career
Definitions
One's profession or occupation pursued over a long period
职业，事业，生涯
To move swiftly and in an uncontrolled way
（失控地）猛冲，狂奔
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedFrom French carrière, a racetrack (from carrus, the cart/chariot side of car). The original verb sense is literal: to career is to gallop full-speed down a track. The everyday noun is a metaphor — the 'track' you run through your working life.
Root car still carries 96 more wordsWhy It Means This
The two senses look unrelated until you see the racetrack behind both. A horse careering down the course gave the verb 'to rush wildly.' Stretch the track image over a lifetime of work, and you get the noun: a career is the long course you run professionally. The verb is now mostly British and a bit literary (the car careered off the road).
Usage Guide
Don't confuse with carrier (one who carries) — close in spelling, unrelated branch. The verb sense (career off/down) is mainly BrE; AmE prefers 'careen.' Stress: ca-REER (second syllable).
Example Sentences
- 1.
She built a successful career in journalism.
- 2.
A career in medicine requires years of study.
- 3.
The truck careered down the hill out of control.
Easily Confused
career vs carrier — career = profession/life-track; carrier = something or someone that carries (mail carrier, aircraft carrier, disease carrier). One r vs double r, and totally different meanings.