复合动词可以直接由两个词复合而成的,例如test-drive(试车),但这样构成的复合动词数量不多。复合动词主要是通过转化法或者是逆生法从复合名词变来的。从复合名词转化成复合动词的例子有:to machine-gun(用机枪扫射) ←machine-gun(机枪),to nickname(给人起绰号) ←nickname(绰号),to spotlight(聚光照明,使突出醒目) ←spot-light(聚光灯,公众注意中心),to honeymoon(度蜜月) ←honey-moon(蜜月),to outline(画出……的轮廓) ←outline(轮廓)。从复合名词逆生而成的复合动词有:to speed-read(快速阅读) ←speed-reading(快速阅读),to soft-land(软着陆) ← soft landing(软着陆),to vacuum-clean(用真空吸尘器除尘) ←vacuum cleaner(真空吸尘器),to mass-produce(成批生产) ←mass production(成批生产),to sight-see(观光) ←sight-seeing(观光),to proof-read(校对) ←proofreading(校对),to tape-record(用磁带为……录音) ←tape recorder(磁带录音机),to chain-smoke(一支接着一支地抽烟) ←chain smoker(一支接一支抽烟的人)。英语中不少动词和副词连用,产生新的语义,副词一般在动词后面,如make off(逃走),make out(理解),make up(弥补),set up(建立),set out(出发),这些是大家熟悉的短语动词(phrasal verbs),属于成语范围
复合动词中副词在动词前面,这里副词多半由介词转化而来,表示程度、方向等,间或有引申意义,如overwork(过度工作),withhold(扣留),cross-question(盘问),upbuild(建立),uplift(高举),fast-talk(花言巧语地企图说服),off-load(卸货),outeat(吃得比……多),outgo(比……走得远)
还有overrate, underline, outrun
downsize, upgrade
whitewash, blacklist, foulmouth
browbeat, sidestep, manhandle
out-Herod, out-fox
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