checkered
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Patterned with alternating squares of color: Having a pattern of squares, typically of two alternating colors like a chessboard.
- Marked by varied and contrasting fortunes or experiences: Characterized by periods of both success and failure, or by a mix of good and bad events.
Usage Examples
- Adjective (Pattern):
- The table had a checkered tablecloth in red and white.
- He wore a checkered shirt to the casual event.
- Adjective (Fortune):
- The company has a checkered history of innovation and scandal.
- Her checkered past made it difficult for her to find a new job.
Advanced Usage
- "to have a checkered past/career/history": To have a personal or professional history containing both notable successes and failures, or sometimes implying disreputable episodes.
- The politician's checkered past was exposed during the campaign.
Variants and Related Words
- Checker (verb): To mark with a pattern of squares.
- The sunlight checkered the floor through the blinds.
- Checkerboard (noun): A board with a checkered pattern used for playing games like chess or checkers.
- They set up the checkerboard for a game.
Synonyms
- Pattern sense: Plaid, tartan, squared.
- Fortune sense: Varied, mixed, turbulent, uneven, inconsistent.
Related Phrases
- Checkered flag (noun): A black-and-white flag used in auto racing to signal the end of a race.
- The driver sped past the checkered flag to win.
Related Idioms
- A checkered career/life: A career or life marked by many changes in fortune, often with negative connotations.
- Despite his checkered career, he is remembered for his early, brilliant work.
Adjective
- marked by changeable fortune
- a checkered business career
- patterned with alternating squares of color