B1 noun ニュートラル #37 よく出る 2分で読める

destruction

/dɪˈstrʌkʃən/

Destruction is the act or process of causing something to be ruined, damaged, or destroyed. It can refer to the physical demolition of objects or buildings, or the metaphorical ruin of relationships, plans, or reputations.

Destruction signifies the complete ruin or annihilation of something, whether physical or abstract.

30秒でわかる単語

  • The act of causing something to be ruined.
  • Can be physical or metaphorical.
  • Implies a state of being destroyed.

Summary

Destruction signifies the complete ruin or annihilation of something, whether physical or abstract.

  • The act of causing something to be ruined.
  • Can be physical or metaphorical.
  • Implies a state of being destroyed.

Think 'complete ruin'

When you hear 'destruction', think of something being completely broken, ruined, or obliterated, not just slightly harmed.

Avoid using for minor harm

Don't use 'destruction' for small problems. For minor issues, words like 'damage', 'scratch', or 'blemish' are more appropriate.

Symbolism of destruction

In many cultures, destruction can symbolize endings, transformation, or purification, paving the way for new beginnings or rebirth.

例文

4 / 4
1

The forest fire resulted in the destruction of thousands of acres of trees.

2

His careless words led to the destruction of their friendship.

3

They witnessed the accidental destruction of the historic monument during the storm.

4

The investigation focused on the deliberate destruction of evidence.

語族

名詞
destruction
動詞
destroy
副詞
destructively
形容詞
destructive

覚え方のコツ

Think of a 'de-struct' ion: taking something apart so completely it can't be put back together. It's the opposite of construction.

**Overview**

Destruction refers to the complete ruin or annihilation of something. This can range from the physical breaking down of objects, buildings, or natural environments to the more abstract obliteration of ideas, relationships, or progress. It implies a process that leads to an end state of being ruined or non-existent.

**Usage Patterns**

As a noun, 'destruction' is often used with verbs like 'cause', 'lead to', 'witness', 'survive', or 'prevent'. It can be preceded by adjectives describing the extent or nature of the destruction, such as 'massive', 'total', 'widespread', 'accidental', or 'deliberate'. It is also commonly found in phrases like 'act of destruction' or 'scene of destruction'.

**Common Contexts**

The word appears in various contexts. In discussions about natural disasters, it might describe the 'destruction caused by the earthquake'. In military or conflict scenarios, it relates to the 'destruction of enemy targets'. In environmental discussions, it can refer to 'habitat destruction'. On a personal level, it might describe the 'destruction of trust' in a relationship or the 'destruction of a reputation'. It's also used in legal contexts, such as 'destruction of evidence'.

**Similar Words Comparison**:

  • Damage: Damage implies harm or injury that reduces value or usefulness but doesn't necessarily mean complete ruin. Destruction is more severe than damage.
  • Demolition: Demolition specifically refers to the act of pulling down or tearing down buildings or structures, often in a controlled manner. It's a specific type of physical destruction.
  • Ruin: Ruin suggests a state of being destroyed or decayed, often implying a loss of former glory or function. It can be a consequence of destruction.
  • Annihilation: Annihilation implies complete obliteration or utter destruction, often on a large scale, leaving nothing behind.

使い方のコツ

Destruction is a strong noun used for significant damage or ruin. It can apply to both physical objects and abstract concepts like relationships or reputations. Ensure the context implies a substantial loss or ending.

よくある間違い

Learners sometimes use 'destruction' for minor issues where 'damage' or 'harm' would be more appropriate. Remember that 'destruction' implies a more severe and often complete loss of form or function.

覚え方のコツ

Think of a 'de-struct' ion: taking something apart so completely it can't be put back together. It's the opposite of construction.

語源

The word 'destruction' comes from the Latin 'destructionem', meaning 'a pulling down, demolition'. It derives from the verb 'destruere', meaning 'to pull down, demolish, destroy'.

文化的な背景

Destruction is a recurring theme in mythology and religion, often symbolizing endings, chaos, or divine judgment, but also frequently preceding creation or renewal.

例文

1

The forest fire resulted in the destruction of thousands of acres of trees.

environmental
2

His careless words led to the destruction of their friendship.

interpersonal
3

They witnessed the accidental destruction of the historic monument during the storm.

event
4

The investigation focused on the deliberate destruction of evidence.

legal

語族

名詞
destruction
動詞
destroy
副詞
destructively
形容詞
destructive

よく使う組み合わせ

cause destruction
act of destruction
scene of destruction
prevent destruction

よく使うフレーズ

scene of destruction

act of destruction

weapons of mass destruction

よく混同される語

destruction vs damage

Damage refers to harm that reduces value or usefulness but doesn't necessarily mean complete ruin. Destruction implies a more complete ruin or annihilation.

destruction vs demolition

Demolition specifically refers to the act of tearing down buildings or structures, often in a controlled way. It's a type of physical destruction.

文法パターン

destruction + of + [noun] [adjective] + destruction cause/lead to/result in + destruction

Think 'complete ruin'

When you hear 'destruction', think of something being completely broken, ruined, or obliterated, not just slightly harmed.

Avoid using for minor harm

Don't use 'destruction' for small problems. For minor issues, words like 'damage', 'scratch', or 'blemish' are more appropriate.

Symbolism of destruction

In many cultures, destruction can symbolize endings, transformation, or purification, paving the way for new beginnings or rebirth.

自分をテスト

fill blank

Choose the best word to complete the sentence.

The hurricane caused widespread ______ to coastal towns.

正解! おしい! 正解: destruction

'Destruction' fits because hurricanes cause damage and ruin.

multiple choice

Which word best describes the complete ruin of a building?

Which word best describes the complete ruin of a building?

正解! おしい! 正解: Demolition

Demolition is the specific term for the destruction of buildings.

sentence building

Arrange the words to form a grammatically correct sentence.

words: was / the / earthquake / of / destruction / massive

正解! おしい! 正解: The earthquake was massive destruction.

This sentence correctly uses 'destruction' as a noun modified by the adjective 'massive' to describe the effect of the earthquake.

スコア: /3

よくある質問

4 問

While often associated with negative outcomes like loss and damage, destruction can sometimes be a necessary part of a natural cycle (like forest fires clearing old growth) or a planned process (like controlled demolition for new construction).

Damage refers to harm that lessens value or function, but the object may still be usable or repairable. Destruction implies a more complete ruin, where the object is rendered useless or non-existent.

Yes, destruction can be accidental. For example, a fire might break out and cause accidental destruction of a building, or a natural disaster can lead to widespread accidental destruction.

This phrase refers to a place where significant destruction has occurred, such as after a natural disaster, a major accident, or a conflict. It describes the visual evidence of ruin.

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