好词典

janus

UK //ˈdʒeɪnəs//US //ˈdʒeɪnəs//

词源

源自拉丁语 'Iānus',原指罗马神话中的门户与过渡之神,其名字可能与拉丁语 'ianua'(门)相关。

noun

❶ 罗马神话中的双面神雅努斯,象征开端、过渡与时间流逝,常被描绘为拥有前后两张面孔的形象。

“The temple of Janus had doors that were open during war and closed in peace.”

(雅努斯神庙的门在战争时期敞开,和平时关闭。)

“January is named after Janus, the god of beginnings.”

(一月(January)得名于开端之神雅努斯。)

❶ 比喻具有双重性质或矛盾特征的人或事物,强调同时存在对立面。

“His Janus-like personality confused everyone around him.”

(他矛盾的双重性格让周围的人都感到困惑。)

“The policy was a Janus, promising freedom while imposing restrictions.”

(这项政策如同双面神,既承诺自由又施加限制。)

同义词:two-faced, dual-natured, ambivalent

常见短语

Janus-faced — 形容人或事物具有明显对立的两面性,可能带有虚伪或矛盾的意味。

“The politician's Janus-faced statements angered voters.”

(这位政客自相矛盾的言论激怒了选民。)