Scruples are the mental barriers that prevent you from acting freely.
Word in 30 Seconds
- A feeling of hesitation due to potential consequences.
- Often used when social or personal concerns limit behavior.
- Implies being held back by external pressures or moral concerns.
Overview
- 1概述：顾忌是一个在人际交往和职场中非常常用的词汇。它强调的是一种心理状态，即因为某种外部压力或内在的道德/利害考量，导致个体无法完全放开手脚。2) 用法模式：顾忌常与动词搭配，如“有顾忌”、“无顾忌”、“毫无顾忌”、“心存顾忌”。它不仅指对他人的看法感到不安，也包含对某种潜在负面后果的担忧。3) 常见语境：在职场中，下属对上司的意见可能因“顾忌”而不敢直言；在社交中，人们可能因为“顾忌”对方的感受而选择委婉表达。此外，在涉及利益冲突时，顾忌往往表现为对法律、道德或社会舆论的考量。4) 词义辨析：与“顾虑”相比，“顾忌”的贬义色彩稍重，往往暗示这种担心可能是不必要的，或者这种担心导致了行动上的软弱；而“顾虑”则更中性，侧重于对客观困难的思考。
Examples
朋友之间说话，不需要有太多顾忌。
everydayFriends don't need to have too many scruples when talking to each other.
由于法律上的顾忌，公司决定推迟发布公告。
formalDue to legal concerns, the company decided to postpone the announcement.
他说话向来毫无顾忌，很容易伤人。
informalHe always speaks without any inhibition, which easily hurts others.
研究者在实验中必须排除任何道德上的顾忌。
academicResearchers must eliminate any moral scruples in their experiments.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
百无顾忌
fearless and unconstrained
消除顾忌
dispel concerns
顾忌重重
full of hesitations
Often Confused With
顾虑 refers to thoughts about potential problems or difficulties. 顾忌 implies a stronger psychological barrier, often related to social status or consequences.
顾及 is a verb meaning to take into account or consider something. It is not a noun for a mental state.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use '顾忌' in formal or serious contexts to describe psychological barriers. It is often used to explain why someone is being cautious or hesitant. Avoid using it for simple, minor worries.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use it as a verb, but it is primarily a noun. It is also frequently misused for simple worries where '担心' would be more natural. Remember it implies a social or moral weight.
Tips
Use with verbs of action
Pair it with verbs like '消除' (eliminate) or '表现出' (show) to describe how you handle your hesitations.
Avoid confusing with plain worries
Don't use it for simple worries about the weather or small tasks; it implies a deeper psychological barrier.
Face-saving culture context
In Chinese culture, many '顾忌' stem from '面子' (face). Consider social harmony before acting.
Word Origin
Derived from the combination of '顾' (to look back/care) and '忌' (to avoid/fear). It historically refers to keeping one's actions in check to avoid trouble.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, '顾忌' is closely linked to maintaining harmony and 'face'. People often feel '顾忌' to ensure their actions do not disrupt social order.
Memory Tip
Think of '顾' (look/consider) + '忌' (taboo/fear). You look back because you fear a taboo.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions顾虑多指对客观情况的担忧，程度较轻；顾忌则常带有畏惧或碍于面子的成分，往往导致行动上的退缩。
形容一个人做事非常大胆，完全不考虑后果或他人的感受，有时带有贬义。
通常用于描述人际关系、职场沟通或道德决策中，表现出因担心某种后果而不敢直率行动的情景。
是的，它在书面语和正式口语中非常常见，常用于描述较为严肃的心理状态。
Test Yourself
他在领导面前说话总是心存___，不敢提出不同意见。
此处强调因畏惧或碍于职场地位而产生的心理障碍，用顾忌最贴切。
下列哪个句子使用“顾忌”不妥？
天气不好是客观原因，应用“担心”或“顾虑”，用“顾忌”显得过于正式且语义不符。
请根据语境造句。
C项最完整地表达了顾忌的社会性心理动因。
Score: /3
Summary
Scruples are the mental barriers that prevent you from acting freely.
- A feeling of hesitation due to potential consequences.
- Often used when social or personal concerns limit behavior.
- Implies being held back by external pressures or moral concerns.
Use with verbs of action
Pair it with verbs like '消除' (eliminate) or '表现出' (show) to describe how you handle your hesitations.
Avoid confusing with plain worries
Don't use it for simple worries about the weather or small tasks; it implies a deeper psychological barrier.
Face-saving culture context
In Chinese culture, many '顾忌' stem from '面子' (face). Consider social harmony before acting.
Examples
4 of 4朋友之间说话，不需要有太多顾忌。
Friends don't need to have too many scruples when talking to each other.
由于法律上的顾忌，公司决定推迟发布公告。
Due to legal concerns, the company decided to postpone the announcement.
他说话向来毫无顾忌，很容易伤人。
He always speaks without any inhibition, which easily hurts others.
研究者在实验中必须排除任何道德上的顾忌。
Researchers must eliminate any moral scruples in their experiments.
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