好词典

oracles

UK //ˈɒrək(ə)lz//US //ˈɔːrək(ə)lz//

词源

源自拉丁语 'oraculum',意为'神圣宣告',与'orare'(说话)相关。14世纪通过古法语进入英语。

noun

❶ 指古代被认为能传达神谕的人或地方,通常与预言或神圣指引相关。

“The ancient Greeks consulted oracles for advice on important decisions.”

(古希腊人在重大决策时会咨询神谕。)

“The oracle of Delphi was one of the most famous in ancient times.”

(德尔斐神谕在古代是最著名的神谕之一。)

❶ 在现代语境中,可以指具有极高智慧或权威的人或事物,常带有比喻意义。

“He is considered the oracle of the tech industry.”

(他被视为科技行业的权威人物。)

“The professor was treated as an oracle by his students.”

(这位教授被学生们视为智慧的化身。)

同义词:prophet, seer, sage, authority, guru

常见短语

consult the oracle — 向权威或智慧来源寻求建议,源自古代向神谕咨询的传统。

“Before making the investment, he decided to consult the oracle of Wall Street.”

(在进行投资前,他决定咨询华尔街的权威人士。)

oracle bone — 特指中国古代用于占卜的甲骨,上面刻有最早的汉字形式。

“The oracle bones provide valuable insights into ancient Chinese civilization.”

(甲骨文为了解中国古代文明提供了宝贵线索。)