| 释义 |
▪ I. ˈsoul-searching, ppl. a.
[f. soul n. 23.]
That searches, examines vigorously or severely, penetrates, etc., the soul. Also in extended and trivial use.
1612J. Davies (Heref.) Muse's Sacrifice Wks. (Grosart) II. 12/1 Soule-searching Lord, and sole selfe-searching God. 1657J. Watts Vind. of Ch. Eng. 210 Discreet Soul-searching and examining discourses. 1663Aron-bimn. 66 This Kingdom..hath need of such a faithful, soul-searching Ministry as this is. 1807J. Barlow Columb. iv. 489 Soul-searching Freedom! here assume thy stand. a1831Poe To the River ii. Poet. Wks. (1853) 134 The beam Of her soul-searching eyes. 1886W. J. Tucker E. Europe 147 His large dark hazel eyes had a penetrating, soul-searching look in them. 1959Economist 17 Jan. 203/1 After a ‘soul-searching’ parliamentary debate, an openly penitent Belgian government has announced its plan for dealing with the suddenly agitated Congo. 1960News Chron. 13 Oct. 3/2 The deeply soul-searching: ‘What do you think of modern jazz?’
Hence ˈsoul-searchingly adv.
1938Partridge World of Words ix. 309 The following sextette, ultimately selected from a much longer list of words that had been soul-searchingly gathered for your delectation.
▪ II. ˈsoul-searching, vbl. n.
[f. prec.]
Examination of one's soul or conscience, deep reflection; penetrating consideration of a state of affairs.
1948‘E. Crispin’ Buried for Pleasure xvii. 145 The announcement..is not made without a good deal of preliminary soul-searching. 1953Time 6 July 6/3, I would suggest some honest soul-searching for these unrealistic fathers, and orchids to Father Gerald Murphy and the increasing number of his prototypes among the younger Jesuits. 1974Country Life 18 Apr. 926/2 What has been the subject of..agitated soul-searching is whether rector and churchwardens..had any right whatsoever to sell it. 1978P. G. Winslow Coppergold 39 It's causing a bit of soul-searching at the Yard. |