pressure
Meaning: The force exerted on a surface; the stress of urgent demands
'Pressure' refers to physical force per unit area (air pressure, blood pressure), or the stress and demands placed on someone ('under pressure', 'peer pressure'). As a verb, it means to coerce someone ('pressured into agreeing'). 'High-pressure' describes stressful situations or aggressive sales tactics.
Examples
- The pressure in the tyres was too low. 轮胎气压太低了。La presión de los neumáticos era demasiado baja.タイヤの空気圧が低すぎました。타이어의 공기압이 너무 낮았습니다.
- She works well under pressure. 她在压力下工作得很好。Trabaja bien bajo presión.彼女はプレッシャーの下でも上手く働きます。그녀는 압박 속에서도 일을 잘합니다.
- Parents are under increasing pressure to help with homework. 父母面临越来越大的压力来帮助做作业。Los padres están bajo una presión cada vez mayor para ayudar con los deberes.親は宿題を手伝うというプレッシャーが増しています。부모들은 숙제를 도와주어야 한다는 압박이 점점 커지고 있습니다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: general
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Latin 'pressura' meaning 'a pressing', from 'premere' (to press). Entered English through Old French in the 14th century. The figurative sense of mental stress dates from the 17th century.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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