好词典

gratuitous

UK //ɡrəˈtjuːɪtəs//US //ɡrəˈtuːɪtəs//

词源

源自拉丁语 'gratuitus'(意为‘免费的’或‘自愿的’),后通过法语 'gratuit' 进入英语。

adjective

❶ 指不必要或没有理由的,通常带有贬义,形容某事物多余或刻意为之。比如电影中不必要的暴力镜头。

“The movie was criticized for its gratuitous violence.”

(这部电影因不必要的暴力镜头而受到批评。)

“Her speech included gratuitous insults that offended many.”

(她的演讲包含无端侮辱,冒犯了许多人。)

❶ 指免费的、无偿的,强调没有报酬或代价。比如免费的服务或礼物。

“She offered gratuitous help to the refugees.”

(她为难民提供了无偿帮助。)

“The lawyer provided gratuitous legal advice.”

(律师提供了免费的法律咨询。)

同义词:unnecessary, uncalled-for, unwarranted, free, complimentary

常见短语

gratuitous violence — 指影视或媒体中刻意加入的暴力场景,通常为了吸引眼球而非剧情需要。

“Many action films rely on gratuitous violence to entertain the audience.”

(许多动作片依赖不必要的暴力场面来娱乐观众。)

gratuitous advice — 指未经请求或不需要的建议,常带有贬义,暗示多管闲事。

“She was tired of his gratuitous advice on how to raise her kids.”

(她厌倦了他关于如何抚养孩子的多余建议。)