neglect
Definitions
To fail to give proper care or attention to someone or something.
忽视，疏于照管。
To fail or omit to do something, especially out of carelessness.
（疏忽地）没做，漏做。
The state of not being cared for; failure to give proper attention.
忽视，疏忽；失修，无人照管的状态。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedneg- (not) + lect (pick up) = literally 'not to pick up.' Picture a tool left lying in the yard, rusting, because nobody bothered to pick it up and put it away. To neglect something is exactly that: to leave it unattended, to fail to pick it up.
Root lect still carries 128 more wordsWhy It Means This
Neglect is the most literal word in the whole family for 'not picking up.' neg- is the Latin negative ('not,' as in negate), and -lect is legere, 'to pick up, gather.' So neglect = 'to not gather, to leave lying.' This is why the noun also means physical disrepair: a garden in neglect is one nobody has picked up after for a long time.
Common Collocations
- 1.neglect one's duties玩忽职守
- 2.neglect one's health忽视健康
- 3.fall into neglect陷入失修
- 4.neglect to do something疏忽未做某事
Example Sentences
- 1.
He neglected his health while chasing the promotion.
- 2.
The old house had fallen into neglect.
- 3.
She neglected to mention that she was leaving early.