envelop [nvelp] 和 envelope [envlp] 两者拼写几乎一样,但实际上他们的意思完全不一样,那么到底哪个才是信封的意思呢?

一、envelop 作动词,意为“包住;裹住;盖住”,例如:

The entire area was enveloped in fog.
整个地区笼罩在雾中。

解析:entire较正式用词,只作定语,一般只用于修饰单数名词(包括集合名词),强调团体、时间段、数量等的整体,含不能有所削减或增添之意,用于修饰某一具体事物时常可与 whole 换用。

The graveyard looked ghostly, enveloped in mist.
因为墓地笼罩在薄雾中,所以看上去像幽灵一样。

解析:过去分词短语作 enveloped in mist 在句中状语,表示原因。

That lovely, rich fragrant smell of the forest enveloped us.

森林里那种馥郁芬芳的迷人气味围绕着我们。

She was enveloped in a huge white towel.

她裹在一条白色大毛巾里。

二、envelope 作名词,意为“信封;塑料封套;塑料封皮”,例如:

I folded the letter in half and put it in an envelope.
我把信对折放进信封里。

Don't forget to put a stamp on the envelope.
别忘了在信封上贴邮票。

解析:forget to do sth 表示忘记去做某事(这件事情本来要做,还没有做)。

An envelope was waiting for me when I got home.
我到家的时候有一封寄给我的信。

Do you recognize the writing on the envelope?
你认得信封上的字吗?

The teacher opened the sealed envelope containing the exam papers.
老师打开装有试卷的密封信封。

析:现在分词 containing the exam papers 作定语,说明被修饰词 envelope 的特征,此时可换成相应的定语从句,例如:

The teacher opened the sealed envelope which contains the exam papers.