.
一群核心成員的志工每週六都會來收容所遛狗。
core group of [people] — dedicated members
The core of the team has been together for five years and rarely loses a match.
這支隊伍的核心成員已經合作五年了，很少輸球。
Christopher joined the club's core committee and now helps plan all the major events.
Christopher 加入了社團的核心委員會，現在負責規劃所有大型活動。
Only the core staff were invited to the strategy meeting because space was limited.
只有核心員工受邀參加策略會議，因為場地空間有限。
The core of the dance troupe trains six days a week, while newer members attend twice.
舞團的核心成員每週訓練六天，而新進成員每週只參加兩次。
- inner circle
more informal; suggests exclusivity and personal closeness
- nucleus
more formal or scientific; suggests a small group around which a larger one forms
- fringe
the less committed or more peripheral members of a group
文法句型
core of [people]
core group of [people]
用法筆記
Often followed by 'of' + a collective noun ('core of supporters', 'core of the team'). Can also be used attributively as an adjective-like noun: 'core staff', 'core members'. Not used for individuals — a single person cannot be 'a core'.
常見錯誤
core — 形容詞
1. describing the most important or central part of something — used with ideas, sk
核心的
最重要或最關鍵的
describing the most important or central part of something — used with ideas, skills, requirements, and elements of any kind where everything else depends on them
The company's core values include honesty, teamwork, and respect for the environment.
公司的核心價值包括誠實、團隊合作以及尊重環境。
core values — most common adjective collocation
Safety is a core principle of the construction industry, and every worker must follow the rules.
安全是建築業的核心原則，每位工人都必須遵守規定。
Eli explained the core idea of the novel in just two sentences.
Eli 用短短兩句話就解釋了這本小說的核心理念。
The training programme covers three core skills: reading, writing, and basic maths.
培訓課程涵蓋三項核心技能：閱讀、寫作和基礎數學。
Trust is a core requirement for any successful partnership between two businesses.
信任是任何成功的商業夥伴關係的核心要件。
- central
can be used predicatively ('is central to'); slightly less intense than 'core'
- fundamental
suggests the basis of a system or theory; more formal
- key
more general; emphasises importance rather than centrality
- peripheral
on the edge or less important, opposite of being at the core
文法句型
core + noun
用法筆記
Used only before a noun (attributive). Cannot be used alone after a linking verb: 'This value is core' sounds unnatural; use 'This value is at the core' or 'This is a core value' instead.
常見錯誤
2. relating to the set of fundamental beliefs or principles that define a system of
根本的
指信念、哲學等基礎性的思想體系
relating to the set of fundamental beliefs or principles that define a system of thought — such as a religion, political party, or academic theory
The school's core philosophy is that every child can succeed if given the right support.
這所學校的核心理念是：只要給予適當的支持，每個孩子都能成功。
core philosophy — guiding beliefs of an institution
Lotte's charity made respect for local culture a core belief when building a school in rural Cambodia.
Lotte 的慈善機構在柬埔寨鄉間建學校時，將尊重當地文化視為根本信念。
Before showing his data on rising sea levels, Jabari explained the core assumptions behind his computer model.
在展示海平面上升的數據之前，Jabari 先解釋了他的電腦模型背後的核心假設。
The party's core doctrines have not changed since it was founded fifty years ago.
該政黨的根本信條自五十年前創黨以來未曾改變。
Nikos questioned the core premise of the argument, saying it was based on a false fact.
Nikos 對這個論點的核心前提提出質疑，認為它建立在虛假的事實上。
- basic
simpler and less formal; does not carry the weight of a belief system
- fundamental
slightly more formal than 'core'; interchangeable in most belief contexts
文法句型
core + abstract noun
用法筆記
This sense overlaps with sense 1 but is specifically tied to abstract systems of thought — beliefs, ideologies, philosophies, and doctrines. It often appears in political, religious, or academic contexts where a set of ideas defines a group's identity.
3. describing the main area of activity that a company or organisation focuses on a
主要的
公司最主要、最賺錢的業務活動
describing the main area of activity that a company or organisation focuses on and earns the most money from
The supermarket chain decided to sell its furniture division and return to its core business of selling food.
這家超市連鎖店決定出售家具部門，回歸銷售食品的核心業務。
core business — main revenue-generating activity
The company's core operations are in Europe, but it has smaller offices in Asia and South America.
公司的主要營運據點在歐洲，但在亞洲和南美設有小型辦事處。
Shirin's firm focuses on its core markets in Germany and France rather than expanding too quickly.
Shirin 的公司專注於德國和法國的核心市場，不急於擴張。
The report identifies three core activities that bring in eighty percent of the company's income.
報告指出三項核心活動貢獻了公司百分之八十的收入。
Outsourcing the cleaning work allows the hotel to concentrate on its core service: looking after guests.
將清潔工作外包，讓這家飯店能夠專注於核心服務：照顧客人。
- non-core
business term for activities outside the main focus
文法句型
core + noun (business)
用法筆記
Very common in business writing and annual reports. Often contrasted with 'non-core' activities that the company handles but does not specialise in. Frequently used in the phrase 'core business' as a compound noun.
常見錯誤
4. describing the main subjects that every student in a particular course or school
必修的
學生必須修習的主要科目
describing the main subjects that every student in a particular course or school is required to study
All first-year students must take four core courses: English, Maths, Science, and History.
所有一年級學生都必須修四門核心課程：英文、數學、科學和歷史。
core courses — required subjects in a programme
The university redesigned its core curriculum to include a class on digital skills.
這所大學重新設計了核心課程，加入了一堂數位技能課。
core curriculum — fixed phrase in education
Lan chose her elective classes carefully because the core subjects already filled most of her schedule.
Lan 仔細挑選選修課，因為必修科目已經佔滿了她大部分的課表。
The school board voted to make computer programming a core subject starting next year.
教育委員會投票決定從明年起將電腦程式設計列為必修科目。
At Eve's school, Maths and English are core subjects, while art and music are electives.
在 Eve 的學校，數學和英文是必修科目，而美術和音樂是選修課。
- compulsory
more direct about obligation; used in British educational contexts
- required
more common in American English; 'required courses' vs 'core courses'
文法句型
core + noun (education)
用法筆記
Opposed to 'elective' or 'optional' subjects. In education systems, 'core subjects' are mandatory; students may also choose additional classes from a list of options. Often used with 'curriculum', 'course', 'subject', 'module'.
常見錯誤
5. relating to the trunk of a human or animal — the chest, stomach, and back area,
軀幹的
身體中央部位，不含四肢與頭部
relating to the trunk of a human or animal — the chest, stomach, and back area, not including the arms, legs, or head
The doctor explained that core body temperature stays around thirty-seven degrees Celsius.
醫生解釋說，人體的核心體溫維持在攝氏三十七度左右。
core body temperature — medical standard phrase
Runners lose heat fastest from their head and hands, but the core body stays warm.
跑者從頭部和手部散失熱量最快，但軀幹仍能保持溫暖。
The athlete wore a special vest that measured her core temperature during the marathon.
那位運動員穿了一件特殊背心，在馬拉松比賽中測量核心體溫。
In cold weather, blood moves away from the arms and legs to protect the core organs.
天氣寒冷時，血液會從四肢流向軀幹，以保護核心器官。
The nurse checked the patient's core temperature with a digital ear thermometer.
護理師用數位耳溫槍測量病人的核心體溫。
- peripheral
medical term for the extremities (arms, legs, hands, feet) as opposed to the core body
文法句型
core + noun (body part)
用法筆記
Almost exclusively collocates with 'body' and 'temperature'. 'Core body temperature' is a fixed medical term. Unlike the fitness sense of 'core' (noun sense 5), this adjective sense does not refer to muscles but to the trunk region as a whole.
core — 動詞
1. to take out the hard middle part of a fruit before cooking or eating it
去核
去除水果中間的硬心
to take out the hard middle part of a fruit before cooking or eating it
The recipe says to core the apples before slicing them for the pie.
食譜上說，做蘋果派之前要先把蘋果去核再切片。
core + [fruit] — cooking instruction pattern
Tamás cored the pears and filled the centre with honey and nuts.
Tamás 把梨子去核，在中間填滿蜂蜜和堅果。
You will need a small knife to core each pear, then chop it into pieces.
你需要一把小刀把每個梨子去核，然後切成小塊。
Saira cored six apples and arranged them in the baking dish for dessert.
Saira 去了六顆蘋果的核，把它們排放在烤盤裡準備做甜點。
Wren showed the children how to core a pineapple safely using a special tool.
Wren 向孩子們展示如何用特殊工具安全地去除鳳梨的果心。
- hollow out
more general; can apply to any food or object, not just fruit cores
文法句型
core + [fruit noun]
用法筆記
Almost always used with fruit as the direct object ('core the apples', 'core the pears'). The result is that the fruit has a hole where the hard centre was. A 'corer' is a kitchen tool designed for this purpose.
常見錯誤
core — 字尾
1. added to the end of other words in modern writing and online content to describe
風格；美學
用於構成描述特定風格或趨勢的詞
added to the end of other words in modern writing and online content to describe a particular style or trend, especially in fashion, music, or design
"Cottagecore" is a trend that romanticises simple country living, with pictures of baking and gardening.
「Cottagecore」是一種崇尚簡樸田園生活的潮流，常出現烘焙和園藝圖片。
cottagecore — most well-known -core suffix word
Her wardrobe this season is full of dark colours and leather, very much a "witchcore" aesthetic.
她這一季的衣櫃充滿了深色和皮革，很有「witchcore」的美學風格。
The fashion magazine described the new look as "officecore": smart blazers, pencil skirts, and glasses.
時尚雜誌將新造型描述為「officecore」：俐落西裝外套、鉛筆裙和眼鏡。
Online videos tagged "normcore" show people wearing plain, unfashionable clothes on purpose.
標記為「normcore」的網路影片中，人們刻意穿著樸素、不時尚的衣服。
Interior design blogs use terms like "grandmacore" for cosy, old-fashioned home decoration.
室內設計部落格用「grandmacore」來形容溫馨、復古風格的家居佈置。
- -wave
a similar suffix for trends ('new wave', 'cold wave') with a slightly different origin in music scenes
文法句型
[word] + core
用法筆記
This is a productive suffix in internet culture and social media. New -core words are created frequently and often go viral before fading. The \"core\" here comes from 'hardcore' (as in a music genre), extending to mean 'a style characterised by X'. Not used in formal writing.