chiming 是动词 chime 的现在分词形式,意为"鸣响、敲响(钟声)",也可引申为"和谐一致、附和"。常用来描述钟声、铃声等清脆悦耳的响声,也可用于比喻意义,表示与某事物协调或一致。
/ˈtʃaɪmɪŋ/
chime 源自中古英语 chimbe,最初指"钟"或"钟组",可追溯至古法语 chimble,再往前则与拉丁语 cymbalum(铙钹)有关,最终源自希腊语 kymbalon。这个词最早与教堂钟声相关联,后来泛指一切清脆悦耳的响声,并发展出"和谐、一致"的比喻用法。
The clock was chiming twelve as we entered the hall.
我们走进大厅时,时钟正敲响十二下。
The distant church bells kept chiming through the morning mist, their melodious tones blending with the chorus of birdsong in a way that made the whole village feel alive.
远处教堂的钟声在晨雾中不断鸣响,悠扬的音调与鸟鸣交织在一起,使整个村庄充满了生机。