在英语的合成词(compound words)中,合成动词(compound verbs)的数目较少,主要有下面三种类别:
㈠副词+动词,如 outdo, overcome, undermine, upset, cross-question, withhold, backbite 等。
㈡名词+动词,如 sunbathe, sidetrack, typewrite, house-hunt, browbeat, hoodwink, waylay 等。
㈢形容词+动词,如 whitewash, safeguard, shortlist, blackmail 等。
这三类合成动词中,以第一种最为丰富,特别是那些由over, under, out引导的,更显得多彩多姿。
由 over 引导的合成动词含有太多、过多的意思,如: overact, overburden, overcharge, overdo, overdress, overeat, overestimate, overpower, overpraise, overproduce, overprotect, overrule, oversleep, overspend, overstate, overstay, overwork 等。
由 under 引导的合成动词含 有太少、不足的意思,如: undercharge, underpay, underrate, understate, undervalue, underwork 等。
由 out 引导的合成动词则含有超过、胜过之意,如: outdo, outgrow, outlive, outnumber, outside, outrank, outshine, outstay, outstrip, outweigh, outwit 等。
现在举些句子示范:
① The food cost $3, but he was overcharged by 50 cents.
② Some romantic scenes in our TV shows were overdone.
③ Dont overstate your predicament or people will not believe you.
④ Some reporters understated the seriousness of the regional financial turmoil.
⑤ The staff of the company felt that their contribution had been undervalued.
⑥ Chinese swimmers outdid their opponents.
⑦ This type of computer has outlived its usefulness.
⑧ The advantages of the new salary scheme far outweigh its disadvantages.
最后,必须注意的是:不是凡是over 就是过多、太多 ,凡是under就是太少、不足或凡是out就是超过、胜过。反之,有些合成动词根本和这几个副词的意思风马牛不相及。例如:
● overhear(无意中听到)
● overlook(俯视、疏忽、忽略)
● oversee(监督)
● overshadow(使暗然失色)
● overthrow(推翻)
● overturn(使翻覆)
● undergo(经历、遭受)
● underline(在划线、强调)
● undermine(破坏)
● underpin(加强、巩固)
● understand(理解)
● understudy(充当替手)
● undertake(担任、着手)
● outline(略述)
● outrage(虐待,侵害)
● outspread(伸展)
上一篇: 英语讲义【51】合成形容词
体坛英语资讯:CBA roundup: Guangdong ease past Shanghai, Beijing rout Nanjing
体坛英语资讯:Jorge Jesus to stay on as Flamengo boss
国内英语资讯:China deploys measures to improve admission, survival rates in coronavirus battle
国内英语资讯:Xi sends congratulatory letter to Senegalese president on 20th anniversary of founding of FO
体坛英语资讯:Yi, Adams named CBA Players of the Week
国际英语资讯:Venezuelan legislative commission to probe alleged wrongdoing by Guaido
国内英语资讯:Xi stresses law-based infection prevention, control
体坛英语资讯:Yearender: Top 10 world sports news events in 2019
毕业后发现所学的知识与现实脱节?英国这所大学打算解决这个问题
A Lovely Dog 可爱的小狗
体坛英语资讯:Yearender: Top 10 Chinese athletes in 2019
国际英语资讯:Russian foreign minister to visit Cuba to bolster ties
体坛英语资讯:MLS team Toronto FC eyeing PSVs Portuguese winger Bruma
国内英语资讯:China coordinates resources to ensure mask supplies amid epidemic outbreak: official
打算把卧室墙壁涂成灰色?睡眠专家表示:考虑一下蓝色吧
国内英语资讯:Cambodian PMs special China tour demonstrates unbreakable friendship: Xi
国际英语资讯:European Parliament strongly supports Albanias accession talks with EU: Sassoli
国内英语资讯:Vice premier urges epidemic control efforts during travel rush
国内英语资讯:Xinhua Headlines: China endeavors to ensure supply of masks, necessities amid epidemic
国际英语资讯:Poland backs NATO, EU aspirations of North Macedonia: Polish president
国际英语资讯:Barcelona Wine Week gives boost to Spains sustainable viticulture
国内英语资讯:Chinese hospitals discharge 892 recovered patients of coronavirus infection
国内英语资讯:Chinas No. 1 central document prioritizes poverty relief, improving rural weak links
国际英语资讯:Pompeo discusses Iran with IAEA chief
国际英语资讯:Palestinian president, Iran FM hold rare phone call over U.S. Mideast peace plan
体坛英语资讯:MLS club Philadelphia Union set to re-sign defender Collin on 1-year deal
体坛英语资讯:Yearender: Top 10 world athletes in 2019
Big Party 盛大的派对
BBC推荐:二月份值得一看的电影
体坛英语资讯:China soccer head coach to be unveiled in a few days