engineer
/,endʤi'niə/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun:
- A person who uses scientific and mathematical knowledge to design, build, or maintain engines, machines, structures, or systems: An "engineer" is a professional who applies principles of science and mathematics to develop solutions for technical problems.
- The operator or driver of a railway locomotive: In transportation, an "engineer" is the person who drives a train.
Verb:
- To plan, design, or build something using scientific and technical skill: To "engineer" something means to skillfully design or construct it.
- To skillfully arrange or plan an event or situation, often secretly or cleverly: To "engineer" can also mean to cleverly orchestrate or bring about a complex plan or outcome.
Examples of Usage
Noun:
- The civil engineer designed the new bridge to withstand strong winds.
- The train engineer brought the locomotive to a smooth stop at the station.
Verb:
- They will engineer a more efficient cooling system for the computer.
- He managed to engineer a meeting between the two rival CEOs.
Advanced Usage
"To engineer a solution": To devise a clever or technical answer to a difficult problem.
- The team had to engineer a solution to the software bug before the product launch.
"Reverse engineer": To analyze a finished product or system to understand its design and how it was made.
- The company tried to reverse engineer the competitor's device.
Variants and Related Words
Engineering (n): The field or activity of applying science and mathematics to design and build structures, machines, or systems.
- She studied mechanical engineering in college.
Engine (n): A machine with moving parts that converts power into motion. (Note: This is a related but distinct word.)
- The car's engine was very powerful.
Synonyms
- Noun: Designer, planner, architect (in a technical sense), operator (for train).
- Verb: Devise, orchestrate, mastermind, contrive.
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Engineer out: To design or plan to remove a problem or defect.
- The goal is to engineer out any potential safety risks.
Related Idioms
"A social engineer": Someone who attempts to manipulate or influence social structures and human behavior on a large scale.
- The politician was accused of being a social engineer.
"To engineer one's own downfall": To cleverly plan or act in a way that ultimately causes one's own failure.
- By lying to his partners, he engineered his own downfall.
Noun
- the operator of a railway locomotive
- a person who uses scientific knowledge to solve practical problems
Verb
- plan and direct (a complex undertaking)
- he masterminded the robbery
- design as an engineer
- He engineered the water supply project