好词典

knave

UK //neɪv//US //neɪv//

词源

源自古英语 cnafa(男孩或仆人),与德语 Knabe(男孩)同源,词义逐渐转为贬义。

noun

❶ 指不诚实或狡猾的人,常用于形容欺骗或耍手段的男性,带有贬义色彩。

“He was known as a knave who cheated at cards.”

(他是个以玩牌作弊出名的无赖。)

“The tale warns against trusting a knave with your money.”

(这个故事告诫人们不要把钱托付给骗子。)

❶ 旧时对男性仆人或地位低下者的称呼,现代用法中已罕见。

“The knave carried the nobleman's luggage without complaint.”

(这个男仆毫无怨言地搬运着贵族的行李。)

“In Shakespeare's plays, knaves often serve as comic relief.”

(在莎士比亚戏剧中,仆从角色常作为喜剧调剂出现。)

同义词:rogue, scoundrel, rascal

常见短语

knave of hearts — 特指扑克牌中的杰克(J),也指《爱丽丝梦游仙境》中偷馅饼的角色。

“The Knave of Hearts stood trial for stealing the tarts.”

(红心杰克因偷馅饼而受审。)