lithe
lithe は英検1級・英検準1級・TOEIC 730レベルの英単語で、「しなやかな、柔軟な」という意味があります。発音記号は /laɪð/ です。
意味一覧 (2件)
しなやかな
解説 Definition
体がしなやかで柔軟に動く様子。優雅でしなやかな身のこなし。
Lithe means thin, flexible, and able to move in a smooth, graceful way. It is often used to describe a person's body, movements, or an animal's shape. The word usually has a positive sense of lightness and elegance.
覚え方のコツ Memory Tip
この「しなやかな」は、単に体が曲がるというより、細く軽い体がなめらかに動く印象を覚えるための訳です。a lithe dancer や a lithe cat のように、人や動物の身のこなしが優雅で無駄なく見える場面で使います。lithe には別に「柔軟な」という基本的な意味もありますが、この用法では graceful や agile に近く、動きの美しさや軽さまで感じさせる点を意識すると区別できます。
Think of `lithe` as more than flexible: it suggests smooth, graceful movement. It often fits dancers or animals, not just any object that bends. Compare it with `agile` for quick movement and `supple` for softness, then remember `lithe` as graceful flexibility.
例文
The lithe gymnast performed a flawless routine on the balance beam.
しなやかな体操選手が平均台で完璧な演技を披露した。
The dancer's lithe movements captivated the entire audience.
ダンサーのしなやかな動きが観客全員を魅了した。
The cat moved with lithe grace as it leaped from one rooftop to another.
猫はしなやかな優雅さで屋根から屋根へと跳び移った。
柔軟な
(意味 2)解説 Definition
体や手足などがよく曲がり、硬さがなく自由に動かせる様子を表します。人の体、若枝、細い体つきの動物などに使われ、動きの美しさよりも曲がりやすさや軽さに焦点があります。
Lithe describes a body, limb, or other living form that bends easily and moves without stiffness. It is often used for people, young branches, or slim animals that can turn or stretch freely. The word focuses more on flexibility and lightness than on beauty or grace, though smooth movement is often part of the image.
覚え方のコツ Memory Tip
lithe は古英語の「柔らかい、穏やかな」に由来し、硬さがなくしなやかに動ける様子を表します。a lithe body、lithe movements、lithe dancer のように、細身で優雅な身のこなしに多い語です。flexible は曲げられる一般的な柔軟性、supple は肌や筋肉のしなやかさを強調しますが、lithe は軽やかさと優美さまで含むと覚えます。
Think of a drum in the phrase drum up. When you drum up something, you gather what is not enough yet, such as chairs, food, money, or information, by making an effort. It is more active than simply collect, because you move around and try different ways until you have enough. Remember the image of running around to bring together what is needed.
例文
The dancer's lithe body moved easily across the stage.
そのダンサーの柔軟な体は舞台の上を軽やかに動いた。
A lithe cat slipped through the narrow gap in the fence.
柔軟な猫が柵の狭いすき間をすり抜けた。
Even in old age, he remained lithe and quick on his feet.
年を取っても、彼は足取りが軽く柔軟なままだった。
lithe の語源・成り立ち Etymology
litheは古英語の「やわらかい・従順な・しなやかな」を表す語に由来する、古いゲルマン系の語です。体が抵抗なく曲がる感覚から、動きの柔らかさや身のこなしの軽さを表すようになり、関連語にlitheness、lithesomeがあります。
*Lithe* comes from an Old English word meaning "gentle," "flexible," or "pliant," from an older Germanic source. The main idea was being easy to bend or adapt, both in body and in manner. Over time, it became mainly a word for graceful, supple physical movement. Related words include *litheness* and *lithesome*.
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