Imagine a bee. If it touches you in a bad way, you feel a quick, sharp pain. That pain is called a sting.
Sometimes, if a plant has tiny needles and you touch it, you might feel a similar sharp feeling. That's also a sting.
So, a sting is like a little, fast, painful poke, often from an insect or a plant.
A sting can be a sudden, sharp pain from an insect or plant, like when a bee stings you. It's also the action of causing this pain. Imagine you accidentally touch a nettle; that sharp feeling is a sting.
However, it can also describe a quick, strong feeling of sadness or upset, perhaps after someone says something unkind. Finally, a 'sting operation' is when police pretend to be criminals to catch real ones. So, it has a few different uses, all related to something sharp or sudden.
At a C1 level, understanding the multifaceted nature of "sting" is key. Beyond the literal discomfort inflicted by an insect or plant, the term powerfully conveys a sudden, acute emotional or psychological pain, often linked to betrayal or deep disappointment. Furthermore, its application in law enforcement as a calculated undercover operation to apprehend offenders highlights its strategic and often deceptive connotation. This versatility in meaning—from physical sensation to emotional impact to strategic action—underscores its nuanced usage in advanced English.
sting 30秒了解
- sharp pain
- insect injury
- police operation
§ Understanding 'Sting' as a Noun
The word 'sting' is quite versatile in English, functioning both as a noun and a verb. As a noun, it primarily refers to a sharp, burning sensation, often associated with an injury. This is perhaps its most common and literal meaning.
- DEFINITION
- A painful wound or injury caused by an insect, animal, or plant, typically involving a sharp, burning sensation.
The wasp's sting left a red, swollen mark on her arm.
He felt the sting of the nettle as he walked through the tall grass.
Beyond the literal pain, 'sting' can also describe a sudden, sharp emotional or mental pain. This usage is metaphorical, drawing a parallel between physical discomfort and psychological distress.
- DEFINITION
- A sudden, sharp feeling of emotional or mental pain or distress.
The rejection letter carried a real sting to it.
He felt the sting of betrayal when he learned about his friend's actions.
Another distinct meaning of 'sting' as a noun refers to a police operation. This particular usage is quite specific and often found in news reports or crime dramas.
- DEFINITION
- A carefully planned and executed undercover police operation designed to catch criminals in the act.
The police successfully carried out a sting operation to arrest the drug dealers.
§ 'Sting' as a Verb: Actions and Effects
As a verb, 'sting' describes the action of causing the sharp, burning pain mentioned earlier. This can be done by an insect, animal, or plant, or even by a sharp object. It can also refer to the act of causing emotional pain.
- DEFINITION
- To prick or wound with a sharp, pointed part, causing a painful, burning sensation; to cause sharp, local pain.
A jellyfish can sting you if you touch it.
The smoke made her eyes sting.
Similar to its noun form, the verb 'sting' can also refer to the act of causing emotional or mental pain, highlighting the impact of words or actions.
- DEFINITION
- To cause a sharp, emotional pain or distress.
His harsh words really stung her.
§ Common Expressions and Phrases with 'Sting'
The word 'sting' appears in several common English expressions, adding nuance and color to conversations.
- The sting in the tail: This idiom refers to an unpleasant or problematic final part of something that initially seemed positive or straightforward. It's often used when an unexpected negative element emerges at the end.
The vacation was great, but the huge bill at the end was the sting in the tail.
- To sting someone for money: This informal expression means to get money from someone, often by tricking them or by asking them for a loan that is unlikely to be repaid.
He tried to sting his friends for money to buy concert tickets.
- To feel the sting of something: This phrase emphasizes the experience of being affected by something unpleasant, such as criticism or defeat.
The team felt the sting of defeat after losing the championship.
§ Understanding 'Sting' as a Verb
The word 'sting' is quite versatile and can be used as both a verb and a noun. Let's first explore its use as a verb, which generally refers to the action of causing a sharp, burning sensation or pain. It can also describe a feeling of emotional pain or the act of a police operation.
- Transitive Verb Usage
- When 'sting' is used as a transitive verb, it means that the subject performs the action of stinging on an object. The structure is typically: Subject + sting(s) + Object.
The wasp stung me on the arm.
The sudden criticism really stung her pride.
- Intransitive Verb Usage
- As an intransitive verb, 'sting' implies that the subject itself experiences the stinging sensation or performs the act without directly affecting a distinct object. The structure is typically: Subject + sting(s).
My eyes started to sting from the smoke.
The nettle will sting if you touch it.
§ Understanding 'Sting' as a Noun
When 'sting' is used as a noun, it refers to the pain or injury itself, the organ that causes the pain, or a deceptive police operation.
- Referring to a Pain or Injury
- In this context, 'sting' is often preceded by an article (a/an/the) or a possessive pronoun.
I felt a sharp sting when the bee landed on my hand.
The sting of his words lasted for days.
- Referring to the Organ
- This usage refers to the part of an insect or animal that causes the pain.
Bees usually lose their sting after attacking.
- Referring to a Police Operation
- In this context, 'sting' is often used in conjunction with 'operation' or to describe the operation itself.
The police conducted a successful drug sting.
§ Common Prepositions and Phrases with 'Sting'
While 'sting' can be used with various prepositions depending on the context, here are some common ones:
- Sting by/from: Used to indicate the source of the physical pain.
He got a nasty sting from a jellyfish.
- Sting of: Often used with the noun form to describe emotional pain or the effect of something.
The sting of rejection is hard to bear.
- Sting into: Less common, but can imply forcing someone into action through pressure or emotional pain.
The criticism might sting him into improving his performance.
§ Nuances and Contextual Use
The meaning of 'sting' can change significantly based on the context. Paying attention to the surrounding words and the overall sentence structure is crucial for understanding its intended meaning.
When referring to police operations, 'sting' is often used in a fixed phrase like 'sting operation'.
The police set up a sting operation to catch the fraudsters.
In informal contexts, 'sting' can also refer to being overcharged, especially for money.
The repair bill really stung him.
§ Where you actually hear this word – work, school, news
The word 'sting' is quite versatile and you'll encounter it in a variety of contexts, from everyday conversations to more formal settings like news reports. Its multiple meanings mean you need to pay attention to the surrounding words to understand which sense is being used.
§ In Everyday Life and Nature Discussions
One of the most common places to hear 'sting' is when people are talking about insects or plants. If you've ever been stung by a bee or touched a nettle, you'll immediately understand this usage.
- DEFINITION
- A sharp, burning pain caused by an insect or plant, or the act of such an injury occurring.
I felt a sharp sting when the wasp landed on my arm.
Be careful of the jellyfish; their sting can be quite painful.
§ In News and Current Events (Police Operations)
Another prominent context for 'sting' is in news reports, particularly those related to crime and law enforcement. Here, it refers to a specific type of police operation.
- DEFINITION
- A police operation designed to catch criminals in the act.
Police conducted a sting operation to catch the online fraudsters.
The news report detailed the success of the drug sting.
§ Describing Emotional or Mental Pain
'Sting' can also be used metaphorically to describe a sudden, sharp emotional or mental pain. This usage is common in literature, personal narratives, and sometimes in more emotive news commentaries.
- DEFINITION
- A sudden, sharp mental or emotional pain.
The memory of her harsh words still had a sting.
He felt the sting of rejection when his proposal was turned down.
§ Other less common usages
- Financial context: You might hear about the 'sting' of high taxes or unexpected fees, referring to the negative financial impact.
- Culinary context: Some spicy foods are described as having a 'sting' to them, meaning a sharp, piquant taste.
In summary, 'sting' is a word you'll encounter across various domains due to its literal and metaphorical applications. Understanding the context is key to grasping its intended meaning, whether it's about a literal insect bite, a police operation, or an emotional hurt.
§ Mistakes People Make with "Sting"
The word "sting" is quite versatile, functioning as both a noun and a verb, and carrying several distinct meanings. This versatility, while enriching, can also be a source of confusion for English learners, especially at the B1 CEFR level. Understanding the nuances of its usage is key to avoiding common pitfalls. Let's delve into some of the typical mistakes and how to navigate them.
§ Confusing Noun and Verb Forms
One of the most frequent errors is mixing up "sting" as a noun with "sting" as a verb, or incorrectly using its past tense and past participle forms. While the present tense form is the same for both, the past forms differ. As a verb, "sting" is irregular: "sting" (present), "stung" (past simple), "stung" (past participle).
- DEFINITION
- Verb: To cause a sharp, burning pain; to wound with a stinger.
- DEFINITION
- Noun: A sharp, burning pain or the wound itself; an organ (like on a bee) that causes this pain.
Incorrect usage often involves treating "sting" as a regular verb or using the noun form where a verb is needed. For example:
Incorrect: The bee stinged him.
Correct: The bee stung him.
Incorrect: He felt a sharp stung on his arm.
Correct: He felt a sharp sting on his arm.
§ Misunderstanding the Contextual Meanings
Beyond the literal pain caused by insects or plants, "sting" has figurative meanings that can trip up learners. These include emotional pain, a police operation, or even a trick to make someone lose money. Confusing these contexts can lead to awkward or incorrect sentences.
- Emotional Pain: This refers to a sudden feeling of sadness, regret, or bitterness.
Example: The harsh criticism really stung her.
- Police Operation: This is a planned action to catch criminals, often involving undercover work.
Example: The police set up a sting operation to catch the drug dealers.
A common mistake is to use "sting" literally when the figurative meaning is intended, or vice versa.
Incorrect: His words caused a bee sting in her heart.
Correct: His words caused a sharp sting in her heart.
§ Overlooking Common Collocations
Words often appear with other words in predictable patterns, known as collocations. Not knowing these can lead to unnatural-sounding sentences. With "sting," common collocations include phrases like "bee sting," "jellyfish sting," "the sting of defeat," or "a police sting operation."
Incorrect: I got a sting from a bee.
Correct: I got a bee sting.
§ Similar Words and When to Use 'Sting' vs. Alternatives
The word 'sting' is quite versatile, capable of functioning as both a verb and a noun, and carrying various shades of meaning. Understanding its nuances and comparing it with similar words can help you choose the most precise term for your communication.
§ 'Sting' as a Physical Sensation (Verb/Noun)
When referring to a sharp, burning pain, 'sting' is often the most appropriate word, especially when caused by an insect, plant, or a chemical reaction.
- DEFINITION
- A sharp, burning pain caused by an insect or plant, or the act of such an injury occurring.
The bee's sting left a red, itchy mark on her arm.
The antiseptic will sting a little when you apply it to the cut.
- Similar words:
- 'Prick': This implies a quick, sharp pain, often from a small, pointed object. A pin pricks, a thorn pricks. A sting, however, often carries a connotation of venom or a more sustained burning sensation.
- 'Bite': This refers to an injury caused by teeth. While some insect bites can sting, not all stings are bites, and not all bites sting.
- 'Burn': This implies a pain caused by heat or a chemical. While a sting can feel like a burn, 'burn' is usually reserved for actual heat or chemical exposure.
- DEFINITION
- A sudden, sharp mental or emotional pain.
- Similar words:
- 'Pain': This is a general term for discomfort, both physical and emotional. 'Sting' specifies a particular type of sharp, sudden emotional pain.
- 'Grief': This refers to deep sorrow, especially caused by someone's death. 'Sting' is a more immediate, sharp emotional hit, while grief is a prolonged process.
- 'Heartache': This describes emotional anguish or sorrow, often romantic in nature. 'Sting' can be a component of heartache, but heartache is a broader, more sustained feeling.
- DEFINITION
- A police operation designed to catch criminals in the act.
- Similar words:
- 'Trap': This is a general term for a device or plan to catch someone or something. A 'sting' is a specific type of police trap.
- 'Operation': This is a very broad term for a planned activity. A 'sting' is a type of covert operation with a specific goal of apprehending criminals through deception.
- 'Ambush': This implies a surprise attack from a concealed position. While a 'sting' involves an element of surprise, it's more about luring criminals into a situation rather than a direct, sudden attack.
She felt a little prick as the needle went in.
The mosquito bite was incredibly itchy.
The hot pan gave her a nasty burn.
§ 'Sting' as Emotional or Mental Pain (Noun)
'Sting' can also describe a sudden, sharp mental or emotional pain, often related to disappointment, insult, or loss.
The sting of his rejection was still fresh.
She felt a deep pain when she heard the news.
The family was overcome with grief after the accident.
He suffered from profound heartache after the breakup.
§ 'Sting' as a Police Operation (Noun)
In a more specialized context, 'sting' refers to a deceptive operation by police to catch criminals.
The police successfully ran a drug sting operation.
They set a trap to catch the thief.
The military launched a large-scale operation.
The soldiers were caught in an ambush.
In summary, 'sting' is a word with diverse applications, but its core meaning often revolves around a sharp, often unwelcome, impact. Choosing 'sting' over alternatives depends on the specific context and the precise nuance you wish to convey.
按水平分级的例句
Ouch! A bee can sting.
Ouch! Una abeja puede picar.
Simple present tense, 'can' for ability.
The insect sting hurts.
La picadura del insecto duele.
Simple present tense, noun 'sting'.
My finger feels a sting.
Mi dedo siente un pinchazo.
Simple present tense, noun 'sting'.
The nettle plant can sting.
La planta de ortiga puede picar.
Simple present tense, 'can' for ability.
I got a sting from the plant.
Me picó la planta.
Simple past tense, noun 'sting'.
Does it sting a lot?
¿Pica mucho?
Simple present tense question, verb 'sting'.
The bee's sting is small.
La picadura de la abeja es pequeña.
Possessive, noun 'sting'.
He felt a little sting.
Sintió un pequeño pinchazo.
Simple past tense, noun 'sting'.
如何使用
Usage Notes:
The word "sting" is quite versatile and can be used as both a noun and a verb. Here's a breakdown of its common uses:
As a Noun:
-
Physical Sensation/Injury: This is the most common use. It refers to the sharp, burning pain, or the injury itself, typically from an insect (like a bee or wasp), a plant (like a nettle), or even some marine animals.
- Example: "I felt a sharp sting on my arm."
- Example: "The bee left a painful sting."
-
Emotional/Mental Pain: "Sting" can describe a sudden, sharp feeling of hurt, disappointment, or bitterness.
- Example: "The rejection letter carried a real sting."
- Example: "The criticism had a surprising sting to it."
-
Police Operation (Informal): In this context, a "sting" or "sting operation" is a deceptive operation designed to catch criminals, often by pretending to be involved in illegal activities.
- Example: "The police conducted a successful sting to catch the drug dealers."
As a Verb:
-
To Cause Physical Pain: This means to inflict a sharp, burning pain, often by piercing the skin.
- Example: "A bee stung me on the finger."
- Example: "The nettle leaves can sting your skin."
-
To Feel Physical Pain: When a part of your body feels a sharp, burning sensation.
- Example: "My eyes started to sting from the smoke."
- Example: "The antiseptic lotion stung a little."
-
To Cause Emotional/Mental Pain: To hurt someone's feelings or pride.
- Example: "His harsh words really stung her."
- Example: "The defeat still stings a bit."
-
To Cheat/Swindle (Informal): To overcharge someone or trick them out of money.
- Example: "I feel like I got stung by that car salesman."
Common Mistakes:
-
Confusing with "Bite": While both can cause pain, a "sting" typically involves a sharp, piercing action often with venom (like a bee or scorpion), whereas a "bite" involves teeth (like a dog or mosquito). Mosquitoes bite, bees sting.
- Incorrect: "I was bitten by a wasp."
- Correct: "I was stung by a wasp."
-
Incorrect Past Tense: The past tense and past participle of "sting" is "stung," not "stinged."
- Incorrect: "The bee stinged me."
- Correct: "The bee stung me."
-
Overusing for General Pain: "Sting" implies a specific type of sharp, burning pain. It's not typically used for a dull ache or general soreness.
- Incorrect: "My back is stinging after working out." (Unless it's a very specific, sharp, burning pain, "aching" or "sore" would be more appropriate.)
- Correct: "My cut stings when I put alcohol on it."
-
Misapplying the Police Operation Context: This usage is specific to law enforcement activities. Don't use it for other types of traps or tricks.
- Incorrect: "I set a sting to catch the mice." (Use "trap" instead.)
- Correct: "The detective organized a sting to nab the counterfeiters."
自我测试 54 个问题
Listen for the insect and the action.
Listen for what caused the feeling.
Listen for who did the 'sting' and why.
Read this aloud:
A bee can sting.
Focus: sting
你说的：
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Read this aloud:
I feel a sting on my hand.
Focus: feel a sting
你说的：
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Read this aloud:
The plant will sting you.
Focus: will sting
你说的：
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The bee's ___ made my arm hurt.
A 'sting' is the sharp pain from an insect like a bee.
I felt a sharp ___ when the nettle touched my leg.
Plants like nettles can cause a 'sting', which is a sharp, burning pain.
The police operation was a ___ to catch the thieves.
A police 'sting' is an operation to catch criminals.
The bad news caused a ___ in her heart.
A 'sting' can also refer to a sudden, sharp emotional pain.
Did you feel the ___ from the jellyfish?
Jellyfish can cause a 'sting', which is a painful injury.
The insect left a small red mark after its ___.
An insect's 'sting' is the act of causing a sharp, burning pain.
A bee can cause a sharp pain.
Some plants can cause a sharp, burning sensation.
Police can plan an event to catch criminals.
Read this aloud:
The insect's sting made my arm swell.
Focus: sting, swell
你说的：
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Did you feel a sting when you put on the cream?
Focus: feel, sting, cream
你说的：
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
The police used a sting to catch the thief.
Focus: police, sting, thief
你说的：
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This order forms a simple past tense sentence describing a bee stinging someone.
This order forms an interrogative sentence asking if someone felt a sharp pain.
This order forms a simple present tense sentence stating that a plant has a sting.
This sentence describes an insect causing a sharp pain.
This sentence uses 'sting' to describe a sudden, sharp emotional pain.
This sentence uses 'sting operation' to refer to a police method to catch criminals.
The sudden betrayal left a sharp _____ in her heart.
A 'sting' can refer to a sudden, sharp mental or emotional pain, which fits the context of betrayal.
The police operation was a carefully planned _____ to catch the counterfeiters.
A 'sting' is specifically a police operation designed to catch criminals, fitting the context of catching counterfeiters.
He felt a sharp _____ as the bee embedded its barb in his skin.
A 'sting' is the specific pain caused by an insect like a bee.
The nettle's _____ on her arm quickly developed into an itchy rash.
A 'sting' is the burning pain caused by certain plants, such as nettles.
The unexpected criticism had a real _____ to it, despite his efforts to remain calm.
Here, 'sting' implies a sharp, unpleasant emotional impact of the criticism.
During the undercover operation, the agents successfully carried out a drug _____.
A 'drug sting' is a common collocation for a police operation to catch drug criminals.
This sentence describes the physical sensation of a bee sting.
This sentence uses 'sting' metaphorically to describe emotional pain.
This sentence refers to a police operation designed to catch criminals.
This sentence uses 'sting' to describe a sudden, sharp emotional pain.
This sentence uses 'sting' in the context of a police operation.
This sentence uses 'sting' to refer to the sharp, burning pain caused by an animal.
The unexpected betrayal left a lasting ___ in her heart, a wound that time struggled to heal.
In this context, 'sting' refers to a sharp emotional pain, which fits the nuanced meaning of betrayal's impact on the heart.
Undercover agents orchestrated a meticulously planned ___ operation to apprehend the notorious counterfeiters.
A 'sting operation' is a well-known idiom referring to a police operation designed to catch criminals, aligning perfectly with the context of apprehending counterfeiters.
The jellyfish's ___ left a burning sensation on his arm, necessitating immediate medical attention.
A 'sting' is the specific term for the painful injury caused by creatures like jellyfish, making it the most appropriate choice.
Despite his efforts to remain stoic, the public criticism delivered a harsh ___ to his professional reputation.
Here, 'sting' metaphorically represents a sharp, painful emotional impact, particularly relevant to public criticism affecting reputation.
The nettle's microscopic hairs deliver a potent ___ upon contact, causing an irritating rash.
Plants like nettles are known to 'sting,' causing an irritating sensation due to their defensive mechanisms.
The unexpected tax audit added a financial ___ to an already challenging year for the small business owner.
In this context, 'sting' refers to a sudden, sharp, and unpleasant financial burden or setback, suitable for describing an unexpected tax audit.
/ 54 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word 'sting' encompasses physical pain from a bite or prick, as well as a strategic police action to catch offenders.
- sharp pain
- insect injury
- police operation
