英语短语 "set light by" 是一个较为正式的表达,核心含义是 "轻视;不重视;对……不以为意"(to disregard, undervalue, or treat as unimportant)。它强调对某人/某事缺乏尊重或重视,通常用于描述主观上的忽视态度。
"set light by" 是 及物动词短语,结构为:
注:有时会在 "light" 前加 little("set little light by"),进一步强化"完全不重视"的程度(相当于"根本不在乎")。
1、 轻视他人意见:
He sets light by other people's suggestions—he always does what he wants.
(他轻视别人的建议——总是我行我素。)
2、 忽视规则/价值观:
The company sets light by safety regulations, which has led to several accidents.
(这家公司不重视安全法规,已导致多起事故。)
3、 强化否定(加little):
She sets little light by his promises—he's never kept one.
(她根本不相信他的承诺——他从未兑现过。)
4、 正式语境中的使用:
In his speech, the politician accused the government of setting light by the needs of the poor.
(在演讲中,这位政客指责政府忽视穷人的需求。)
注意与 "set light to" 区分(两者仅差一个介词,但意思完全不同):
set light to:意为"点燃;使燃烧"(to ignite something)。
示例:Don't set light to the dry leaves—there's a fire risk.(别点燃干树叶——有火灾隐患。)
"set light by" 可替换为更常见的表达,如:
disregard(忽视)
make light of(轻视)
hold in contempt(蔑视)
look down on(看不起,更口语)
discount(不重视,侧重"不考虑")
"set light by" 是正式的否定态度表达,用于强调对某人/某事的轻视或忽视。使用时需注意与"set light to"的区别,避免混淆。