prim

• 形容一个人非常拘谨、古板、一本正经，容易对粗俗或不雅的事物感到震惊。

Describes a person who is very formal, proper, and easily shocked by anything rude or indecent.

1. Excessively proper or formalB2formal

   Behaving in a very formal, correct, and slightly stiff manner, often to seem superior.

   拘谨的

   • She gave a prim smile and refused to join the game.
   • He sat primly on the edge of the chair, hands folded.
   • The old lady was known for her prim and proper attitude.

   同义词formalgenteelold-maidishpriggishprissyproperpuritanicalstiffstrait-laceduptight

   反义词carelesseasygoinginformallooserelaxedslovenlyunaffected

2. Neat and formal in appearanceB2formal

   Describing someone's dress or appearance as very neat, tidy, and formal, sometimes in an exaggerated way.

   一本正经的

   • She wore a prim little dress with a high collar.
   • His prim appearance made him stand out at the casual party.
   • The room was decorated in a prim, old-fashioned style.

   同义词correctdapperdemurefastidiousformalneatprecisepriggishproperprudishsprucestiffstrait-lacedtidytrim

   反义词disheveleddisorderlymessyrumpledscruffyslipshodsloppyslovenlyunkemptuntidy

• 动词，指使某物变得整洁、正式或精确，常带有拘谨、过分端正或一本正经的意味；也可指整理外表、打扮得体。

A verb meaning to make something neat, formal, or precise, often in a stiff or overly proper manner.

1. Assume a prim appearanceC1formal

   To adopt a neat, formal, and proper appearance or demeanor.

   装出一本正经的样子

   • She primmed herself before the formal dinner.
   • He primmed his tie and adjusted his collar.
   • The actress primmed for the cameras on the red carpet.

   同义词preenprimpprinkspruce

2. Contract one's lipsC1formal

   To purse or tighten one's lips, often to show disapproval or to look proper.

   抿紧嘴唇

   • She primmed her lips in disapproval.
   • He primmed his mouth when he heard the rude comment.
   • The teacher primmed her lips before scolding the student.

   同义词compresspuckerpursetighten

3. Dress primlyC1formal

   To dress in a neat, formal, and proper manner.

   拘谨地穿着

   • She primmed herself in a tailored suit for the interview.
   • He primmed his outfit to match the strict dress code.
   • The children were primmed in their Sunday best.

   同义词preenprinkspruce

   反义词dishevelmussrufflerumple

短语动词变体prim outprim up