尽管这两个词常常用于相似的场合,但它们在本质上截然不同。
最关键的区别在于,``seek``所针对的对象是你想要寻找的物品,而``search``的对象是你正在寻找的地方(用于仔细勘查某个地方,以期发现某物)。例如:
I will seek my true love in this club.
I will search this club for my true love.
``seek``隐含着寻找者知道所要寻找的物品确实存在,而``search``则没有这种内涵。
``find``意为偶然发现或找到所寻找的物品,而``seek``则意为尝试找到、寻找、搜寻(``seek``不用于描述寻找实物,而是指试图获得某种东西的过程)。
Searching the window for a flint, I found this his paper, thus sealed up.
I can no longer seek fame or glory, nor can I help trying to get rid of my riches, which separate me from my fellow-creatures.
I searched this place to seek some food; finally, I found a slice of bread to eat.