gem
/dʤem/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A precious or semiprecious stone: A piece of mineral crystal that is cut and polished, often used in jewelry.
- Something or someone of great beauty, value, or excellence: A person or thing that is highly prized or admired for its qualities.
- A small, sweet cake or muffin: A quick bread baked in a cup-shaped mold.
Examples of Usage
- Noun (Precious Stone):
- The ring was set with a sparkling blue gem.
- She collects rare gems and minerals from around the world.
- Noun (Person or Thing of Value):
- That little restaurant is a real hidden gem.
- He is a gem of a colleague, always helpful and kind.
- Noun (Sweet Cake):
- She baked a batch of raspberry gems for the party.
Advanced Usage
- "to be a gem": To be an exceptionally good or valuable person or thing.
- Your advice was a real gem; it solved all my problems.
- "uncut/rough gem": Literally, a gemstone before it is polished. Figuratively, a person or thing with great potential that is not yet refined.
- The young singer is a rough gem who needs the right training.
Variants and Related Words
- Gemstone (n): A mineral or organic material used as a jewel. (A more technical term for a precious/semiprecious stone).
- Gemology (n): The science of studying gemstones.
- Gemmed (adj): Adorned with or as if with gems.
- The gemmed tiara glittered under the lights.
Synonyms
- Jewel: A precious stone; a highly valued person or thing.
- Treasure: A valuable object; a person considered especially precious.
- Pearl: A smooth, rounded gem formed within an oyster; often used figuratively for something rare and fine.
Related Phrases
- Crown jewel: The most valuable asset in a collection.
- This painting is the crown jewel of the museum's collection.
- Hidden gem: A place or thing of exceptional quality that is not widely known.
- The bookstore in the alley is a hidden gem for classic novel lovers.
Related Idioms
- A gem of a [something]: Used to emphasize the excellent quality of something.
- It's a gem of a movie, with brilliant acting and a clever plot.
- Rough diamond (similar to "rough gem"): A person who is kind and valuable but lacks polished manners.
- He might seem gruff, but he's a rough diamond and very loyal.
Noun
- a precious or semiprecious stone incorporated into a piece of jewelry
- a sweet quick bread baked in a cup-shaped pan
- a person who is as brilliant and precious as a piece of jewelry
- a crystalline rock that can be cut and polished for jewelry
- he had the gem set in a ring for his wife
- she had jewels made of all the rarest stones
- art highly prized for its beauty or perfection