好词典

dilemmas

UK //dɪˈlem.ə//US //dɪˈlem.ə//

词源

源自16世纪希腊语 'dilēmma'(双重命题),由di-(两)和lēmma(命题)组成,原指逻辑学中两难推理。

noun

❶ 指难以抉择的困境,通常需要在两个或多个都不理想的选择中做出决定,常伴随道德或情感上的矛盾。

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

(她面临在事业和家庭之间做出选择的困境。)

“The doctor's dilemma was whether to tell the patient the harsh truth.”

(医生的两难在于是否告诉病人残酷的真相。)

同义词:predicament, quandary, plight

常见短语

ethical dilemma — 道德困境,指在行为选择中涉及对与错、善与恶的矛盾情境。

“The journalist faced an ethical dilemma about publishing the confidential documents.”

(记者面临是否公开机密文件的道德困境。)

on the horns of a dilemma — 形容处于进退两难的境地,无论选择哪一方都会带来不利后果。

“The manager was on the horns of a dilemma: lay off staff or risk bankruptcy.”

(经理处于两难境地:要么裁员,要么面临破产风险。)