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VOA词汇掌故2024--What Gives You 'Food for Thought'?

时间:2024-07-30 08:10:09

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(单词翻译)

And now, Words and Their Stories, from VOA Learning English.

On this program, we explore words and expressions in the English language. We hope it gives you something to think about. In other words, we hope this show gives you some food for thought.

Food for thought is a set noun phrase. It describes something that should be thought about and considered carefully. The "food" can come from many different sources. A news story, an idea, an offer, an opinion, or advice can all give us food for thought - just to name a few.

When you give someone food for thought, you make them consider carefully, or think seriously, about something.

Food for thought can also make us see things in a new way. It can make us look at something with new eyes. Or we can say it opens our eyes or is eye-opening.

Now, let's hear two friends use some of these expressions.

A: I read a story the other day about beekeeping. It was eye-opening. Did you know that some people use it as a way to reduce stress?

B: Really? I know it helps the environment. But I did not know that it also helps the beekeeper.

A: The story really opened my eyes to the possibility of beekeeping. So, I've decided1 to start this summer. Do you want to help?

B: No, thanks. I'm afraid of bee stings. But you've given me food for thought. Working to help the environment and reduce stress sounds like an interesting idea. Maybe I can find another way.

A: I'm sure you can!

Food for thought is meant to be processed or digested... just like, well, food! In fact, we sometimes use the word "digest" when talking about thoughts and ideas. Here's an example:

The writer's conference gave her much food for thought. It took her weeks to digest everything she learned.

Food for thought can be used in formal and informal situations.

There is a food-related phrasal verb that is similar to food for thought, although it is much more informal - to chew on something. Like eating food, when you "chew on" something, you think about it thoroughly2. Here's an example:

When my friend was offered a job he chewed on the offer for some time. In the end, he decided that the job was not for him and did not accept it.

If you want to sound more formal, you can use verbs like reflect or contemplate3. Food for thought often leads to reflection and contemplation.

And that brings us to the end of this Words and Their Stories.

Recently, what has given you food for thought? Let us know in the comments section. Or send us an email at [email protected].

Words in This Story

sting - n. a wound caused by a pierce with a poisonous or irritating chemical compound, as in a bee sting

digest - v. to take into the mind or memory

formal - adj. Language that is more structured and follows standard grammatical rules. It is often used in professional, academic, and official contexts.

informal - adj. Informal language is more commonly used in situations that are more relaxed and involve people we know well.

reflect - v. to think quietly and calmly

contemplate - v. to view or consider with continued attention


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点击收听单词发音收听单词发音  

1 decided lvqzZd     
adj.决定了的,坚决的;明显的,明确的
参考例句:
  • This gave them a decided advantage over their opponents.这使他们比对手具有明显的优势。
  • There is a decided difference between British and Chinese way of greeting.英国人和中国人打招呼的方式有很明显的区别。
2 thoroughly sgmz0J     
adv.完全地,彻底地,十足地
参考例句:
  • The soil must be thoroughly turned over before planting.一定要先把土地深翻一遍再下种。
  • The soldiers have been thoroughly instructed in the care of their weapons.士兵们都系统地接受过保护武器的训练。
3 contemplate PaXyl     
vt.盘算,计议;周密考虑;注视,凝视
参考例句:
  • The possibility of war is too horrifying to contemplate.战争的可能性太可怕了,真不堪细想。
  • The consequences would be too ghastly to contemplate.后果不堪设想。

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