probation
Definitions
A trial period during which a new employee's suitability is assessed
试用期；见习期
A legal arrangement letting an offender stay free under supervision instead of in prison
缓刑（在监督下免于监禁）
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedprob (test) + -ation (act/state) = literally 'a period of testing.' One idea explains both uses: a new hire on probation is being tried out by the company; an offender on probation is being tried out by society — free, but watched to see if they behave. In both, you keep your standing only by passing.
Root prob still carries 14 more wordsWhy It Means This
The two senses of probation — workplace trial period and criminal supervision — both come straight from prob 'to test.' English split into two settings: at work, you're being tested for fitness; in law, you're a tested-but-not-yet-trusted offender, free on the condition that you keep passing. The shared thread is conditional, watched freedom.
Common Collocations
- 1.on probation处于试用期；处于缓刑期
- 2.probation period试用期；见习期
- 3.probation officer缓刑监督官
- 4.serve probation服缓刑
- 5.put on probation使处于试用期/缓刑
Example Sentences
- 1.
You'll be on probation for the first three months.
- 2.
He was given two years' probation instead of a prison term.
- 3.
She has to report to her probation officer every week.