escape与flee
两者均有“逃”的意思,但有区别:
1. escape 表示“逃脱”,主要指从被监禁或类似没有自由的状态中逃脱。如:
Two prisoners escaped last night. 昨晚有两名犯人逃走了。
The fish escaped from the net. 鱼逃出了网。
注:有时用于引申义。如:
He escaped punishment. 他逃过了惩罚。
She escaped being caught. 她没被抓住。
The fact escaped my notice. 我没注意到这一事实。
2. flee 表示“逃走”,着重逃的动作,强调逃走时的急促或仓促。如:
The burglars were frightened and fled. 夜盗们受惊逃走了。
The enemy soldiers were fleeing in all directions. 敌兵们四处逃窜。
注:表示“逃跑”时,escape 是不及物动词,而 flee 则可用作及物或不及物动词。如:
He fled (from) the burning house. 他从燃烧的房子逃出。