| 释义 |
fanciful, a.|ˈfænsɪfʊl|
[f. fancy n. + -ful.]
1. a. Characterized by the possession of fancy (rare). b. In disparaging sense: Disposed to indulge in fancies; whimsical.
1695Woodward Nat. Hist. Earth i. 63 Some fanciful Men have expected nothing but Confusion and Ruin. 1713Steele Englishman No. 7. 45 A fanciful Fellow..amuses himself with the Woods and Mountains which he discovers in the Skies. 1727Pope, etc. Art of Sinking 83 A careful and fanciful pattern-drawer. 1817Coleridge Biog. Lit. 43 Milton had a highly imaginative, Cowley a very fanciful mind. 1874J. T. Micklethwaite Mod. Par. Churches 6 Fanciful people..sometimes gave mystical interpretations to the arrangements.
absol.1676Glanvill Ess. vi. §6. 17 Not only the Melancholick and the Fanciful, but the Grave and the Sober.
2. a. Characterized by or displaying fancy in design; fantastic, odd in appearance; b. suggested by fancy; imaginary, unreal.
a1627Hayward Edw. VI 88 How foolish and fancifull were they [buildings]. 1642Fuller Holy & Prof. St. ii. vi. 71 He affects not phancy-full singularity in his behaviour. 1697Dryden Virg. Past. Pref. (1721) I. 75 With all our fanciful Refinements. 1767J. Byron Voy. round World 186 The other circumstances they have mentioned..appear to be merely fanciful. 1823Scott Peveril xxxix, The fanciful and singular female..had one of those faces which are never seen without making an impression. 1828― F.M. Perth xi, She wears a petticoat..I would it were..of a less fanciful fashion. 1852Mrs. Stowe Uncle Tom's C xv, A variety of fanciful diseases. 1868M. Pattison Academ. Org. v. 193 The claims of Art..cannot be set aside as fanciful.
3. quasi-adv. = fancifully.
1775Johnson Let. Mrs. Thrale 23 June, I hope you..were dressed fine and fanciful. |