難題、困境(–)

Question 1

quandary

Answer 1

quandary [ˈkwɑndərɪ]
(n) 困境
(MW) a state of perplexity or doubt
[例] The unexpected results of thetest have created aquandary for researchers.
[解] 固定用法是in a quandary。注意 boundary, laundry, quandary 的發音。

Question 2

dilemma

Answer 2

dilemma [dəˈlɛmə]
(n) 兩難
(MW) a usually undesirableor unpleasant choice <faces this dilemma: raise interestrates and slow the economy or lower them andrisk serious inflation >broadly: PREDICAMENT
[源] di (two) + lemma (premise) ，從“兩個假設中選一個”
[例] Thecountry’s decision to goto war has caused a major dilemma for its allies.
[解] 字源告訴我們從 “兩個” 選項中擇一，困難在選任何一個都會造成傷害，只能兩害相權取其 輕。

Question 3

conundrum

Answer 3

conundrum [kəˈnʌndrəm]
(n) 難題
(MW) anintricate and difficult problem
[源] 原指謎題，引申為 “難題”。
[例] He is faced with the conundrum of trying to find a job without experience.
[記] co (call) + nun (尼姑) + drum (鼓) ，叫尼姑打鼓對她們而言是 “難題”。
[記] conun- (柯南) 出場音樂是三秒鐘的鼓聲 (drum) 來記，柯南出場就是要解 “難題” 的。

Question 4

predicament

Answer 4

predicament [ˌprɪˈdɪkəmənt]
(n) 困境
(MW) CONDITION, STATE; especially: a difficult,perplexing, or trying (令人難受的) situation
[源] 原為哲學中邏輯專有名詞 that which isasserted，後演變為 “困境”。
[例] I don’t know howto get out of the predicament I’m in.
[解] 注意預測 (predict) 的名詞是 prediction，沒有 predictment 這個字。