好词典

insubstantial

UK //ˌɪnsəbˈstænʃəl//US //ˌɪnsəbˈstænʃəl//

词源

源自拉丁语 'insubstantialis'(in- 表否定 + substantialis 实质的),16世纪进入英语。

adjective

❶ 形容事物缺乏实质内容或重要性,显得空洞、虚幻或脆弱。常用于描述想法、证据或物理存在的事物。

“The evidence against him was insubstantial and easily dismissed.”

(针对他的证据缺乏实质内容,很容易被驳回。)

“Her hopes of winning the competition seemed insubstantial after seeing the other contestants.”

(在看到其他参赛者后,她赢得比赛的希望显得渺茫。)

同义词:flimsy, unsubstantial, weak, fragile, tenuous

常见短语

insubstantial evidence — 指缺乏充分事实支持的证据,在法律或辩论中难以作为有效依据。

“The case was dropped due to insubstantial evidence.”

(由于证据不足,该案件被撤销。)