好词典

dilemma

UK //dɪˈlem.ə//US //dɪˈlem.ə//

词源

源自16世纪拉丁语 'dilemma',来自希腊语 'dilēmma'(双重命题),由 di-(两)和 lēmma(命题)组成。

noun

❶ 指一种进退两难的困境,需要在两个或多个都不理想的选择中做出决定,常带有左右为难的纠结感。

“She faced the dilemma of choosing between her career and family.”

(她面临着在事业和家庭之间做出选择的困境。)

“The doctor was in a dilemma about whether to tell the patient the truth.”

(医生对于是否告诉病人真相感到左右为难。)

同义词:predicament, quandary, plight

常见短语

on the horns of a dilemma — 形容处于进退维谷的境地,无论选择哪个选项都会面临问题。

“The politician was on the horns of a dilemma when both choices would anger voters.”

(这位政客处于两难境地,因为两个选择都会激怒选民。)