用你的语言查看此页面

English

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

हिन्दी

B1 noun #46 最常用 13分钟阅读

carol

前46

At the A1 level, a 'carol' is a very simple concept. It is a special song for Christmas. You can think of it as a 'happy Christmas song.' People sing carols in December. They sing them with their friends or family. Some carols are about the story of Jesus, and some are about things like snow or bells. When you see the word 'carol,' you should think of Christmas music. You might hear carols in a shop or on the TV. It is a nice word because it means something happy and festive. You can say, 'I like this carol,' or 'Let's sing a carol.' It is a noun, so you use it like 'a carol' or 'the carol.' Even if you don't know many carols, you probably know the melodies. They are easy to learn and fun to sing together. So, a carol is just a Christmas song that people love to sing every year.

At the A2 level, you can understand that a 'carol' is a specific type of traditional song. It is almost always related to Christmas. A carol is often sung by a group of people, not just one person. This group is sometimes called a 'choir.' You might see people 'caroling' in the street, which means they are walking and singing to make people happy. Carols are different from normal pop songs because they are very old and many people know them. Examples of carols are 'Silent Night' or 'Jingle Bells' (though Jingle Bells is more of a secular song). You can use the word 'carol' to talk about holiday traditions. For example, 'In my country, we sing carols on Christmas Eve.' It is a countable noun, so you can have one carol or many carols. It is a useful word for describing what people do during the winter holidays.

At the B1 level, you should recognize that a 'carol' is a religious or traditional song associated with Christmas. It has a more formal and historical feel than a 'Christmas pop song.' Carols are often performed in churches or during special holiday events called 'carol services.' The word can also be used to describe the activity of going from house to house to sing, which is known as 'caroling.' You might notice that carols often have a specific structure, with verses and a chorus that people can easily join in with. When you use the word 'carol,' you are often talking about a sense of community and tradition. For instance, 'The local community organized a carol concert to raise money for charity.' It is important to distinguish between a 'carol' and a 'hymn'; while they are similar, a carol is specifically for a festival like Christmas. This word is very common in English-speaking cultures during the winter months.

At the B2 level, you can appreciate the cultural and historical nuances of the word 'carol.' A carol is a festive song, typically religious but also potentially secular, that is deeply rooted in tradition. The term originates from a word for a circle dance, which explains the rhythmic and communal nature of many carols. In modern English, it is used to categorize a specific genre of music that is performed during the Advent and Christmas seasons. You might encounter the term in literature, such as Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol,' where the word serves as a metaphor for the structure of the story and the spirit of the season. At this level, you should be able to use the word in various contexts, such as discussing 'carol arrangements' or the 'history of caroling.' You should also be aware of the specific collocations like 'carol singer' or 'carol sheet.' The word 'carol' evokes a specific atmosphere of heritage and collective celebration that a more general term like 'holiday song' might lack.

At the C1 level, you should understand 'carol' as a term that encompasses both a musical genre and a significant cultural ritual. Historically, carols were folk songs with a religious theme, often featuring a burden (a repeating refrain) and several verses. This structure allowed for easy participation by the laity, distinguishing them from the more complex, Latin-based liturgical music of the medieval church. In a contemporary sense, 'carol' refers to a body of work that is both preserved through tradition and expanded by modern composers. You might discuss the 'thematic elements' of a carol or the 'choral textures' found in professional arrangements. The word also carries a strong sense of 'Englishness' in certain contexts, particularly with the tradition of 'Nine Lessons and Carols' from King's College, Cambridge. Using the word 'carol' at this level implies an understanding of its role in social cohesion and its status as a piece of intangible cultural heritage. You can use it to analyze the intersection of folk tradition and formal religious practice.

At the C2 level, the word 'carol' is understood within its full ethnomusicological and historical framework. You recognize it as a versatile form that has evolved from medieval processional dances into a sophisticated choral tradition. A C2 learner can discuss the 'polyphonic complexities' of early English carols or the 'Victorian revival' that popularized many of the songs we consider 'traditional' today. The term 'carol' can be used with precision to distinguish between 'macaronic carols' (which mix languages, usually Latin and English) and purely vernacular ones. You might also explore the word's metaphorical use in literature and philosophy, where a 'carol' represents a harmonious and cyclical expression of joy or truth. Furthermore, you are aware of the subtle distinctions between 'carols,' 'noels,' and 'villancicos,' and how these terms reflect different European traditions. At this level, your use of the word 'carol' is informed by a deep knowledge of its etymology, its musical evolution, and its enduring symbolic power in Western culture.

开始练习例句笔记与提示

carol 30秒了解

A carol is a festive song specifically for the Christmas season.
It can be religious (about the Nativity) or secular (about winter joy).
The word comes from an old term for a circle dance.
Caroling is the social activity of singing these songs in public.

The word carol refers to a festive song, typically religious or traditional in nature, that is specifically associated with the celebration of Christmas. While the modern ear immediately connects the term to the month of December and the nativity of Jesus, the word's history is much more rhythmic and communal. Originally, a carol was a piece of music intended to accompany a circle dance, emphasizing the collective joy and physical movement of a group. In contemporary usage, a carol is both the song itself and the act of performing it in a public or semi-public setting. People use this word when they are discussing the specific repertoire of music that emerges during the winter solstice. It is distinct from a standard 'song' because of its seasonal specificity and its often ancient or traditional origins. You will hear this word used in churches, at holiday concerts, and in the context of 'door-to-door' singing, which is a practice known as caroling. The use of the word evokes a sense of nostalgia, warmth, and shared heritage, often bringing to mind images of snowy streets, flickering candles, and groups of people harmonizing in the cold air. It is a word that carries the weight of centuries of tradition, yet remains vibrant and active in modern holiday celebrations across the globe.

Traditional Context: A carol is most frequently used to describe songs like 'Silent Night' or 'Deck the Halls' which have been passed down through generations.
Social Context: The term is often used as a verb or a gerund, such as 'going caroling,' which describes the social activity of singing these songs for others.
Religious Context: In ecclesiastical settings, a carol is a specific type of hymn that is more folk-oriented and narrative than a standard liturgical chant.

The choir stood on the cathedral steps to sing a beautiful Christmas carol for the gathering crowd.

Every year, my family gathers around the piano to perform a traditional carol before opening our gifts.

The children practiced their favorite carol for the school's annual winter pageant.

We could hear the distant sound of a carol drifting through the crisp night air as the neighbors approached.

Charles Dickens wrote a famous story about a man who learns the meaning of Christmas through the lens of a carol.

Furthermore, the word 'carol' carries a specific phonetic beauty that matches its meaning. It sounds light and melodic, much like the songs it describes. When using this word, consider the atmosphere you want to create. It is a word that belongs in descriptions of community, tradition, and festive cheer. It is rarely used in a negative or harsh context. Instead, it is a linguistic marker of celebration. Whether you are writing a story about a Victorian Christmas or simply describing your weekend activities in December, 'carol' provides a precise and evocative way to refer to this unique musical genre. It is more specific than 'song' and more festive than 'hymn,' making it the perfect choice for holiday-themed communication.

Using the word carol correctly involves understanding its role as a countable noun and its common associations with specific verbs and adjectives. Most often, you will 'sing,' 'perform,' 'hear,' or 'write' a carol. Because it is a countable noun, you must use articles like 'a' or 'the,' or use it in the plural form 'carols.' For example, you might say, 'I love that carol,' or 'The choir sang several carols.' It is also frequently used as a modifier in compound nouns, such as 'carol service,' 'carol singer,' or 'carol book.' When describing the quality of a carol, adjectives like 'traditional,' 'festive,' 'haunting,' 'joyful,' or 'ancient' are commonly employed. This helps to specify the mood of the music being discussed. In terms of sentence structure, 'carol' usually functions as the direct object of a verb related to musical expression. It can also be the subject of a sentence, particularly when describing the effect the music has on an audience or an environment. For instance, 'The carol filled the hall with a sense of peace.' Understanding these patterns allows you to integrate the word naturally into both spoken and written English, especially during the holiday season when the word is most relevant.

Verb Pairings: Common verbs include: sing, hum, chant, perform, rehearse, broadcast, and record.
Adjective Pairings: Common adjectives include: Christmas, traditional, religious, secular, popular, and Victorian.
Prepositional Phrases: Common phrases include: 'a carol for Christmas,' 'singing carols in the street,' and 'a book of carols.'

We spent the evening singing every carol in the hymnal until our voices grew hoarse.

The haunting melody of the ancient carol echoed through the stone arches of the abbey.

Is there a specific carol you would like the band to play during the intermission?

The radio station plays a non-stop stream of carols from the first of December until Christmas Day.

She wrote a new carol that combined modern jazz elements with traditional holiday lyrics.

In more formal writing, you might see 'carol' used to describe the structure of a poem or a specific literary rhythm, though this is rare. In everyday English, stick to the musical definition. When you are speaking, the word is quite versatile. You can use it to refer to the entire genre ('I love carols') or a single instance ('That was a lovely carol'). It is a word that immediately signals the topic of Christmas, so it is a powerful tool for setting a scene or establishing a timeframe in your communication. By mastering these sentence patterns, you can use 'carol' with confidence and precision.

You are most likely to encounter the word carol during the months of November and December. It is a seasonal word that dominates the linguistic landscape of the holiday period. In physical locations, you will hear it in shopping malls, where 'carols' are played over the speakers to encourage a festive atmosphere. You will hear it in churches, where 'carol services' are a staple of the liturgical calendar. You will also hear it in residential neighborhoods, where groups of 'carolers' might go from house to house. In the media, the word appears frequently in movie titles (most famously 'A Christmas Carol' by Charles Dickens), television specials, and radio announcements. It is also a common word in the world of classical and choral music, where composers and conductors discuss the arrangement and performance of traditional carols. Beyond the music itself, the word is used in news reports about community events, such as 'The City Carol Concert' or 'Charity Carol Singing.' Even in secular environments, the word is used to describe the general category of holiday music, even if the songs themselves are not strictly religious. Understanding where this word lives helps you recognize the cultural cues that come with it.

Public Spaces: Malls, town squares, and train stations often host live carolers or play recorded carols during December.
Media and Literature: Books, films, and holiday-themed news segments frequently use the word to evoke the spirit of Christmas.
Educational Settings: Schools often have 'carol concerts' where students perform for their parents and the community.

The local news reported on the record-breaking attendance at the city's annual carol service.

In the movie, the protagonist finds redemption after hearing a group of children sing a carol in the snow.

The department store's playlist featured a mix of modern pop hits and classic carols.

The university choir is known for their complex arrangements of 15th-century carols.

I heard a beautiful carol on the radio this morning that I hadn't heard since I was a child.

In summary, 'carol' is a word that lives in the air during the winter. It is found in the intersection of religion, tradition, and commerce. Whether you are in a grand cathedral or a busy shopping center, the word and the music it represents are ubiquitous during the Christmas season. By paying attention to these contexts, you can better understand the emotional and cultural weight the word carries. It is a word that connects the past with the present, and the individual with the community, through the universal language of music.

While carol is a relatively straightforward word, there are several common mistakes that learners and even native speakers can make. The most frequent error is confusing a 'carol' with a 'hymn.' While all carols sung in church are technically hymns, not all hymns are carols. A carol is specifically festive and usually related to Christmas, whereas a hymn can be about any religious topic and is sung year-round. Another common mistake is using 'carol' as a general synonym for 'song.' You wouldn't call a rock song or a sad ballad a 'carol.' It must have that festive, traditional, or Christmas-related quality. There is also the potential for confusion with the proper name 'Carol.' While they are spelled the same, the context usually makes the difference clear, but in writing, you must ensure you aren't accidentally capitalizing the common noun unless it's at the start of a sentence. Furthermore, some people use the verb form 'to carol' incorrectly. You 'go caroling' or you 'sing carols,' but you rarely 'carol a song.' Finally, there is a nuance in countability; while you can sing 'carols' (plural), you should avoid saying 'much carol'—instead, use 'many carols' or 'a lot of caroling.' Being aware of these distinctions will help you use the word more accurately and naturally.

Carol vs. Hymn: A hymn is a general religious song; a carol is a festive, often Christmas-themed song.
Carol vs. Song: A song is any musical composition with words; a carol is a specific genre of festive music.
Verb Usage: Avoid saying 'I will carol this song.' Instead, say 'I will sing this carol' or 'We are going caroling.'

Incorrect: We sang a carol about summer vacation. (Carols are for Christmas/festivals).

Incorrect: The carol was very loud and had a heavy metal beat. (Carols are typically traditional or choral).

Incorrect: I like to carol my favorite pop stars. (Use 'sing along to' instead).

Incorrect: My friend carol is coming over. (The name should be capitalized: Carol).

Incorrect: There was much carol at the party. (Use 'There were many carols' or 'There was a lot of caroling').

To avoid these mistakes, always think about the season and the setting. If it's Christmas and the song is traditional, 'carol' is likely the right word. If it's any other time of year or a modern, non-festive song, 'song' or 'hymn' is better. Pay attention to how native speakers use the word in holiday movies and books, and you will quickly develop an intuition for its correct application. Precision in vocabulary not only makes you sound more fluent but also ensures that your message is clear and appropriate for the context.

Understanding the synonyms and alternatives for carol helps to refine your vocabulary and provides variety in your speech and writing. While 'carol' is quite specific, there are several words that share some of its meaning. The most common alternative is 'Christmas song,' which is a broader term that includes modern pop hits like 'All I Want for Christmas Is You' as well as traditional carols. Another similar word is 'hymn,' which refers to a religious song of praise. As mentioned before, many carols are hymns, but not all hymns are carols. 'Anthem' is another related term, usually referring to a song of loyalty or celebration, often performed by a choir. For a more informal or lighthearted festive song, you might use the word 'ditty,' though this is less common for carols. 'Noel' is a word of French origin that is often used as a synonym for Christmas or a Christmas carol itself, particularly in poetic or traditional contexts. 'Chant' refers to a repetitive, rhythmic song, which carols can sometimes be, especially in their older forms. Finally, 'ballad' can sometimes describe a carol that tells a long story. By comparing these words, you can choose the one that best fits the specific nuance you want to convey.

Carol vs. Christmas Song: A 'carol' feels more traditional and often religious; a 'Christmas song' can be anything from a classic to a modern pop track.
Carol vs. Hymn: A 'hymn' is strictly for worship and can be used year-round; a 'carol' is specifically for festive seasons like Christmas.
Carol vs. Noel: 'Noel' is a more poetic or archaic term for a Christmas carol, often used in song titles or formal greetings.

Instead of a traditional carol, the band played a modern Christmas song with a reggae beat.

The congregation stood to sing a solemn hymn, followed by a more cheerful carol.

The ancient Noel was performed by a solo flautist, creating a serene atmosphere in the chapel.

The choir's rendition of the national anthem was as powerful as their performance of the Christmas carol.

She sang a little ditty about a snowman, which the children enjoyed more than the formal carols.

By exploring these alternatives, you can see that 'carol' occupies a very specific niche in the English language. It is not just a song; it is a cultural artifact. Whether you choose to use 'carol,' 'hymn,' or 'Christmas song' will depend on the level of formality and the specific type of music you are describing. Having a range of words at your disposal allows you to be more descriptive and precise, which is a hallmark of advanced language proficiency. Next time you hear a festive tune, think about which of these words best describes it, and you will find your understanding of the language deepening.

How Formal Is It?

正式

中性

非正式

Child friendly

俚语

趣味小知识

The earliest carols were not actually for Christmas; they were sung for all sorts of celebrations throughout the year!

发音指南

UK /ˈkær.əl/

US /ˈker.əl/

The stress is on the first syllable: CAR-ol.

押韵词

barrel apparel peril sterile feral beryl cheryl meryl

常见错误

Pronouncing it like 'coral' (the sea animal).
Over-emphasizing the second syllable.
Confusing the pronunciation with the name 'Karl'.
Making the 'a' sound too long, like 'care-ol' in UK English.
Dropping the 'l' sound at the end.

难度评级

阅读 2/5

The word is easy to recognize in holiday contexts.

写作 3/5

Spelling is simple, but usage requires seasonal context.

口语 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward for most learners.

听力 2/5

Easily identified in songs and holiday media.

接下来学什么

前置知识

song sing Christmas music holiday

接下来学习

hymn choir tradition festive nativity

高级

liturgy vernacular macaronic polyphony psalm

需要掌握的语法

Countable Nouns

I heard *a* carol (not 'I heard carol').

Gerunds as Activities

We went *caroling* (using the -ing form for the activity).

Compound Nouns

The *carol service* was long (combining two nouns).

Adjective Placement

A *traditional* carol (adjective before the noun).

Pluralization

We sang many *carols* (adding -s).

按水平分级的例句

I like to sing a Christmas carol.

Me gusta cantar un villancico de Navidad.

Use 'a' before 'carol' because it starts with a consonant.

This carol is very happy.

Este villancico es muy alegre.

'This' is a demonstrative adjective.

We sing carols in December.

Cantamos villancicos en diciembre.

Plural form: add 's' to 'carol'.

The carol is about a star.

El villancico es sobre una estrella.

'The' is a definite article.

Can you hear the carol?

¿Puedes oír el villancico?

Question form using 'can'.

My favorite carol is 'Silent Night'.

Mi villancico favorito es 'Noche de Paz'.

'Favorite' describes the noun 'carol'.

They sing a carol together.

Ellos cantan un villancico juntos.

'Together' is an adverb.

The carol is very short.

El villancico es muy corto.

'Short' is an adjective.

A group of people sang a carol outside.

Un grupo de personas cantó un villancico afuera.

Past tense of sing is 'sang'.

We learned a new carol at school today.

Aprendimos un villancico nuevo en la escuela hoy.

'New' comes before the noun 'carol'.

Do you know the words to this carol?

¿Te sabes la letra de este villancico?

'Words to' is a common phrase for lyrics.

The choir is practicing a traditional carol.

El coro está practicando un villancico tradicional.

Present continuous: 'is practicing'.

Every Christmas, we hear the same carol.

Cada Navidad, oímos el mismo villancico.

'Every' indicates a repeated action.

The carol sounds beautiful in the church.

El villancico suena hermoso en la iglesia.

'Sounds' is a linking verb.

She wants to sing a carol for her family.

Ella quiere cantar un villancico para su familia.

'Wants to' followed by the infinitive 'sing'.

There are many carols in this book.

Hay muchos villancicos en este libro.

'There are' is used for plural nouns.

The carol service will begin at seven o'clock.

El servicio de villancicos comenzará a las siete.

'Carol service' is a compound noun.

We went caroling around the neighborhood last night.

Fuimos a cantar villancicos por el barrio anoche.

'Caroling' is used here as a gerund/activity.

That carol has a very catchy melody.

Ese villancico tiene una melodía muy pegadiza.

'Catchy' is an informal but common adjective.

Many carols were written hundreds of years ago.

Muchos villancicos fueron escritos hace cientos de años.

Passive voice: 'were written'.

The carol tells the story of the three kings.

El villancico cuenta la historia de los tres reyes.

Subject-verb agreement: 'carol tells'.

I prefer the traditional version of this carol.

Prefiero la versión tradicional de este villancico.

'Prefer' expresses a choice.

They are raising money by singing carols.

Están recaudando dinero cantando villancicos.

'By singing' explains the method.

The atmosphere was festive as the carol began.

El ambiente era festivo cuando comenzó el villancico.

'As' is used as a conjunction meaning 'when'.

The haunting melody of the carol lingered in the air.

La melodía inquietante del villancico permaneció en el aire.

'Haunting' is a sophisticated adjective for music.

The arrangement of this carol is quite complex.

El arreglo de este villancico es bastante complejo.

'Arrangement' refers to the musical structure.

Carols often bridge the gap between sacred and secular music.

Los villancicos a menudo cierran la brecha entre la música sagrada y la secular.

'Bridge the gap' is an idiomatic expression.

The carol's lyrics are rich with symbolic meaning.

La letra del villancico es rica en significado simbólico.

Possessive form: 'carol's'.

She performed a solo rendition of a 15th-century carol.

Ella interpretó una versión en solitario de un villancico del siglo XV.

'Rendition' is a formal word for performance.

The community gathered for the annual carol concert.

La comunidad se reunió para el concierto anual de villancicos.

'Annual' means occurring once a year.

This particular carol is known for its joyful refrain.

Este villancico en particular es conocido por su alegre estribillo.

'Refrain' is a synonym for chorus.

The carol was adapted from an old French folk tune.

El villancico fue adaptado de una antigua melodía folclórica francesa.

'Adapted from' indicates the source.

The carol's enduring popularity lies in its simple yet profound message.

La popularidad duradera del villancico radica en su mensaje simple pero profundo.

'Enduring' suggests something that lasts a long time.

Many Victorian carols were actually revivals of much older traditions.

Muchos villancicos victorianos fueron en realidad renacimientos de tradiciones mucho más antiguas.

'Revivals' refers to bringing something back to life.

The broadcast of the carol service has become a national institution.

La transmisión del servicio de villancicos se ha convertido en una institución nacional.

'National institution' refers to a deeply ingrained tradition.

The carol serves as a poignant reminder of the season's origins.

El villancico sirve como un recordatorio conmovedor de los orígenes de la temporada.

'Poignant' means deeply affecting or touching.

Scholars have debated the pagan origins of certain festive carols.

Los eruditos han debatido los orígenes paganos de ciertos villancicos festivos.

Present perfect: 'have debated'.

The carol's structure follows a traditional verse-and-burden pattern.

La estructura del villancico sigue un patrón tradicional de verso y carga.

'Burden' is a technical term for a refrain.

The ethereal quality of the carol was enhanced by the cathedral's acoustics.

La calidad etérea del villancico fue realzada por la acústica de la catedral.

'Ethereal' suggests something heavenly or delicate.

The carol has been translated into dozens of languages worldwide.

El villancico ha sido traducido a docenas de idiomas en todo el mundo.

Present perfect passive: 'has been translated'.

The carol represents a quintessential intersection of folk vernacular and liturgical solemnity.

El villancico representa una intersección de quintaesencia entre el vernáculo popular y la solemnidad litúrgica.

'Quintessential' means representing the most perfect example.

One must appreciate the macaronic nature of many early English carols.

Uno debe apreciar la naturaleza macarrónica de muchos de los primeros villancicos ingleses.

'Macaronic' refers to text using a mixture of languages.

The carol's melody is a testament to the enduring power of oral tradition.

La melodía del villancico es un testimonio del poder duradero de la tradición oral.

'Testament to' means proof of something.

The subtle modulations in the carol's harmony evoke a sense of transcendental peace.

Las sutiles modulaciones en la armonía del villancico evocan una sensación de paz trascendental.

'Modulations' refers to changes in musical key.

The carol's evolution mirrors the shifting cultural landscape of the late Middle Ages.

La evolución del villancico refleja el cambiante paisaje cultural de finales de la Edad Media.

'Mirrors' is used here as a verb meaning 'reflects'.

To dismiss the carol as mere sentimentality is to overlook its profound sociological function.

Descartar el villancico como mera sentimentalidad es pasar por alto su profunda función sociológica.

'To dismiss... is to overlook' is a balanced sentence structure.

The carol's lyrical content often juxtaposes the humble with the divine.

El contenido lírico del villancico a menudo yuxtapone lo humilde con lo divino.

'Juxtaposes' means to place side by side for contrast.

The resurgence of the carol in the 19th century was a deliberate act of cultural preservation.

El resurgimiento del villancico en el siglo XIX fue un acto deliberado de preservación cultural.

'Resurgence' means an increase or revival after a period of little activity.

常见搭配

Christmas carol

carol service

sing carols

carol singer

traditional carol

favorite carol

carol concert

book of carols

go caroling

haunting carol

常用短语

A Christmas Carol

Caroling through the snow

The first carol of the season

A medley of carols

Join in the carol

A collection of carols

The spirit of the carol

Lead the carol

Modern carol

Secular carol

容易混淆的词

carol vs hymn

A hymn is any religious song; a carol is specifically festive and usually for Christmas.

carol vs coral

Coral is a sea animal/structure; carol is a song. They sound similar but are spelled differently.

carol vs Carol (name)

Carol is a common female name. Context and capitalization distinguish them.

习语与表达

"To sing someone's praises"

To speak very highly of someone (related to the praise in carols).

The boss was singing your praises after the meeting.

Neutral

"Music to my ears"

Something that is very pleasant or welcome to hear.

Hearing that we won was music to my ears.

Informal

"To change one's tune"

To change one's opinion or attitude about something.

He changed his tune once he saw the evidence.

Informal

"Clear as a bell"

Very easy to hear or understand (bells are common in carols).

Her voice was as clear as a bell.

Neutral

"To blow one's own trumpet"

To boast about one's own achievements.

I don't mean to blow my own trumpet, but I did a great job.

Informal

"Ring in the new year"

To celebrate the start of a new year.

We stayed up late to ring in the new year.

Neutral

"Fit as a fiddle"

To be in very good health.

My grandfather is eighty, but he's fit as a fiddle.

Informal

"Strike a chord"

To cause someone to feel sympathy or enthusiasm.

The carol struck a chord with the lonely man.

Neutral

"Whistle a different tune"

To change one's story or attitude.

He'll be whistling a different tune when he finds out the truth.

Informal

"Play second fiddle"

To take a subordinate role to someone else.

I'm tired of playing second fiddle to my brother.

Informal

容易混淆

carol vs Chant

Both involve rhythmic singing.

A chant is often monotonous and repetitive; a carol has a melody and is festive.

The monks performed a chant, while the children sang a carol.

carol vs Anthem

Both are songs of praise.

An anthem is often for a country or organization; a carol is for a holiday.

They sang the national anthem and then a Christmas carol.

carol vs Ballad

Both can tell stories.

A ballad is a general narrative song; a carol is a specific seasonal genre.

The folk singer sang a ballad, but the choir sang a carol.

carol vs Lullaby

Some carols (like Silent Night) sound like lullabies.

A lullaby is to put a baby to sleep; a carol is to celebrate a holiday.

She sang a lullaby to the baby, which was actually a Christmas carol.

carol vs Psalm

Both are religious musical texts.

A psalm is a specific biblical text; a carol is a traditional folk-religious song.

The service included a reading of a psalm and the singing of a carol.

句型

I like [carol].

I like this carol.

We sing [carols] at [time/place].

We sing carols at school.

They went [caroling] in the [place].

They went caroling in the street.

The [carol] is known for its [feature].

The carol is known for its haunting melody.

The [carol] reflects the [cultural aspect].

The carol reflects the Victorian era.

The [carol] serves as a [metaphor/symbol].

The carol serves as a symbol of communal unity.

All

My favorite [carol] is [name].

My favorite carol is Silent Night.

All

Do you know this [carol]?

Do you know this carol?

词族

名词

动词

形容词

如何使用

frequency

Extremely high in December; low during the rest of the year.

常见错误

I like to sing Christmas songs like 'Happy Birthday'. → I like to sing Christmas carols.
Carols are specifically for Christmas, not other celebrations.
We went to a carol's service. → We went to a carol service.
It's a compound noun, so no possessive 's' is needed.
The choir caroled a beautiful song. → The choir sang a beautiful carol.
'Carol' is rarely used as a transitive verb with an object.
I heard much carols in the mall. → I heard many carols in the mall.
'Carol' is countable, so use 'many' instead of 'much'.
My favorite carol is a rock song by Queen. → My favorite Christmas song is by Queen.
A 'carol' is usually traditional or choral, not a modern rock song.

小贴士

Count Your Carols

Remember it's a countable noun: 'I heard three carols today.'

Stress the Start

Always put the emphasis on the first syllable: CAR-ol.

Specifics Matter

Use 'carol' instead of 'song' to sound more like a native speaker during the holidays.

Charity Connection

Mention 'caroling' when talking about holiday charity events.

Atmosphere

Use the word 'carol' to quickly establish a winter or festive setting in your writing.

Joining In

If someone asks if you want to 'go caroling,' they are inviting you to a social singing event.

Radio Cues

When the radio starts playing carols, it's a sign that the holiday season has begun.

Old Roots

Remember that carols were originally dances; this explains their rhythmic feel.

Don't Forget the 'L'

The word ends in 'ol', not 'al' or 'el'.

记住它

记忆技巧

Think of a 'CAR' full of people singing 'OL' (old) songs. CAR-OL.

视觉联想

Imagine a group of people in Victorian clothes standing under a streetlamp in the snow, singing together.

Word Web

Christmas Singing Tradition Choir December Holiday Music Joy

挑战

Try to name three famous carols and use the word 'carol' in a sentence for each one.

词源

The word 'carol' comes from the Old French word 'carole,' which referred to a circle dance accompanied by singers.

原始含义： A circle dance or a song of praise and joy.

Indo-European (via Latin and Greek).

文化背景

While carols are often religious, many people enjoy them as secular cultural traditions. Be mindful of this balance.

Carols are a central part of the holiday season in the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia.

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols Silent Night (the world's most famous carol)

在生活中练习

真实语境

In Church

carol service
opening carol
congregational carol
hymnal carols

In the Neighborhood

go caroling
door-to-door carols
carol singers
neighborhood caroling

In School

carol concert
school carol
practice carols
holiday pageant

In Media

Christmas carol movie
radio carols
carol playlist
famous carols

In History

medieval carol
traditional carol
Victorian carol
folk carol

对话开场白

"What is your favorite Christmas carol to sing?"

"Do people go caroling in your home country?"

"Have you ever attended a professional carol concert?"

"Which carol do you think has the most beautiful melody?"

"Do you prefer traditional carols or modern Christmas songs?"

日记主题

Describe a time you heard a carol that made you feel very happy or nostalgic.

If you had to write a new carol, what would the lyrics be about?

Compare the experience of singing a carol in a group versus listening to one alone.

Why do you think carols have remained popular for hundreds of years?

Write about a holiday tradition in your culture that is similar to caroling.

常见问题

10 个问题

Technically, 'Jingle Bells' is a secular Christmas song rather than a traditional religious carol, but many people use the term 'carol' loosely to include it.

While 'Easter carols' do exist, they are very rare. In 99% of cases, 'carol' refers exclusively to Christmas music.

Caroling specifically refers to the act of going from place to place to sing Christmas carols, often for charity or community spirit.

Charles Dickens used the title as a metaphor; the book is structured in 'staves' (like musical stanzas) and is meant to be a song of joy for the season.

No, carols are a major part of secular culture, and many people enjoy them for their melodies and traditional feel without being religious.

Most famous carols are old, but new carols are written every year by modern composers.

A carol service is a church service or community event consisting mainly of the singing of Christmas carols and related readings.

Yes, you can 'carol,' meaning to sing joyfully or to go caroling, but it is much more common as a noun.

'Silent Night' (Stille Nacht) is widely considered the most famous and translated carol in the world.

It can be spelled 'caroler' (US) or 'caroller' (UK).