GRE Total 2015/04/14

abysmal

(adj.) very bad The general standard of racing was abysmal.

arabesque [ærə'bɛsk]

(n.) ornate(華麗的) design featuring intertwined curves; a ballet position in which one leg is extended in back while the other supports the weight of the body

adulterate

(v.) to corrupt, make worse by the addition of something of lesser value The food had been adulterated to increase its weight.

abate

(v.) to make less in amount, degree, etc.; to subside, become less; to nullify; to deduct, omit The storms had abated by the time they rounded Cape Horn.

alleviate

(v.) to relieve ; improve partially

ecstatic

If you are ecstatic, you feel very happy and full of excitement. 欣喜若狂的 Synonym: exuberant, elated, rapturous

elated

If you are elated, you are extremely happy and excited because of something that has happened. 得意洋洋的 Synonym: ecstatic, exuberant, rapturous

exuberant

If you are exuberant, you are full of energy, excitement, and cheerfulness. 充滿活力的 Synonym: ecstatic, elated, rapturous

erudite

If you call someone erudite, that means they show great learning. After you've earned your second Ph.D., you will be truly erudite. He was never dull, always erudite and well informed.

oblique

If you describe a statement as oblique, you mean that is not expressed directly or openly, making it difficult to understand. 隱晦的 He obliquely referred to the U.S., Britain and Saudi Arabia. [補] obliging 願意去做某事的

austere

If you describe someone as austere, you disapprove of them because they are strict and serious. I found her a rather austere, distant, somewhat cold person.

extraordinary

If you describe something or someone as extraordinary, you mean that they have some extremely good or special quality

tenuous

If you describe something such as a connection, a reason, or someone's position as tenuous, you mean that it is very uncertain or weak <>attenuate = to weaken

deliberate

If you do something that is deliberate, you planned or decided to do it beforehand, and so it happens on purpose rather than by chance.

confound

If you have an identical twin, you've probably tried dressing alike so that people confound you with, or mistake you for, one another. You've also probably learned that, unfortunately, this trick doesn't work on your mom.

intimidate

If you intimidate someone, you deliberately make them frightened enough to do what you want them to do.

plumbed

If you plumb something mysterious or difficult to understand, you succeed in understanding it. 探出究竟 With the help of powerful supercomputers, astronomers have plumbed the depths of one of the Galaxy's most puzzling stellar systems.

relinquish

If you relinquish something such as power or control, you give it up.

mortified

If you say that someone is mortified, you mean that they feel extremely offended, ashamed, or embarrassed. 被羞辱的

trite

If you say that something such as an idea, remark, or story is trite, you mean that it is boring because it has been said or told too many times.

stipulate

If you stipulate a condition or stipulate that something must be done, you say clearly that it must be done. 規定、明確要求 - She agreed to buy the car, but stipulated racing tyres and a turbo-powered engine. - The law stipulates that new cars must have seat belts for the driver and every passenger.

indignity

If you talk about the indignity of doing something, you mean that it makes you feel embarrassed or unimportant. 侮辱

pervasive

When something is pervasive, it's everywhere. Common things are pervasive — like greed and cheap perfume.

bolster

When you cheer up a friend who's feeling down, you bolster them. To bolster is to offer support or strengthen.

appreciable

adjective: large enough to be noticed (usu. refers to an amount) There is an appreciable difference between those who say they can get the job done and those who actually get the job done.

transitory

adjective: lasting a very short time Synonyms : ephemeral , fugacious , passing , short-lived , transient If we lived forever and life was not transitory, do you think we would appreciate life less or more?

concomitant

existing concurrently 同時發生的事；伴隨物 Cultures that were better at trading saw a concomitant increase in their wealth. ++ con com + it = together + go

acquiesced

to accept or agree to something, often unwillingly 默認，默許；勉強同意 Reluctantly, he acquiesced to/in the plans.

decry

verb: express strong disapproval of - Synonyms : condemn , excoriate , objurgate , reprobate - The entire audience erupted in shouts and curses, decrying the penalty card issued by the referee.

renege

verb: fail to fulfill a promise or obligation Synonyms : go back on , renege on , renegue on We will no longer work with that vendor since it has reneged on nearly every agreement.

dovetail

verb: fit together tightly, as if by means of a interlocking joint （使）吻合；（使）銜接；（使）咬合 - Synonyms : dovetail joint - Although Darwin's evolution and Mendel's genetics were developed in isolation from one another, they dovetail very well.

abjure

verb: formally reject or give up (as a belief) Synonyms : forswear , recant , *resile* , *retract* While the church believed that Galileo abjured the heliocentric theory under threat of torture, he later wrote a book clearly supporting the theory.

ingratiate

verb: gain favor with somebody by deliberate efforts Even though Tom didn't like his new boss, he decided to ingratiate himself to her in order to advance his career. ++ (in进入+grat+iate=使[别人]进入高兴=讨好[别人])

entice

verb: get someone to do something through (often false or exaggerated) promises Synonyms : lure , tempt Harold enticed his wife, Maude, to go on a vacation to Hawaii, with promises of luaus on the beach and all-you-can-eat seafood buffets.

delegate

verb: give an assignment to (a person) Synonyms : assign , depute , designate Since the senior manager had to go on many international business trips, she was forced to delegate many of her responsibilities to two lower-level managers. ＋＋ de+legate(使者)→出去的使者

sanction

verb: give authority or permission to 準許 Synonyms :approve , o.k. , okay The authorities have sanctioned the use of the wilderness reserve for public use; many expect to see hikers an campers enjoying the park in the coming months. noun: a legal penalty for a forbidden action 制裁 International sanctions have been placed on certain shipping lanes that were thought to be involved in human trafficking(非法交易).

underscore

verb: give extra weight to (a communication) （尤指為了強調）在（詞語）下面畫線 Synonyms : emphasise , emphasize , underline While the hiking instructor agreed that carrying a first aid kit could be a good idea under certain circumstances, he underscored the importance of carrying enough water.

enjoin

verb: give instructions to or direct somebody to do something with authority 囑咐；吩咐 The government agency enjoined the chemical company to clean up the hazardous dump it had created over the years. ++en進入 + join=進入連接=命令人[加入]

exacerbate

verb: make worse Synonyms : *aggravate , exasperate* , worsen Her sleeplessness exacerbated her cold--when she woke up the next day, her sinuses were completely blocked. ++ out + (ac)sharp = 病情惡化

buttress

verb: make stronger or defensible 撐牆，扶壁 China's economy has been buttressed by a global demand for the electronic parts the country manufactures.

obscure

verb: make unclear Synonyms : becloud , befog , cloud , fog , haze over , mist , obnubilate On the Smith's drive through the Grand Canyon, Mr. Smith's big head obscured much of Mrs. Robinson's view, so that she only saw momentary patches of red rock. adjective: known by only a few Synonyms : unknown , unsung Many of the biggest movie stars were once obscure actors who got only bit roles in long forgotten films. This word has other definitions but these are the most important ones to study

demur

verb: to object or show reluctance Wallace disliked the cold, so he demurred when his friends suggested they going skiing in the Alps. [補] demure = 端莊的

exalt [ɪɡˈzɔlt]

(v) 稱讚 (MW2) to elevate by praise or in estimation: GLORIFY [源] ex- (up) + alt- (high)，將人 "捧高" 即稱讚。 [例] The essay exalts the simple beauty of the country.

animosity

noun: intense hostility The governor's animosity toward his rival was only inflamed(發炎) when the latter spread false lies regarding the governor's first term. ++ anim - = spirit, mind --->你媽的咧 --->很有敵意

discord

noun: lack of agreement or harmony 看法不一致，缺乏共識 Synonyms : strife Despite all their talented players, the team was filled with discord--some players refused to talk to others--and lost most of their games.

lax (a)

鬆散的 (不嚴厲的) (MW) deficient in firmness: not stringent <lax control> <a lax foreman (工頭)> [衍] laxity (n)

avian (a)

鳥的 (MW) of, relating to, or derived from birds <avian behavior> <avian species>

partisan

黨派的

recrudescent

(MW) breaking out again: RENEWING

forestall

(MW1) to act before (someone else) in order to prevent something (MW2) to exclude, hinder, or prevent by prior occupation or measures His comments were meant to forestall criticism of his proposal

hideous [ˈhɪdɪəs]

(a) 非常不道德的、駭人聽聞的 (MW1) very ugly or disgusting (MW2) morally offensive: SHOCKING [源] 原意是 "醜陋"，引申為 "非常不道德的、駭人聽聞的" (多修飾 "罪行")。 [例] the hideous way in which she treated her maid after she discovered her ring was missing

anomalous

(adj.) abnormal, irregular, departing from the usual

mercantilism

(n) 重商主義

commend [kəˈmɛnd]

(v) 稱讚 (MW2) to mention with approbation: PRAISE [形] command [kəˈmæ nd] (v) "控制"、"命令"。 [例] His poetry is highly commended by other writers. [記] 推薦 (recommend) 就是 "再" (re-) "稱讚" (commend) 一次。

extol [ɪkˈstol]

(v) 稱讚 (MW2) to praise highly: GLORIFY [源] ex- (up) + tol- (tall)，將人 "捧高" 即稱讚。 [衍] extolment [ɪkˈstolmənt] (n) "稱讚"。 [例] The health benefits of exercise are widely extolled.

hail [hel]

(v) 稱讚 ("被譽為") (MW) to greet with enthusiastic approval: ACCLAIM [例] She is being hailed [= acclaimed] for her generosity [例] The new drug has been widely hailed as a great breakthrough. [解] 常用被動式，翻作某人事物 "被譽為" 是...。

bungle [ˈbʌŋgəl]

(v) 笨拙地做事 (= bumble) (MW1) to make mistakes in doing (something): to not do (something) well or successfully (MW2) to act or work clumsily and awkwardly [例] The government bungled badly in planning the campaign. ++ 读：般沟。帮人搬家把东西般到沟里－拙劣的工作

curtail

(v) 縮減 (MW) to make less by or as if by cutting off or away some part <curtail the power of the executive branch> <curtail inflation> [衍] curtailment (n) ++ curt＝cut 切，tail 尾巴－缩短

vilify [ˈvɪləˌfaɪ]

(v) 誹謗 (MW2) to utter (說) slanderous and abusive (謾罵的) statements against: DEFAME, MALIGN [衍] vilification [ˌvɪləfəˈkeʃən] (n) "誹謗"。 [例] He was vilified in the press for his comments.

capricious

*fickle*, *mercurial*; If you describe someone as fickle, you disapprove of them because they keep changing their mind about what they like or want

aggravate

- to make a bad situation worse 使（局勢等）更嚴重，加劇 Attempts to restrict parking in the city centre have further aggravated the problem of traffic congestion. - to make a disease worse 使（病情）惡化，加重 The treatment only aggravated the condition. ++ ag = to , grav = gravity

beatify

/bɪˈætɪˌfaɪ/ to sanctify; to bless; to ascribe a virtue to （天主教）為...行宣福禮（宣佈死者已升天堂的儀式） In May, Pope John Paul is to beatify Gianna Beretta.

bribes

A bribe is a sum of money or something valuable that one person offers or gives to another in order to persuade him or her to do something

conviction

A conviction is something certain: a judgment of guilty in court and a strong belief are both convictions.

delusion

A delusion is a belief that has no evidence in fact — a complete illusion.

faint

A faint sound, colour, mark, feeling, or quality has very little strength or intensity. 微弱的

festoon

A festoon is a decorative string of flowers that you drape across a room, dropping in curves between support points. If you're decorating for Halloween, why not try a creatively spooky festoon of dried roses covered in cobwebs? 用燈光、花、氣球之類的裝飾

malignant

A malignant tumour or disease is out of control and likely to cause death She developed a malignant breast tumour. ++誰來都沒力處理，快死啦!

atheist

A person who believes there is no god

precursors

A precursor of something is a similar thing that happened or existed before it, often something that led to the existence or development of that thing. He said that the deal should not be seen as a precursor to a merger.

prompt

A prompt is a cue that gives forgetful actors a hint for their next line, or students the topic of the essay they will write. It can also be the act of inspiring action, like your letter to the editor that prompts others to join your cause.

ranchers

A rancher is someone who owns or manages a large farm, especially one used for raising cattle, horses, or sheep ...a cattle rancher.

repository

A repository is a place where something is kept safely. A church in Moscow became a repository for police files.

rubric

A rubric is a title or heading under which something operates or is studied. 標題 synonym : rule, statute title, title

sheer

A sheer cliff or drop is extremely steep or completely vertical

simulacrum

A simulacrum is a fake version of something real. A wax museum is full of simulacrums of famous people.

stipend

A stipend is a sum of money that is paid to a student or volunteer for their living expenses

stream

A stream is a small narrow river

apothegm

A terse, witty, instructive saying; a maxim. Examples: "Absolute power corrupts absolutely." "All is for the best in this, the best of all possible worlds." "May the Force be with you."

affected

ADJ. artificial; pretended; assumed in order to impress. She had an affected air and a disdainful look.

amenity

Amenities are things such as shopping centres or sports facilities that are provided for people's convenience, enjoyment, or comfort

ethos

An ethos is the set of ideas and attitudes that is associated with a particular group of people or a particular type of activity. 理念 The whole ethos of the hotel is effortless service.

incipient

An incipient situation or quality is one that is starting to happen or develop. 開始發生的；正在發展的 ...an incipient economic recovery. [補] insipid 無味的

archaic

Archaic means extremely old or extremely old-fashioned ...archaic laws that are very seldom used.

banner

As you listen to your guests sing to you on your birthday, you may see a long banner, or sign, hanging from the ceiling and announcing in sparkly letters, "Happy Birthday to You!"

alacrity

Cheerful willingness; eagerness ; speed I should be most happy, " he replied aloud, jumping up with alacrity

delicacy

Delicacy is the quality of being easy to break or harm, and refers especially to people or things that are attractive or graceful. ...the delicacy of a rose.

denotation

Denotation means the literal meaning of a word or name. Although Paris might make you think of romance, its denotation is simply the city of old tribe called the Parisii.

abscond

Depart secretly and hide [補] surreptitious ++ 一秒鐘就消失

complaisant

Don't confuse complaisant with its near-homonym complacent. Both derive from the Latin complacere "to please," but while complaisant means willing to do something to please another, complacent means smug and self-satisfied, something that you want to avoid when you're on the winning team.

dysfunctional

Dysfunctional is used to describe relationships or behaviour which are different from what is considered to be normal.

entail

Entail means what something involves. "The job entailed us standing in the snow for hours dressed as giant, human hot dogs. It entailed far too much humiliation to justify the $3.55 an hour we were paid."

charismatic

If all kinds of people are attracted to you, you are charismatic. Most great leaders in history have been charismatic

elusive

Things that are elusive are hard to find, pin down, or remember. They slip right out of your grasp

audacious

This adjective is very bold — if you are audacious, you are daring and unconventional! He was known for risky tactics that ranged from audacious to outrageous.

frivolous

adjective: Frivolous things are silly or unnecessary. If something is frivolous, then you don't need it. Compared to Juliet's passionate concern for human rights, Jake's non-stop concern about football seems somewhat frivolous. ++ fri xxxx --> 廢物

estimable

adjective: deserving of esteem and respect 值得敬重的 Synonyms : good , honorable , respectable After serving thirty years, in which he selflessly served the community, Judge Harper was one of the more estimable people in town.

creditable

adjective: deserving of praise but not that amazing 還算值得稱讚的 Critics agreed the movie was creditable, but few gave it more than three out of five stars.

conjugal

pertaining to marriage agreement ...a man deprived of his conjugal rights. ++ con 照顧(台語) --->夫妻之間互相照顧

austere

stern; unadorned I found her a rather austere, distant, somewhat cold person. The life of the troops was still comparatively austere.

interweave (v)

交織 (MW) to mix or blend together <interweaving his own insights ... with letters and memoirs>

antecedent

Going before; preceding; an occurrence or event preceding another - We shall first look briefly at the historical antecedents of this theory. - Charles Babbage's mechanical calculating engines were the antecedents of the modern computer.

banter

Good friends usually banter back and forth easily, like they're trying to keep a step ahead of each other in witty responses. This type of banter is their special language of friendship. Joking, joshing, and teasing are all related to banter ++ 搬他。我们在开玩笑的时候经常会把某人搬起来，抛向空中，再接住。如果你不喜欢他，不接他也摔不死。

loath

Hate

loathe

Hate ++ lo(athe) = rearrange 之後等於 hate

zeal

熱情的

elude

verb: escape understanding Synonyms : bilk , evade Even a basic understanding of physics can elude most high schools students.

decisive

If a fact, action, or event is decisive, it makes certain a particular result. 決定性的

exhilaration

Exhilaration is a strong feeling of excitement and happiness

flamboyant

Flamboyant means showy, and though we often roll our eyes at it, it's not a hateful thing.

connotation

From the Latin com- "with" + notare "to mark," this word is all about reading between the lines. The literal meaning (or denotation) of Wall Street, for instance, is "a street in lower Manhattan that's home to many financial institutions," but the same phrase's connotations may include "wealth," "power," or "greed," depending on your experiences and opinions. A closely related word is implication.

tar (v)

玷汙 (MW) to defile (玷汙) as if with tar <least tarred by the scandal> [衍] tar (n) "焦油"

extirpation

If a bird species is forced into extinction by a logging company cutting down trees in the rain forest, that activity can be said to have caused the birds' extirpation. The word is even more often used to talk about the deliberate removal of something, like one army's extirpation of every enemy soldier. The Latin root word, extirpationem, means "root out."

impasse

If people are in a difficult position in which it is impossible to make any progress, you can refer to the situation as an impasse. 僵局

industrious

If someone comments that you are very industrious, they are complimenting you for working hard and tirelessly. You can have the evening to yourself if you're industrious enough during the afternoon to get your homework and chores done.

garner

If someone has garnered something useful or valuable, they have gained it or collected it. 獲得 The wolf-dogs would have realized in short order that in exchange for their instinctive distrust of hominins the arrangement would garner them more reliable kills. And the humans would have seen that the wolf-dogs were helping to secure more meat than they'd provide if they themselves were simply slaughtered

defunct

If something is defunct, it no longer exists or has stopped functioning or operating. 不再存在的; 不再起作用的

hilarious

If something is hilarious, it is extremely funny and makes you laugh a lot

indifferent

If you accuse someone of being indifferent to something, you mean that they have a complete lack of interest in it. People have become indifferent to the suffering of others.

breach

If you breach an agreement, a law, or a promise, you break it

conciliatory

If you're in a fight with a friend and you want to end it, you should make a conciliatory gesture, such as inviting her to a party you're having. Conciliatory describe things that make other people less angry. 願意和解的 The context is often a situation in which a dispute is settled by compromise. A synonym is propitiatory, though this adjective usually refers to avoiding the anger of someone who has the power to harm. In the word conciliatory, the -ory suffix means "relating to or doing," and the root is from Latin conciliatus, from conciliare "to bring together, win over," from concilium "council. [補] *reconcile 使和解 *

reprimand

If you're reprimanded, someone in authority speaks to you in an angry way because you've done something wrong. Or you might reprimand your dog if he steals your hot dog.

mock

Imitation may be the most sincere form of flattery, but to mock is to make fun of or mimic someone with contempt, ridicule or derision. "Louise's favorite pastime was to mock her brother's inability to sing on key."

irretrievable

Irretrievable means something that can't be retrieved or recovered. If you have irretrievable memory loss, it means you'll never get your memories back.... Each week that's lost is "irretrievable," said Keith Mathews, CEO and general manager of First Fruits Marketing of Washington in Yakima.

obsessively

痴迷地

apathy

Lack of caring; indifference They told me about isolation and public apathy.

abject

Miserable, pitiful Both of them died in abject poverty. to + object = 申請學校沒上整個miserable

demonstrative

People who are demonstrative easily and clearly show their emotions. A demonstrative person might shout "Hooray" and jump for joy at good news. A non-demonstrative person might feel no less excited, but refrain from demonstrating it.

fickle

People who are fickle change their minds so much you can't rely on them. If your best friend suddenly decides that she doesn't like you one week, and then the next week she wants to hang out again, she's being fickle.

meticulous

People who are meticulous can be pretty annoying, what with their extreme attention to detail. But if that person is, say, your surgeon or your accountant, you'll want them to be meticulous. 嚴謹的，一絲不苟的；非常注意細節的

sapience

Sapience is the quality of being wise, or wisdom. When voters are choosing a candidate, they usually hope for one with at least a degree of sapience.

antic

adjective: ludicrously odd 可笑或荒唐剧中的演员; 小丑 Synonyms : fantastic , fantastical , grotesque The clown's antic act was too extreme for the youngest children, who left the room in tears.

precipitated

Precipitate usually means "bringing something on" or "making it happen" — and not always in a good way. An unpopular verdict might "precipitate violence" or one false step at the Grand Canyon could precipitate you down into the gorge. The killings in Vilnius have precipitated the worst crisis yet.

preliminary

Preliminary activities or discussions take place at the beginning of an event, often as a form of preparation 初步的

resentment

Resentment is bitterness and anger that someone feels about something.

remedial (a)

矯正的 (MW) intended as a remedy (治療) [衍] remedy (n) something that corrects or counteracts "矯正"。

witty

Someone or something that is witty is amusing in a clever way.

cunning

Someone who is cunning has the ability to achieve things in a clever way, often by deceiving other people

apposite

Something apposite is fitting or relevant. It is apposite that radio stations play Christmas carols on Christmas Eve, and that your tax accountant takes vacation after April 15th. It all makes sense, syn: apropos

imperil

Something that imperils you puts you in danger. 危及，使陷入危險 A police raid would imperil the lives of the hostages.

desultory

Something that is desultory is done in an unplanned and disorganized way, and without enthusiasm Synonyms: purposeless Lynne made desultory conversation with Irene and Alex. [補] salutary

sinister

Something that is sinister seems evil or harmful

cataclysmic

Something that's cataclysmic is violently destructive. The word often refers to natural disasters, like a cataclysmic earthquake, but cataclysmic can describe other events as well as long as they're bad enough, like the cataclysmic failure you had making meatloaf.

subjectivity

Subjectivity refers to how someone's judgment is shaped by personal opinions and feelings instead of outside influences. Subjectivity is partially responsible for why one person loves an abstract painting while another person hates it.

don (v)

穿(戴)上 (do on 的縮寫) (MW) to put on (an article of clothing) [反] doff (v) 脫下 (do off 的縮寫)

climax

The climax of something is the most exciting or important moment in it, usually near the end. 高潮 Synonym : culmination

scent

The scent of something is the pleasant smell that it has. 香味

ambivalence

The state of having contradictory or conflicting emotional attitudes

allure

To entice or tempt

granular

粒狀的 ...a granular fertilizer

naysayers

老是唱反調的人

torpor

Torpor is a state of mental and physical inactivity. "After a huge Thanksgiving meal, my family members fall into a torpor; no one can even pick up the TV remote." 不活躍；萎靡；遲鈍

empathy

Use empathy if you're looking for a noun meaning "the ability to identify with another's feelings."

nuanced

Use nuance to refer to a very small difference in color, meaning, or feeling. What makes singers brilliant is not how loud they can sing a note, but how many nuances they can evoke through their approach.

salutary

Use salutary to describe something that's good for your health, like the salutary benefits of exercise, laughter, and getting enough sleep every night.

caustic

Use the adjective caustic to describe any chemical that is able to burn living tissue or other substances, or, figuratively, a statement that has a similarly burning effect. Caustic in this sense means harshly critical. ++ 尖酸刻薄的評論導致怒火中燒

verisimilitude

Verisimilitude is the quality of seeming to be true or real. 逼真 ++ very similar to reality

forebear

Your father, grandmother, and great grandfather are all your forebears. A forebear is an ancestor, or someone you are descended from.

profile

Your profile is the outline of your face as it is seen when someone is looking at you from the side

avarice

['ævərɪs] greed Synonyms : covetous , grabby , grasping , greedy , prehensile He paid a month's rent in advance, just enough to satisfy the landlord's avarice.

perseverance

[,pɝsə'vɪrəns] Perseverance is the quality of continuing with something even though it is difficult.

behemoth

[bɪ'himɔθ] huge creature; anything very large and powerful The city is a sprawling behemoth with no heart.

mnemonic

[nɪ'mɑnɪk] A mnemonic is a memory aid for something, often taking the form of a rhyme or an acronym. I before E except after C, is a mnemonic to help you remember how to spell words like "piece" and "receive."

parsimonious

[pɑrsə'monɪəs] adjective: extremely frugal; miserly Synonyms : penurious Katie is so parsimonious that she only buys a pair of socks if all of her other socks have holes in them. 蛋調鳩怕僧耶~ ----->節儉

conjunction

a conjunction is all about joining things together.

rapport

a good understanding of someone and an ability to communicate well with them 融洽；和諧；和睦的關係 - We'd worked together for years and developed a close/good rapport. - She has an excellent rapport with her staff.

accretion

a growth in size; an increase in amount The script has been gathering editorial accretions for years.

veracious

adjective: truthful Synonyms : right While we elect our leaders in the hope that every word they speak will be veracious, history has shown that such a hope is naive.

alloy

a mixture of 2 or more metals ; a combination Bronze is an alloy of copper and tin.

affinity

a natural attraction, liking, or feeling of kinship He has a close affinity with the landscape and people he knew when he was growing up.

complicit

adjective: Complicity refers to the act of helping someone else behave inappropriately or illegally. 同谋的; 串通的 While the grand jury cleared the senator of all criminal charges, in the public mind he was still complicit in the corruption.

atavism

a reappearance of an earlier characteristic

clique

a small, exclusive group 小團體 (-) He was accepted into the most popular clique on campus.

truism

a statement which is so obviously true that it is almost not worth saying 自明之理，不言而喻的話 As far as health is concerned, it's a truism that prevention is better than cure. 就健康而言，預防勝於治療，這是不言而喻的。

veritable

adjective: truthfully, without a doubt veritable Synonyms : authentic , bona fide , unquestionable Frank is a veritable life-saver - last year, on two different occasions, he revived people using CPR.

cataclysm

a violent upheaval(動亂) that great destruction and change

anarchy

absence of government; state of disorder

anarchy

absence of political authority

agitation

act of causing to move with violent force

immutable

adjective: not able to be changed Synonyms : changeless Taxes are one of the immutable laws of the land, so there is no use arguing about paying them.

arcane

adjective: requiring secret or mysterious knowledge 神秘的；秘密的 Most college fraternities are known for arcane rituals that those hoping to the join the fraterntiy must learn.

notwithstanding

all the same, even so, however, nevertheless, nonetheless, still, withal, yet

amenable

am- = love, friend agreeable ; cooperative; suited The Jordanian leader seemed amenable to attending a conference.

canon

an established principle; a basis or standard for judgment; a group of literary works

acerbate

annoy

caste

any of the hereditary social class of Hindu society; social stratification Caste is defined primarily by social honour attained through personal lifestyle.

collage

artistic composition of materials pasted over a surface; an assemblage of diverse elements

acrimonious

bitter and sharp in language and tone

brazen

bold; shameless ++ braz＝brass（n.黄铜）－脸像黄铜－厚颜无耻的

blase'

bored because of frequent indulgence ;不稀罕的；司空見慣的 He flies first class so often, he's become blasé about it.

broach

bring up a topic for discussion When he started working with Amish farmers, Weaver didn't even broach the subject of money assistance. ++ 读：不如吃。不如咱们把这瓶酒吃了吧？这是提出一个主题供讨论，大家同意后就可以开瓶了

centrifugal

moving away from a center

carping

captious; to find fault; complain

captious

carping; faultfinding; intended to entrap, as in an argument

abduct

carry away by force; kidnap

detrimental

causing harm or damage 危害，損害 - These chemicals have a detrimental effect/impact on the environment. - Their decision could be detrimental to the future of the company.

banal

commonplace syn : platitude The professor used such banal expression that many students in the class either fell asleep from bordeom or stayed awake to complete his sentences and humor friends.

banal

commonplace; trite [補] banner 旗幟、標語 ++ 搬弄小技倆，實在很 commonplace

analogous

comparable

blasphemous

considered offensive to God or religion 褻瀆的；侮慢的，不敬的 a blasphemous remark ++ [源] blas- (black) + phe- (speak) + -my (名尾)，"說神明的壞話 (抹黑神明)" 是一種褻瀆。

bovine

cow-like He had a gentle, rather bovine expression.

concave

curving inward

anemia

deficiency in the part of the blood that carries oxygen

noxious

describes something, especially a gas or other substance, that is poisonous or very harmful （尤指氣體或其他物質）有毒的，有害的 They died from inhaling noxious fumes.

baneful

destructive, poisonous, or fatal 毁灭性的; 有毒的; 致命的

stoic

determined not to complain or show your feelings, especially when something bad happens to you 克制感情的；（尤指面對逆境）堅忍的，隱忍的 - We knew she must be in pain, despite her stoic attitude. - He showed a stoic resignation towards his fate. - Local people were stoical about the damage caused by the hurricane. 當地居民默默承受颶風造成的破壞 ++ 来自希腊哲学流派Stoic(斯多葛派),主张坚忍克己

aberrant

deviating away from the expected or normal course

aberrant

deviating from what is normal or expected Ian's rages and aberrant behavior worsened.

anomaly

deviation from what is normal

antipathy

dislike; hostility

precipitous

djective: done with very great haste and without due deliberation 驟然的，急遽的 Synonyms : hasty , overhasty , precipitant , precipitate He was expecting a precipitous rise in the value of a "hot" tech stock, so he was disappointed when it only inched up a dollar or two each day.

ACT/AG

drive, do, lead, act, move

abdicate

formally relinquish power or responsibility

AB/ABS

from, away, off

eloquent

giving a clear, strong message 雄辯的，有說服力的 ++ e + loqu + ent out speak adj

ardor

great emotion or passion ..songs of genuine passion and ardor

cupidity

greed ; ++ 有個 cupid 把愛之箭射向人們的錢包

artless

guileless; nature She was curiously artless.

deleterious

harmful 有害的，造成危害的 These drugs have a proven deleterious effect on the nervous system. 已證實這些藥物對神經系統有危害作用。

castigation

harsh verbal reprimand; punishment; chastisement; criticism ++ cast + gate ->向門丟東西 --> 強烈譴責

ACER/ACID/ACRI

harsh; bitter; sour

aculeate

having a stinger; having sharp prickles

irreducible

impossible to make smaller or simpler 不能減縮的；不可簡化的 A few simple shapes are the irreducible forms from which all of the patterns are generated.

aver

to + true to affirm ; declare to be true "Entertaining is something that everyone in the country can enjoy," she averred.

exacerbate

increase bitterness; make worse

cognizant

informed; conscious; aware

cant

insincere talk; language of a particular group ; 偽善說教,言不由衷 ...politicians holding forth with their usual hypocritical cant.

insular

interested only in your own country or group and not willing to accept different or foreign ideas 思想狹隘的；保守的 ++ insular＝island 岛屿

concoct

invent; If you concoct an excuse or explanation, you invent one that is not true 調製，配製（通常指食品） 編造，捏造，虛構（藉口、解釋或故事） Mr. Ferguson said the prisoner concocted the story to get a lighter sentence.

causal

involving a cause; 有因果關係的 Rawlins stresses that it is impossible to prove a causal link between the drug and the deaths

cantankerous

irritable; ill-humored ++坦克司機通常都很暴躁

artifact

item made by human craft

acumen

keenness of judgment

beneficent

kindly; doing good

jargon

noun: a characteristic language of a particular group 行話，行業術語 Synonyms : *argot* , cant , lingo , patois , *slang* , vernacular To those with little training in medicine, the jargon of doctors can be very difficult to understand. ++ 紮根在一個行業中，所以會說行話

avuncular

like an uncle, benevolent(good + wish) and tolerant He began to talk in his most gentle and avuncular manner.

agenda

list or program of things to be done

impetuous (a)

衝動的 (= impulsive) | (MW) marked by impulsive vehemence or passion <an impetuous temperament> [衍] impetuously (adv)

analgesic

medication that reduces or eliminates pain;anodyne

alchemy

medieval chemistry; attempt to change base metal into gold

abstemious

moderate in appetite

bourgeoisie

n Marxist theory, the bourgeoisie are the middle-class people who own most of the wealth in a capitalist system

appellation

name

clamor

noisy outcry

detached

not attached 公正的

turpitude

noun: *depravity*; a depraved act 邪惡；墮落 During his reign, Caligula indulged in unspeakable sexual practices, so it not surprising that he will forever be remembered for his turpitude.

banality

noun: a *trite* or obvious remark Synonyms : bromide , cliche , *commonplace* , *platitude* Herbert regarded the minister's remark as a mere banality until Sharon pointed out profound implications to the seemingly obvious words.

idiosyncrasy

noun: a behavioral attribute that is distinctive and peculiar to an individual 癖好，怪癖；特徵 Synonyms : *foible* , mannerism Peggy's numerous idiosyncrasies include wearing mismatched shoes, laughing loudly to herself, and owning a pet aardvark.

grants

補助金

ingenuity

noun: the power of creative imagination Synonyms : cleverness , ingeniousness , inventiveness Daedalus was famous for his ingenuity; he was able to fashion his son Icarus with a pair of wings, using wax to hold them together. [補] ingenuous = 天真的, ingenious = 靈巧的、巧妙的

artlessness

noun: the quality of innocence Synonyms : ingenuousness , innocence , naturalness I, personally, found the artlessness of her speech charming.

cardinal

of foremost importance As a salesman, your cardinal rule is to do everything you can to satisfy a customer.

vintage

of high quality and lasting value, or showing the best and most typical characteristics of a particular type of thing, especially from the past （尤指過去某個時期）最佳的，最典型的，經典的

vintage

of high quality and lasting value, or showing the best and most typical characteristics of a particular type of thing, especially from the past （尤指過去某個時期）最佳的，最典型的，經典的 a vintage aircraft 最出色的飛機 a vintage comic book 經典的漫畫書 This film is vintage (= has the best characteristics typical of films made by) Disney.

carnal

of the flesh or body; related to physical appetites

caucus

smaller group within an organization; A caucus is a group of people within an organization who share similar aims and interests or who have a lot of influence 機構中的核心組織 [補] clique -->小團體(-)

approbation

official approval ++ approve 的古語

clairvoyant

one who can predict the future; psychic 先知；能預見未來的人 She went to see a clairvoyant who said he could communicate with her dead husband.

ascetic

one who practices self-denial ; monk He can appear ascetic and stiff.

amulet

ornament worn as a charm against evil spirits

agnostic

person who is doubtful about something

asylum

place of refuge or shelter

bard

poet

bombastic

pompous; using inflated language ; if you describe someone as bombastic, you are criticizing them for trying to impress other people by saying things that sound impressive but have little meaning He was vain and bombastic. ++ 很會ㄗㄨㄚ、(炸的台語) ㄗㄨㄚ、得天花亂綴

antediluvian

prehistoric

actuate

put into motion; activate

rapturous

rapturous feeling or reaction is one of extreme happiness or enthusiasm. 狂喜的 Synonym: exuberant, elated, ecstatic

abstinence

refraining from something

apropos

relevant All my suggestions apropos the script were accepted.

amply

richly

circuitous

roundabout; circuitous route is long and complicated rather than simple and direct

churlish

rude; *boorish*

boorish

rude; insensitive ...their boorish rejection of the aging film star.

cartography

science of making maps

avocation

secondary occupation

autonomous

self + rule self-governing; independent They proudly declared themselves part of a new autonomous province.

complacent

self-satisfied

imperturbable

serene

asperity

severity, rigor; roughness, harshness; irritability "I told you Preskel had no idea," remarked Kemp with some asperity.

adjunct

something added to another thing but not an essential part of it Physical therapy is an important adjunct to drug treatments.

catalyst

something causing change I very much hope that this case will prove to be a catalyst for change.

ambrosia

something delicious ; the food of the god

anachronism

something out of the proper time

anachronism

something out of the proper time The president tended to regard the Church as an anachronism.

anodyne

something that calms or soothes pain ; analgesic

complement

something that completes or makes up a whole

astringent

sour or bitter in taste; An astringent personality, on the other hand, is perceived as bitter and perhaps even a bit toxic. his astringent criticism.

acerbity

sourness or bitterness of taste, character or tone

apposite

suitable and right for the occasion 適當的；恰當的；貼切的 The film starts in a graveyard, an apposite image for the decaying society which is the theme of the film.

polemics

the art or practice of dispute or argument, as in attacking or defending a doctrine or belief

abstinence

the giving up of certain pleasures ...six months of abstinence.

trail

the hearing of statements and showing of objects, etc. in a court of law to judge whether a person is guilty of a crime or to decide a case or a legal matter 審判，審理 - Trial by jury is a fundamental right. - It was a very complicated trial that went on for months.

apex

the highest point

lineage

the members of a person's family who are directly related to that person and who lived a long time before him or her 血統；世系 She's very proud of her ancient royal lineage.

chivalry

the qualities idealized by knighthood such as bravery and gallantry toward women

archeology

the study of ancient cultures based on artifacts and other remains

acupuncture

therapeutic technique that uses needles to relieve pain

callous

thick-skinned; insensitive ; A callous person or action is very cruel and shows no concern for other people or their feelings ...his callous disregard for human life.

coagulate

thicken; congeal; concrete The antibodies will bind to the glycophorin and cause the blood cells to coagulate.

appease

to + peace to calm; pacify; placate

apprise

to + seize/get/take give notice to, inform Have customers been fully apprised of the advantages?

assiduous

to + sit diligent; hard-working Podulski had been assiduous in learning his adopted language.

accrue

to accumulate, grow by additions I owed $5,000 - part of this was accrued interest.

conceding

to admit, often unwillingly, that something is true （常指不情願地）承認 [+ (that)] The Government has conceded (that) the new tax policy has been a disaster.

codify

to arrange something, such as laws or rules, into a system

premised

to base a theory, argument, etc. on an idea, thought, or belief 假定...為先決條件，作為...的前提 He premised his argument on several incorrect assumptions.

cadge

to beg; sponge ; If someone cadges food, money, or help from you, they ask you for it and succeed in getting it He could cadge a ride from somebody.

rendered

to cause someone or something to be in a particular state 使成為；使變得；使處於某種狀態 - His rudeness rendered me speechless. - New technology has rendered my old computer obsolete.

coalesce

to cause to become one As the number of moisture droplets increases, they begin to coalesce into small rivulets of fluid.

admonish

to caution or advise against something

cloister

to confine; seclude

ameliorate

to improve Synonyms : amend , better , improve , meliorate

belie

to contradict; misrepresent; give a false impression Her looks belie her 50 years. The facts of the situation belie his testimony.

chasten

to correct by punishment or reproof; to restrain(制止) or subdue(克制 ) A chastened Agassi flew home for a period of deep contemplation.

champion

to defend or support He passionately championed the poor.

antediluvian

to describe something really, really old

buttress

to reinforce; support Try to buttress the points you make in these chapters with some details.

abjure

to reject; abandon formally ...a formal statement abjuring military action.

bifurcate

to divide into two parts

agenda

to do list

bedizen

to dress in a vulgar; showy manner

reconciled

to find a way in which two situations or beliefs that are opposed to each other can agree and exist together 調和；調解；使一致 It is sometimes difficult to reconcile science and religion. 有時很難調和宗教和科學之間的矛盾。

burgeon

to flourish Plants burgeon from every available space.

bolster

to give a boost to ; prop up; support ; If someone tries to bolster their position in a situation, they try to strengthen it The country is free to adopt policies to bolster its economy. [補] buttress = to reinforce; support

abdicate

to give up a position, right, or power

allay

to lessen fear; to calm; to relieve pain He did what he could to allay his wife's myriad fears.

aggrandize

to make larger or greater ...plans to aggrandize the building

assuage

to make less severe

condone

to overlook voluntarily; forgive; If someone condones behavior that is morally wrong, they accept it and allow it to happen 縱容 I have never encouraged nor condoned violence.

burnish

to polish

palliate

to reduce the bad effects of something: They tried to palliate the hardship of their lives. specialized medical to reduce pain without curing its cause: The drugs palliate pain but have no effect on inflammation. ++ lli＝ill，ate：生病以后狂吃－减轻痛苦

banished

to send someone away, especially from their country, and forbid (= refuse to allow) them to come back 趕走；流放，放逐；（尤指）把（某人）驅逐出境 he was banished to an uninhabited island for a year.

implicated

to show that someone is involved in a crime or partly responsible for something bad that has happened 牽連，涉及 Have they any evidence to implicate him in the robbery? [補] implication 暗示

inroads

to start to have a direct and noticeable effect (on something) 取得進展；產生效果 The government is definitely making inroads into the problem of unemployment.

arrest

to stop; to seize

prop up

to support

appropriate

to take possession for one's own use; confiscate

attenuate

to weaken you could never eliminate risk, but preparation and training could attenuate it.

chicanery

trickery; fraud; guile

adamant

uncompromising; unyielding She was adamantly opposed to her husband taking this trip.

compunction

uneasiness caused by guilt He has no compunction about relating how he killed his father.

cacophonous

unpleasant or harsh-sounding

flummox

verb: be a mystery or bewildering to 使困惑；使不知所措 Synonyms : amaze , baffle , beat , bewilder , dumbfound , get , gravel , mystify , nonplus , perplex , pose , puzzle , stick , stupefy , vex Mary's behavior completely flummoxes me: I never have any idea what her motivations might be.

misattribute

verb: To erroneously attribute; to falsely ascribe; used especially of authorship. I made a mistake; I misattributed "Crime and Punishment" to Leo Tolstoy when it was actually written by Fyodor Dostoyevsky.

eke

verb: To live off meager resources, to scrape by 精打細算地維持；儘量節約使用 Stranded in a cabin over the winter, Terry was able to eke out an existence on canned food.

morph

verb: To undergo dramatic change in a seamless and barely noticeable fashion. （使）圖像變形；對（圖像）進行合成處理 The earnestness of the daytime talk shows of the 1970's has morphed into something far more sensational and vulgar: today guests actually standup and threaten to take swings at one another.

irk

verb: irritate or vex 使厭煩，使惱火 Synonyms : *gall* , *rile* My little sister has a way of irking and annoying me like no other person.

juxtapose

verb: place side by side The appeal of her paintings comes from a classical style which is juxtaposed with modern themes.

fete

verb: to celebrate a person Synonyms : celebrate After World War II, war heroes were feted at first but quickly forgotten.

dupe

verb: to trick or swindle Synonyms : befool , cod , fool , gull , put on , put one across , put one over , slang , take in Once again a get-rich-fast Internet scheme had duped Harold into submitting a $5,000 check to a sham(騙局) operation. noun: a person who is easily tricked or swindled(被詐騙) Synonyms : victim The charlatan mistook the crowd for a bunch of dupes, but the crowd was quickly on to him and decried his bald-faced attempt to bilk them.

desecrate

verb: to willfully violate or destroy a sacred place 褻瀆，玷污 Synonyms : outrage , profane , violate After desecrating the pharaoh's tomb, the archaeologist soon fell victim to a horrible illness. ++ down + sacred

abrade

wear away by friction; erode

A/AN

without, absence of, not

vexations

worry or anger 煩惱；苦惱 After several unsuccessful attempts to start his car, he swore in vexation.

compliant

yielding compliment = 恭維 That software is not compliant with your operating system; you'll have to buy a different version. ++ com + pli, plic, ply --> com + fold. ex: duplicate, implicit, explicit, triple, complicate

unsound (a)

不可靠的 (MW) not sound: not valid or true: INVALID, SPECIOUS <unsound beliefs> - unsound police evidence ++ un 不，sound（adj.合理可靠的）：理由不充分的

intransigent (a)

不妥協的 (MW) characterized by refusal to compromise or to abandon an extreme position or attitude: UNCOMPROMISING <intransigent in their opposition> <an intransigent attitude> [衍] intransigence (n)

tactless (a)

不明智的 (MW) marked by lack of tact <tactless comments> <tactless methods> [衍] tact (n) a keen sense of what to do or say in order to maintain good relations with others or avoid offense "圓融的處事之道"。 [反] tactful (a) having or showing tact "機智的"、"圓融的"

impolitic (a)

不明智的 (= unwise) (MW) not politic: UNWISE [反] politic (a) characterized by shrewdness in managing, contriving, or dealing "明智的"。 [補] politics 政治

angle (n)

不當手段 (MW) an often improper or illicit (不正當的) method of obtaining advantage <a salesman always looking for an angle>

(a)

不可靠的 (MW) not sound: not valid or true: INVALID, SPECIOUS <unsound beliefs> - unsound police evidence ++ un 不，sound（adj.合理可靠的）：理由不充分的

discredit (v)

使無法相信 (MW) to refuse to accept as true or accurate: DISBELIEVE <discredit a rumor> (CB) to cause people to stop respecting someone or believing in an idea or person 使名譽受損；使受到懷疑 Evidence of links with drug dealers has discredited the President. 總統與販毒分子有染的證據使他名譽掃地。

martinet

來自於某個嚴格的法國將軍 = =" a strict disciplinarian

robust

健壯的，強而有力的 The Secretary of State has made a robust defence of the agreement.

forgery (n)

偽造 (MW) an act of forging especially: the crime of falsely and fraudulently making or altering a document (as a check) [衍] forge (v) "偽造" These banknotes are forgeries. 這些鈔票是偽造的。 He increased his income by forgery. 他透過製售偽造品來增加收入。

preeminent (a)

傑出的 (MW) having paramount rank, dignity, or importance: OUTSTANDING, SUPREME [衍] preeminence (n) the quality or state of being preeminent: SUPERIORITY

dispense with (phr)

免除；廢止；省去；不再使用 (MW) to set aside: DISCARD <dispensing with the usual introduction> [補] dispense 分發

ACU

sharp

acrid

sharp or bitter to the taste or smell; sharp in language or tone

acuity

sharpness of perception

salient [ˈselɪənt]

(a) 明顯的 (MW1) very important or noticeable (MW2) standing out conspicuously: PROMINENT especially: of notable significance <similar to ... Prohibition, but there are a couple of salient differences> [源] sal- (jump) + -li- + -ent (形尾)，原意是 "突出"，所以有名。 [衍] salience [ˈselɪəns] (n) "明顯"。 [例] the salient facts (顯而易見的事實)。

hidebound [ˈhaɪdˌbaʊnd]

(a) 極度保守的 (來自 "穿獸皮的原始人") (MW2) having an inflexible or ultraconservative (極度保守的) character [源] hide (獸皮) + bound (披覆)，披覆獸皮的原始人是 "極度保守" 的。 [例] The hidebound innkeeper refused to see the need for a Web site, insisting that the inn had done without one for over 150 years.

tendentious [tenˈdenʃəs]

(a) 偏見的 (= biased, prejudiced) (MW2) marked by a tendency in favor of a particular point of view: BIASED [源] tend- (stretch, aim)，"拉長" 彈弓瞄準 "目標"，目標不同的人易 "有偏見"。 [衍] tendency [ˈtɛndənsɪ] (n) "傾向"。 [衍] tendentiousness [tɛnˈdɛnʃəsnɪs] (n) "偏見"。 [例] He made some extremely tendentious remarks. [解] 此字出現常形容組織團體意見不合，如國會無法取得共識 (consensus)。 [記] 用 tendency 來記，"傾向" 太過強烈就變成 "偏見"

imminent

(a) 即將來臨的 (常指負面) (MW) ready to take place especially: hanging threateningly over one's head <was in imminent danger of being run over (被輾過)>

curious

(a) 古怪的 (MW) exciting attention as strange, novel (新奇的), or unexpected: ODD <a curious coincidence>

scholarly

(a) 學術的 (MW) of, characteristic of, or suitable to learned persons: LEARNED, ACADEMIC

nebulous [ˈnɛbjələs]

(a) 模糊的 (MW2) INDISTINCT, VAGUE [衍] nebula [ˈnɛbjʊlə] (n) "星雲"。 [解] 來自天文學 "星雲" (nebula)，因為星雲是 "朦朧的"、"不清楚的"

detached [dɪˈtæ tʃt]

(a) 客觀的 (超然的) (MW1) not emotional: not influenced by emotions or personal interest (MW2) exhibiting an aloof(冷漠的) objectivity (客觀) usually free from prejudice or self-interest (自私) <a detached observer> [衍] detachment [dɪˈtæ tʃmənt] (n) "公正、客觀"。 [記] a detached observer at company parties, taking it all in and saying very little

abstruse [æ bˈstrus]

(a) 深奧的 (MW2) difficult to comprehend: RECONDITE <the abstruse calculations of mathematicians> [衍] abstruseness [æ bˈstrusnɪs] (n) "深奧難懂"。 [例] You're not the only one who finds Einstein's theory of relativity (相對論) abstruse

apprehensive [ˌæ prɪˈhɛnsɪv]

(a) 害怕的 (MW1) afraid that something bad or unpleasant is going to happen: feeling or showing fear or apprehension about the future (MW2) viewing the future with anxiety or alarm: FEARFUL [源] ap- (= ad-, to) + prehend (catch, seize) + -sive (形尾)，"揪著你的心"，所以 "擔憂" 放不下。 [衍] apprehension [ˌæ prɪˈhɛnʃən] (n) "擔憂、害怕"。 [例] He was quite apprehensive about the surgery.

enormous

(a) 巨大的 (MW) marked by extraordinarily great size, number, or degree especially: exceeding usual bounds or accepted notions [衍] enormity (n) 窮凶極惡的

providential

(a) 幸運的 (= lucky) (MW) occurring by or as if by an intervention of Providence (天佑) <a providential escape> (AL) formal: happening at a good time because of luck: LUCKY

puerile [ˈpjʊəˌrəl]

(a) 幼稚的 (MW2) CHILDISH, SILLY <puerile remarks> [源] puer- (boy) + -ile (形尾)，像小男孩一樣 "幼稚"。 [衍] puerility [ˌpjuəˈrɪlətɪ] (n) "幼稚"。 [例] told the teenagers that such puerile behavior would not be tolerated during the ceremony [記] 把 puer-看做 pure，純潔的小男孩是 "幼稚" 的。

flagrant [ˈfleɡrənt]

(a) 惡名昭彰的 (MW1) very bad: too bad to be ignored (MW2) conspicuously offensive <flagrant errors>; especially: so obviously inconsistent with what is right or proper as to appear to be a flouting (蔑視) of law or morality <flagrant violations of human rights> [源] flag- (burn) + -r- + -ant (形尾)，大火熊熊燒起連很遠的地方都能看到，就像做壞事眾人皆知。 [例] her flagrant disregard for other people's rights [解] flag 當動詞時是 "衰退" 的意思

flagitious [fləˈdʒɪʃəs]

(a) 惡名昭彰的 (= flagrant) (MW) marked by scandalous crime or vice (邪惡): VILLAINOUS [源] flag- (burn) + -it- + -i- (膠水) + -ous (形尾)，壞事像 "大火" 一樣眾人皆知。

pusillanimous [ˌpjusɪˈlæ nəməs]

(a) 懦弱怕事的 (MW1) weak and afraid of danger (MW2) lacking courage and resolution: marked by contemptible (令人鄙視的) timidity [源] pusill- (little) + anim- (life, courage) + -ous (形尾)，勇氣只有一點點，所以 "膽小"。 [例] pusillanimous politicians who vote according to whichever way the political wind is blowing

indolent [ˈɪndələnt]

(a) 懶惰的 (MW1) not liking to work or be active (MW2) averse (厭惡的) to activity, effort, or movement: habitually lazy [衍] indolence [ˈɪndələns] (n) "懶惰"。 [例] An indolent boy who had to be forced to help out with the chores. [記] 諧音 "印度人" 很懶惰 [補]insolent = 傲慢、無禮的

newfangled [ˈnjuˌfæŋgəld]

(a) 新穎的 (常指 "最新科技") (MW2) of the newest style or kind <had many newfangled gadgets in the kitchen> [衍] newfangledness [ˈnjuˌfæŋgəldnɪs] (n) "新穎"。 [例] His grandson owns all of the latest newfangled electronics.

conspicuous [kənˈspɪkjʊəs]

(a) 明顯的 (MW1) very easy to see or notice (MW2) attracting attention: STRIKING <a conspicuous success> [源] con- (together) + spic- (see) + -u- (膠水) + -ous (形尾)，大家都在看，所以是 "明顯" 的。 [衍] conspicuousness [kənˈspɪkjʊəsnɪs] (n) "明顯"。 [例] There were a number of conspicuous changes to the building.

evanescent

(MW) tending to vanish (消失) like vapor Of course, trying to recapture the past, and preserve dance, the most evanescent of art forms, is a tricky proposition. ++ e 出，van 空，escent 开始.的－出现就开始空了

obviate

(MW1) to make (something) no longer necessary: to prevent or avoid (something) 消除 (MW2) to anticipate and prevent (as a situation) or make unnecessary (as an action) 使不需要 - A peaceful solution would obviate the need to send a UN military force. ++ ob(离开)+via(路)+ate→使障碍离开道路→排除

dispassionate [dɪsˈpæ ʃənɪt]

(a) 不受情緒影響的 (冷靜的) (MW1) not influenced or affected by emotions (MW2) not influenced by strong feeling especially: not affected by personal or emotional involvement <a dispassionate critic(批評者)> <a dispassionate approach to an issue> [源] dis- (not) + pass- (feel) + -ion (名尾) + -ate (形尾)，冷靜的人 "不受情緒" 所影響。 [衍] dispassion [dɪsˈpæ ʃən] (n) absence of passion: COOLNESS "冷靜"。 [例] He spoke in a dispassionate tone about the accident. [解] 注意此字不翻作 "不熱情的" (負面) 而是 "冷靜的、客觀的" (正面)。 [補] impassioned

imprudent

(a) 不明智的 (MW) not prudent: lacking discretion (謹慎), wisdom, or good judgment <an imprudent investor> [反] prudent (a) characterized by, arising from, or showing prudence: marked by wisdom or judiciousness <prudent advice> "明智的"。

indefatigable [ˌɪndɪˈfæ tɪgəbəl]

(a) 不知疲倦的 (勤奮不懈的) (MW2) incapable of being fatigued: UNTIRING <an indefatigable worker> [源] in- (not) + de- (加) + fatigue (疲勞)，"不知疲勞的" 可見有多認真。 [例] An indefatigable laborer who can work from sunrise to sunset. [形] disingenuous [ˌdɪsɪnˈdʒɛnjʊəs] (a) "不真誠的"，字源概念相似：dis- (not) + in- (加) + gen- (born)。第二個字首不是否定，為 "加強語氣"

inconsequential

(a) 不重要的 (= unimportant, trivial) (MW) of no significance: UNIMPORTANT

insipid [ɪnˈsɪpɪd]

(a) 乏味的 (無聊的) (MW1) not interesting or exciting: dull or boring (MW2) lacking in qualities that interest, stimulate, or challenge: DULL, FLAT <insipid prose> [衍] insipidity [ˌɪnsɪˈpɪdətɪ] (n) "乏味、無聊"。 [例] One evening, over beers, Rasala complained about some insipid movie recently shown on TV. [解] "乏味" 可用於兩個方面：食物、內容無聊 (= tedious, boring)

arcane [ɑrˈken]

(a) 深奧的 (MW1) secret or mysterious: known or understood by only a few people (MW2) known or knowable only to the initiate: SECRET <arcane rites> broadly: MYSTERIOUS, OBSCURE <arcane explanations> [記] 諧音：A-Ken 是 "深奧難懂的" 藝人。 [例] grammatical rules that seem arcane to generations of students who were never taught grammar in the first place

profound [prəˈfaʊnd]

(a) 深奧的 (= deep) (MW2) difficult to fathom or understand [衍] profundity [prəˈfʌndətɪ] (n) "深奧難懂"。 [例] the profound mysteries of outer space *profound [prəˈfaʊnd]* (a) 深遠的 (與 "影響" 並用) (MW2) characterized by intensity of feeling or quality [例] His paintings have had a profound effect on her own work. [形] confound [kənˈfaʊnd] (v) "使困惑" (= confuse)

enigmatic [ˌɛnɪgˈmæ tɪk]

(a) 深奧的 (像謎一樣的) (MW1) full of mystery and difficult to understand (MW2) of, relating to, or resembling an enigma: MYSTERIOUS [衍] enigma [ɪˈnɪgmə] (n) something hard to understand or explain "謎、難題"，字源來自 riddle。 [例] The Mona Lisa's enigmatic smile is legendary.

inscrutable [ɪnˈskrutəbəl]

(a) 深奧的 (難以捉摸的) (MW1) difficult to understand: causing people to feel curious or confused (MW2) not readily investigated, interpreted, or understood: MYSTERIOUS <an inscrutable smile> <inscrutable motives> [源] in- (not) + scrut- (examine) + -able (形尾)，無法檢查所以 "神秘的"、"無法得知的"。 [衍] inscrutability [ɪnˌskrutəˈbɪlətɪ] (n) "深奧難懂"。 [例] He was a quiet, inscrutable man.

esoteric [ˌɛsəˈtɛrɪk]

(a) 深奧難懂的 (MW1) only taught to or understood by members of a special group: hard to understand (MW2) requiring or exhibiting knowledge that is restricted to a small group <esoteric terminology> broadly: difficult to understand <esoteric subjects> [源] eso- (= ex-, out)，深奧難懂的事物僅一小群人知道，把別人 "排除在外"。 [例] Metaphysics (形上學) is such an esoteric subject that most people are content to leave it to the philosophers

dauntless [ˈdɔntlɪs]

(a) 無畏的 (= undaunted) (MW1) very brave (MW2) FEARLESS, UNDAUNTED <a dauntless hero> [源] daunt (嚇唬) + -less (without)，無畏的人 "不會被人嚇唬"。 [衍] daunt [dɔnt] (v) "嚇唬"。 [衍] daunting [ˈdɔntɪŋ] (a) "令人畏懼的"。 [衍] undaunted [ʌnˈdɔntɪd] (a) "無畏的" (= dauntless)。 [反] daunted [ˈdɔntɪd] (a) "受驚嚇的"。 [例] dauntless heroes who are inclined to rush to danger, not away from it

lackadaisical [ˌlæ kəˈdezɪkəl]

(a) 無精打采的 (懶洋洋的) (MW1) feeling or showing a lack of interest or enthusiasm (MW2) lacking life, spirit, or zest: LANGUID [例] His teachers did not approve of his lackadaisical approach to homework. [記] 用 lackaday + -ical 來記，懶洋洋的人總覺得假期 "少一天" (lack a day)

ungainly [ʌnˈgenlɪ]

(a) 笨拙的 (MW1) moving in an awkward or clumsy way: not graceful (MW2) lacking in smoothness or dexterity: CLUMSY <ungainly movements> [源] 原意是 unfit, improper，不合適所以 "笨拙"。 [衍] ungainliness [ʌnˈgenlɪnɪs] (n) "笨拙"。 [例] He was tall and ungainly. ++ un(不)+gainly(优雅的)

gawky [ˈgɔkɪ]

(a) 笨拙的 (MW2) AWKWARD, CLUMSY <a gawky adolescent (青少年)> [衍] gawkiness [ˈgɔkɪnɪs] (n) "笨拙"。 [例] the stiff, gawky gait (步伐) of a newborn colt (小馬) [補] gauche [goʃ] (a) 笨拙的 (尤指社交場合上)

inept [ɪnˈɛpt]

(a) 笨拙的 (無能的) (MW2) generally incompetent: BUNGLING <inept leadership> [源] in- (not) + apt (精明的)，無能的人 "不精明"。 [衍] ineptitude [ɪnˈɛptəˌtjud] (n) a lack of skill or ability "無能"。 [反] apt [æ pt] (a) keenly intelligent and responsive <an apt pupil> "敏捷的"。 [例] He was completely inept at sports.

green [grin]

(a) 缺乏經驗的 (菜鳥的) (MW) deficient in training, knowledge, or experience <green recruits (新兵)> [例] a new pitcher who's pretty green, even by rookie (新手) standards [記] 菜鳥經驗不足，被嚇到臉都 "綠" (green) 了。

fainthearted [ˌfentˈhɑrtɪd]

(a) 膽小的 (MW1) feeling or showing a lack of courage (MW2) lacking courage or resolution: TIMID [衍] faintheartedness [ˌfentˈhɑrtɪdnɪs] (n) "膽小"。 [例] The sport of river rafting (泛舟) is not for those who are fainthearted.

valiant [ˈvæ ljənt]

(a) 英勇的 (MW1) having or showing courage: very brave or courageous (MW2) possessing or acting with bravery or boldness: COURAGEOUS <valiant soldiers> [衍] valiance [ˈvæ ljəns] (n) "英勇"。 [例] She died last year after a valiant battle with cancer. ++ val, vail = strong. ex. valid/validity/prevail/invalid

daredevil [ˈdɛrˌdɛvəl]

(a) 莽勇的 (MW) recklessly (魯莽地) and often ostentatiously (炫耀地) daring (大膽的) [衍] daredevil [ˈdɛrˌdɛvəl] (n) "莽夫"。 [例] a daredevil driver who thinks that drag racing (賽車) on city streets is a harmless game [記] 莽夫連魔鬼 (devil) 都不怕 (dare)。

circumstantial

(a) 詳盡的 (= detailed) (MW) marked by careful attention to detail: abounding in factual details <a circumstantial account of the fight> (AL) formal: providing or including the details of a particular situation or event <a circumstantial account of the meeting>

comprehensive

(a) 詳盡的 (指書、報告、研究等) (MW) covering completely or broadly: INCLUSIVE <comprehensive examinations> <comprehensive insurance> [衍] comprehensiveness (n)

incipient [ɪnˈsɪpɪənt]

(a) 起初的 (MW1) beginning to develop or exist (MW2) beginning to come into being (存在) or to become apparent <an incipient solar system> <evidence of incipient racial tension> [源] in- (in) + cept- (take) + -tion (名尾)，"拿進來" 是開始的第一步。 [衍] inception [ɪnˈsɛpʃən] (n) "開始"。 [例] I have an incipient dislike and distrust of that guy, and I only met him this morning.

nefarious [nəˈfɛrɪəs]

(a) 邪惡的 (= evil) (MW1) evil or immoral (MW2) flagrantly (惡名昭彰的) wicked or impious (不虔誠的): EVIL [例] the chaste (純潔的) heroines (女英雄) and nefarious villains of old-time melodramas (情景劇)

contemptuous

(a) 鄙視的 (MW) manifesting, feeling, or expressing contempt [衍] contempt (n) the act of despising: the state of mind of one who despises: DISDAIN

impenetrable [ɪmˈpɛnətrəbəl]

(a) 難以理解的 (MW2) incapable of being comprehended: INSCRUTABLE [源] im- (= in-, not) + penetrate，"無法穿透" 的東西是 "深奧難懂" 的。 [例] With the search for surface debris winding down, the mystery of MH370 is looking more impenetrable by the moment. [解] 從字面上 "深所以無法穿透" 之意，引申至 "深奧所以無法理解

unfathomable [ʌnˈfæ ðəməbəl]

(a) 難以理解的 (MW2) not capable of being fathomed (理解): impossible to comprehend [衍] fathom [ˈfæ ðəm] (v) "理解" (= understand)。 [反] fathomable [fæ ðəməbəl] (a) "好理解的"。 [例] His behavior is completely unfathomable.

dexterous [ˈdɛkstərəs]

(a) 靈巧的 (MW1) having or showing great skill or cleverness: showing dexterity (MW2) mentally adroit and skillful: CLEVER <her dexterous handling of the crisis> [源] dexter- (right) + -ous (形尾)，右手表示 "靈巧"。 [衍] dexterity [dɛksˈtɛrətɪ] (n) "靈巧"。 [衍] ambidextrous [ˌæ mbəˈdɛkstrəs] (a) using both hands with equal ease "雙手皆能靈巧使用的"。 字源來自：ambi- (two) + dexter- (right)，雙手都靈巧的人彷彿有兩隻右手一樣，棒球打擊者若是 "左右開弓" 英文即是 ambidextrous。 [例] The movie is a dexterous retelling (重述) of a classic love story.

eminent

(adj.) famous, outstanding, distinguished; projecting

bigot [ˈbɪgət]

(n) (宗教、政黨的) 激進份子 (MW2) a person obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices; especially: one who regards or treats the members of a group (as a racial or ethnic group) with hatred and intolerance [衍] bigotry [ˈbɪgətrɪ] (n) "(宗教、政黨上)偏激"。 [衍] bigoted [ˈbɪgətɪd] (a) "(宗教、政黨上)偏激的"。 [例] an incorrigible (無可救藥的) bigot who hasn't entertained (內心有...的想法) a new thought in years

abscission

(n) cutting off; sudden termination; the separation of leaves, petals, or other parts from a plant or animals

opprobrium [əˈprobrɪəm]

(n) 公開污辱 (MW2) public disgrace or ill fame (壞名聲) that follows from conduct considered grossly wrong or vicious [源] op- (= ob-, against) + prob- (test) + -r- + -ium (名尾)，"考試沒通過" 受到公開汙辱。 [衍] opprobrious [əˈprobrɪəs] (a) "公開污辱的"。 [例] They're going ahead with the plan despite public opprobrium.

complicity [kəmˈplɪsətɪ]

(n) 共謀 (MW1) the act of helping to commit a crime or do wrong in some way (MW2) association or participation in or as if in a wrongful act [源] com- (= con-, together) + plic- (fold)，把陰謀 "折起來" 不讓你知道才會成功。 [例] There's no proof of her complicity in the murder. [形] complexity [kəmˈplɛksətɪ] (n) "複雜"。

faux pas [ˈfopɑ]

(n) 外交、社交上的錯誤 (MW1) an embarrassing social mistake (MW2) BLUNDER; especially: a social blunder (錯誤) [源] 法文 faux pas 在英文裡的意思是 false step "失足"，唐伯虎說 "一失足成千古恨，再回首已百 年身"，所謂失足即犯錯也。 [例] Arriving too early would be a serious faux pas.

entitlement

(n) 應得的福利 (MW) a right to benefits specified especially by law or contract

disapprobation [ˌdɪsæ prəˈbeʃən]

(n) 批評 (= disapproval) (MW) the act or state of disapproving: the state of being disapproved: CONDEMNATION [源] dis- (not) + ap- (= ad-, to) + prob- (test) + -a- + -tion (名尾)，"沒通過考試" 所以批評。 [反] approbation (n) "稱讚" (= approval)。 [例] There was widespread disapprobation of their mixed marriage (異族通婚) in that narrow-minded community.

finesse

(n) 技巧 (MW) skillful handling of a situation: adroit maneuvering

whine

(n) 抱怨 (MW) a complaint uttered with or as if with a whine [衍] whine (v) "哀號"。

doctrinaire [ˌdɑktrɪˈnɛr]

(n) 教條主義者 (MW) one who attempts to put into effect an abstract doctrine or theory with little or no regard for practical difficulties [源] 從名詞 doctrine "教條" (dogma) 而來，doc- (dic-) 有 "說、教" 的意思。 [衍] doctrinaire [ˌdɑktrɪˈnɛr] (a) used to describe a person who has very strong beliefs about what should be done and will not change them or accept other people's opinions "教條主義的"。 [衍] doctrine [ˈdɑktrɪn] (n) "教條" (= dogma)。 [例] A doctrinaire conservative, the columnist takes special delight in baiting (攻擊) liberals. [解] -naire 可表 "人" 或 "物"，如 millionaire (百萬富翁)、billionaire (億萬富翁)、questionnaire (問卷)。

objurgation

(n) 斥責 (MW) a harsh rebuke (駁斥) [衍] objurgate (v)

novice [ˈnɑvɪs]

(n) 新手 (MW2) BEGINNER, TYRO [源] nov- (new) + -ice (名尾)，原指見習的修士、修女，引申為 "新手"。 [例] a book for the novice chess player

neophyte [ˈniəˌfaɪt]

(n) 新手 (MW2) TYRO, BEGINNER [源] neo- (new) + phyte (grow)，原意是 "新入教的人"，引申為新手。 [例] Neophytes are assigned an experienced church member to guide them through their first year.

cronyism [ˈkronɪɪzəm]

(n) 用人唯朋 (MW1) the unfair practice by a powerful person (such as a politician) of giving jobs and other favors to friends (MW2) partiality to cronies (好友) especially as evidenced in the appointment of political hangers-on (親近者) to office without regard to their qualifications [例] The mayor has been accused of cronyism.

nepotism [ˈnɛpətɪzəm]

(n) 用人唯親、裙帶關係 (MW1) the unfair practice by a powerful person of giving jobs and other favors to relatives (MW2) favoritism (偏袒) (as in appointment to a job) based on kinship (血緣關係) [源] nepot- (nephew)，中世紀教宗 (Pope) 為了掩蓋性醜聞，一律把私生子 (bastard) 稱作自己的姪 子 (nephew)，最後成了 nepotism 這個字。 [例] Nepotism has hurt the company.

encomium [ɛnˈkomɪəm]

(n) 稱讚 (MW) glowing and warmly enthusiastic praise; also: an expression of this [源] en- (in) + como- (banquet) + -ium (名尾)，舉辦盛大宴會用以 "稱讚" [例] the encomiums bestowed (贈與) on a teacher at her retirement ceremonies

kudos [ˈkjudɑs]

(n) 稱讚 (MW2) praise given for achievement [例] Kudos to everyone who helped. [解] 用法常是 Kudos to 某人，相當於對某人說 Good job! Well done! (幹的好) 的意思。 ++ ku 苦，do 作，s：苦苦的做事是为了名望和声誉。Ku＝cool，dos：作出很cool 的dos 系统－赢得荣誉

approbation [ˌæ prəˈbeʃən]

(n) 稱讚 (= approval) (MW2) COMMENDATION, PRAISE [源] ap- (= ad-, to) + prob- (test) + -a- + -tion (名尾)，通過考試後給予稱讚。 [反] disapprobation [ˌdɪsæ prəˈbeʃən] (n) the act or state of disapproving: the state of being disapproved: CONDEMNATION "批評" (= disapproval)。 [例] The company has even received the approbation of its former critics.

accolade [ˈæk əˌled]

(n) 稱讚、榮譽 (MW2) an expression of praise [源] ac- (= ad-, to) + col- (collar) + -ade (名尾)，源自騎士的加封儀式中，君主用劍在騎士的肩膀上 碰觸的行為，後引申為 "稱讚"、"獎勵"。 [例] There is no higher accolade at this school than an honorary degree.

panache

(n) 華麗 (MW) dash or flamboyance (華麗) in style and action: VERVE (AL) lots of energy and style <She played the role of hostess with great panache.>

obloquy [ˈɑbləkwɪ]

(n) 誹謗 (MW2) a strongly condemnatory utterance: abusive language [源] ob- (against) + loqu- (speak) + -y (名尾)，誹謗是 "說別人壞話"。 [例] Unable to mount a rational defense of her position, she unleashed (宣洩) a torrent of obloquy on her opponent.

aspersion [əˈspɝʒən]

(n) 誹謗 (以不實指控中傷他人名譽) (MW) a false or misleading charge meant to harm someone's reputation <cast aspersions on her integrity (正直)> [源] 原意為 "灑聖水"，意思後來轉壞，中傷別人像 "潑水" 一樣，讓越多人知道傷害越大。 [例] He tried to avoid casting aspersions on the motives of his political opponents. [解] 固定用法為 cast aspersions on 某人

consequence

(n) 重要性 (與 of 並用) (MW) importance with respect to power to produce an effect <a mistake of no consequence>

exposition

(n) 闡述 (MW) discourse or an example of it designed to convey information or explain what is difficult to understand (AL) the act of explaining something: clear explanation <The subject requires some exposition.>

bromide [ˈbromaɪd]

(n) 陳腔濫調 (MW2) a commonplace or hackneyed statement or notion [源] 來自溴化物 (bromide) 做鎮定劑 (sedative) 能使人 "遲鈍" 的概念。 [衍] bromidic [broˈmɪdɪk] (a) lacking in originality: TRITE "陳腐的"。 [例] His speech had nothing more to offer than the usual bromides about how everyone needs to work together.

cliche [kliˈʃe]

(n) 陳腔濫調 (MW1) a phrase or expression that has been used so often that it is no longer original or interesting (MW2) a trite phrase or expression also: the idea expressed by it [源] 從鑄金屬的捶打聲音 click 來，重複 "擊打" 所以是陳腔濫調。 [例] a speech filled with cliches about "finding your way" and"keeping the faith"

impediment

(n) 障礙 (多用於 "語言障礙" 一詞) (MW) something that impedes; especially: an impairment (損傷) (as a stutter (口吃) or a lisp (口齒不清)) that interferes with the proper articulation (發音) of speech [衍] impede (v) to interfere with or slow the progress of: HINDER

argot

(n.) A special vocabulary or phrase used by a specific group of people; slang

embolden [ɪmˈboldən]

(v) 使有勇氣 (MW1) to make (someone) more confident (MW2) to instill (灌輸) with boldness or courage [源] em- (= en-, make) + bold (大膽) + -en (make)，使 "大膽"。 [例] His poor showing in his first swim meet just emboldened him to train even harder.

obscure

(v) 使模糊 (MW) to conceal or hide by or as if by covering [衍] obscure (a) not readily understood or clearly expressed also: MYSTERIOUS "不好理解的"

hearken back

(phr) 追溯至 (與 to 並用) (MW) HARK BACK [解] hark back (phr) to go back to something as an origin or source

inaugurate [ɪnˈɔgjəˌret]

(v) (設施)啟用 (新開幕) (MW1) to celebrate the fact that something (such as a new hospital or school) is officially ready to be used (MW2) to dedicate ceremoniously: observe (慶祝) formally the beginning of <inaugurate a new school> [源] in- (= en-, make) + augur (占卜)，就職或開幕典禮要挑 "好日子" 舉行。 [衍] inauguration [ɪnˌɔgjəˈreʃən] (n) "(官員)新上任"、"(機構)新開幕"。 [例] They inaugurated the new headquarters with a brief ceremony.

malign [məˈlaɪn]

(v) 中傷、批評 (MW2) to utter injuriously misleading or false reports about: speak evil of [源] mal- (bad) + -ign，說別人的 "壞" 話。 [例] Her supporters say she is being unfairly maligned in the press (新聞界).

wheedle

(v) 以甜言蜜語哄騙 (MW) to influence or entice by soft words or flattery ++ we 逗，我们用甜言蜜语逗你－哄骗

nettle

(v) 使惱怒 (MW) to arouse to sharp but transitory annoyance or anger

pillory [ˈpɪlərɪ]

(v) 公開嚴厲批評 (來自 "枷鎖") (MW2) to expose to public contempt, ridicule, or scorn [源] 來自名詞 "枷鎖" 的意思，引申為 "嚴厲批評"。 [例] The press pilloried the judge for her decision. [記] 中國古代執行死刑前囚犯必須身穿 "枷鎖" (pillory) 遊街示眾 (一種 "公開" 的污辱)

collude [kəˈlud]

(v) 共謀 (一起做壞事) (MW1) to work with others secretly especially in order to do something illegal or dishonest (MW2) CONSPIRE, PLOT <colluded to keep prices high> [源] col- (= con-, together) + lud- (play) + -e (動尾)，小時候 "一起玩" 長大一起做壞事。 [衍] collusion [kəˈluʒən] (n) "共謀"。 [例] The two companies had colluded to fix (操縱) prices. [形] collide [kəˈlaɪd] (v) "碰撞" (= hit)。 [形] allude [əˈlud] (v) "暗指" (= hint)。

conspire [kənˈspaɪr]

(v) 共謀 (秘密規劃的計謀) (MW1) to secretly plan with someone to do something that is harmful or illegal (MW2) to join in a secret agreement to do an unlawful or wrongful act or an act which becomes unlawful as a result of the secret agreement <accused of conspiring to overthrow (推翻) the government> [源] con- (together) + spir- (breathe) + -e (動尾)，做壞事的人 "一起呼吸"，沆瀣一氣，一個鼻孔兒出氣。 [衍] conspiracy [kənˈspɪrəsɪ] (n) "陰謀"。 [例] conspired to replace the leader with someone more easily influenced

illuminate

(v) 凸顯 (MW) to bring to the fore (前面): HIGHLIGHT <a crisis can illuminate how interdependent we all are> [衍] illumination (n)

understate

(v) 壓抑地表現 (MW) to state or present with restraint especially for effect [衍] understatement (n)

pan [pæ n]

(v) 強烈批評 (MW) to criticize severely <the show was panned> [例] The newspaper's movie critic panned the film. [記] 想像批評者拿著平底鍋 (pan) 往對方的頭上敲

implore

(v) 懇求 (MW) to call or pray for earnestly: ENTREAT <implored the crowd to be quiet> ++ im(进入)+plore(悲哀)→进入悲哀→哀求

supplicate

(v) 懇求 (MW) to make a humble entreaty especially: to pray to God [衍] supplication (n) ++ 【记】sup(下面)+plic(重叠)+ate→双膝跪下→乞求

entreat

(v) 懇求 (MW) to plead with especially in order to persuade: ask urgently <entreated his boss for another chance> [衍] entreaty (n) ++ en 进入，treat（n.宴请；请客）：没事请你吃饭，肯定有所求－乞求

emerge

(v) 浮現 (MW) to become *manifest* (明顯的): become known <new problems emerged> [衍] emergence (n) "浮現"

berate [bɪˈret]

(v) 激烈、冗長地罵 (MW2) to scold or condemn vehemently (情緒激烈地) and at length (冗長地) [源] be- (加) + rate- (scold)，注意 rate 本身做動詞有 "責罵" 的意思。 [例] There's no need to berate someone for making a mistake during the first day on the job. [記] 把 be 看成 "B"，把分數打成 (rate) B 級，所以是 "責罵"。 [形] rate [ret] (v) to voice (說) angry reprimands (責備) "謾罵"。

implicate

(v) 牽連 (MW) to involve as a consequence, corollary(必然結果), or natural inference: IMPLY [衍] implication (n)

disparage

(v) 貶低 (MW) to depreciate (貶低) by indirect means (as invidious (毀謗的) comparison): speak slightingly (輕蔑地) about [衍] disparaging (a) "貶低的" ++ dis+par(平等)+age→不平等→贬低

overshadow

(v) 遮蓋...的重要性 (多用於負面) (MW) to exceed in importance: OUTWEIGH (AL) to make (something) less enjoyable because of sadness, fear, or worry─often used as (be) overshadowed

foreshadow [forˈʃæ do]

(v) 預言 (MW1) to give a suggestion of (something that has not yet happened) (MW2) to represent, indicate, or typify beforehand: PREFIGURE [源] fore- (before) + shadow，"預言" 是未見其人先見其 "影"。 [例] Her early interest in airplanes foreshadowed her later career as a pilot.

augur [ˈɔgɚ]

(v) 預言 (MW1) to show or suggest something that might happen in the future (MW2) to predict the future especially from omens (徵兆) [例] the extended interview augurs well for your acceptance into that law school [源] au- (= av-, bird)，古羅馬占卜官 (augur) 看 "鳥" 飛行方向預測未來。 [衍] augury [ˈɔgjərɪ] (n) OMEN, PORTENT "徵兆"。

prophesy [ˈprɑfəˌsaɪ]

(v) 預言 (MW2) to predict with assurance or on the basis of mystic (神秘的) knowledge [源] pro- (= pre-, before)，phe- (= fa-, fe-, pha-, speak) + -sy (動尾)，預言就是 "先說"。 [衍] prophecy [ˈprɑfəsɪ] (n) "預言"。 [衍] prophetic [prəˈfɛtɪk] (a) "預言的"。 [衍] prophet [ˈprɑfɪt] (n) one who foretells future events: PREDICTOR "先知"。 [例] The book claims that modern events were prophesied in ancient times. [解] 注意動、名詞之間的變化：prophesy (動) → prophecy (名)。此字來自 prophet，指宗教上的 "先知" (如穆罕默德)，故此字常帶有 "宗教" 意涵，如馬雅文明對世界末日 (2012 年) 的預言

portend [porˈtɛnd]

(v) 預言 ("壞事" 即將發生) (MW1) to be a sign or warning that something usually bad or unpleasant is going to happen (MW2) to give an omen or anticipatory sign of [衍] portent [ˈportɛnt] (n) something that foreshadows a coming event: OMEN, SIGN "徵兆"。 [例] If you're superstitious (迷信的), a black cat portends trouble

forebode [forˈbod]

(v) 預言 (= predict) (MW) FORETELL, PORTEND [衍] foreboding (a) "預言的"。 [例] That police car parked outside the house doesn't forebode well. ++ bode 預兆

presage [ˈprɛsɪdʒ]

(v) 預言 (= predict) (MW1) to give or be a sign of (something that will happen or develop in the future) (MW2) FORETELL, PREDICT [例] Many investors are worried that the current slowdown could presage another recession.

avid

Avid usually means very eager or enthusiastic. If you're an avid reader, it means you read as much as you can, whenever you can.

obsolete

Use the adjective obsolete for something that is out of date. As the Rolling Stones song "Out of Time" goes, "You're obsolete, my baby, my poor old-fashioned baby."

patently

Use the adverb patently when you want to emphasize something as clearly obvious. For example, you might say "It's patently clear that you hate spinach."

vociferous

Vociferous people express their opinions and complaints loudly and repeatedly in speech, and vociferous demands, etc. are made repeatedly and loudly 大聲疾呼的；大聲叫喊的；喧嚷的 Local activist groups have become increasingly vociferous as the volume of traffic passing through the village has grown.

formidable

What do the national debt, your old gym teacher, and your mother-in-law have in common? They're all formidable — that is, they inspire fear and respect thanks to their size, or special ability, or unusual qualities. (Or possibly all three in the case of your mother-in-law.) What's interesting about formidable is that we often tend to use it about things that, while they may scare us, we can't help being pretty impressed by all the same. A formidable opponent is almost by definition a worthy one; a formidable challenge almost by definition one worth rising to. Not surprisingly, this word is derived from the Latin formidare, "to fear." 可敬畏的

fortuitous

You can describe something as fortuitous if it happens, by chance, to be very successful or pleasant. （有利的事）偶然發生的，碰巧的 Synonyms : causeless, uncaused - While the real objects are vastly different sizes in space, the sun and the moon seem to have the same fortuitous size in the sky. - The timing of the meeting is certainly fortuitous.

ineffable

You use ineffable to say that something is so great or extreme that it cannot be described in words. 難以言喻的 ...the ineffable sadness of many of the portraits.

amalgamate

[ə'mælɡəmet] to combine into a unified whole The firm has amalgamated with another company.

ascent

[əˈsɛnt] an advance (進步) in social status or reputation: PROGRESS ex. the ascent and decline of the world's great civilizations

categorical

absolute; without exception ...his categorical denial of the charges of sexual harassment. ++ category（n.类别，范畴）：对东西的分类是绝对的，无条件的－人就是人，李宏志就是李宏志，不能混为一谈。

unpropitious

adjective: (of a circumstance) with little chance of success With only a bottle of water and a sandwich, the hikers faced an unpropitious task: ascending a huge mountain that took most two days to climb.

derelict

adjective: (of a person) not doing one's duties 怠忽職守的 Synonyms : delinquent , neglectful , *remiss* The teacher was derelict in her duties because she hadn't graded a single student paper in three weeks. noun: (of a building) abandoned 失修的，破舊的；廢棄的 At one time the waterfront factories were busy and productive, but now they stand derelict and will be torn down.

mercurial

adjective: (of a person) prone to unexpected and unpredictable changes in mood Synonyms : *erratic* , *fickle* , quicksilver , *capricious* The fact that Ella's moods were as mercurial as the weather was problematic for her relationships - it didn't help that she lived in Chicago ++ 妹子太curious了所以反反覆覆的!!

glib

adjective: (of a person) speaking with ease but without sincerity Synonyms : pat , slick I have found that the more glib the salesman, the worse the product. ++ g 割，lib＝lip：把嘴唇割成三半，就会油嘴滑舌的

internecine

adjective: (of conflict) within a group or organization （戰爭或爭鬥）內部的 The guerilla group, which had become so powerful as to own the state police, was finally destroyed by an internecine conflict. ++ inter 相互，nec 杀，ine 形容词后缀－自相残杀的inter，NEC-->在NEC 中总是发生内讧

discursive

adjective: (of e.g. speech and writing) tending to depart from the main point 東拉西扯的 Synonyms : digressive , excursive , rambling Many readers find it tough to read Moby Dick since the author is discursive, often cutting the action short to spend 20 pages on the history of a whale. ++ dis 离开，curs 跑－离开主题到处乱跑－散漫的

turgid

adjective: (of language) pompous and tedious （講話、寫作、風格等）太嚴肅的，枯燥乏味的 Synonyms : bombastic , declamatory , large , orotund , tumid The amount of GRE vocabulary he used increased with his years--by the time he was 60, his novels were so turgid that even his diehard fans refused to read them.

lucid

adjective: (of language) transparently clear; easily understandable Synonyms : crystal clear , limpid , luculent , pellucid , perspicuous Though Walters writes about physics and time travel, his writing is always lucid, so readers with little scientific training can understand difficult concepts.

plodding

adjective: (of movement) slow and laborious 步履蹣跚的 Synonyms : leaden Charlie may seem to run at a plodding pace, but he is an ultramarathoner, meaning he runs distances of up to 100 miles, and can run for ten hours at a stretch.

unruly

adjective: (of persons) noisy and lacking in restraint or discipline; unwilling to submit to authority 難以控制的，難駕馭的，難管束的 Synonyms : boisterous , rambunctious , robustious , rumbustious,disobedient Walk in to any preschool and I am sure that you will find an unruly and chaotic scene - unless it's nap time.

untenable

adjective: (of theories etc) incapable of being defended or justified （理論或論點）難以捍衛的，站不住腳的 Synonyms : indefensible With the combination of Kepler's brilliant theories and Galileo's telescopic observations, the old geocentric theory became untenable to most of the educated people in Europe. ++ un不+tanable可守住的

inclement

adjective: (of weather) unpleasant, stormy After a week of inclement weather, we finally are able to go outside and enjoy the sun. adjective: used of persons or behavior; showing no mercy Marcus Aurelius, though a fair man, was inclement to Christians during his reign(統治), persecuting(迫害) them violently.

derivative

adjective: (or a creative product, e.g. music, writing, etc.) not original but drawing on the work of another person 缺乏獨創性的 Because the movies were utterly derivative of other popular movies, they did well at the box office. This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

detrimental

adjective: (sometimes followed by "to") causing harm or injury Synonyms : damaging , prejudicial , prejudicious Many know that smoking is detrimental to your health, but processed sugar in large quantities is equally bad.

ignominious

adjective: (used of conduct or character) deserving or bringing disgrace or shame 尤指事件或行為）恥辱的，丟臉的 Synonyms : black , disgraceful , inglorious , opprobrious , shameful Since the politician preached ethics and morality, his texting of revealing photographs was ignominious, bringing shame on both himself and his party. ++ ig不+nomin+ious=不好的名字=不名誉的

pristine

adjective: Unspoiled, untouched (usu. of nature) 嶄新的；狀態良好的 The glacial lake was pristine and we filled our canteens to drink deeply. adjective: Immaculately clean and unused Drill sergeants are known for demanding pristine cabinets, uniforms, and beds, and often make new recruits clean and clean and clean until they meet the expected high standards. ++ prist = first

candid

adjective: a straightforward and honest look at something 坦率的，直言不諱的 Synonyms : blunt , forthright , frank , free-spoken , outspoken , plainspoken , point-blank , straight-from-the-shoulder Even with a perfect stranger, Charles was always candid and would rarely hold anything back.

derisive

adjective: abusing vocally; expressing contempt or ridicule 嘲笑的，譏笑的，嘲諷的 Synonyms : gibelike , jeering , mocking , taunting I was surprised by her derisive tone; usually, she is sweet, soft spoken, and congenial. ++ rid, ris --> laugh. ex. ridiculous

palatable

adjective: acceptable to the taste or mind 美味的，可口的 Synonyms : toothsome MIkey didn't partake much in his friends' conversations, but found their presence palatable.

perspicacious

adjective: acutely insightful and wise 聰穎的；敏銳的；有洞察力的 Synonyms : sagacious , *sapient* Many modern observers regard Eisenhower as perspicacious, particularly in his accurate prediction of the growth of the military. ++ per 全部，spic 看，acious：全部都看到－独具慧眼的

genial

adjective: agreeable, conducive to comfort 友好的；愉快的；和藹的 Synonyms : kind Betty is a genial young woman: everyone she meets is put at ease by her elegance and grace.

hoary

adjective: ancient 古老的˙ Synonyms : rusty Most workout gurus are young, fit people, whereas most yoga gurus are hoary men with long white beards.

becoming

adjective: appropriate, and matches nicely Synonyms : comely , comme il faut , decent , decorous , seemly Her dress was becoming and made her look even more beautiful. This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

facile

adjective: arrived at without due care or effort; lacking depth （言語或理論）輕率的，未經深思熟慮的 Many news shows provide facile explanations to complex politics, so I prefer to read the in-depth reporting of The New York Times.

overweening

adjective: arrogant; presumptuous 自大的 Synonyms : excessive , extravagant , exuberant,uppity Mark was so convinced of his basketball skills that in his overweening pride he could not fathom that his name was not on the varsity list; he walked up to the basketball coach and told her she had forgotten to add his name.

factitious

adjective: artificial; not natural 虛假的；人為的 The defendant's story was largely factitious and did not accord(一致；符合) with eyewitness testimonies

tempestuous

adjective: as if driven by turbulent or conflicting emotions; highly energetic and wildly changing or fluctuating(波動，起伏不定) 劇烈的；騷動的；狂暴的 - Synonyms : angry , furious , raging , wild - Chuck and Kathy had always been stable and agreeable people on their own, but when they got involved, it was a tempestuous relationship.

obsequious

adjective: attentive in an ingratiating or servile manner; attempting to win favor from influential people by flattery 巴結的，諂媚的；卑躬屈膝的 Synonyms : bootlicking , *fawning* , *sycophantic* , *toadyish* The obsequious waiter did not give the couple a moment's peace all through the meal, constantly returning to their table to refill their water glasses and to tell them what a handsome pair they made. ++ ob 坏，sequ 跟随，ious－怀着坏心眼的跟随－谄媚的

forthcoming

adjective: available when required or as promised 實現的 Synonyms : approaching , coming , upcoming The President announced that the senators were about to reach a compromise, and that he was eager to read the forthcoming details of the bill. adjective: at ease in talking to others 願意提供消息的 Synonyms : extroverted , outgoing As a husband, Larry was not forthcoming: if Jill didn't demand to know details, Larry would never share them with her.

evasive

adjective: avoiding or escaping from difficulty or danger or commitment 迴避的；推託的；閃爍其辭的 His responses were clearly evasive; he obviously did not want to take on any responsibility or any new work. adjective: deliberately vague or ambiguous Every time I call the bank, I receive the same evasive answers about our mortgage（（尤指購房的）按揭，抵押貸款（）） and never get a clear response. ++ e+vade(走)→走出去→逃避

economical

adjective: avoiding waste, efficient Synonyms : frugal , scotch , sparing , stinting Journalists favor an economical style of writing, in which no unnecessary words are used and every sentence is as short as possible.

arbitrary

adjective: based on a random, groundless decision 任意的；隨機的；隨心所欲的 One of the arbitrary decrees(法令) in place during the emperor's rule is that all citizens pay him weekly homage at his palace.

specious

adjective: based on pretense; deceptively pleasing 似是而非的；貌似有理的 Synonyms : gilded , meretricious Almost every image on TV is specious and not to be trusted. adjective: plausible but false 華而不實的 Synonyms : spurious He made a career out of specious arguments and fictional lab results, but lost his job and reputation when his lies were exposed by an article in The New York Times. ++ spec(看)＋ious→用来看的→華而不實的

obtain

adjective: be valid, applicable, or true Synonyms : hold , prevail The custom of waiting your turn in line does not obtain in some countries, in which many people try to rush to front of the line at the same time.

chivalrous

adjective: being attentive to women like an ideal knight Synonyms : *gallant* , knightly Marco's chivalrous ways, like opening doors and pulling out chairs, was much appreciated by his date. [補] gall 魯莽；厚顔無恥

impertinent

adjective: being disrespectful; improperly forward or bold Synonyms : fresh , impudent , overbold , sassy , saucy , smart , wise Dexter, distraught over losing his pet dachshund, Madeline, found the police officer's questions impertinent - after all, he thought, did she have to pry into such details as to what Madeline's favorite snack was? (adj) not pertinent to the matter under consideration Synonyms : extraneous , immaterial , orthogonal ++ IMproPER tenant(tinent) are rude and insolent

tantamount

adjective: being essentially equal to something Synonyms : equivalent In many situations, remaining silent is tantamount to admitting guilt, so speak to prove your innocence.

rudimentary

adjective: being in the earliest stages of development; being or involving basic facts or principles Synonyms : fundamental , underlying I would love to be able to present a fully polished proposal to the board, but right now, our plans for the product are still in the most rudimentary stages.

coterminous

adjective: being of equal extent or scope or duration 比鄰的 Synonyms : coextensive , conterminous The border of the state is coterminous with geographic limits on travel; the east and north are surrounded by a nearly uncrossable river and the south by a desert. ++ con＋term(边界,结束)＋ious→有共同边界的

apocryphal

adjective: being of questionable authenticity （一些廣為流傳的故事）可疑的，不足為信的，杜撰的 The web is notorious(臭名昭著的) for sandwiching apocryphal stories between actual news.

moribund

adjective: being on the point of death; declining rapidly losing all momentum in progress （尤指組織或公司）無生氣的，停滯不前的，失敗的 Synonyms : stagnant （水或空氣）不流動的，汙濁的 Whether you like it or not, jazz as a genre is moribund at best, possibly already dead. ++mori(= to die)+bund(接近的)→垂死的

mordant

adjective: biting and caustic in thought, manner, or style 酸酸 Synonyms : *caustic* , corrosive , erosive , vitriolic,black , grim While Phil frequently made mordant remarks about company policy overall, he always was considerably gentler in discussing any person in particular.

beatific

adjective: blissfully(非常幸福地) happy Synonyms : angelic , angelical , sainted , saintlike , saintly Often we imagine all monks to wear the beatific smile of the Buddha, but, like any of us, a monk can have a bad day and not look very happy.

peremptory

adjective: bossy and domineering 不容置辯的；專橫的，霸道的 Synonyms : autocratic , bossy , dominating , high-and-mighty , magisterial My sister used to peremptorily tell me to do the dishes, a chore I would either do perfunctorily or avoid doing altogether.

doughty

adjective: brave; bold; courageous I enjoy films in which a doughty group comes together to battle a force of evil.

crestfallen

adjective: brought low in spirit - Synonyms : chapfallen , chopfallen , deflated - I asked Maria on a date and she refused without a moment's thought; I was crestfallen. ++ crest（n.头盔，鸡冠），fallen（adj.倒下的）－鸡冠下垂，丢盔卸甲－垂头丧气的

serene

adjective: calm and peaceful 平靜的；安詳的 Synonyms : tranquil , unagitated I'd never seen him so serene; usually, he was a knot of stress and anxiety from hours of trading on the stock exchange. ++ 耶路serene -->來到耶路薩冷就覺得很平靜

malleable

adjective: capable of being shaped or bent or drawn out Synonyms : ductile , pliable , pliant , tensile , tractile The clay became malleable and easy to work with after a little water was added. adjective: easily influenced Synonyms : ductile My little brother is so malleable that I can convince him to sneak cookies from the cupboard for me.

provident

adjective: careful in regard to your own interests; providing carefully for the future In a move that hardly could be described as provident, Bert spend his entire savings on a luxurious cruise, knowing that other bills would come due a couple months later. ++pro+vid看+ent=向前看的=有远见的

discreet

adjective: careful to protect one's speech or actions in order to avoid offense or gain an advantage 審慎的，謹慎的，小心的 The professor thought that he was discreet, subtly wiping the stain off of his shirt, but as soon as he stepped off the podium a member of the audience pointed out the large ketchup stain.

slapdash

adjective: carelessly and hastily put together Synonyms :* haphazard *, slipshod , sloppy The office building had been constructed in a slapdash manner, so it did not surprise officials when, during a small earthquake, a large crack emerged on the façade of the building.

nettlesome

adjective: causing irritation or annoyance Synonyms : annoying , bothersome , *galling* , irritating , *pesky* , pestering , pestiferous , plaguey , plaguy , teasing , vexatious , vexing Maria found her coworker's cell phone nettlesome, because every few minutes it would buzz to life with another text message.

chary

adjective: cautious, suspiciously reluctant to do something 小心的，謹慎的；不願採取行動的 Synonyms : cagey , cagy Having received three speeding tickets in the last two months, Jack was chary of driving at all above the speed limit, even on a straight stretch of highway that looked empty for miles ahead.

autocratic

adjective: characteristic of an absolute ruler or absolute rule; having absolute sovereignty 獨裁的；專制的； Synonyms : authoritarian , despotic ,* dictatorial* , tyrannic , tyrannical The last true autocratic country is certainly North Korea; nowhere does a leader exercise the absolute control over all aspects of a people the way that Kim Jong-un does. adjective: offensively self-assured or given to exercising usually unwarranted power Synonyms : bossy , dominating , high-and-mighty , magisterial , *peremptory* The manager was finally fired for his autocratic leadership, which often bordered on rude and offensive.

belligerent

adjective: characteristic of one eager to fight Synonyms : aggressive Tom said that he was arguing the matter purely for philosophical reasons, but his belligerent tone indicated an underlying(暗含的) anger about the issue.

rustic

adjective: characteristic of rural life; awkwardly simple and provincial Synonyms : countrified , countryfied,bumpkinly , hick , unsophisticated The vacation cabin had no electricity and no indoor plumbing, but despite these inconveniences, Nigel adored its rustic charm.

provincial

adjective: characteristic of the a limited perspective; not fashionable or sophisticated 狹隘的、守舊的 Maggie's enthusiasm about her high school teams seemed provincial to her college classmates, all of whom were following a nationally ranked college team.

diligent

adjective: characterized by care and perseverance in carrying out tasks 認真刻苦的，勤奮的，勤勞的 Synonyms : persevering Michael was a diligent gardener, never leaving a leaf on the ground and regularly watering each plant.

staid

adjective: characterized by dignity and propriety 嚴肅無趣的；一本正經的；古板的 Synonyms : sedate Frank came from a staid environment, so he was shocked that his college roommate sold narcotics(毒品).

forthright

adjective: characterized by directness in manner or speech; without subtlety or evasion （過於）坦誠的，直率的；直截了當的 Synonyms : blunt , candid , frank , free-spoken , outspoken , plainspoken , point-blank , straight-from-the-shoulder I did not expect the insurance agent to give us any straight answers, but I was pleasantly surprised by how forthright he was.

laborious

adjective: characterized by effort to the point of exhaustion; especially physical effort 耗時費力的；艱巨的，艱難的 Synonyms : arduous , backbreaking , grueling , gruelling , hard , heavy , operose , punishing , toilsome The most laborious job I've had was working 20 hours a day as a fisherman in King Salmon, Alaska.

scrupulous

adjective: characterized by extreme care and great effort 審慎的；嚴格認真的 Synonyms : conscientious , painstaking Because of his scrupulous nature, Mary put him in charge of numbering and cataloging the entire collection of rare stamps. adjective: having a sense of right and wrong; principled 有原則且正直的 Everyone trusted what he said and followed his example because he was scrupulous and honest.

decorous

adjective: characterized by good taste in manners and conduct Sally's parties are decorous affairs, and instead of the usual beer and music, there is tea and intellectual conversation.

jocular

adjective: characterized by jokes and good humor Synonyms : jesting , jocose , joking My uncle was always in a jocular mood at family gatherings, messing up people's hair and telling knock-knock jokes to anyone who would listen.

ethereal

adjective: characterized by lightness and insubstantiality 輕飄的，縹緲的；優雅的；（尤指）超凡的 Synonyms : aerial , aeriform , aery , airy Because she dances with an ethereal style, ballet critics have called her Madame Butterfly.

precocious

adjective: characterized by or characteristic of exceptionally early development or maturity (especially in mental aptitude) 早熟的 Though only seven years old, she was a precocious chess prodigy, able to beat players twice her age.

trenchant

adjective: characterized by or full of force and vigor; having keenness and forcefulness and penetration in thought, expression, or intellect 一針見血的 Synonyms : hard-hitting,searching Jill presented a rather superficial treatment of sales in Asia, but her trenchant analysis of sales in Europe inspired a number of insights into how to proceed in that market. ++ trench（n.壕沟），ant－说话像挖沟－入木三分的

impetuous

adjective: characterized by undue haste and lack of thought or deliberation 衝動的，魯莽的 - Herbert is rarely impetuous, but on the spur of the moment, he spent thousands of dollars on a motorcycle today. ++ pet = seek, impetuous = 為了爭取得到而衝動的 , im = on; upon [補] *petulant 任性的*

gossamer

adjective: characterized by unusual lightness and delicacy 蛛絲，遊絲 Synonyms : ethereal The gossamer wings of a butterfly, which allow it to fly, are also a curse, so delicate that they are often damaged.

winsome

adjective: charming in a childlike or naive way She was winsome by nature, and many people were drawn to this free and playful spirit.

sanguine

adjective: cheerful; optimistic Synonyms : florid , rubicund , ruddy With the prospect of having to learn 3,000 words during the course of the summer, Paul was anything but sanguine.

limpid

adjective: clarity in terms of expression 清澈的，透明的， 表述清楚的 Synonyms : crystal clear , crystalline , lucid , pellucid , transparent,perspicuous Her limpid prose made even the most recondite subjects accessible to all. ++读：鳞皮的－有鳞皮的鱼游在limpid 的水里。

cogent

adjective: clear and persuasive Synonyms : telling , weighty A cogent argument will change the minds of even the most skeptical(懷疑的) audience. ++ co + gent(真德~~~) => 極具說服力的

facetious

adjective: cleverly amusing in tone Synonyms : bantering , tongue-in-cheek Facetious behavior will not be tolerated during sex eduation class; it's time for all of you to treat these matters like mature adults. ++ face 臉，ous 多：鬼臉比較多－滑稽幽默的

impending

adjective: close in time; about to occur （通常指不愉快或不受歡迎的事件）即將發生的，逼近的 Synonyms : at hand , close at hand , *imminent* , impendent The impending doom of our world has been a discussed and debated for 2000 years - maybe even longer.

relevant

adjective: closely connected to the topic and therefore important I think Professor McGarry can give you some relevant books to help you write that essay.

maladroit

adjective: clumsy 不靈巧的，笨拙的；不熟練的 Syn: *bumbling*, *gauche*, unskillful As a child she was quite maladroit, but as an adult, she has become an adept dancer.

nonchalant

adjective: coming across as uninterested or unconcerned; overly casual 若無其事的；漠不關心的；毫不在乎的 Synonyms : casual , insouciant The twenty-somethings at the coffee shop always irked Sheldon, especially the way in which they acted nonchalantly towards everything, not even caring when Sheldon once spilled his mocha on them. ++ non(没有)+chal(关心)+ant→不关心的

expansive

adjective: communicative, and prone to talking in a sociable manner 友善健談的；豪爽的；開朗的 Synonyms : talkative After a few sips of cognac, the octogenarian shed his irascible demeanor and became expansive, speaking fondly of the "good old days". ++ pan 平底锅：出门带着pan，边给人家做饭，边聊天－太开朗了！！！

arrant

adjective: complete and wholly (usually modifying a noun with negative connotation) 完全的；徹底的 An arrant fool, Lawrence surprised nobody when he lost all his money in a pyramid scheme that was every bit as transparent as it was corrupt.

replete

adjective: completely stocked or furnished with something 充滿的，裝滿的；（尤指）飽食的 Only weeks after the hurricane made landfall, the local supermarket shelves were replete with goods, so quick was the disaster relief response. ++ pelə- = to fill

involved

adjective: complicated, and difficult to comprehend Synonyms : byzantine , convoluted , knotty , tangled , tortuous The physics lecture became so involved that the undergraduate's eyes glazed over.

eclectic

adjective: comprised of a variety of styles Joey was known for his eclectic tastes in music, one moment dancing to disco the next "air conducting" along to Beethoven's 9th symphony. [補充] comprised --> 由...組成 ++ out + collect --> 外出 collect, 什麼都喜歡^^

cosmopolitan

adjective: comprising many cultures; global in reach and outlook 來自世界各地的；國際大都會的；世界性的 Synonyms : ecumenical , general , oecumenical , universal , world-wide , worldwide There are few cities in the world as diverse and cosmopolitan as New York.

pithy

adjective: concise(簡潔的) and full of meaning （講話或寫作）言簡意賅的 Synonyms : sententious I enjoy reading the Daodejing for its pithy and insightful prose; it always gives me something to think about.

esoteric

adjective: confined to and understandable by only an enlightened inner circle 極不尋常的；只有少數人（尤指內行）才懂的；限於小圈子的： Map collecting is an esoteric hobby to most, but to geography geeks it is a highly enjoyable pasttime. ++ 分割记忆：es(出),oter看作outer,不出外面的→秘传的

equivocal

adjective: confusing or ambiguous The findings of the study were equivocal - the two researchers had different opinions on what the results signified.

vociferous

adjective: conspicuously and offensively loud; given to vehement outcry Synonyms : blatant , clamant , clamorous , strident In giving Marcia a particular vociferous response, Paul caused people at every other table in the restaurant to turn around an look at them angrily.

complacent

adjective: contented to a fault with oneself or one's actions Synonyms : self-complacent , self-satisfied After the water polo team won their sixth championship, they became complacent and didn't even make it to the playoffs the next year.

illicit

adjective: contrary to or forbidden by law 非法的；違禁的；社會不容許的 Synonyms : illegitimate , outlaw , outlawed , unlawful Though Al Capone was engaged in many illicit activities, he was finally arrested for income tax evasion, a relatively minor offense. ++ licit = 合法的 ---> ex. licence

inimitable

adjective: defying imitation; matchless 無與倫比的 Mozart's music follows a clear pattern that, anyone could imitate, but his music gives an overall sense of effortlessness that is inimitable. ++ in+imit模仿+able=不能模仿的

iconoclastic

adjective: defying tradition or convention 反傳統信仰的；反傳統的 Jackson Pollack was an iconoclastic artist, totally breaking with tradition by splashing paint on a blank canvas.

stringent

adjective: demanding strict attention to rules and procedures 嚴重的；嚴格的，苛刻的 Synonyms : rigorous , tight Most of the students disliked the teacher because of his stringent homework policy, but many students would later thank him for demanding so much from them.

stalwart

adjective: dependable; inured to fatigue or hardships Synonyms : stout,hardy ,sturdy Despite all the criticism directed at the President during this scandal, Lisa has remained his stalwart supporter. ++ stal(＝support)＋wart(＝worth)→值得依靠的→坚定的

scintillating

adjective: describes someone who is brilliant and lively Synonyms : aglitter , coruscant , fulgid , glinting , glistering , glittering , glittery , scintillant , sparkly, bubbling , effervescent , frothy Richard Feynman was renowned for his scintillating lectures—the arcana of quantum physics was made lucid as he wrote animatedly on the chalkboard. ++ scintillate 發出火花

convivial

adjective: describing a lively atmosphere 友好的；歡樂的，愉悅的 The wedding reception was convivial; friends who hadn't seen each other for ages drank and ate together before heading to the dance floor.

implausible

adjective: describing a statement that is not believable 難以置信的；不可能的 Synonyms : farfetched The teacher found it implausible that the student was late to school because he had been kidnapped by outlaws on horseback.

pyrrhic

adjective: describing a victory that comes at such a great cost that the victory is not worthwhile 慘勝 George W. Bush's win in the 2000 election was in many ways a pyrrhic victory: the circumstances of his win alienated half of the U.S. population.

concomitant

adjective: describing an event or situation that happens at the same time as or in connection with another 同時發生的事；伴隨物 Synonyms : accompaniment , attendant , co-occurrence Concomitant with his desire for nature was a desire for the culture and energy of a big city.

capricious

adjective: determined by chance or impulse or whim rather than by necessity or reason 反覆無常的 Synonyms : impulsive , *whimsical* Nearly every month our capricious CEO had a new plan to turn the company around, and none of them worked because we never gave them the time they needed to succeed. ++ cap 頭 + ric = curl

whimsical

adjective: determined by impulse or whim rather than by necessity or reason 離奇的；古怪的；異想天開的 Synonyms : capricious , impulsive Adults look to kids and envy their whimsical nature at times, wishing that they could act without reason and play without limitation.

vacuous

adjective: devoid of intelligence, matter, or significance Synonyms : asinine , fatuous , inane , mindless,empty , hollow To the journalist's pointed question, the senator gave a vacuous response, mixing a few of his overall campaign slogans with platitudes and completely avoiding the controversial subject of the question. ++ vac- = 空的

elusive

adjective: difficult to capture or difficult to remember Synonyms : baffling , knotty , problematic , problematical , tough Many first time skydivers say that describing the act of falling from the sky is elusive.

cumbersome

adjective: difficult to handle or use especially because of size or weight 笨重的；累贅的；低效的 Synonyms : cumbrous Only ten years ago, being an avid reader and a traveler meant carrying a cumbersome backpack stuffed with books--these days we need only an e-reader.

recondite

adjective: difficult to penetrate; incomprehensible to one of ordinary understanding or knowledge 深奧的；玄妙的；晦澀的 Synonyms : abstruse , deep I found Ulysses recondite and never finished the book, waiting instead to read it with someone else so we could penetrate its meaning together. ++ cond = hide. ex. abscond, condiment 調味品(把壞味道藏起來)

abstruse

adjective: difficult to understand; incomprehensible 難解的；深奧的 Synonyms : deep , *recondite* Physics textbooks can seem so abstruse to the uninitiated that readers feel as though they are looking at hieroglyphics.

disaffected

adjective: discontented as toward authority Synonyms : ill-affected , malcontent , rebellious After watching his superior take rations from the soliders, he quickly became disaffected and rebeled. ++ dis + affect(感動) ---> 不再感動

sardonic

adjective: disdainfully or ironically humorous; scornful and mocking 譏諷的，冷嘲的，輕蔑的 A stand-up comedian walks a fine line when making jokes about members of the audience; such fun and joking can quickly become sardonic and cutting. ++ 什麼時代了還在 sar donic F2這種爛皮 = ="

ignoble

adjective: dishonorable 卑鄙的，可恥的 Synonyms : ungentle , untitled In the 1920s, the World Series was rigged--an ignoble act which baseball took decades to recover from.

hegemony

adjective: dominance over a certain area （尤指國家的）霸權，支配權，領導權 Until the Spanish Armada was defeated in 1587, Spain had hegemony over the seas, controlling waters stretching as far as the Americas. ++ he+gemerny --->二次大戰中德國有絕對的霸權

preemptive

adjective: done before someone else can do it 先發制人的 Just as Martha was about to take the only cookie left on the table, Noah preemptively swiped it.

sedulous

adjective: done diligently and carefully = assiduous Synonyms : assiduous An avid numismatist, Harold sedulously amassed a collection of coins from over 100 countries - an endeavor that took over fifteen years, and to five continents.

perfunctory

adjective: done routinely and with little interest or care 草率的；馬虎的；敷衍的 Synonyms : casual , cursory , passing The short film examines modern perfunctory cleaning rituals such as washing dishes, doing laundry and tooth-brushing. ++ per(表面)＋funct(做)

humdrum

adjective: dull and lacking excitement 乏味的；單調的；令人厭倦的 Synonyms : *commonplace* , *prosaic* , unglamorous , unglamourous,monotonous Having grown up in a humdrum suburb(城郊), Jacob relished(享受) life in New York City after moving. ++ hum(嗡嗡声)+drum(鼓声)→ 單調的

prosaic

adjective: dull and lacking imagination 乏味的；平淡無奇的；缺乏想像力的 Synonyms : earthbound , pedestrian , prosy,commonplace , humdrum , unglamorous , unglamourous *insipid* Unlike the talented artists in his workshop, Paul had no such bent for the visual medium, so when it was time for him to make a stained glass painting, he ended up with a prosaic mosaic.

insipid

adjective: dull and uninteresting 無味的；無特色的；無生氣的；乏味的 Synonyms : bland , flat , flavorless , flavourless , savorless , savourless , vapid The movie director was known for hiring beautiful actors in order to deflect attention away from the insipid scripts he would typically use.

jejune

adjective: dull; lacking flavor 平淡無奇的； Synonyms : insubstantial,*insipid* Although many top chefs have secured culinary foam's popularity in haute cuisine, Waters criticizes it for being jejune and unfilling. adjective: immature; childish 幼稚的，不成熟的 Synonyms : adolescent , juvenile , puerile He made jejune generalizations about how all students were lazy and never did any work.

pugnacious

adjective: eager to fight or argue; verbally combative The comedian told one flat joke after another, and when the audience started booing, he pugnaciously spat back at them, "Hey, you think this is easy - why don't you buffoons give it a shot?" ++ pug = to prick

venial

adjective: easily excused or forgiven; pardonable （錯誤行為）輕微的，可以原諒的 Synonyms : excusable , forgivable His traffic violations ran the gamut from the venial to the egregious - on one occasion he simply did not come to a complete stop; another time he tried to escape across state lines at speeds in excess of 140 mph. ++ ven＝wen 吻，ial：吻你，因为你是可原谅的

docile

adjective: easily handled or managed; willing to be taught or led or supervised or directed 溫和的；溫順的，馴服的；易控制的 Synonyms : gentle Barnyard animals are considerably more docile than the wild animals. ++ doc(教)+ile(能...的) →能教的

peevish

adjective: easily irritated or annoyed Synonyms : cranky , fractious , irritable , nettlesome , peckish , pettish , petulant , scratchy , techy , testy , tetchy Our office manager is peevish, so the rest of us tip-toe around him, hoping not to set off another one of his fits.

petulant

adjective: easily irritated or annoyed 耍孩子脾氣的，任性的 Synonyms : cranky , fractious , irritable , nettlesome , peckish , *peevish* , pettish , scratchy , techy , testy , tetchy When Ed first met Ruth, he didn't realize she was so petulant, but now that they are three months into their relationship, Ed feels a day doesn't go by in which she isn't whining about some minor issue. ++ u + pet --> u r my pet --->非常任性的 = ="

amenable

adjective: easily persuaded Synonyms : conformable , tractable Even though she did not like the outdoors, Shirley was generally amenable and so her brother was able to persuade her to go camping.

sentimental

adjective: effusively or insincerely emotional, especially in art, music, and literature Synonyms : bathetic , drippy , hokey , kitschy , maudlin , mawkish , mushy , schmaltzy , schmalzy , slushy , soppy , soupy I don't like romanticism for the same reason I don't like melodramatic acting and soap operas - overly sentimental.

cadaverous

adjective: emaciated; gaunt 死屍般的；慘白的；形容枯槁的 Synonyms : bony ,haggard , pinched , skeletal , wasted Some actors take challenging roles in which they have to lose so much weight that they appear cadaverous.

poignant

adjective: emotionally touching 令人痛苦的，酸楚的；深深打動人的 Synonyms : affecting , touching After the Montagues and Capulets discover the dead bodies of Romeo and Juliet, in the play's most poignant moment, the two griefstricken familes agree to end their feud once and for all.

complementary

adjective: enhancing each other's qualities (for two things or more). Synonyms : complemental , completing The head waiter was careful to tell the amateur diners that red wine was complementary with beef, each bringing out subtle taste notes in the other.

edifying

adjective: enlightening or uplifting so as to encourage intellectual or moral improvement 啓迪的；起教化作用的 Synonyms : enlightening I recently read an article in the Times about whether good literature is edifying or not; specifically, does reading more make a person more moral. ++ ed(吃)+ify(表示动作)→吃下去→启发,陶冶

pernicious

adjective: exceedingly harmful; working or spreading in a hidden and injurious way 極其有害的；惡性的；惡劣的 Synonyms : baneful , deadly , pestilent,insidious , subtle The most successful viruses are pernicious: an infected person may feel perfectly healthy for several months while incubating and spreading the virus. ++ per(全部)＋nic(毒,死)＋ious→有毒的→有害的

presumptuous

adjective: excessively forward 冒昧的，專橫的 Synonyms : assuming , assumptive Many felt that Barney was presumptuous in moving into the large office before the management even made any official announcement of his promotion

lugubrious

adjective: excessively mournful 憂傷的，憂鬱的，悲傷的 At the funeral, lugubrious songs filled the small church. ++lugu 露骨，brious：摔得露出大腿骨－闷闷不乐的

artful

adjective: exhibiting artistic skill （尤指在獲得自己想要的東西方面）巧妙的，機靈的，取巧的 Picasso is generally considered the most artful member of the Cubist movement. adjective: clever in a cunning way Bernie Madoff's artful Ponzi scheme stole billions of dollars from investors and is considered the largest financial fraud in U.S. history.

dictatorial

adjective: expecting unquestioning obedience; characteristic of an absolute ruler Synonyms : authoritarian , overbearing,authoritarian , autocratic , despotic , tyrannic , tyrannical The coach was dictatorial in his approach: no players could ever argue or question his approach.

derogative

adjective: expressed as worthless or in negative terms 詆毀的，貶損的，貶低的 Synonyms : derogatory , disparaging Never before have we seen a debate between two political candidates that was so derogative and filthy.

pejorative

adjective: expressing disapproval (usu. refers to a term) 貶抑的，貶損的 Synonyms : dislogistic , dyslogistic Most psychologists object to the pejorative term "shrink", believing that they expand the human mind, not limit it.

approbatory

adjective: expressing praise or approval Synonyms : affirmative , approbative , approving , plausive Although it might not be her best work, Hunter's new novel has received generally approbatory reviews.

elegiac

adjective: expressing sorrow 輓歌 Few can listen to the elegiac opening bars of the Moonlight sonata without feeling the urge to cry. ++ 以露出大腿开头的就这两个单词：一个是优雅，一个是挽歌只剩下e 个leg 了－哀悼的

snide

adjective: expressive of contempt; derogatory or mocking in an indirect way 惡意的、挖苦的 Synonyms : sneering , supercilious The chairman interpreted Taylor's question about promotions as a snide remark, but in all innocence Taylor was trying to figure out the company's process.

abysmal

adjective: extremely bad Synonyms : abyssal , unfathomable Coach Ramsey took his newest player off the field after watching a few painful minutes of her abysmal performance. ++ 该词源于abyss n. 深渊，深坑。发音酷似我必死。背GRE 单词是很痛苦的一件事情，一旦想不开，跳崖自尽，必死无疑！因为你不是张无忌，也不是小龙女！！

inflammable

adjective: extremely controversial, incendiary 易燃的 It only takes one person to leave an inflammable comment on an Internet thread for that thread to blow up into pages upon pages of reader indignation.

ravenous

adjective: extremely hungry; devouring or craving food in great quantities 極其饑餓的 Synonyms : esurient , famished , sharp-set , *starved*, edacious , esurient , rapacious , *ravening* , *voracious* , wolfish John didn't eat much at all during the week he had the flu, so now that he is regaining his health, it's not surprising that he has a ravenous appetite. ++ raven 捕食

Pollyannaish

adjective: extremely optimistic Synonyms : cheerful , upbeat Even in the midst of a lousy sales quarter, Debbie remained Pollyannaish, never losing her shrill voice and wide smile, even when prospective customers hung up on her.

excruciating

adjective: extremely painful 劇烈疼痛的；極痛苦的 Synonyms : agonising , agonizing , harrowing , torturesome , torturing , torturous After the boulder rolled a couple of feet, pinning my friend's arm, he experienced excruciating pain.

equitable

adjective: fair to all parties as dictated by reason and conscience 公正的 - Synonyms : just - The equitable distribution of ice cream to a group of 5 year olds will ensure little to no fighting - at least until the ice cream is gone.

benighted

adjective: fallen into a state of ignorance 愚昧的，無知的 Synonyms : nighted, dark Far from being a period of utter benightedness, The Medieval Ages produced some great works of theological speculation.

auspicious

adjective: favorable, the opposite of sinister Despite an auspicious beginning, Mike's road trip became a series of mishaps, and he was soon stranded and penniless, leaning against his wrecked automobile. ++ 阿嘶~~~ 太棒了真是個好兆頭!!

intrepid

adjective: fearless 勇猛的，無畏的 Synonyms : audacious , brave , dauntless , fearless , hardy , unfearing Captain Ahab was an intrepid captain whose reckless and fearless style ultimate leads to his downfall. ++ trepid（adj.惊恐不安的）读：踹屁的－让你踹老虎屁股－惊恐的

indignant

adjective: feeling anger over a perceived injustice Synonyms : incensed , outraged , umbrageous When the cyclist swerved into traffic, it forced the driver to brake and elicited an indignant shout of "Hey, punk, watch where you're going!" ++ *受到一個 indignity 所以很 indignant*

reverent

adjective: feeling or showing profound respect or veneration 肅然起敬 Synonyms : godly , worshipful The professor could speak objectively about the other composers, but he always lectured about Brahms with a particularly reverent air, unable to offer a single criticism of his compositions.

vicarious

adjective: felt or undergone as if one were taking part in the experience or feelings of another 間接感受到的 The advent of twitter is a celebrity stalker's dream, as he or she can - through hundreds of intimate "tweets" - vicariously live the life of a famous person.

mettlesome

adjective: filled with courage or valor Synonyms : game , gamey , gamy , gritty , spirited , spunky For its raid on the Bin Laden's compound in Abbottabad, Seal Team Six has become, for many Americans, the embodiment of mettle. ++ 可能来自metal(金属),有着钢铁的特征→勇气

doleful

adjective: filled with or evoking sadness Synonyms : mournful No event is more doleful than the passing of my mother; she was a shining star in my life, and it brings me great sadness to think that she is now gone.

staunch

adjective: firm and dependable especially in loyalty 忠實的；堅定的 Synonyms : steadfast , unswerving No longer a staunch supporter of the movement, Todd now will openly question whether its goals are worthwhile.

entrenched

adjective: fixed firmly or securely By the time we reach 60-years old, most of our habits are so entrenched that it is difficult for us to change.

quotidian

adjective: found in the ordinary course of events Synonyms : everyday , mundane , routine , unremarkable , workaday Phil gets so involved thinking about Aristotle's arguments that he totally forgets quotidian concerns, such as exercising and eating regularly.

precarious

adjective: fraught with danger 危險的；不牢靠的，不穩的 Synonyms : parlous , perilous , touch-and-go People smoke to relax and forget their cares, but ironically, in terms of health risks, smoking is far more precarious than either mountain-climbing or skydiving.

impartial

adjective: free from undue bias or preconceived opinions 公正的，無偏見的 Synonyms : unprejudiced The judge was not impartial since he had been bribed by the witness's family.

guileless

adjective: free of deceit Synonyms : transparent At first I thought my niece was guileless, but I then found myself buying her ice cream every time we passed a shop.

unimpeachable

adjective: free of guilt; not subject to blame; beyond doubt or reproach （品格）無可懷疑的，無可指責的，無可挑剔的 Synonyms : blameless , inculpable , irreproachable After his long and unimpeachable service to the company, Sharat felt that a gold watch was a slap in the face rather than an honor.

jubilant

adjective: full of high-spirited delight because of triumph or success Synonyms : exultant , exulting , prideful , rejoicing , triumphal , triumphant,elated , gleeful , joyful My hardwork paid off, and I was jubilant to receive a perfect score on the GRE. ++ 成功爽到舊北爛耶

jovial

adjective: full of or showing high-spirited merriment, i.e. happiness （人）友善快活的；（情況）令人愉快的 Synonyms : gay , jocund , jolly , merry , mirthful, *genial* The political candidate and his supporters were jovial once it was clear that she had won.

garrulous

adjective: full of trivial conversation （尤指對雞毛蒜皮的事情）喋喋不休的，絮叨的，饒舌的 Synonyms : chatty , gabby , loquacious , talkative , talky Lynne was garrulous: once, she had a fifteen minute conversation with a stranger before she realized the woman didn't speak English.

cavalier

adjective: given to haughty disregard of others 滿不在乎的；漫不經心的 Synonyms : high-handed Percy dismissed the issue with a cavalier wave of his hand.

patent

adjective: glaringly obvious 顯而易見的 - Synonyms : apparent , evident , *manifest* , plain , unmistakable - Since the book had been through no fewer than six proof runs, the staff was shocked to see such a patent spelling mistake remaining, right in the middle of the front cover!

exorbitant

adjective: greatly exceeding bounds of reason or moderation （價格、要求等）過分的，過高的，離譜的 Synonyms : extortionate , outrageous , steep , unconscionable , usurious Shelley made one exorbitant purchase after another, buying new clothes and taking vacations even though she earned a limited salary. ++ ex+orbit(轨道,常规)+ant→走出常规→过分的

pragmatic

adjective: guided by practical experience and observation rather than theory 講究實際的，重實效的 Synonyms : hard-nosed , hardheaded , practical Rather than make a philosophical appeal to the Congressmen, the Speaker decided to take a far more pragmatic approach, making small side-deals that would add votes to his bill.

inveterate

adjective: habitual 積習難改的 Synonyms : chronic He is an inveterate smoker and has told his family and friends that there is no way he will ever quit.

querulous

adjective: habitually complaining Synonyms : fretful , whiney , whiny The querulous old woman was begining to wear down even the happier members of the staff with her ceaseless complaining.

taciturn

adjective: habitually reserved and uncommunicative 沉默寡言的 Synonyms : reticent While the CEO enthusiastically shares his plans and agenda with all who will listen, the CFO is far more taciturn, rarely revealing his perspective.

inadvertent

adjective: happening by chance or unexpectedly or unintentionally 非故意地，無意地 Synonyms : accidental Although Prohibition was rooted in noble ideals, the inadvertent and costly consequences of making alcohol illegal in the U.S. led its the repeal.

deleterious

adjective: harmful to living things 有害的，造成危害的 Synonyms : hurtful , injurious The BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico was deleterious to the fishing industry in the southern states.

acerbic

adjective: harsh in tone 尖刻的；辛辣的 Synonyms : acerb , acid , acrid , bitter , blistering , caustic , sulfurous , sulphurous , virulent , vitriolic Most movie critics are acerbic towards summer blockbusters, often referring to them as garbage.

vitriolic

adjective: harsh or corrosive in tone Synonyms : acerb , *acerbic* , acid , acrid , bitter , blistering , *caustic* , sulfurous , sulphurous , virulent While the teacher was more moderate in her criticism of the other student's papers, she was vitriolic toward Peter's paper, casting every flaw in the harshest light. vitri(玻璃, 引申为硫酸盐,因为硫酸盐具有玻璃光泽,再引申为刻毒)+olic

precipitate

adjective: hasty or rash Synonyms : hasty , overhasty , precipitant , precipitous Instead of conducting a thorough investigation after the city hall break-in, the governor acted precipitately, accusing his staff of aiding and abetting the criminals. verb: to cause to happen The government's mishandling the hurricane's aftermath precipitated a widespread outbreak of looting and other criminal activity.

supercilious

adjective: haughty and disdainful; looking down on others 傲慢自大的，目中無人的 Synonyms : disdainful , haughty , imperious , lordly , overbearing , prideful , sniffy , swaggering Nelly felt the Quiz Bowl director acted superciliously towards the underclassmen; really, she fumed, must he act so preternaturally omniscient each time he intones some obscure fact - as though everybody knows that Mt. Aconcagua is the highest peak in South America. ++ super(超过)＋cili(眉毛)＋ous→超过眉毛→高傲的

bleak

adjective: having a depressing or gloomy outlook 黯淡的、荒涼的 Synonyms : bare , barren , desolate , stark Unremitting overcast skies tend to lead people to create bleak literature and lugubrious music - compare England's band Radiohead to any band from Southern California.

truculent

adjective: having a fierce, savage nature 易怒的；好鬥的；尋釁的 Standing in line for six hours, she became progressively truculent, yelling at DMV employees and elbowing other people waiting in line.

debonair

adjective: having a sophisticated charm （尤指男人）有魅力的，明亮照人的，風度翩翩的 Synonyms : debonaire , debonnaire , suave James Bond is known for his good looks, high tech gadgets, and debonair manner.

piquant

adjective: having an agreeably pungent taste 辛辣美味的 Synonyms : savory , savoury , spicy , zesty The chef, with a mere flick of the salt shaker, turned the bland tomato soup into a piquant meal.

noisome

adjective: having an extremely bad smell 極令人不快的；令人厭惡的 Synonyms : fetid , foetid , foul , foul-smelling , funky , ill-scented , smelly , stinking Each August, when the winds moved in a south easterly direction, the garbage dump would spread noisome vapors through the small town. ++ noi＝annoy，some 一讨厌的

malodorous

adjective: having an unpleasant smell 難聞的，惡臭的 Synonyms : ill-smelling , malodourous , stinky , unpleasant-smelling Some thermally active fountains spew sulfur fumes--the air around them is sometimes so malodorous that many have to plug their noses. ++ mal(坏)+odor(气味)+ous→气味极坏的

sagacious

adjective: having good judgement and acute insight Synonyms : perspicacious , sapient Steve Jobs is surely one of the most sagacious CEOs, making Apple the most recognizable and valuable companies in the world. ++sag(=sap)+aclous多...的=知道很多的=智慧的

unprecedented

adjective: having never been done or known before; novel 史無前例的，空前的；絕無僅有的 When America first created its national parks, the idea of setting aside the most beautiful land in a country was unprecedented in the history of mankind.

incisive

adjective: having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions Synonyms : acute , discriminating , keen , knifelike , penetrating , penetrative , piercing , sharp The lawyer had an incisive mind, able in a flash to dissect a hopelessly tangled issue and isolate the essential laws at play.

stolid

adjective: having or revealing little emotion or sensibility; not easily aroused or excited Synonyms : impassive Elephants may appear stolid to casual observers, but they actually have passionate emotional lives.

consummate

adjective: having or revealing supreme mastery or skill Synonyms : masterful , masterly , virtuoso Tyler was the consummate musician: he was able to play the guitar, harmonica, and the drum at the same time. verb: to make perfect and complete in every respect The restoration of the ancient church was only consummated after a twenty years of labor. This word has other definitions but these are the most important ones to study ++ 各部分都「結合」在了「一起」→ 完成的 → 完美的

haughty

adjective: having or showing arrogant superiority to and disdain of those one views as unworthy 不友好的，傲慢的 Synonyms : *disdainful* , imperious , lordly , overbearing , prideful , sniffy , supercilious , swaggering The haughty manager didn't believe that any of his subordinates(下屬) could ever have an insight as brilliant his own.

imperious

adjective: having or showing arrogant superiority to and disdain of those one views as unworthy 專橫的 Synonyms : disdainful , haughty , lordly , overbearing , prideful , sniffy , *supercilious* , swaggering Children are imperious with each other before they learn that earning someone's respect is better than demanding.

pertinent

adjective: having precise or logical relevance to the matter at hand 有關的，直接相關的 Synonyms : *apposite* , apt While the salaries of the players might draw attention in the media, such monetary figures are not pertinent to the question of who plays the best on the field. [補] impertinent （尤指對年長者或上級）不禮貌的，不敬的

convoluted

adjective: highly complex or intricate Synonyms : byzantine , involved , knotty , *tangled* , tortuous Instead of solving the math problem in three simple steps, Kumar used a convoluted solution requiring fifteen steps.

dogmatic

adjective: highly opinionated, not accepting that your belief may not be correct 固執己見的；自以爲是的 Bryan is dogmatic in his belief that the earth is flat, claiming that all pictures of a spherical earth are computer generated.

vaunted

adjective: highly or widely praised or boasted about 被吹噓的；被誇耀的 For years, they had heard of New York City's vaunted skyline, and when they finally saw it, the spectacular cityscape did not disappoint them in the least. ++ v 代表胜利，aunt 姑奶奶：在姑奶奶面前显示胜利－吹嘘

percipient

adjective: highly perceptive 目光敏銳的；洞察力強的 Even the most percipient editor will make an occasional error when proofreading.

eccentric

adjective: highly unconventional or unusual (usually describes a person) Synonyms : eccentric person , flake , geek , oddball Mozart was well-known for his eccentricities, often speaking words backward to confuse those around him.

inimical

adjective: hostile (usually describes conditions or environments) 有害的；不利的；限制性的 Synonyms : unfriendly Venus, with a surface temperature that would turn rubber to liquid, is inimical to any form of life. ++ inimi(=enemy敌人)

ribald

adjective: humorously vulgar 黃色笑話 - Synonyms : *bawdy* , off-color - The speaker was famous for his ribald humor, but the high school principal asked him to keep the talk G-rated when he spoke to the student body. ++ rib(肋骨)+bald(秃头的)→露骨的黃色笑話

halcyon

adjective: idyllically calm and peaceful; suggesting happy tranquillity; marked by peace and prosperity 平靜愉快的 Synonyms : * serene*,*imperturbable* The first decade after WWI was a halcyon period in America with new-found wealth and rapidly improving technology.

morose

adjective: ill-tempered and not inclined to talk; gloomy 陰鬱的 Synonyms : dark , dour , glowering , glum , moody , saturnine , sour , sullen After Stanley found out he was no longer able to go on vacation with his friends, he sat in his room morosely.

phantasmagorical

adjective: illusive; unreal Synonyms : phantasmagoric , surreal , surrealistic Those suffering from malaria fall into a feverish sleep, their world a whirligig of phantasmagoria; if they recover, they are unsure of what actually took place and what was simply a product of their febrile imaginations.

impregnable

adjective: immune to attack; incapable of being tampered with 堅不可摧的，固若金湯的 Synonyms : inviolable , secure , strong , unassailable , unattackable As a child, Amy would build pillow castles and pretend they were impregnable fotresses. ++ im不+pregn 拿住 +able, [補] : pregnant 懷孕的

unassailable

adjective: immune to attack; without flaws 不可戰勝的 Synonyms : *impregnable* , inviolable , secure , strong , unattackable,bulletproof , unshakable , watertight Professor Williams is so self-assured as to seem arrogant, presenting each and every opinion as an unassailable fact. ++ un（不）+assailable（可攻击的）

incorrigible

adjective: impervious(不能滲透的) to correction by punishment 無可救藥的 Tom Sawyer seems like an incorrigible youth until Huck Finn enters the novel; even Sawyer can't match his fierce individual spirit.

ineluctable

adjective: impossible to avoid or evade: Synonyms : inescapable , unavoidable For those who smoke cigarettes for years, a major health crisis brought on by smoking is ineluctable.

irrefutable

adjective: impossible to deny or disprove Synonyms : *incontrovertible* , positive The existence of life on earth is irrefutable; the existence of intelligent life on earth is still hotly debated.

imponderable

adjective: impossible to estimate or figure out 無法衡量的 According to many lawmakers, the huge variety of factors affecting society make devising an efficient healthcare system an imponderable task.

inexorable

adjective: impossible to stop or prevent Synonyms : adamant , adamantine , intransigent The rise of the computer was an inexorable shift in technology and culture.

impudent

adjective: improperly forward or bold Synonyms : fresh , impertinent , overbold , sassy , saucy , smart , wise In an impudent move, the defendant spoke out of order to say terribly insulting things to the judge.

copious

adjective: in abundant supply Synonyms : ample , plenteous , plentiful , rich, voluminous In midsummer, there are copious popiscle stands at the beach; in the winter, there are none.

embryonic

adjective: in an early stage of development 胚的，胚胎的 Synonyms : embryotic, embryologic , embryonal The Board of Directors is hoping to launch a new product soon, but planning for the Z7 is in an embryonic stages.

subversive

adjective: in opposition to a civil authority or government 破壞，動搖，顛覆（尤指已有的政治體系） Synonyms : insurgent , seditious The ruling political party has begun a campaign to shut down subversive websites that it deems as a threat to "national safety."

dilapidated

adjective: in terrible condition 年久失修的，破敗的，破舊的 Synonyms : bedraggled , broken-down , derelict , ramshackle , tatterdemalion , tumble-down The main house has been restored but the gazebo is still dilapidated and unuseable. ++ lapid = stone

infelicitous

adjective: inappropriate 不合適的，不恰當的 Synonyms:defective During the executive meeting, the marketing director continued to make infelicitous comments about the CEO's gambling habit. [補] felicitous（adj.恰当的；善于措词的；幸福快乐的）

irrevocable

adjective: incapable of being retracted or revoked 不可改變的 Synonyms : irrevokable Once you enter your plea to the court, it is irrevocable so think carefully about what you will say.

implacable

adjective: incapable of making less angry or hostile 不饒人的 Win or lose, the coach was always implacable, never giving the athletes an easy practice or a break.

surly

adjective: inclined to anger or bad feelings with overtones of menace 脾氣壞的；不友好的，粗魯無禮的 Synonyms : ugly Every morning, Bhavin was a surly unhappy person, but once he ate breakfast, he became loving, laughing, and a joy to be around. ++ sur(=sir先生)+ly→像高高在上的先生一般

soporific

adjective: inducing mental lethargy; sleep inducing 催眠的，使人昏昏欲睡的 Synonyms : hypnagogic , hypnogogic , somniferous , somnific , soporiferous,narcotic, *lethargic* Although the professor is brilliant, his bland monotone gives his lectures a soporific effect. ++ so，por＝poor，ific：太穷了，没钱买吃的，所以－昏昏欲睡的 [補] sporadic = intermittent

redoubtable

adjective: inspiring fear or awe （尤指性格方面）強的；可敬的；令人敬畏的 Synonyms : *formidable* , *unnerving* 使緊張；使缺乏信心；使恐懼 On television basketball players don't look that tall, but when you stand in front of a seven-foot tall NBA player, he is truly redoubtable. ++re 反复，doubt 怀疑，able－面对对手怀疑自己的实力，因为对手是可敬畏的

didactic

adjective: instructive (especially excessively) Synonyms : didactical Tolstoy's The Death of Ivan Illyich is a didactic novel, instructing the reader on how to live a good life. ++ didxxx --> 教你怎麼做

prolific

adjective: intellectually productive Synonyms : fecund , fertile Schubert was the most prolific composer, producing hundreds of hours of music before he died at the age of 31.

fecund

adjective: intellectually productive 多產的；肥沃的 Synonyms : fertile , prolific The artist had entered a fecund period, producing three masterpieces in the span of two months.

ostentatious

adjective: intended to attract notice and impress others; tawdry or vulgar 鋪張的，擺闊的；炫耀的，賣弄的；招搖的 Synonyms : pretentious Matt wanted to buy stone lions for front of the house, but Cynthia convinced him that such a display would be too ostentatious for a modest house in an unassuming neighborhood. os 我死，ten10，tatious：我死了10 次－吹牛的

insufferable

adjective: intolerable, difficult to endure Synonyms : impossible , unacceptable , unsufferable Chester always tried to find some area in which he excelled above others; unsurprisingly, his co-workers found him insufferable and chose to exclude him from daily luncheons out.

byzantine

adjective: intricate and complex 錯綜複雜的 Synonyms : convoluted , involved , knotty , tangled , tortuous Getting a driver's license is not simply a matter of taking a test; the regulations and procedures are so byzantine that many have found themselves at the mercy of the Department of Motor Vehicles. ++ 拜占庭的建築都很錯綜複雜的

officious

adjective: intrusive in a meddling or offensive manner 愛指手畫腳的，愛發號施令的；自以為是的 Synonyms : busy , busybodied , interfering , meddlesome , meddling The professor had trouble concentrating on her new theorem, because her officious secretary would barge in frequently reminding her of some trivial detail involving departmental paperwork.

embroiled

adjective: involved in argument or contention Synonyms : entangled(緊緊纏住) These days we are never short of a D.C. politician embroiled in scandal(醜聞)—a welcome phenomenon for those who, having barely finished feasting on the sordid details of one imbroglio, can sink their teeth into a fresh one. ++ em + roll

sordid

adjective: involving ignoble actions and motives; arousing moral distaste and contempt; foul and run-down and repulsive 骯髒的，卑鄙的、邋遢的 Synonyms : seamy , seedy , sleazy , squalid,flyblown The nightly news simply announced that the senator had had an affair, but the tabloid published all the sordid details of the interaction. This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

cerebral

adjective: involving intelligence rather than emotions or instinct 腦的，大腦的 Synonyms : intellectual A cerebral analysis of most pop music finds it to be simple and childish, but that ignores the point--the music's effect on the listener. This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

fractious

adjective: irritable and is likely to cause disruption 易煩躁的；易怒的；暴躁的 Synonyms : cranky , irritable , nettlesome , peckish , *peevish* , pettish , petulant , scratchy , techy , testy , tetchy We rarely invite my fractious Uncle over for dinner; he always complains about the food, and usually launches into a tirade on some touchy subject. [補] refractory --> not fract --> 倔強的

bilious

adjective: irritable; always angry 患膽病的；膽汁分泌過多的, 易怒的，暴躁的 Synonyms : atrabilious , dyspeptic , liverish Rex was bilious all morning, and his face would only take on a look of contentedness when he'd had his morning cup of coffee.

ebullient

adjective: joyously unrestrained 精力充沛的；熱情洋溢的；興高采烈的 Synonyms : *exuberant* , high-spirited Can you blame him for his ebullient mood? He just graduated from medical school.

benign

adjective: kind I remember my grandfather's face was wrinkled, benign, and calm. adjective: (medicine) not dangerous to health; not recurrent or progressive The tumor located in your ear lobe seems to be benign and should not cause you any trouble. ++ ben- = good

wanting

adjective: lacking Synonyms : deficient , lacking She did not think her vocabulary was wanting, yet there were so many words that inevitably she found a few she didn't know.

anemic

adjective: lacking energy and vigor Synonyms : anaemic After three straight shows, the lead actress gave an anemic performance the fourth night, barely speaking loudly enough for those in the back rows to hear.

lethargic

adjective: lacking energy 萎靡不振的，無精打采的；懶散的，倦怠的 Synonyms : unenrgetic, *soporific* Nothing can make a person more lethargic than a big turkey dinner. ++ let har(哈欠) --->無精打采的，委靡不振的

myopic

adjective: lacking foresight or imagination 目光短淺的，缺乏深謀遠慮的 Synonyms : short , shortsighted , unforesightful The company ultimately went out of business because the myopic managers couldn't predict the changes in their industry. This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

pedestrian

adjective: lacking imagination Synonyms : earthbound , prosaic , prosy While Nan was always engaged in philosophical speculation, her brother was occupied with far more pedestrian concerns: how to earn a salary and run a household.

incongruous

adjective: lacking in harmony or compatibility or appropriateness The vast economic inequality of modern society is incongruous with America's ideals.

penurious

adjective: lacking money; poor Synonyms : hard up , impecunious , in straitened circumstances , penniless , pinched Truly penurious, Mary had nothing more than a jar full of pennies. adjective: miserly Synonyms : parsimonious Warren Buffett, famous multi-billionaire, still drives a cheap sedan, not because he is penurious, but because luxury cars are gaudy and impractical.

impecunious

adjective: lacking money; poor 沒錢的，貧窮的 Synonyms : hard up , in straitened circumstances , penniless , *penurious* , pinched In extremely trying times, even the moderately wealthy, after a few turns of ill-fortune, can become impecunious.

bumbling

adjective: lacking physical movement skills, especially with the hands 糊塗的；笨手笨腳的 Synonyms : bungling , butterfingered , ham-fisted , ham-handed , handless , heavy-handed , left-handed Within a week of starting, the bumbling new waiter was unceremoniously(粗魯的；不拘禮節的) fired.

hackneyed

adjective: lacking significance through having been overused （語詞或觀點）陳腐的，老套的 Synonyms : *banal* , *commonplace* , old-hat , shopworn , stock , threadbare , timeworn , tired , *trite* , well-worn Cheryl rolled her eyes when she heard the lecturer's hackneyed advice to "be true to yourself."

gauche

adjective: lacking social polish （尤指因年輕且經驗不足而）笨拙的，不善社交的，不老練的 Synonyms : graceless , unpolished Sylvester says the most gauche things, such as telling a girl he liked that she was much prettier when she wore makeup.

perennial

adjective: lasting an indefinitely long time; eternal; everlasting 長期存在的；常年的；不斷發生的；反覆的 Even at the old-timers games, Stan Musial would get the loudest cheer: he was a perennial favorite of the fans there. ++ per + ennial = 每一年都會發生的

feckless

adjective: lazy and irresponsible Synonyms : inept Two years after graduation, Charlie still lived with his parents and had no job, becoming more feckless with each passing day. [補] reckless 輕率的

lascivious

adjective: lecherous; sexually perverted 淫蕩的，好色的 Synonyms : lewd , libidinous , lustful Lolita is a challenging novel for many, not necessarily because of the elevated prose style but because of the depravity of the main character, Humbert Humbert, who, as an old, lascivious man, falls in love with a girl. ++ las＝last，civious＝civil：全世界就剩下最后一个女市民－好色的。

meteoric

adjective: like a meteor in speed or brilliance or transience 曇花一現的 The early spectacular successes propelled the pitcher to meteoric stardom, but a terribly injury tragically cut short his career.

affable

adjective: likeable; easy to talk to Synonyms : amiable , cordial , genial For all his surface affability, Marco was remarkably glum when he wasn't around other people.

contentious

adjective: likely to argue 有爭議的；引起爭論的；可能引發爭議的 Synonyms : combative , *disputatious* , disputative , litigious Since old grandpa Harry became very contentious during the summer when only reruns were on T.V., the grandkids learned to hide from him at every opportunity.

invidious

adjective: likely to cause resentment （尤指由於不公）可能招致不滿的，易引起反感的 At a time when many others in the office were about to be laid off, many considered Cheryl's fine clothes that day an invidious display. ++ in(不)+vid(看)+ious→不看的→不满意的→反感的

tendentious

adjective: likely to lean towards a controversial view （演講或文章）有強烈傾向的；有偏見的 Synonyms : tendencious Because political mudslinging has become a staple of the 24-hour media cycle, most of us, despite protestations to the contrary, are tendentious on many of today's pressing issues. [補] contentious 有爭議的；引起爭論的；可能引發爭議的

disheartened

adjective: made less hopeful or enthusiastic 潑冷水 Synonyms : demoralised , demoralized , discouraged After the visiting team scored nine times, the home team's fans were disheartened, some leaving the game early.

sanctimonious

adjective: making a show of being pious(虔誠的); holier-than-thou 道貌岸然的 Synonyms : holier-than-thou , pharisaic , pharisaical , pietistic , pietistical , self-righteous Even during the quiet sanctity of evening prayer, she held her chin high, a sanctimonious sneer forming on her face as she eyed those who were attending church for the first time. ++ saint = 聖人 ---> monious 模擬聖人 --->道貌岸然的

extenuating

adjective: making less guilty or more forgivable 為（錯誤行為）辯解 The jury(陪審團) was hardly moved by the man's plea that his loneliness was an extenuating factor in his crime of dognapping a prized pooch. ex+tenu(細薄)+ate→使...微不足道→掩飾(罪行)

rakish

adjective: marked by a carefree unconventionality or disreputableness 瀟灑的；不落俗套的 Synonyms : devil-may-care , raffish As soon as he arrived in the city, the rakish young man bought some drugs and headed straight for the seedy parts of town.

raffish

adjective: marked by a carefree unconventionality or disreputableness 隨意灑脫的 Synonyms : devil-may-care , rakish The men found him raffish, but the women adored his smart clothes and casual attitude.

apathetic

adjective: marked by a lack of interest Synonyms : indifferent Mr. Thompson was so talented at teaching math that even normally apathetic students took interest.

pedantic

adjective: marked by a narrow focus on or display of learning especially its trivial aspects 迂腐的，學究式的，書呆子氣的 Synonyms : academic , donnish Professor Thompson was regarded as an expert in his field, but his lectures were utterly pedantic, focused on rigorous details of the most trivial conventions in the field. ++ ped 脚，ant 蚂蚁，ic：脚踩了蚂蚁是书呆子的正面特征，因为一边走路一边看书。

avid

adjective: marked by active interest and enthusiasm Synonyms : zealous Martin is an avid birdwatcher, often taking long hikes into remote mountains to see some rare eagle.

elaborate

adjective: marked by complexity and richness of detail 精心計劃（或製作）的；詳盡的； Synonyms : luxuriant Thomas, on returning from Morocco, replaced his dirty gray carpet with an elaborate one he'd brought back with him. verb: explain in more detail 複雜的 Synonyms : dilate , enlarge , expand , expatiate , exposit , expound , flesh out , lucubrate Most high school physics teachers find themselves elaborating the same point over and over again, since many concepts confuse students.

plucky

adjective: marked by courage and determination 有勇氣的，有膽量的 Synonyms : gutsy,feisty , spunky Some scouts initially doubted Pedroia because of his short stature, but he is a plucky player, surprising everyone with his boundless energy and fierce determination.

foolhardy

adjective: marked by defiant disregard for danger or consequences Synonyms : heady , rash , reckless The police regularly face dangerous situations, so for a police officer not to wear his bullet-proof vest is foolhardy. ++ 组合词：fool(笨)+hardy(勇敢的)→笨而勇敢

rash

adjective: marked by defiant disregard for danger or consequences; imprudently incurring risk 輕率的 Synonyms : foolhardy , heady , reckless Although Bruce was able to make the delivery in time with a nightime motorcycle ride in the rain, Susan criticized his actions as rash. This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

ornate

adjective: marked by elaborate rhetoric and elaborated with decorative details 裝飾華麗的；裝飾繁複的 Synonyms : flowery The ornate Victorian and Edwardian homes spread throughout San Francisco are my favorite part of the city.

smug

adjective: marked by excessive complacency or self-satisfaction 沾沾自喜的，自鳴得意的 Synonyms : self-satisfied When Phil was dating the model, he had a smug attitude that annoyed his buddies.

vehement

adjective: marked by extreme intensity of emotions or convictions(堅定的信念) 激動的 Synonyms : fierce , tearing , trigger-happy , violent While the other employees responded to the bad news in a measured way, Andrew responded in a vehement manner, tipping over his desk and shouting at the top of his lungs.

steadfast

adjective: marked by firm determination or resolution; not shakable 長期不變的；堅定的，不動搖的 Synonyms : firm , steady , stiff , unbendable , unfaltering , unshakable , unwavering A good captain needs to be steadfast, continuing to hold the wheel and stay the course even during the most violent storm.

haphazard

adjective: marked by great carelessness; dependent upon or characterized by chance 無秩序的；無計劃的；隨意的 Synonyms : *slapdash* , slipshod , sloppy, hit-or-miss Many golf courses are designed with great care, but the greens on the county golf course seem entirely haphazard.

effervescent

adjective: marked by high spirits or excitement 冒泡的；起沫的; 心情超級好的 Synonyms : bubbling , frothy , *scintillating* , sparkly After the sales result, the manager was in an effervescent mood, letting several employees leave work early that day.

forlorn

adjective: marked by or showing hopelessness After her third pet dog died, Marcia was simply forlorn: this time even the possibility of buying a new dog no longer held any joy.

punctilious

adjective: marked by precise accordance with details - Synonyms : *meticulous* - The colonel was so punctilious about enforcing regulations that men feel compelled to polish even the soles of their shoes. ++ punct(点,尖)＋ilious→注意每一个点→小心的

furtive

adjective: marked by quiet and caution and secrecy; taking pains to avoid being observed （人）偷偷摸摸的；鬼鬼祟祟的；（行動）秘密的 Synonyms : sneak , sneaky , stealthy , surreptitious While at work, George and his boss Regina felt the need to be as furtive as possible about their romantic relationship.

genteel

adjective: marked by refinement in taste and manners 上流社會的；上流社會典型的 Synonyms : civilised , civilized , cultivated , cultured , polite A live string quartet would provide a more genteel air to the wedding than would a folk singer.

tortuous

adjective: marked by repeated turns and bends; not straightforward 曲折的；轉彎抹角的 Synonyms : twisting , twisty , voluminous , winding Because the logic behind McMahon's side of the debate was so tortuous, his audience came out either completely confused or, worse, feeling they'd been tricked.

malfeasance

adjective: misconduct or wrongdoing (especially by a public official) （尤指掌權者的）違法亂紀行為，瀆職 Not even the mayor's trademark pearly-toothed grin could save him from charges of malfeasance: while in power, he'd been running an illegal gambling rink in the room behind his office.

ambivalent

adjective: mixed or conflicting emotions about something Sam was ambivalent about studying for the exam because doing so ate up a lot of his time, yet he was able to improve his analytical skills.

saturnine

adjective: morose陰鬱的；脾氣不好的 or gloomy Synonyms : dark , dour , glowering , glum , moody , morose , sour , sullen Deprived of sunlight, humans become saturnine; that's why in very northerly territories people are encouraged to sit under an extremely powerful lamp, lest they become morose.

inviolate

adjective: must be kept sacred 不容侵犯的；神聖的 Synonyms : inviolable , sacrosanct While the literary critic subjected most of the classics to the harshest reviews, he regarded Cervantes as inviolate, and had nothing but praise for him.

cryptic

adjective: mysterious or vague, usually intentionally Synonyms : cabalistic , cryptical , kabbalistic , qabalistic , sibylline Since Sarah did not want her husband to guess the Christmas present she had bought him, she only answered cryptically when he would ask her questions about it.

parochial

adjective: narrowly restricted in scope or outlook Synonyms : insular Jasmine was sad to admit it, but her fledgling relationship with Jacob did not work out because his culinary tastes were simply too parochial; "After all," she quipped on her blog, "he considered Chef Boyardee ethnic food."

endemic

adjective: native; originating where it is found 原產地的 Synonyms : autochthonal , autochthonic , autochthonous , *indigenous* Irish cuisine makes great use of potatoes, but ironically, the potato is not endemic to Ireland.

incontrovertible

adjective: necessarily or demonstrably true; impossible to deny or disprove 不容置疑的 Synonyms : demonstrable,irrefutable , positive Unless you can provide incontrovertible evidence, I will remain skeptical.

incumbent

adjective: necessary (for someone) as a duty or responsibility 現任的；在職的 Middle managers at times make important decisions, but real responsibility for the financial well-being of the corporation is ultimately incumbent on the CEO. The incumbent president faces problems which began many years before he took office. ++ in 里面，cumb 躺－躺在（职位）里面的人－在职者

magnanimous

adjective: noble and generous in spirit, especially towards a rival or someone less powerful Synonyms : greathearted He was a great sportsman: in defeat he was complementary and in victory he was magnanimous. ++ great +mind = 氣量大的. ex. magnificent, animate, inanimate, unanimous全體一致, equanimity 心情平靜

obstreperous

adjective: noisily and stubbornly defiant; willfully difficult to control 愛吵嚷的；喧鬧的；吵鬧不服管束的；難駕馭的 Synonyms : casual , insouciant When the teacher asked the obstreperous student simply to bus his tray, the student threw the entire tray on the floor, shouted an epithet, and walked out.

unviable

adjective: not able to work, survive, or succeed (also spelled inviable). The plan was obviously unviable considering that it lead to complete environmental destruction in the river valley. [補] obviate 排除，消除；使無必要

impervious

adjective: not admitting of passage or capable of being affected 不能滲透的、不為所動的 Synonyms : imperviable I am not impervious to your insults; they cause me great pain.

opaque

adjective: not clearly understood or expressed 不透明的, （文字或演講）難理解的 Synonyms : unintelligible The meaning of the professor's new research was opaque to most people, so no one asked any questions.

untrammeled

adjective: not confined or limited 不受限的 Synonyms : untrammelled The whole notion of living untrammeled inspired the American Revolution and was enshrined in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.

placid

adjective: not easily irritated Synonyms : equable , even-tempered , good-tempered Doug is normally placid, so we were all shocked to see him yelling at the television when the Mets lost the game.

unflappable

adjective: not easily perturbed or excited or upset; marked by extreme calm and composure 鎮定自若的，沈著冷靜的 - Synonyms : imperturbable - The house shook and the ground quaked, but my dad was unflappable and comforted the family. ++un（不）+flappable（易慌乱的）

inscrutable

adjective: not easily understood; unfathomable （尤指人或其表情）高深莫測的，難以捉摸的 Synonyms : cryptic , cryptical , deep , mysterious , mystifying His speech was so dense and confusing that many in the audience found it inscrutable. ++ scru/stru --> 理解 ex. abstruse, construe

improvident

adjective: not given careful consideration Synonyms : ill-considered , ill-judged , shortsighted Marty was improvident, never putting money aside for the future but spending it on decorating the interior of his home.

unseemly

adjective: not in keeping with accepted standards of what is right or proper in polite society 不合適的，不得體的；不禮貌的 Synonyms : indecent , indecorous , unbecoming , uncomely , untoward He acted in an unseemly manner, insulting the hostess and then speaking ill of her deceased husband.

indecorous

adjective: not in keeping with accepted standards of what is right or proper in polite society 不得體的；不雅的；粗魯的 Synonyms : indecent , unbecoming , uncomely , unseemly , untoward Eating with elbows on the table is considered indecorous in refined circles.

languid

adjective: not inclined towards physical exertion or effort; slow and relaxed Synonyms : dreamy , *lackadaisical* , languorous As the sun beat down and the temperature climbed higher, we spent a languid week lying around the house. ++ 懶鬼得~

uncompromising

adjective: not making concessions （尤指遭到反對時人或其信念）不妥協的，不讓步的，強硬的 Synonyms : inflexible , sturdy The relationship between Bart and Hilda ultimately failed because they were both so uncompromising, never wanting to change their opinions.

anomalous

adjective: not normal According to those who do not believe in climate change, the extreme weather over the last five years is simply anomalous - daily temperatures should return to their old averages, they believe.

ersatz

adjective: not real or genuine; phony （通常指因爲某物過於昂貴或稀有而代以其他事物）代用的 Synonyms : substitute The car dealer's ersatz laughter was immediately followed by a price quote, one that Shelley found highly inflated. ++ er 耳朵，sa 拼：三－3 只耳朵里必定有一只是假的，仿制的

immaterial

adjective: not relevant Synonyms : extraneous , impertinent , orthogonal, incorporeal The judge found the defendant's comments immaterial to the trial, and summarily dismissed him from the witness stand.

frugal

adjective: not spending much money (but spending wisely) Synonyms : economical , scotch , sparing , stinting Monte was no miser, but was simply frugal, wisely spending the little that he earned.

disingenuous

adjective: not straightforward; giving a false appearance of frankness Synonyms : artful Many adults think that they can lie to children, but kids are smart and know when people are disingenuous.

oblique

adjective: not straightforward; indirect Synonyms : devious Herbert never explicitly revealed anything negative about Tom's past, but at times he would obliquely suggest that Tom was not as innocent as he seemed.

imprudent

adjective: not wise 不謹慎的，輕率的 Hitler, like Napoleon, made the imprudent move of invading Russia in winter, suffering even more casualties than Napoleon had.

fallacious

adjective: of a belief that is based on faulty reasoning 欺騙、誤導的 Synonyms : unsound,Synonyms, deceitful , fraudulent The widespread belief that Eskimos have forty different words for snow is fallacious, based on one false report.

catholic

adjective: of broad scope; universal 廣泛的；包羅萬象的 Jonah's friends said that Jonah's taste in music was eclectic; Jonah was quick to point out that not only was his taste eclectic but it was also catholic: he enjoyed music from countries as far-flung as Mali and Mongolia. [補] eclectic 不拘一格的、博採眾長的 ex. an eclectic taste in literature

puerile

adjective: of or characteristic of a child; displaying or suggesting a lack of maturity 幼稚的，傻氣的 Synonyms : *adolescent* , *jejune* , juvenile Helen enjoyed blowing soap bubbles, but Jim regarded this as puerile, totally unworthy of a woman with a Ph.D.

magisterial

adjective: offensively self-assured or given to exercising unwarranted power 有絕對權威的；威嚴的； - Synonyms : Griffy, autocratic , bossy , dominating , high-and-mighty , peremptory - Though she was only a third grade teacher, Ms. Martinet was magisterial in dealing with her class, lording over them like a queen.

antiquated

adjective: old-fashioned; belonging to an earlier period in timev 陳舊的；過時的；老式的 Synonyms : *antediluvian , archaic* Aunt Betty had antiquated notions about marriage, believing that a man should court a woman for at least a year before receiving a kiss.

portentous

adjective: ominously prophetic 不吉祥的、凶兆的 Synonyms : fateful , foreboding When the captain and more than half the officers were sick on the very first night of the voyage, many of the passengers felt this was portentous, but the rest of the voyage(航海；航行) continued without any problems. ++ port = towards, tent = strech

checkered

adjective: one that is marked by disreputable(不受尊敬的) happenings One by one, the presidential candidates dropped out of the race, their respective checkered pasts - from embezzlement to infidelity(不貞行為) - sabotaging their campaigns. This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

laconic

adjective: one who says very few words Synonyms : crisp , curt , terse While Martha always swooned over the hunky, laconic types in romantic comedies, her boyfriends inevitably were very talkative - and not very hunky.

inchoate

adjective: only partly in existence; imperfectly formed 才開始的；不完全的；未發展完善的 Synonyms : incipient Inchoate ideas about the relation of humans to other animals had been discussed since the Middle Ages but the modern theory really began with Darwin. ++ 還不完全，還不能吃!!

aboveboard

adjective: open and honest Synonyms : straightforward The mayor, despite his avuncular face plastered about the city, was hardly aboveboard - some concluded that it was his ingratiating smile that allowed him to engage in corrupt behavior and get away with it. ++ 把牌拿上桌面就很難 cheating，所以代表誠實

moot

adjective: open to argument or debate; undecidable in a meaningless or irrelevant way 提出...供討論 Synonyms : arguable , debatable , disputable Since the Board just terminated Steve as the CEO, what the finance committe might have thought of his proposed marketing plan for next year is now a moot point.

ambiguous

adjective: open to more than one interpretation Synonyms : *equivocal* The coach told his team, "Move towards that side of the field"; because he did not point, his directions were ambiguous, and the team had no idea to which side he was referring. ++ambi means two/both..guous sounds like guess..both are wild guess so its doubtful

leery

adjective: openly distrustful and unwilling to confide 不信任的；戒備的，防備的 Synonyms : mistrustful , suspicious , untrusting , wary Without checking his references and talking to previous employers, I am leery of hiring the candidate. ++ 長得有點像 deer ---> deer總是充滿戒備心的

indigenous

adjective: originating in a certain area 本土的 Synonyms : autochthonal , autochthonic , autochthonous , *endemic* The plants and animals indigenous to Australia are notably different from those indigenous to the U.S - one look at a duckbill platypus and you know you're not dealing with an opossum. ++ in + di(地) gen --> 在地產生的 --->本土的

fastidious

adjective: overly concerned with details; fussy 一絲不苟的；過分嚴謹的；苛求的 Synonyms : *exacting* Whitney is fastidious about her shoes, arranging them on a shelf in a specific order, each pair evenly spaced.

maudlin

adjective: overly emotional and sad （尤指醉酒後）感情脆弱的，傷感的 Synonyms : bathetic , drippy , hokey , kitschy , mawkish , mushy , schmaltzy , schmalzy , sentimental , slushy , soppy , soupy Just as those who were alive during the 70's are mortified that they once cavorted about in bellbottoms, many who lived during the 80's are now aghast at the maudlin pop songs they used to enjoy - really, just what exactly is a total eclipse of the heart?

mawkish

adjective: overly sentimental to the point that it is disgusting Synonyms : bathetic , drippy , hokey , kitschy , maudlin , mushy , schmaltzy , schmalzy , sentimental , slushy , soppy , soupy The film was incredibly mawkish, introducing highly likeable characters only to have them succumb to a devastating illnesses by the end of the movie.

craven

adjective: pathetically cowardly 怯懦的，懦弱的 Synonyms : recreant Though the man could have at least alerted the police, he crouched cravenly in the corner as the old woman was mugged.

carping

adjective: persistently petty and unjustified criticism 吹毛求疵的 Synonyms : faultfinding What seemed like incessant nagging and carping about my behavior from my mother turned out to be wise and useful advice that has served me well.

spurious

adjective: plausible(看似合理的) but false Synonyms : specious When listening to a politician speak, it is hard to distinguish the spurious claims from the authentic ones. ++ 馬刺隊很愛假摔 --->假的

profuse

adjective: plentiful; pouring out in abundance Synonyms : exuberant , lush , luxuriant , riotous During mile 20 of the Hawaii Marathon, Dwayne was sweating so profusely that he stopped to take off his shirt, and ran the remaining six miles wearing nothing more than skimpy shorts.

destitute

adjective: poor enough to need help from others 一無所有的，赤貧的，一貧如洗的 Synonyms : *impoverished* , *indigent* , necessitous , needy , poverty-stricken Jean Valjean, is at first destitute, but through the grace of a priest, he makes something of his life. adjective: completely wanting or lacking (usually "destitute of") Synonyms : barren , devoid , free , innocent Now that the mine is closed, the town is destitute of any economic activity. ++ de反，stitute 建立－把房子拆了－窮困 destitute 的地方沒有能力 institute

indigent

adjective: poor; having very little Synonyms : destitute , impoverished , necessitous , needy , poverty-stricken In the so-called Third World, many are indigent and only a privileged few have the resources to enjoy material luxuries. noun: a poor or needy person The indigents, huddled under the overpass, tried to start a small bonfire in the hope of staying warm.

puissant

adjective: powerful Over the years of service, and quite to his surprise, he became a puissant advisor to the community. ++ puis(力量)＋sant

ascetic

adjective: practicing self-denial Synonyms : ascetical , *austere* , spartan His ascetic life is the main reason he inspired so many followers, especially since he gave up wealth and power to live in poverty. noun: one who practices great self-denial Synonyms : abstainer Historically, ascetics like Ghandi are often considered wise men partially because of their restraint(克制；平心靜氣). ++ As 好像，ce 色：好像是色眯眯的，说明还不是色眯眯的，但又不敢色眯眯的：这种人就叫禁欲者

austere

adjective: practicing self-denial 簡樸的、艱苦的； Synonyms : *ascetic* , ascetical , spartan His lifestyle of revelry and luxurious excess could hardly be called austere. adjective: unadorned in style or appearance 無裝飾的、樸素的 Late Soviet architecture, although remaining largely austere, moved into experimental territory that employed previously unused shapes and structures. adjective: harsh in manner of temperament 嚴峻的，嚴厲的 The principal of my elementary school was a cold, austere woman; I could never understand why she chose to work with children.

propitious

adjective: presenting favorable circumstances; likely to result in or show signs of success 吉祥的，吉利的 Synonyms: *auspicious* The child's heartbeat is still weak, but I am seeing many propitious signs and I think that she may be healing.

factious

adjective: produced by, or characterized by internal dissension(分岐) 想搞（大團體中的）派別，派系的，小集團的 Synonyms : dissentious , divisive The controversial bill proved factious, as dissension even within parties resulted [補] fractious 暴躁易怒的

futile

adjective: producing no result or effect; unproductive of success （行動）無作用的；無效的；不成功的 Synonyms : ineffectual , otiose , unavailing,bootless , fruitless , sleeveless , vain I thought I could repair the car myself, but after two days of work with no success, I have to admit that my efforts were futile.

choleric

adjective: prone to outbursts of temper; easily angered 暴怒的；易怒的，性情暴躁的 Synonyms : hot-tempered , hotheaded , *irascible* , *fractious* While a brilliant lecturer, Mr. Dawson came across as choleric and unapproachable - very rarely did students come to his office hours.

grandiloquent

adjective: puffed up with vanity （尤指為了使某人或者某物顯得重要而）賣弄詞藻的，言辭浮誇的，過分華麗的 Synonyms : overblown , *pompous* , pontifical , portentous The dictator was known for his grandiloquent speeches, puffing his chest out and using big, important-sounding words.

irascible

adjective: quickly aroused to anger 易怒的，性情暴躁的 Synonyms : *choleric* , hot-tempered , hotheaded , quick-tempered , short-tempered If Arthur's dog is not fed adequately, he becames highly irascible, even growling at his own shadow.

prodigal

adjective: rashly or wastefully extravagant Synonyms : extravagant , *profligate* , *spendthrift* Successful professional athletes who do not fall prey to prodigality seem to be the exception - most live decadent lives.

tractable

adjective: readily reacting to suggestions and influences; easily managed (controlled or taught or molded) 易處理的；易控制的；易勸服的 Synonyms : amenable,manipulable Compared to middle school students, who have an untamed wildness about them, high school students are somewhat more tractable.

protean

adjective: readily taking on different roles; versatile 變化多端的，多變的 Peter Sellers was truly a protean actor - in Doctor Strangelove he played three very different roles: a jingoist general, a sedate President and a deranged scientist.

sporadic

adjective: recurring in scattered and irregular or unpredictable instances 偶爾發生的；陣發性的；斷斷續續的 Synonyms : *intermittent* The signals were at first sporadic, but now we detect a clear, consistent pattern of electromagnetic radiation eminating from deep space. ++ spor＝sper 发散，散发，adic：发散的－不定期的

sartorial

adjective: related to fashion or clothes 裁縫的；（通常指）男裝縫製的；衣著的 Monte was astute(敏銳的) at navigating the world of finance; sartorially, however, he was found wanting - he typically would attempt to complement his beige tie with a gray suit and white pants.

pecuniary

adjective: relating to or involving money - Synonyms : monetary - The defendent was found guilty and had to serve a period of community service as well as pay pecuniary damages to the client. [補] impecunious 貧窮的

pastoral

adjective: relating to the countryside in a pleasant sense Synonyms : arcadian , bucolic Those who imagine America's countryside as a pastoral region are often disappointed to learn that much of rural U.S. is filled with cornfields extending as far as the eye can see.

germane

adjective: relevant and appropriate The professor wanted to tell the jury in detail about his new book, but the lawyer said it wasn't germane to the charges in the cases. ++ 德國人和 relevant有什麼關係 = =""

self-effacing

adjective: reluctant to draw attention to yourself Synonyms : reticent , retiring The most admirable teachers and respected leaders are those who are self-effacing, directing attention and praise to their students and workers.

reticent

adjective: reluctant to draw attention to yourself; temperamentally disinclined to talk Synonyms : untalkative, *retiring* , self-effacing When asked about her father, Helen lost her outward enthusiasm and became rather reticent.

mundane

adjective: repetitive and boring; not spiritual 單調的；平凡的 Nancy found doing dishes a thorougly mundane task, although Peter found a kind of Zen pleasure in the chore. adjective: relating to the ordinary world 世俗的； Synonyms : terrene Though we think of the pope as someone always dealing in holy matters, he is also concerned with mundane events, such as deciding when to set his alarm each morning.

exacting

adjective: requiring and demanding accuracy 需付出極大努力的；要求小心仔細的；要求嚴格的 Synonyms : exigent,stern , strict Though his childhood piano teacher was so exacting, Max is thankful now, as a professional pianist.

obstinate

adjective: resistant to guidance or discipline; stubbornly persistent 頑固的，固執的；倔強的 Synonyms : cussed , *obdurate* , unrepentant, contrary , perverse , wayward The coach suggested improvements Sarah might make on the balance beam, but she remained obstinate, unwilling to modify any of the habits that made her successful in the past.

restive

adjective: restless 焦躁不安的 Synonyms : edgy , high-strung , highly strung , jittery , jumpy , nervy , overstrung , uptight The crowd grew restive as the comedian's opening jokes fell flat. ++ 雖然是rest但是又以 ive動詞結尾，代表有點蠢蠢欲動的!!

telltale

adjective: revealing The many telltale signs of chronic smoking include yellow teeth, and a persistent, hacking cough.

resurgent

adjective: rising again as to new life and vigor 復興的；再次增長的；再度流行的 Synonyms : renascent Many people were critical of the resurgent militarism in the country. ++ re 反复，surge 浪潮，nt－重起浪潮－复兴的

insolent

adjective: rude and arrogant 無禮的，侮慢的 Lilian could not help herself from being insolent, commenting that the Queen's shoes were showing too much toe. ++ in(不)+sol(悲哀,感情)+ent→不讲感情的→粗野的

contemptuous

adjective: scornful, looking down at others with a sneering attitude Synonyms : *disdainful* , insulting , *scornful* Always on the forefront of fashion, Vanessa looked contemptuously at anyone wearing dated clothing.

paradoxical

adjective: seemingly contradictory but nonetheless possibly true 荒謬的 Synonyms : self-contradictory That light could be both a particle and a wave seems paradoxical, but nonetheless, it is true.

superfluous

adjective: serving no useful purpose Synonyms : otiose , pointless , purposeless , senseless , wasted How can we hope to stay open if we don't eliminate all superfluous spending, like catered meetings and free acupucture Tuesday? adjective: more than is needed, desired, or required Synonyms : excess , extra , redundant , spare , supererogatory , supernumerary , surplus The third paragraph in your essay is superfluous and can be deleted.

admonitory

adjective: serving to warn; expressing reproof or reproach especially as a corrective 勸誡；忠告；警告；責備 Synonyms : cautionary , exemplary , monitory , warning At the assembly, the high school vice-principal gave the students an admonitory speech, warning them of the many risks and dangers of prom night.

amorphous

adjective: shapeless Synonyms : formless , shapeless , unstructured His study plan for the GRE was at best amorphous; he would do questions from random pages in any one of seven test prep books.

antithetical

adjective: sharply contrasted in character or purpose 對立的 Synonyms : antithetic His deep emotional involvement with these ideas is, in fact, antithetical to the disattachment Buddhism preaches.

sullen

adjective: showing a brooding ill humor 悶悶不樂的，繃著臉的 Synonyms : dark , dour , glowering , glum , moody , *morose* , *saturnine* , sour Herbert took board games too seriously, often appearing sullen after losing.

complaisant

adjective: showing a cheerful willingness to do favors for others Synonyms : *obliging* On her first day at the job, Annie was complaisant, fulfilling every request of her new employee and anticipating future requests.

obliging

adjective: showing a cheerful willingness to do favors for others 熱心助人的 Synonyms : complaisant Even after all his success, I found him to be accommodating and obliging, sharing with me his "secret tips" on how to gain wealth and make friends.

urbane

adjective: showing a high degree of refinement and the assurance that comes from wide social experience （尤指男子）從容自信的，溫文爾雅的 Synonyms : polished , refined , svelte Because of his service as an intelligence officer and his refined tastes, W. Somerset Maugham became the inspiration for the urbane and sophistcate spy James Bond. ++ 天龍人通常很urbane的

flippant

adjective: showing inappropriate levity 輕率的，浮誇的 - Synonyms : light-minded - Although Sam was trying to honor Mark's sense of humor, many found it quite flippant that he wore a comic nose and glasses mask to Mark's funeral. ++ flip-flop + pant -->藍白拖加休閒褲 --->輕浮的

phlegmatic

adjective: showing little emotion 冷靜的，沉著的，鎮定的 Synonyms : phlegmatical, *aplomb* Arnold is truly noble, remaining reserved until an issue of significance arises, but Walter is simply phlegmatic: he doesn't have the energy or inclination to care about anything.

diffident

adjective: showing modest reserve; lacking self-confidence Synonyms : shy , timid , unsure As a young girl she was diffident and reserved, but now as an adult, she is confident and assertive.

deferential

adjective: showing respect Synonyms : deferent , regardful If you ever have the chance to meet the president, stand up straight and be deferential. ++ 會微分很值得尊敬

dolorous

adjective: showing sorrow Synonyms : dolourous , lachrymose , tearful , weeping Chopin's ballades are filled with sharp changes in moods--a dolorous melody can give way to a lighthearted tempo. ++ dol(悲哀)+orous→悲伤的

lachrymose

adjective: showing sorrow 悲傷的；愛哭的 Synonyms : *dolorous* , dolourous , tearful , *weeping* Lachrymose and depressed, Alexei Alexandrovich walked two miles home in the rain after learning that his wife was having an affair.

empathetic

adjective: showing understanding and ready comprehension of other peoples' states and emotions Synonyms : empathic Most discrimination and hatred is based on a lack of empathetic awareness of people that have the same aspirations and fears.

telling

adjective: significant and revealing of another factor Her unbecoming dress was very telling when it came to her sense of fashion. This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

obtuse

adjective: slow to learn or understand; lacking intellectual acuity; lacking in insight or discernment （角度）鈍角的、愚笨的 Synonyms : dense , dim , dull , dumb , slow Jackson was the most obtuse member of the team: the manager's subtle ironies were always lost on him. ++ 我被兔死，我被兔子弄死了－迟钝的

mellifluous

adjective: smooth and sweet-sounding 聲音甜美的；圓潤流暢的 Synonyms : dulcet , honeyed , mellisonant , sweet Chelsea's grandmother thought Franz Schubert's music to be the most mellifluous ever written; Chelsea demurred, and to her grandmother's chagrin, would blast Rihanna on the home stereo speakers. ++melli甜+flu+=声音甜美流出

philistine

adjective: smug and ignorant towards artistic and cultural values 對文化藝術無知的人；沒有文化修養的人 Synonyms : anti-intellectual Jane considered Al completely philistine, because he talked almost exclusive about video games; she was entirely unaware of how well read he really was.

colossal

adjective: so great in size or force or extent as to elicit awe Synonyms : prodigious , stupendous Few appreciate the colossal scale of the sun: if hollow, it could contain a million Earths.

prodigious

adjective: so great in size or force or extent as to elicit awe 強大的，巨大的 Synonyms : colossal , stupendous After the relatively small homerun totals in the "dead ball" era, Babe Ruth's homerun totals were truly prodigious: every year, he set a new all-time record. [補] prodigal -->揮霍的

muted

adjective: softened, subdued (不響亮、輕輕地) Synonyms : hushed , quiet , subdued Helen preferred muted earth colors, such as green and brown, to the bright pinks and red her sister liked.

aphoristic

adjective: something that is concise and instructive of a general truth or principle 睿智的 Sometimes I can't stand Nathan because he tries to impress everyone by being aphoristic, but he just states the obvious.

thrifty

adjective: spending money wisely Synonyms : careful He was economical, spending his money thriftily and on items considered essential. ++ being thrifty 才有機會可以 thrive

profligate

adjective: spending resources recklessly or wastefully Synonyms : extravagant , *prodigal , spendthrift* The composer Wagner, while living on a limited salary, was so profligate as to line all the walls of his apartment with pure silk. noun: someone who spends resources recklessly or wastefully Most lottery winners go from being conservative, frugal types to outright profligates who blow millions on fast cars, lavish homes, and giant yachts.

eminent

adjective: standing above others in quality or position Synonyms : lofty , soaring , towering Shakespeare is an eminent author in the English language, but I find his writing uninteresting and melodramatic.

egregious

adjective: standing out in negative way; shockingly bad Synonyms : crying , flagrant , glaring , gross , rank The dictator's abuse of human rights was so egregious that many world leaders demanded that he be tried in an international court for genocide. ..the most egregious abuses of human rights. ...最恶劣的人权侵犯。

surreptitious

adjective: stealthy, taking pains not to be caught or detected Synonyms : *furtive* , sneak , sneaky , stealthy Since his mom was a light sleeper, Timmy had to tiptoe surreptitiously through the entire house, careful to not make the floors creak, until he at last was able to enjoy his plunder: a box of chocolate chip cookies. ++ sur 下面，rept＝creep 爬，itious－在下面爬来爬去－偷偷的 [補] abscond

extant

adjective: still in existence (usually refers to documents). Despite many bookstores closing, experts predict that some form of book dealing will still be extant generations from now.

intermittent

adjective: stopping and starting at irregular intervals 間歇的，斷斷續續的 The intermittent thunder continued and the night was punctuated(不斷打斷) by cracks of lightning - a surreal sleepless night.

besotted

adjective: strongly affectionate towards 迷戀的；愛得發狂的 Even though her father did not approve, Juliet became besotted with the young Romeo. adjective: very drunk Never before have I seen my mom so besotted, and honestly, I hope it's the last time she drinks so much.

obdurate

adjective: stubbornly persistent in changing an opinion or action Synonyms : cussed , obstinate , unrepentant No number of pleas and bribes would get him to change his obdurate attitude.

refractory

adjective: stubbornly resistant to authority or control 傑傲不馴的 Synonyms : fractious , recalcitrant Used to studious high school students, Martha was unprepared for the refractory Kindgergarteners who neither sat still nor listened to a single word she said. This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study ++ re + fract ---> 一直重複折但是一直折不彎

tenacious

adjective: stubbornly unyielding 緊握的；頑固的 Synonyms : dogged , dour , persistent , pertinacious , unyielding Even the most tenacious advocates for gun ownership must admit some of the dangers that firearms present.

macabre

adjective: suggesting the horror of death and decay; gruesome Synonyms : ghastly , grim , grisly ,sick Edgar Allen Poe was considered the master of the macabre; his stories vividly describe the moment leading up to - and often those moments after - a grisly death.

uncanny

adjective: suggesting the operation of supernatural influences; surpassing the ordinary or normal 奇怪的；神秘的；難以（或無法）解釋的 Synonyms : eldritch , unearthly , weird,preternatural Reggie has an uncanny ability to connect with animals: feral cats will readily approach him, and sometimes even wild birds will land on his finger.

martial

adjective: suggesting war or military life 軍隊的；戰爭的；軍事的 Synonyms : warlike,soldierlike , soldierly , warriorlike Americans tend to remember Abraham Lincoln as kindly and wise, not at all martial, despite the fact that he was involved in the fiercest war America has even fought. ++ Mar = 火星、戰神

appurtenant

adjective: supply added support 附屬有幫助的 Synonyms : accessory , adjunct , adjuvant , ancillary , auxiliary In hiking Mt. Everest, sherpas are appurtenant, helping climbers both carry gear and navigate treacherous paths.

tawdry

adjective: tastelessly showy; cheap and shoddy 俗艷而不值錢的 Synonyms : brassy , cheap , flash , flashy , garish , gaudy , gimcrack , loud , meretricious , tacky , tatty , trashy,cheapjack , shoddy Carol expected to find New York City magical, the way so many movies had portrayed it, but she was surprised how often tawdry displays took the place of genuine elegance.

treacherous

adjective: tending to betray Synonyms : perfidious , punic Even though Jesse James was an outlaw, his killer, Robert Ford, is remembered more for his treacherous actions than for eliminating a criminal and murder. adjective: dangerously unstable and unpredictable Synonyms : unreliable The bridge built from twine and vine is treacherous to walk across, and so I think I will stay put right here.

evanescent

adjective: tending to vanish like vapor 短暫的，轉瞬即逝的；迅速遺忘的 The storm flashed into existence above us and lasted only a short time - an evanescent turbulence of wind and cloud.

fell

adjective: terribly evil 邪惡的；殘暴的 Synonyms : barbarous , brutal , cruel , roughshod , savage , vicious For fans of the Harry Potter series, the fell Lord Voldemort, who terrorized poor Harry for seven lengthy installments, has finally been vanquished by the forces of good - unless, that is, JK Rowling decides to come out of retirement.

base

adjective: the lowest, class were without any moral principles She was not so base as to begrudge the beggar the unwanted crumbs from her dinner plate.

baleful

adjective: threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments 邪惡的；威脅的 Synonyms : forbidding , menacing , minacious , minatory , ominous , sinister , threatening Movies often use storms or rain clouds as a baleful omen of evil events that will soon befall the main character.

timorous

adjective: timid by nature or revealing fear and nervousness 羞怯的；膽小的，膽怯的 Synonyms : fearful , trepid Since this was her first time debating on stage and before an audience, Di's voice was timorous and quiet for the first 10 minutes. ++ tim+orus.....的=胆小的 ex. timid

jaundice

adjective: to be biased against due to envy or prejudice 因為忌妒而有了偏見 Shelly was jaundiced towards Olivia; though the two had once been best friends, Olivia had become class president, prom queen, and, to make matters worse, the girlfriend of the one boy Shelly liked.

arch

adjective: to be deliberately teasing 故意戲弄，逗弄 Synonyms : condescending , patronising , patronizing The baroness was arch, making playful asides to the townspeople; yet because they couldn't pick up on her dry humor, they thought her supercilious. This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

diabolical

adjective: to be extremely wicked like the devil Synonyms : demonic , diabolic , fiendish , hellish , infernal , satanic , unholy,devilish , diabolic , mephistophelean , mephistophelian The conspirators, willing to dispatch anyone who stood in their way, hatched a diabolical plan to take over the city.

gregarious

adjective: to be likely to socialize with others Often we think that great leaders are those who are gregarious, always in the middle of a large group of people; yet, as Mahatma Gandhi and many others have shown us, leaders can also be introverted.

demure

adjective: to be modest and shy Synonyms : coy , overmodest The portrait of her in a simple white blouse was sweet and demure.

sententious

adjective: to be moralizing, usually in a pompous sense 好說教的；說教式的；自以爲是的 The old man, casting his nose up in the air at the group of adolescents, intoned sententiously, "Youth is wasted on the young."

ingenuous

adjective: to be naive and innocent Synonyms : innocent Two-years in Manhattan had changed Jenna from an ingenuous girl from the suburbs to a jaded urbanite, unlikely to fall for any ruse, regardless of how elaborate. ### ingenious = very smart

remiss

adjective: to be negligent in one's duty Synonyms : delinquent , derelict , neglectful Remiss in his duty to keep the school functioning efficiently, the principal was relieved of his position after only three months.

histrionic

adjective: to be overly theatrical 做作的，裝腔作勢的 Synonyms : melodramatic Though she received a B- on the test, she had such a histrionic outburst(憤怒情緒的爆發) that one would have thought that she'd been handed a death sentence.

contrite

adjective: to be remorseful 自責的 Synonyms : *remorseful* , rueful , ruthful Though he stole his little sister's licorice stick with malevolent(惡意的) glee, Chucky soon became contrite when his sister wouldn't stop crying. ++con- (intensifier) + trite- (rub)，後悔的感覺不停地 "折磨" 著你。 [補] contrive --> cunning plan

retiring

adjective: to be shy, and to be inclined to retract from company Synonyms : reticent , self-effacing Nelson was always the first to leave soirees - rather than mill about with "fashionable" folk, he was retiring, and preferred the solitude of his garret. This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

errant

adjective: to be wandering; not sticking to a circumscribed path （尤指離家出走而）犯錯的，行爲不當的，出格的 Unlike his peers, who spent their hours studying in the library, Matthew preferred errant walks through the university campus.

vituperate

adjective: to criticize harshly; to berate Synonyms : rail , revile , *vilify* Jason had dealt with disciplinarians before, but nothing prepared him for the first week of boot camp, as drill sergeants vituperated him for petty oversights such as forgetting to double knot the laces on his boots. ++ vitu(邪恶)+per(=prepare准备)+ate→辱骂

inarticulate

adjective: without or deprived of the use of speech or words 不善辭令的，口齒不清的 Synonyms : unarticulate Although a brilliant economist, Professor Black was completely inarticulate, a terrible lecturer.

blinkered

adjective: to have a limited outlook or understanding （人）有偏見的，心胸狹隘的 In gambling, the addict is easily blinkered by past successes and/or past failures, forgetting that the outcome of any one game is independent of the games that preceded it.

vindictive

adjective: to have a very strong desire for revenge Though the other girl had only lightly poked fun of Vanessa's choice in attire, Vanessa was so vindictive that she waited for an entire semester to get the perfect revenge.

tempered

adjective: to make something less severe or extreme 1. The wide-eyed optimism of her youth was now tempered after she had worked many years in the criminal justice system. 2. The heat in this coastal town is tempered by cool sea breezes.

undermine

adjective: to weaken (usually paired with an abstract term) The student undermined the teacher's authority by questioning the teacher's judgment on numerous occasions. ++UNDERMINE ....Minining under the earth would GRADUALLY WEAKEN strength of soil and rock

pellucid

adjective: transparently clear; easily understandable （文章思路）清晰的 Synonyms : crystal clear , limpid , lucid , luculent , perspicuous The professor had a remarkable ability make even the most difficult concepts seem pellucid. ++ pell(=per全部)＋lucid(清澈的)→十分清澈的

peripatetic

adjective: traveling by foot （通常指因工作而）巡迴的 Synonyms : wayfaring Jim always preferred a peripatetic approach to discovering a city: he felt that he could see so many more details while walking. ++ peri - = around ; patet = walk

itinerant

adjective: traveling from place to place to work Synonyms : gipsy , gypsy Doctors used to be itinerant, traveling between patients' homes.

picayune

adjective: trifling（問題或錢款）微不足道的 or petty (a person) 沒有價值的；微不足道的 /ˌpɪk.əˈjuːn/ Synonyms : fiddling , footling , lilliputian , little , niggling , petty , piddling , piffling , trivial English teachers are notorious for being picayune; however, the English language is so nuanced and sophisticated that often such teachers are not being contrary but are only adhering(堅持、遵守) to the rules.

harried

adjective: troubled persistently especially with petty annoyances 一再騷擾 Synonyms : annoyed , harassed , pestered , vexed With a team of new hires to train, Martha was constantly harried with little questions and could not focus on her projects.

disparate

adjective: two things are fundamentally different 截然不同的 With the advent of machines capable of looking inside the brain, fields as disparate as religion and biology have been brought together by scientists trying to understand what happens in the brain when people have a religious experience.

insolvent

adjective: unable to pay one's bills; bankrupt With credit card bills skyrocketing, a shockingly large number of Americans are truly insolvent.

dispassionate

adjective: unaffected by strong emotion or prejudice 冷靜的，鎮靜的，沈著的 Synonyms : cold-eyed A good scientist should be dispassionate, focusing purely on what the evidence says, without personal attachment. [補] impassioned 熱情的

unprepossessing

adjective: unattractive 不吸引人的 Synonyms : unpresentable World leaders coming to meet Gandhi would expect a towering sage, and often would be surprised by the unprepossessing little man dressed only in a loincloth and shawl.

disinterested

adjective: unbiased; neutral The potential juror knew the defendant, and therefore could not serve on the jury, which must consist only of disinterested members. not interested;neutral;not biased

irresolute

adjective: uncertain how to act or proceed 猶豫不決的，優柔寡斷的 He stood irresolute at the split in the trail, not sure which route would lead back to the camp. ++ ir + resolute(果斷的)

unforthcoming

adjective: uncooperative, not willing to give up information The teacher demanded to know who broke the window while he was out of the room, but the students understandably were unforthcoming.

provisional

adjective: under terms not final or fully worked out or agreed upon 臨時的，暫時的 Synonyms : probationary , provisionary , tentative Until the corporate office hands down a definitive decision on use of the extra offices, we will share their use in a provisional arrangement.

untoward

adjective: unfavorable; inconvenient 意外的；事與願違的 Synonyms : indecent , indecorous , unbecoming , uncomely , unseemly,adverse , inauspicious Some professors find teaching untoward as having to prepare for lectures and conduct office hours prevents them from focusing on their research. ++ un+toward顺利的=不顺的

bereft

adjective: unhappy in love; suffering from unrequited love Synonyms : lovelorn , unbeloved After 64 years of marriage, William was bereft after the death of his wife. adjective: sorrowful through loss or deprivation Synonyms : bereaved , grief-stricken , grieving , mourning , sorrowing "You are not bereft if you haven't played on your Xbox in the past week," his mother said.

desiccated

adjective: uninteresting, lacking vitality 乾巴巴的；無趣的；毫無新意的 - Synonyms : *arid* , desiccate - Few novelists over 80 are able to produce anything more than desiccated works-boring shadows of former books. ++ de- = intensive + sicc = dry

incessant

adjective: uninterrupted in time and indefinitely long continuing 連續不斷的，沒完沒了的 Synonyms : ceaseless , constant , never-ending , perpetual , unceasing , unremitting I don't mind small children in brief doses, but I think the incessant exposure that their parents have to them would quickly wear me down. ++ cess=stop (停止) cessatinon n 停止,中止

erratic

adjective: unpredictable; strange and unconventional Synonyms : fickle , mercurial , quicksilver It came as no surprise to pundits that the President's attempt at re-election floundered; even during his term, support for his policies was erratic, with an approval rating jumping anywhere from 30 to 60 percent.

evenhanded

adjective: without partiality Teachers often have trouble being evenhanded to all of their varied students.

unconscionable

adjective: unreasonable; unscrupulous; excessive Synonyms : exorbitant , extortionate , outrageous , steep , usurious The lawyer's demands were so unconscionable that rather than pay an exorbitant sum or submit himself to any other inconveniences, the defendant decided to find a new lawyer. ++ ex+orbit(轨道,常规)+ant→走出常规→过分的

brazen

adjective: unrestrained by convention or propriety 毫不隱瞞的，明目張膽的 Synonyms : *audacious* , bald-faced , barefaced , bodacious , brassy, *insolent*, *blatant* Their large "donations" to the local police department gave the drug cartel the brazen confidence to do their business out in the open. [補] blasé = 司空見慣的、不稀罕的

spartan

adjective: unsparing and uncompromising in discipline or judgment; practicing great self-denial 簡樸的，清苦的；斯巴達式的 - Synonyms : severe - After losing everything in a fire, Tim decided to live in spartan conditions, sleeping on the floor and owning as little furniture as a possible.

intransigent

adjective: unwilling to change one's beliefs or course of action 固執的，不妥協的，不讓步的 Synonyms : *adamant* , *adamantine* , *inexorable* Despite many calls for mercy, the judge remained intransigent, citing strict legal precedence.

loath

adjective: unwillingness to do something contrary to your custom (usually followed by 'to') Synonyms : loth , reluctant, antipathetic , antipathetical , averse , indisposed I was loath to leave the concert before my favorite band finished playing.

taxing

adjective: use to the limit; exhaust 費勁的 Synonyms : burdensome , onerous The hike to the summit of Mt. Whitney was so taxing that I could barely speak or stand up. This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

munificent

adjective: very generous 慷慨的，大方的 Synonyms : *lavish* , overgenerous , too-generous , unsparing , *unstinted , unstinting* Uncle Charley was known for his munificence, giving all seven of his nephews lavish Christmas presents each year. ++ muni/mun = public -->municipal 都市的、市政的 , community

unstinting

adjective: very generous 極慷慨的，極大方的 Synonyms : *lavish* , *munificent* , overgenerous , too-generous , unsparing , unstinted Helen is unstinting with her time, often spending hours at the house of a sick friend.

voracious

adjective: very hungry; approaching an activity with gusto Synonyms : edacious , esurient , rapacious , ravening , ravenous , wolfish Steven was a voracious reader, sometimes finishing two novels in the same day. ++ vor = swallow

splenetic

adjective: very irritable Synonyms : bristly , prickly , waspish Ever since the car accident, Frank has been unable to walk without a cane, and so he has become splenetic and unpleasant to be around. ++ splenetic a 易怒的(spleen怒气,脾气)

thoroughgoing

adjective: very thorough; complete Synonyms : exhaustive , thorough As a thoroughgoing bibliophile, one who had turned his house into a veritable library, he shocked his friends when he bought a Kindle.

bellicose

adjective: warlike; inclined to quarrel Synonyms : battleful , combative Known for their bellicose ways, the Spartans were once the most feared people from Peloponnesus to Persia.

dilatory

adjective: wasting time 緩慢的，拖延的，遲緩的 Synonyms : laggard , pokey , poky Lawyers use dilatory tactics so that it takes years before the case is actually decided.

affluent

adjective: wealthy The center of the city had sadly become a pit of penury, while, only five miles away, multi-million dollar homes spoke of affluence.

ponderous

adjective: weighed-down; moving slowly Synonyms : heavy , lumbering Laden with 20 kilograms of college text books, the freshman moved ponderously across the campus. ++ pond= weight [補] imponderable = 無法衡量的

cohesive

adjective: well integrated, forming a united whole 有凝聚力的；團結的 A well-written, cohesive essay will keep on topic at all times, never losing sight of the main argument.

illustrious

adjective: widely known and esteemed; having or conferring glory Synonyms : celebrated , famed , famous , far-famed , notable , noted , renowned Einstein was possibly the most illustrious scientist in recent history.

quixotic

adjective: wildly idealistic; impractical 不切實際的，異想天開的 Synonyms : romantic , wild-eyed For every thousand startups with quixotic plans to be the next big name in e-commerce, only a handful ever become profitable. ++ Don Quixote -->唐吉軻德

malevolent

adjective: wishing or appearing to wish evil to others; arising from intense ill will or hatred 惡意的；惡毒的；有害的 Synonyms : evil , malefic , malign Villians are known for their malevolent nature, oftentimes inflicting cruetly on others just for enjoyment. ++ mal + swallow

conspicuous

adjective: without any attempt at concealment; completely obvious Synonyms : *blatant , blazing, * American basketball players are always conspicuous when they go abroad-not only are they American, but some are over seven feet tall. ++ con + spic = con + see --> 顯而易見的

blatant

adjective: without any attempt at concealment; completely obvious 明目張膽的，公然的 Synonyms : *blazing* , *conspicuous* Allen was often punished in school for blatantly disrespecting teachers.

wanton

adjective: without check or limitation; showing no moral restraints to one's anger, desire, or appetites 無節制的，過分的，恣意的；不負責的 Synonyms : easy , light , loose , promiscuous , sluttish Due to wanton behavior and crude language, the drunk man was thrown out of the bar and asked to never return. ++ wan = wanting (lacking) , togen (to train)

impeccable

adjective: without fault or error Synonyms : faultless , immaculate He was impeccably dressed in the latest fashion without a single crease or stain. ++ pecc- 斑點

unscrupulous

adjective: without scruples or principles 無道德原則的；不誠實的 In the courtroom, the lawyer was unscrupulous, using every manner of deceit and manipulation to secure a victory for himself.

insidious

adjective: working in a subtle but destructive way 潛伏的 Synonyms : pernicious , subtle Plaque(牙菌斑) is insidious: we cannot see it, but each day it eats away at our enamel, causing cavities and other dental problems. [補] assiduous 勤勉的 ++ in + sit --> 在身體裡面坐著 ---> 潛伏的

commendable

adjective: worthy of high praise 值得讚揚的 Synonyms : applaudable , laudable , praiseworthy The efforts of the firefighters running into the burning building were commendable.

laudable

adjective: worthy of high praise （行為）值得讚揚的，值得稱讚的 Synonyms : *applaudable* , *commendable* , *praiseworthy* To say that Gandhi's actions were laudable is the greatest understatement; he overthrew an empire without violence.

callow

adjective: young and inexperienced 尤指年輕人）幼稚的，不自信的，不諳世事的 Synonyms : fledgling , unfledged Both Los Angeles and New York are known for callow out-of-towners hoping to make it big. [補] callous --> 無情的

fledgling

adjective: young and inexperienced; describing any new participant in some activity Synonyms : callow , unfledged,entrant , fledgeling , freshman , neophyte , newbie , newcomer , starter, Murray has years of experience in family practice, but he is just a fledgling in surgery. ++ 分割记忆:fl看作 fly, edge(边缘),鸟沿着边缘飞→刚学飞的幼鸟

brusquely

adverb: in a blunt, direct manner 粗魯的，唐突的 Synonyms : bluffly , bluntly , flat out , roundly Not one for social pleasantries, the Chief of Staff would brusquely ask his subordinates anything he wanted, even coffee.

amuck

adverb: in a frenzied or uncontrolled state 狂亂，狂暴，發狂 Synonyms : amok , murderously Wherever the bowl haircut teen-idol went, his legions of screaming fans ran through the streets amuck, hoping for a glance at his boyish face.

askance

adverb: with a look of suspicion or disapproval （不滿或懷疑地）斜眼看 The old couple looked askance on the teenagers seated next to them, whispering to each other, "They've got rings through their noses and purple hair!"

dissension

arguments and disagreement, especially in an organization, group, political party, etc. （尤指組織、團體、政黨等內部的）分歧，異議，爭議 There are signs of dissension within the ruling political party. ++ dis 分开，sens＝sense 感觉－感觉不同－分歧

fawning

attempting to win favor by flattery ++奉承

apogee

away + earth highest point; the point farthest from the earth;

compendium

brief, comprehensive summary ++ com 共同，pend 掛－把各部分的主要内容掛在一起 --> 概要

bucolic

characteristic of the countryside; rustic; pastoral

innocuous

completely harmless (= causing no harm) 無害的 Some mushrooms look innocuous but are in fact poisonous. ++ in(无)+noc(毒害)+uous→无毒的

aesthetic

concerning the appreciation of beauty

celestial

concerning the sky or heavens; sublime 天的，天空的；天外的 The moon is a celestial body..

coda

concluding part of a literary or musical composition; something that summarizes or concludes （樂曲、樂章的）結束樂段，結尾，尾聲

agency

condition of being an action

ambiguous

doubtful or uncertain in meaning; can be interpreted several ways

efficacious

efficacious adjective: producing the intended result 靈驗的；奏效的；有效的 Synonyms : effective , effectual Since Maggie's cough syrup, which had expired five years back, was no longer efficacious, she coughed through the night.

constitutive

essential

arduous

extremely difficult; laborious ...a long, hot and arduous trip.

calumny

false and malicious accusation; slander; Calumny or a calumny is an untrue statement made about someone in order to reduce other people's respect and admiration for them He was the victim of calumny.

canard

false; deliberately misleading story The charge that Harding was a political stooge may be a canard. ++ 和下面的canary一起记,联想：金丝雀特别会叫,似乎造谣(canary makes canard )

blandishment

flattery He is ambitious and susceptible to blandishment. ++ 哇你實在太棒太偉大太辛苦了，來杯白蘭地吧!

centripetal

moving or directed toward a center

foible

noun: a behavioral attribute that is distinctive and peculiar to an individual （無傷大雅的）怪癖，小毛病，小缺點 Synonyms : idiosyncrasy , mannerism When their new roommate sat staring at an oak tree for an hour, Marcia thought it indicated a mental problem, but Jeff assured her it was a harmless foible.

constituent

noun: a citizen who is represented in a government by officials for whom he or she votes 選區內的選民 The mayor's constituents are no longer happy with her performance and plan to vote for another candidate in the upcoming election. noun: an abstract part of something Synonyms : component , element , factor , ingredient The constituents of the metal alloy are nickel, copper, and tin.

ploy

noun: a clever plan to turn a situation to one's advantage 計謀，策略；手法，花招 Synonyms : gambit,stratagem Dennis arranged an elaborate ploy, involving 14 different people lying for him in different situations, so that it could appear that he was meeting Mary completely by chance at the wedding reception.

egotist

noun: a conceited and self-centered person Synonyms : egoist , swellhead An egotist, Natasha had few friends because of her inability to talk about anything except her dream of becoming the next American Idol.

imbroglio

noun: a confusing and potentially embarrassing situation 錯綜複雜的局面，困局 Synonyms : embroilment The Soviet Union became anxious to withdraw its soldiers from the Afghan imbroglio. ++ im(进入)+broglio(混乱),原是意大利语

hodgepodge

noun: a confusing mixture or jumble 大雜燴 Synonyms : farrago , gallimaufry , hotchpotch , melange , mingle-mangle , mishmash , oddments , odds and ends , omnium-gatherum , ragbag Those in attendance represented a hodgepodge of the city's denizens(居民): chimney(煙囪) sweepers could be seen sitting elbow to elbow with stockbrokers.

despot

noun: a cruel and oppressive dictator 專橫者，專制者（尤指統治者） Synonyms : autocrat , tyrant The Emperor Claudius was regarded as a fair-minded leader; his successor, Nero, was an absolute despot. ++ de 向下，pot（n.罐子）－只有暴君才会动不动就向下扔罐子

canard

noun: a deliberately misleading fabrication 虛假新聞；謊報；假消息 The public will always be fooled by the media's canards.

anathema

noun: a detested person; the source of somebody's hate 令人討厭的事物 Synonyms : bete noire Hundreds of years ago, Galileo was anathema to the church; today the church is anathema to some on the left side of the political spectrum.

aberration

noun: a deviation from what is normal or expected Synonyms : aberrance , aberrancy , deviance Aberrations in climate have become the norm: rarely a week goes by without some meteorological phenomenon making headlines.

conundrum

noun: a difficult problem 難題；複雜的問題 Synonyms : brain-teaser , enigma , riddle Computers have helped solve some of the mathematical conundrums which have puzzled man for many centuries.

malady

noun: a disease or sickness Synonyms : illness , sickness , unwellness The town was struck by a malady throughout the winter that left most people sick in bed for two weeks.

umbrage

noun: a feeling of anger caused by being offended Synonyms :offense Since he was so in love with her, he took umbrage at her comments, even though she had only meant to gently tease him. ++umbr 影子，心裡的影子---->不快

presentiment

noun: a feeling of evil to come - Synonyms : boding , foreboding , premonition - On the night that Lincoln would be fatally shot, his wife had a presentiment about going to Ford's Theater, but Lincoln persuaded her that everything would be fine. ++ pre 前，sent 感觉，timent：有提前的感觉－预感

solicitude

noun: a feeling of excessive concern 牽掛 Synonyms : solicitousness I walked to his house in the rain to make sure he had enough to eat while he was sick, but he seemed not to appreciate my solicitude.

euphoria

noun: a feeling of great (usually exaggerated) elation Synonyms : euphory The euphoria of winning her first gold medal in the 100 meter dash overwhelmed Shelly-Ann Fraser and she wept tears of immense joy.

charlatan

noun: a flamboyant(炫耀的；賣弄的) deceiver; one who attracts customers with tricks or jokes 江湖郎中 Synonyms : pretender You may call him a "motivational speaker," but I call him a charlatan--he doesn't have any idea what he's really talking about.

juggernaut

noun: a force that cannot be stopped 重型貨車、摧毁一切的强大力量 Synonyms : steamroller Napoleon was considered a juggernaut until he decided to invade Russia in winter; after which, his once indomitable army was decimated by cold and famine. ++ 源于在印度东部进行的一年一度的游行中，扎哥劳特（juggernaut）的神像被载于巨车马车上，善男信女甘愿投身死于其轮下。

panegyric

noun: a formal expression of praise 頌詞，頌文，頌贊 Synonyms : *encomium* , *eulogy* , paean , pean Dave asked Andrew to do just a simple toast, but Andrew launched into a full panegyric, enumerating a complete list of Dave's achievements and admirable qualities.

contingent

noun: a gathering of persons representative of some larger group （代表某一組織或國家的）代表團 A small contingent of those loyal to the king have gathered around the castle to defend it. adjective: possible but not certain to occur Whether the former world champions can win again this year is contingent upon none of its star players getting injured.

curmudgeon

noun: a grouchy, surly person 脾氣乖戾的老人，壞脾氣的老人 Since Uncle Mike was the family curmudgeon, each Thanksgiving he was plied with copious amounts of wine, in the hope that he would become less grouchy. ++cur(可看作词根：跑)+mud(泥)→跑到泥巴里去→发脾气→脾气暴躁的人

misanthrope

noun: a hater of mankind Synonyms : misanthropist Kevin is such a misanthrope that he refused to attend the Christmas party, claiming that everyone's happiness was "fake" and "annoying."

paucity

noun: a lack of something Synonyms : *dearth* There is a paucity of jobs hiring today that require menial skills, since most jobs have either been automated or outsourced.

dearth

noun: a lack or shortage Synonyms : famine , shortage,paucity I am surprised by the dearth of fast food chains; this is America and I assumed they were on every street.

myriad

noun: a large indefinite number Synonyms : countless , infinite , innumerable , innumerous , multitudinous , numberless , uncounted , unnumberable , unnumbered , unnumerable There are a myriad of internet sites hawking(販賣) pills that claim to boost energy for hours on end.

raft

noun: a large number of something Synonyms : batch , deal , flock , good deal , great deal , hatful , heap , lot , mass , mess , mickle , mint , mountain , muckle , passel , peck , pile , plenty , pot , quite a little , sight , slew , spate , stack , tidy sum , wad Despite a raft of city ordinances passed by an overzealous council, noise pollution continued unabated in the megalopolis. This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

dissolution

noun: a living full of debauchery(糜爛的) and indulgence (沉溺；放縱) in sensual pleasure （官方組織的）解散；（法律合約的）解除 Synonyms : dissipation , licentiousness , looseness , profligacy Many Roman emperors were known for their dissolution, indulging in unspeakable desires of the flesh.

harangue

noun: a long pompous speech; a tirade Synonyms : rant , ranting Dinner at Billy's was more a punishment than a reward, since anyone who sat at the dinner table would have to listen to Billy's father's interminable harangues against the government. verb: to deliver a long pompous speech or tirade Tired of his parents haranguing him about his laziness and lack of initiative, Tyler finally moved out of home at the age of thirty-five.

gambit

noun: a maneuver or risk in a game or conversation, designed to secure an advantage 精心策劃的一招；（常指帶有風險的）策略；險招 Synonyms : ploy , stratagem Randy played a gambit, telling his boss that he would leave at the end of the week if he didn't get a raise. ++ 象棋game 中的一种bet，要不就是出奇制胜，要不就是惨败！

label

noun: a name or phrase given to a group of things to identify them (often negative) verb: to give a label to something Synonyms : mark , tag The meaning of the label ""punk"" has changed greatly in the last 30 years. Children are often unkind and label others who look different as outsiders.

mendicant

noun: a pauper who lives by begging 乞丐 Synonyms : beggar Tolstoy was an aristocrat, but he strove to understand the Christianity of the Russian peasants by wandering among them as a mendicant. ++ 沒得啃--->乞丐太窮了，什麼都沒得啃

respite

noun: a pause from doing something (as work) Synonyms : break , recess , time out, relief , rest , rest period Every afternoon, the small company has a respite in which workers play foosball or board games.

inkling

noun: a slight suggestion or vague understanding 略知；模糊的印象 Synonyms : glimmer , glimmering , intimation Lynne speaks four Romance languages, but she doesn't have an inkling about how East Asian languages are structured. ++ in + clean -->不是很清楚捏

savvy

noun: a perceptive understanding 常識；知識；能力 Synonyms : apprehension , discernment , understanding Although a great CEO, he did not have the political savvy to win the election. verb: get the meaning of something Synonyms : apprehend , compass , comprehend , dig , get the picture , grasp , grok The student savvies the meaning of astrophysics with little effort. adjective: well-informed or perceptive With his savvy business partner, the company was able to turn a profit within a year.

raconteur

noun: a person skilled in telling anecdotes 善於講故事的人 Synonyms : anecdotist Jude is entertaining, but he is no raconteur: beyond the handful of amusing stories he has memorized, he has absolutely no spontaneous story-telling ability. ++ racont＝recount（v.描述），eur 人一讲故事者

chauvinist

noun: a person who believes in the superiority of their group 沙文主義者 Synonyms : flag-waver , hundred-percenter , jingo , jingoist , patrioteer The chauvinist lives on both sides of the political spectrum, outright shunning anybody whose ideas are not consistent with his own.

miscreant

noun: a person who breaks the law 惡棍，無賴；歹徒 Synonyms : *reprobate* "Come back you miscreant!" yelled the woman who just had her purse stolen.

misogynist

noun: a person who dislikes women in particular Synonyms : woman hater Many have accused Hemingway of being a quiet misogynist, but recently unearthed letters argue against this belief.

miser

noun: a person who doesn't like to spend money (because they are greedy) Monte was no miser, but was simply frugal, wisely spending the little that he earned.

apostate

noun: a person who has abandoned a religious faith or cause 叛教者；變節者；脫黨者 Synonyms : deserter , ratter , recreant , renegade , turncoat An apostate of the Republican Party, Sheldon has yet to become affiliated with any party and dubs himself an independent. ++ 【记】apo 远离，state 状态－处于远离状态的人－背教者

arriviste

noun: a person who has recently reached a position of power; a social climber 一心想發跡者；削尖腦袋向上爬的人 Synonyms : nouveau-riche , parvenu , upstart The city center was aflutter with arrivistes who each tried to outdo one another with their ostentatious sports cars and chic evening dress.

parvenu

noun: a person who has suddenly become wealthy, but not socially accepted as part of a higher class 暴發戶 Synonyms : arriviste , nouveau-riche , upstart The theater was full of parvenus who each thought that they were surrounded by true aristocrats ++par 怕，ven 问，u：害怕别人问他为什么这么牛，因为是暴发户。

heretic

noun: a person who holds unorthodox opinions in any field (not merely religion) 異端分子 Synonyms : misbeliever , religious outcast Though everybody at the gym told Mikey to do cardio before weights, Mikey was a heretic and always did the reverse. [補] inheritance ; heredity -->遺傳

sybarite

noun: a person who indulges in luxury 貪圖奢侈享樂者 Synonyms : voluptuary Despite the fact that he'd maxed out fifteen credit cards, Max was still a sybarite at heart: when the police found him, he was at a $1,000 an hour spa in Manhattan, getting a facial treatment.

reprobate

noun: a person who is disapproved of Synonyms : *miscreant* Those old reprobates drinking all day down by the river-they are not going to amount to much

proponent

noun: a person who pleads for a cause or propounds an idea 提倡者，宣導者 Synonyms : *advocate* , advocator , exponent Ironically, the leading proponent of Flat-Earth Theory flies all over the world in an effort to win more adherents(擁護者).

jingoist

noun: a person who thinks that their country should be at war Synonyms : chauvinist , flag-waver , hundred-percenter , jingo , patrioteer In the days leading up to war, a nation typically breaks up into the two opposing camps: doves, who do their best to avoid war, and jingoists, who are only too eager to wave national flags from their vehicles and vehemently denounce those who do not do the same. ++ 靖國神社

sycophant

noun: a person who tries to please someone in order to gain a personal advantage 阿諛奉承的，諂媚的 Synonyms : ass-kisser , crawler , lackey , toady The CEO was unaware of the damaging consequences of his choices, largely because he surrounded himself with sycophants who would never dare criticize him. ++ 你好帥!!! 求求你賞口飯!! --->阿諛奉承的

corollary

noun: a practical consequence that follows naturally 必然結果，直接的結果 - Synonyms : aftermath, consequence - A corollary of Hurricane Sandy, which ravaged the east coast of the U.S., is a push to build higher sea walls to protect against future hurricanes.

reprisal

noun: a retaliatory action against an enemy in wartime （尤指軍事或政治的）報復，報復行動 The Old Testament doctrine of an eye for an eye is not the kind of retaliation practiced in war; rather, an arm, a leg, and both ears are the reprisal for the smallest scratch. ++ re(回)+prise(=price 代价)+al→还给对方代价→报复

perquisite

noun: a right reserved exclusively by a particular person or group (especially a hereditary or official right) 某種職業的特權、固定津貼 Synonyms : exclusive right , prerogative , privilege Even as the dishwasher at the French restaurant, Josh quickly learned that he had the perquisite of being able to eat terrific food for half the price diners would pay.

aphorism

noun: a short instructive saying about a general truth Synonyms : *apothegm, maxim* Nietzsche was known for using aphorisms, sometimes encapsulating a complex philosophical thought in a mere sentence. ++ phor = 帶來 ex. euphoria (愉快)

maxim

noun: a short saying expressing a general truth 格言；基本原理；行為準則 Synonyms : axiom Johnson initially suggests that the secret to business can be summarized in a single maxim but then requires a 300-page book to explain exactly what he means.

smattering

noun: a slight or superficial understanding of a subject; a small amount of something 略知、一知半解、點滴，少量 Synonyms : handful I know only a smattering of German, but Helen is able to read German newspapers and converse with natives.

pittance

noun: a small amount (of money) 微薄的薪資 Vinny's uncle beamed smugly about how he'd offered his nephew fifty dollars for his Harvard tuition; even twice the amount would have been a mere pittance.

modicum

noun: a small or moderate or token amount 少量，一點點 If my sister had even a modicum of sense, she wouldn't be engaged to that barbarian. ++ mod＝modest 适度的，icum 量：适度的量－少量

solecism

noun: a socially awkward or tactless act - Synonyms : *gaffe , gaucherie* - Mother Anna was always on guard against any solecism from her children and scolded them immediately if any of them talked out of place in public. ++sole（adj.单独的；唯一的）cism：一个人生活在森林里，比如人猿泰山，不懂语法和礼节－文法错误；举止失礼

gaffe

noun: a socially awkward or tactless act 出醜；失禮；失言 Synonyms : faux pas , gaucherie , slip , solecism In a famous gaffe, Vice President Quayle attempted to correct the spelling of a grade school student, only to find that the child was correct.

tumult

noun: a state of chaos, noise and confusion 吵鬧，喧嘩；騷亂，混亂 Synonyms : garboil , tumultuousness , uproar,commotion , din , ruckus , ruction , rumpus Riots broke out just in front of our apartment building, and the tumult continued late into the night. ++ tumu 土木，lt：大興土木 ---> 吵鬧!

enmity

noun: a state of deep-seated ill-will Synonyms : antagonism , hostility Charles rude remark toward Sarah yesterday was due to his illness, not due to any real enmity toward Sarah.

culpability

noun: a state of guilt Synonyms : blameworthiness , culpableness Since John had left his banana peel at the top of the stairwell, he accepted culpability for Martha's broken leg. ++ culp - = 責備 -----> culprit (罪犯), inculpate(連累某人受罪), culpable(有罪的), exculpate(使脫罪)

flux

noun: a state of uncertainty about what should be done (usually following some important event) 不斷的變動，不停的變化 Ever since Elvira resigned as the head of marketing, everything about our sales strategy has been in a state of flux.

prognostication

noun: a statement made about the future 預測 Synonyms : forecasting , foretelling , prediction When the Senator was asked about where the negotiations would lead, he said that any guess he could make would be an unreliable prognostication.

martinet

noun: a strict disciplinarian Synonyms : disciplinarian , moralist The job seemed perfect to Rebecca, until she found out that her boss was a total martinet; after each project the boss would come by to scrutinize - and inevitably criticize - every little detail of the work Rebecca had done.

predilection

noun: a strong liking Synonyms : penchant , preference , taste Monte had a predilection for the fine things in life: Cuban cigars, 200 dollar bottles of wine, and trips to the French Riviera.

diatribe

noun: a strong verbal attack against a person or institution 怒斥，抨擊 Synonyms : fulmination Steve's mom launched into a diatribe during the PTA meeting, contending that the school was little more than a daycare in which students stare at the wall and teachers stare at the chalkboard. ++ dia(双方)+tribe(摩擦)→对着摩擦→抨击

broadside

noun: a strong verbal attack （對某人的）猛烈抨撃 Political broadsides are usually strongest in the weeks leading up to a national election.

nuance

noun: a subtle difference in meaning or opinion or attitude （外表、意義、聲音等的）細微差別 Synonyms : nicety , refinement , shade , subtlety Because of the nuances involved in this case, I hired an outside consultant to advice us and help.

epiphany

noun: a sudden revelation or moment of insight （對重要事物或宗教真諦的）頓悟 Gary one day had an epiphany that he was a people person; he prompty quit his factory job and began working as a salesman.

recapitulation

noun: a summary (think of recap) Synonyms : *recap* , review Every point of the professors lesson was so clear that the students felt his concluding recapitulation was not necessary.

quisling

noun: a traitor Synonyms : collaborationist , collaborator History looks unfavorably upon quislings; indeed they are accorded about the same fondness as Nero—he who watched his city burn down while playing the violin. ++ 源自维德孔奎西林Quisling，纳粹时期挪威政府的头子读

platitude

noun: a trite or obvious remark Synonyms : *banality* , bromide , cliche , *commonplace* The professor argued that many statements regarded as wise in previous times, such as the Golden Rule, are now regarded as mere platitudes. ++ plat --> 平的 --->陳腔濫調的

bromide

noun: a trite or obvious remark(評論) Synonyms : *banality* , cliche , *commonplace* , *platitude* Instead of sharing his umbrella, the cheeky stranger offered Martha the following bromide: "Looks like it's raining."

conflagration

noun: a very intense and uncontrolled fire 大火，大火災 Synonyms : inferno In the summer months, conflagrations are not uncommon in the southwest, do to the heat and lack of rain. ++ con 共同，flagr＝flare（烧，闪耀）－共同烧－大火

melee

noun: a wild, confusing fight or struggle 混亂的打鬥 Synonyms : battle royal , scrimmage After enduring daily taunts about my name, I became enraged(觸怒) and pummeled(接連地捶打) the schoolyard bully and his sycophantic(阿諛奉承的) friends in a brutal melee.

epigram

noun: a witty saying Synonyms : *quip* My favorite epigram from Mark Twain is "A man who carries a cat by the tail learns something he can learn no other way." ++ epi+gram 写=写在上面的话=格言

quip

noun: a witty saying or remark 俏皮話，妙語 Synonyms : epigram,crack , sally , wisecrack In one of the most famous quips about classical music, Mark Twain said: "Wagner's music is better than it sounds." verb: to make a witty remark, to say in jest Synonyms : gag When a old English teacher criticized Churchill for ending a sentence with a preposition, he quipped, "This is the kind of criticism up with which we will not put!"

invective

noun: abusive or denunciatory language 辱駡，痛駡 Synonyms : *vitriol* , vituperation The Internet has unleashed the invectives in many of us; many people post stinging criticism on the comments section underneath newspaper articles or YouTube videos.

vitriol

noun: abusive or venomous language used to express blame or bitter deep-seated ill will 尖刻；辛辣 Synonyms : *invective* , *vituperation* His vitriol spewed forth from a deep-seated racism that consumed his whole life.

audacity

noun: aggressive boldness in social situations 大膽；勇氣 Synonyms : audaciousness , temerity She surprised her colleagues by having the audacity to publically criticize the findings of an distinguished scientist.

collusion

noun: agreement on a secret plot 勾結，共謀，串通（多人為欺騙某人而達成的協議，當中涉及聯合的違法或秘密行動） Synonyms : *connivance* Many have argued that Lee Harvey Oswald, JFK's assassin, was in collusion with other criminals; others maintain that Oswald was a lone gunman.

travesty

noun: an absurd presentation of something; a mockery(笑柄) Synonyms : farce , farce comedy,burlesque , charade , lampoon , mockery , parody , pasquinade , put-on , sendup , spoof , takeoff What I expected to be an intelligent, nuanced historical documentary turned out to be a poorly-produced travesty of the form.

cornucopia

noun: an abundant supply of something good Synonyms : profuseness , profusion , richness The International Food Expo was a cornucopia of culinary delights: gourmet foods from every continent were under one roof. ++ 裝滿水果、花朵和穀物的羊角

screed

noun: an abusive rant (often tedious) 冗長的文章或演講 Joey had difficulty hanging out with his former best friend Perry, who, during his entire cup of coffee, enumerated all of the government's deficiencies--only to break ranks and launch into some screed against big business.

perfidy

noun: an act of deliberate betrayal; a breach of a trust 背信棄義（行為）；不忠貞（行為） Synonyms : betrayal , treachery , treason,perfidiousness , treachery The lowest circles in Dante's Inferno were for those who had practiced perfidy, and among these, the very lowest was for those, such as Judas, who had been treacherous to one of their benefactors.

enormity

noun: an act of extreme wickedness 窮凶極惡的 Synonyms : outrageousness The enormity of Pol Pot's regime is hard to capture in words--within months hundreds of thousands of Cambodians lost their lives.

redress

noun: an act of making something right re(重新)+dress(穿衣,整理)→重新整理→改正 Synonyms : remediation , remedy Barry forgot his wife's birthday two years in a row, and was only able to redress his oversight by surprising his wife with a trip to Tahiti.

bastardization

noun: an act that debases or corrupts 討厭鬼，壞蛋 Synonyms : bastardisation The movie World War Z is a complete bastardization of the book with little more in common than zombies and a title. [補] bastard 私生子

junta

noun: an aggressive takeover by a group (usually military) 軍政府 As dangerous of a threat as North Korea is, some analysts believe that were a junta suddenly to gain power, it could be even more unpredictable and bellicose than the current leadership

dilettante

noun: an amateur who engages in an activity without serious intentions and who pretends to have knowledge 半吊子，淺薄的愛好者 Synonyms : dabbler , sciolist,dilettanteish , dilettantish , sciolistic Fred has no formal medical training; while he likes to claim authority on medical issues, he is little more than a dilettante ++ dilet＝delect＝delight（n.快乐；v.使高兴）－为了快乐做事的人－业余爱好者

row

noun: an angry dispute(爭論) Synonyms : dustup , quarrel , run-in , words , wrangle The Prime Minister looked very foolish after his row with the foreign dignitary was caught on video and posted on youtube.

tirade

noun: an angry speech Synonyms : broadside , philippic In terms of political change, a tirade oftentimes does little more than make the person speaking red in the face.

presumption

noun: an assumption that is taken for granted 推定，推測，假定 Synonyms : given , precondition When Mr. Baker found out the family car was gone, he acted under the presumption that his rebellious son had taken the car, calling his son's phone and yelling at him; only later did Mr. Baker realize that Mrs. Baker had simply gone out to get her nails done. noun: *audacious(大膽的)* (even arrogant) behavior that you have no right to The new neighbor quickly gained a reputation for her presumption; she had invited herself to several neighbors' homes, often stopping over at inopportune times and asking for a drink.

accolade

noun: an award or praise granted as a special honor 讚美，讚賞；榮譽，嘉獎 Synonyms : award , honor , honour , laurels Jean Paul-Sartre was not a fan of accolades, and as such, he refused to accept the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1964. ++ to cola --> 給可樂嘉獎讚美你

alacrity

noun: an eager willingness to do something Synonyms : briskness , smartness The first three weeks at his new job, Mark worked with such alacrity that upper management knew it would be giving him a promotion. ++ alac 读：I like。有乐意的感觉

precedent

noun: an example that is used to justify similar occurrences at a later time 先例，前例 Synonyms : case in point The principal explained that even though one student had done modelling work outside of school, the outfits that student wore in those photographs in no way established a precedent for what could be worn at school dances. ++ pre + cede(walk)

surfeit

noun: an excessive amount of something Synonyms : excess , overabundance There was no such thing as a surfeit of shopping for Nancy--she could stay at the outlet stores from opening to closing time. ++ sur 过分，feit 做－做过了头－过量读：三feet－一口吃了三只猪脚－过量

hubris

noun: overbearing pride or presumption 傲慢；自大 Bill Clinton was criticized for his hubris, since he believed he could get away with anything once in the White House. ++ hub（n.中心），ris＝rise－使自己从中心升起－目中无人；骄傲

glut

noun: an excessive supply Synonyms : oversupply , surfeit The Internet offers such a glut of news related stories that many find it difficult to know which story to read first. verb: supply with an excess of Synonyms : flood , oversupply In the middle of economic crises, hiring managers find their inboxes glutted with resumes. ++ 夠了夠了!! 已經太多了!!

dispensation

noun: an exemption(免除，豁免) from a rule or obligation(義務) 特權 Since her father is a billionaire, she is given dispensation from many of the school's policies. ++ pend = hang, weigh, pay ex.pendulous

virago

noun: an ill-tempered or violent woman 潑婦；悍婦 Synonyms : amazon Poor Billy was the victim of the virago's invective(辱罵) - she railed(抱怨) at him for a good 30-minutes about how he is the scum(浮垢) of the earth for speaking loudly on his cellphone in public.

powwow

noun: an informal meeting or discussion Before the team takes the field, the coach always calls for a powwow so that he can make sure all the players are mentally in the right place.

sinecure

noun: an office that involves minimal duties 坐領乾薪的職位 - The position of Research Director is a sinecure: the job entails almost no responsibilities, nor does the person in that position have to answer to anyone. ++ sine＝sin 罪孽，e，cure 关心－只关心罪孽的职位，原指：领干薪的牧师职位，一个与教士的精神职责无关的职位，只要不犯错就行－闲职

pariah

noun: an outcast 為社會所拋棄者；受蔑視的人；不被信任者 Synonyms : castaway , ishmael The once eminent scientist, upon being found guilty of faking his data, has become a pariah in the research community.

semblance

noun: an outward or token appearance or form that is deliberately misleading 近似；相似；假像 Synonyms : color , colour , gloss - While the banker maintained a semblance of respectability in public, those who knew him well were familiar with his many crimes. - He was executed without even the semblance of a fair trial. ++类似,外观相像(sembl+ance=相同之处)

reservation

noun: an unstated doubt that prevents you from accepting something wholeheartedly Synonyms : arriere pensee , mental reservation I was initially excited by the idea of a trip to Washington, D.C. but now that I have read about the high crime statistics there, I have some reservations. This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

litany

noun: any long and tedious account of something 表示不滿的陳腔爛詞 Mr. Rogers spoke to a Senate committee and did not give a litany of reasons to keep funding the program, but instead, appealed to the basic human decency of all present.

empiricism

noun: any method that derives knowledge from experience, used in experimental science as a way to gain insight and knowledge 經驗主義，經驗論 Synonyms : empiricist philosophy , sensationalism Empiricism does not always lead to knowledge; an experience or experiment may raise more questions than it answers.

effrontery

noun: audacious (even arrogant) behavior that you have no right to 厚顔無恥；放肆 Synonyms : *assumption* , *presumption* , *presumptuousness* He was silent all through the meal and then had the effrontery to complain that I looked bored! ++er出+front脸面+ery

credence

noun: belief in something 支持；相信，信任 He placed no credence in psychics, claiming that they offered no special powers beyond the ability to make people part with their money. ++ cred = 相信 [補] incredible

acrimony

noun: bitterness and ill will Synonyms : acerbity , bitterness , jaundice , tartness , thorniness The acrimonious dispute between the president and vice-president sent a clear signal to voters: the health of the current administration was imperiled. ++not harmony --> a crim fo mony

prolixity

noun: boring verbosity Synonyms : long-windedness , prolixness , windiness , wordiness I loved my grandfather dearly, but his prolixity would put me to sleep, regardless of the topic.

sangfroid

noun: calmness or poise in difficult situations 沈著，冷靜，鎮定 [同] *aplomb, phlegmatic* The hostage negotiator exhibited a sangfroid that oftentimes was more menacing than the sword at his throat, or the gun at his head. ++san 三，g 个，froid 弗洛伊德：三个弗洛伊德帮你考GRE－沉着冷静

vicissitude

noun: change in one's circumstances, usually for the worse 變幻無常 Even great rulers have their vicissitudes - massive kingdoms have diminished overnight, and once beloved kings have faced the scorn of angry masses.

duress

noun: compulsory force or threat 威脅，脅迫 The witness said he signed the contract under duress and argued that the court should cancel the agreement.

tact

noun: consideration in dealing with others and avoiding giving offense （處事、言談等的）得體，乖巧，機敏；外交手腕 Synonyms : tactfulness In a tremendous display of tact, Shelly was able to maintain a strong friendship with Marcia, even though Marcia's husband, Frank, confessed to finding Shelley more attractive than Marcia.

graft

noun: corruption, usually through bribery(賄賂) 貪汙 In countries with rampant(猖獗的，泛濫的) graft, getting a driver's license can require no more than paying an official.

veneer

noun: covering consisting of a thin superficial layer that hides the underlying substance 飾面薄板；鑲板 Mark Twain referred to the Victorian Period in America as the "Gilded Age", implying the ample moral corruption that lay beneath a mere veneer of respectability

exegesis

noun: critical explanation or analysis, especially of a text （尤指對《聖經》文本的）詮釋 The Bible is fertile ground for exegesis - over the past five centuries there have been as many interpretations as there are pages in the Old Testament.

artifice

noun: cunning tricks used to deceive others 詭計；奸計；欺騙 Synonyms : ruse The mayoral candidates both spent much of the campaign accusing each other of artifices designed to mislead the voting public.

duplicity

noun: deceitfulness, pretending to want one thing but interested in something else 欺騙；（尤指）搞兩面派 Synonyms : fraudulence A life of espionage is one of duplicity: an agent must pretend to be a totally different person than who she or he actually is. ++ du二个+plic重叠...口和心不一致

truculence

noun: defiant aggressiveness Synonyms : truculency When the boss confronted Aaron about his earlier remarks, Aaron responded with utter truculence, simply throwing a glass of water in the boss' face and walking away. ++ tru 真的，cu 哭，lence：她真的哭了，被你那凶猛的脸吓得。

decimation

noun: destroying or killing a large part of the population 大屠殺 The decimation after atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki is incomprehensible.

panache

noun: distinctive and stylish elegance Synonyms : dash , elan , flair , style Jim, with his typical panache, came to the wedding reception with a top hat, a cane, and a long cape covered in sequins

apotheosis

noun: exaltation to divine status; the highest point of development 典範；最完美的榜樣；極致 Synonyms : ideal ,nonesuch ,nonpareil , nonsuch ,paragon , saint, deification , exaltation As difficult as it is to imagine, the apotheosis of Mark Zuckerberg's career, many believe, is yet to come.

largess

noun: extreme generosity and giving Synonyms : largesse , *magnanimity* , munificence , openhandedness Uncle Frank was known for his largess, so his nephew was sad when he did not receive a present for his birthday.

jingoism

noun: fanatical patriotism Synonyms : chauvinism , superpatriotism , ultranationalism North Korea maintains intense control over its population through a combination of jingoism and cult of personality. [補] : fanatical = extremely enthusiastic

chauvinism

noun: fanatical patriotism; belief that one's group/cause is superior to all other groups/causes 沙文主義 Synonyms : jingoism , superpatriotism , ultranationalism Vegetarians argue that man is chauvinistic in his belief that animals do not consciously feel the pain we humans do.

apprehension

noun: fearful expectation 憂慮，擔心，恐懼 Synonyms : apprehensiveness , dread,misgiving Test day can be one of pure apprehension, as many students worry about their test scores.

temerity

noun: fearless daring 魯莽；冒失 Synonyms : *recklessness* , *audacity* No child has the temerity to go in the rundown house at the end of the street and see if it is haunted.

aplomb

noun: great coolness and composure under strain 自信；沉著，泰然自若 Synonyms : assuredness , cool , poise , sang-froid Nancy acted with aplomb during dangerous situations--she once calmly climbed up an oak tree to save a cat.

asperity

noun: harshness of manner 很機掰 - Synonyms : sharpness - The editor was known for his asperity, often sending severe letters of rejection to amateur writers.

panacea

noun: hypothetical remedy for all ills or diseases; a universal solution （能解決一切問題的）萬能之計，靈丹妙藥 Synonyms : catholicon , cure-all , nostrum While the company credit card has made most large purchases easier, it is no panacea: some smaller basic transactions still must be conducted in cash.

inequity

noun: injustice by virtue of not conforming with rules or standards Synonyms : unfairness After decades of racial inequity, the "separate but equal" doctrine(教條) was successfully overturned(推翻).

probity

noun: integrity, strong moral principles 誠實、正直 The ideal politician would have the probity to lead, but reality gravely falls short of the ideal of morally upright leaders.

insouciance

noun: lack of concern 無憂無慮；滿不在乎 Synonyms : carefreeness , lightheartedness , lightsomeness Surprisingly, Hank had become a high-powered CEO; his high school friends remembered him as "Hanky Panky", who shrugged off each failed class with insouciance.

clemency

noun: leniency and compassion shown toward offenders by a person or agency charged with administering justice （施加懲罰時表現出的）寬厚，仁慈 Synonyms : mercifulness , mercy In the final moments of the trial, during his closing speech, Phillips was nearly begging the judge for clemency.

raillery

noun: light teasing （善意的）戲謔，批評，揶揄 Synonyms : backchat , banter , give-and-take The new recruit was not bothered by the raillery, finding most of it light-hearted and good-natured. ++ rail（v.指责），le 乐，ry：在rail 你的时候乐出来－开玩笑

calumny

noun: making of a false statement meant to injure a person's reputation, Synonyms : calumniation , defamation , hatchet job , obloquy , *aspersion* , *slander* , denigration , With the presidential primaries well under way, the air is thick with calumny, and the mud already waist-high.

paragon

noun: model of excellence or perfection of a kind; one having no equal 完人，盡善盡美的模範（或典型） Synonyms : *apotheosis* , ideal Even with the rise of Kobe Bryant, many still believe that Michael Jordon is the paragon for basketball players. noun: an ideal instance; a perfect embodiment of a concept Synonyms : beau ideal , idol , perfection Some say that Athens was the paragon of democracy, but these people often forget that slaves and women were still not allowed to vote. ++ para(旁边)＋gon(角,样子)→作为旁边人学的样子→模范

recrimination

noun: mutual accusations 相互指責；反訴；反責 The two brothers sat and cried, pointing fingers and making elaborate recriminations of the other's guilt

spendthrift

noun: one who spends money extravagantly Synonyms : scattergood , spend-all , spender Taking weekly trips to Vegas, Megan was a spendthrift whose excesses eventually caught up to her.

hauteur

noun: overbearing pride evidenced by a superior manner toward inferiors 傲慢 - Synonyms : arrogance , haughtiness , high-handedness , lordliness - As soon as she won the lottery, Alice begin displaying a hauteur to her friends, calling them dirty-clothed peasants behind their backs. ++ haut＝high 高高在上的－傲慢自大

decorum

noun: propriety in manners and conduct 穩重，端莊 Synonyms : decorousness "You will obey the rules of decorum for this courtroom or spend the night in a jail cell," said the judge to the prosecutor.

gumption

noun: resourcefulness and determination 魄力；勇氣；進取心 Synonyms : backbone , grit , guts , moxie , sand Wallace Stegner lamented the lack of gumption in the U.S. during the sixties, claiming that no young person knew the value of work.

iconoclast

noun: somebody who attacks cherished beliefs or institutions Lady Gaga, in challenging what it means to be clothed, is an iconoclast for wearing a "meat dress" to a prominent awards show. ++ clast is like clash... so iconoclast is someone whose ideas clash with the traditional ideals.

tyro

noun: someone new to a field or activity Synonyms : beginner , initiate , novice , tiro All great writers, athletes, and artists were tyros at one time—unknown, clumsy, and unskilled with much to learn. ++ 读：太弱－新手

malingerer

noun: someone shirking their duty by pretending to be sick or incapacitated Synonyms : shammer , skulker At one time, our country was full of hardworking respectful people, but now it seems that everyone is a malingerer with little inclination(傾向) to work. ++ mal 坏，linger（v.逗留；溜达）－装病

firebrand

noun: someone who deliberately creates trouble 挑動政治爭端者；煽動鬧事者 - Synonyms : inciter , instigant , instigator , provoker - Freddie is a firebrand: every time he walks into the office, he winds up at the center of heated argument. ++ fire，brand 燃燒商標 --->鬧事者

maverick

noun: someone who exhibits great independence in thought and action 特立獨行的人，行為不合常規的人 Synonyms : rebel Officer Kelly was a maverick, rarely following police protocols or adopting the conventions for speech common among his fellow officers. ++ Cuban is a maverick boss

pundit

noun: someone who has been admitted to membership in a scholarly field （某方面的）專家，權威 Synonyms : initiate , learned person , savant Steven Pinker's credentials are unquestioned as a pundit; he has taught at MIT and Stanford, teaches at Harvard, and has published a number of influential books on cognition, language, and psychology.

desideratum

noun: something desired as a necessity 必需品 The desideratum of the environmental group is that motorists should rely on carpooling. ++ desiderat --> 不用考慮了，必需品是一定要帶的阿!!

chimera

noun: something desired or wished for but is only an illusion and impossible to achieve 幻想；妄想，空想 Many believe that a world free of war is a chimera—a dream that ignores humanity's violent tendencies. ++ chi 吃，me 我，ra 拉：大妖怪吃我来了！！！

subterfuge

noun: something intended to misrepresent the true nature of an activity 花招，伎倆；詭計 - Synonyms : blind - Finally deciding to abandon all subterfuge, Arthur revealed to Cindy everything about his secret affair over the past two years. ++ sub 下面，ter，fuge 逃跑－从下面逃跑－诡计；借口

palimpsest

noun: something that has been changed numerous times but on which traces of former iterations can still be seen The downtown(在市中心（的）) was a palimpsest of the city's checkered past: a new Starbucks had opened up next to an abandoned, shuttered building, and a freshly asphalted(瀝青；柏油) road was inches away from a pothole(凹坑) large enough to swallow a small dog.

boon

noun: something that is very helpful and improves the quality of life Synonyms : blessing Modern technology has been a boon to the travel industry. adjective: very close and convivial(友好歡樂的) He was a boon companion(伴侶) to many, and will be sadly missed.

exemplar

noun: something to be imitated Synonyms : example , good example , model Lena's homework is on the wall because it is an exemplar of clean, neat, and thoughtful work.

tribulation

noun: something, especially an event, that causes difficulty and suffering 苦難，艱難 Synonyms : trial , visitation As of 2013, nearly 1.5 million Syrians have fled their country hoping to escape the tribulations of a civil war tearing their country to pieces.

celerity

noun: speed, rapidity - Synonyms : quickness , rapidity , rapidness , speediness - We aim to respond to customers' questions with celerity and accuracy, with no longer than a 24 hour wait time. ++ celer+ity=快的性质=迅速 ex. accelerate

zeitgeist

noun: spirit of the times （某一特定歷史時期的）時代思潮，時代精神 Each decade has its own zeitgeist - the 1990's was a prosperous time in which the promise of the American Dream never seemed more palpable.

quandary

noun: state of uncertainty or perplexity(困惑) especially as requiring a choice between equally unfavorable options Synonyms : dilemma Steve certainly is in a quandary: if he doesn't call Elaine, she will blame him for everything, but if he does call her, the evidence of where he currently is could cost him his job.

chagrin

noun: strong feelings of embarrassment Synonyms : humiliation , mortification Much to the timid writer's chagrin, the audience chanted his name until he came back on the stage. verb: cause to feel shame; hurt the pride （尤指失敗或錯誤引起的）失望，懊喪，懊惱 Synonyms : abase , humble , humiliate , mortifyf She never cared what others said about her appearance but was chagrined by the smallest comment from her mother. ++ 分割记忆: cha-grin,grin意为"苦笑"

credulity

noun: tendency to believe readily 輕信 Virginia's wide-eyed credulity as a five-year old was replaced by suspicion after she learned that Santa Claus didn't really exist.

access

noun: the ability to go into (when somebody or something must allow you to enter) Synonyms : accession , admission , admittance , entree verb: to go into something when allowed to enter Only students have access to the university library. There is a large amount of oil under the ice, but we have not be able to access it.

resignation

noun: the acceptance of something unpleasant that can't be avoided 無奈地順從 Synonyms : surrender Since Jack could not think of a convincing reason why he had to miss the seminar, he attended it with a sense of resignation.

venality

noun: the condition of being susceptible to bribes or corruption 貪贓的，腐敗的，見利忘義的 Even some of the most sacred sporting events are not immune to venality, as many of the officials have received substantial bribes to make biased calls.

malapropism

noun: the confusion of a word with another word that sounds similar 近音詞誤用 Synonyms : malaprop Whenever I looked glum, my mother would offer to share "an amusing antidote(解毒劑)" with me - an endearing malapropism of "anecdote(趣聞)" that never failed to cheer me up.

contrition

noun: the feeling of *remorse* or guilt that comes from doing something bad 後悔犯錯的 Synonyms : attrition , contriteness Those who show contrition during their prison terms--especially when under review by a parole board--often get shortened sentences.

denouement

noun: the final resolution of the many strands of a literary or dramatic work; the outcome of a complex sequence of events 結局，結果 At the denouement of the movie, all questions were answered, and the true identity of the robber was revealed. ++ de+noue(=knot结),解开结→结尾

pinnacle

noun: the highest point Synonyms : *acme* , elevation , height , meridian , peak , *summit* , superlative , tiptop , top At its pinnacle, the Roman Empire extended across most of the landmass of Eurasia, a feat not paralleled to the rise of the British Empire in the 18th and 19th century.

acme

noun: the highest point of achievement Synonyms : elevation , height , meridian , peak , pinnacle , summit , superlative , tiptop , top The new Cessna airplanes will be the acme of comfort, offering reclining seats and ample legroom.

zenith

noun: the highest point; culmination At the zenith of his artistic career, Elvis was outselling any other artist on the charts.

serendipity

noun: the instance in which an accidental, fortunate discovery is made 好運 By pure serendipity, Sarah discovered, at a flea market in Peoria, a matching earring to replace the one that fell down the storm drain back home.

nadir

noun: the lowest point 最糟糕的時刻；最消沉的時刻；最失意的時候；最低點 Synonyms : low-water mark For many pop music fans, the rap and alternative-rock dominated 90s were the nadir of musical expression. ++ 内地r，就是四川盆地－最低点

pith

noun: the most essential part of something 精隨 When Cynthia hears a speaker presenting a complex argument, she is always able to discard the irrelevant details and extract the pith of what the speaker is trying to convey.

summit

noun: the peak or highest point Synonyms : acme , elevation , height , meridian , peak , pinnacle , superlative , tiptop , top, crest , crown, *apex* After hiking for two days, the climbers finally reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. noun: a meeting of high-level leaders Since climate change policy has been mired in congressional fighting, this summit should help set the goals for president's next term.

heyday

noun: the pinnacle or top of a time period or career Synonyms : bloom , blossom , efflorescence , flower , flush , peak , prime During the heyday of Prohibition(禁止), bootlegging(違法製造並且銷售) had become such a lucrative(有利可圖的) business that many who had been opposed to the 18th Amendment began to fear it would be repealed(廢止法令).

prescience

noun: the power to foresee the future Synonyms : prevision Baxter's warnings about investing in technology stocks seemed like an act of prescience after the whole market declined significantly.

profusion

noun: the property of being extremely abundant 豐富，充沛，大量 Synonyms : cornucopia , profuseness , richness When Maria reported that she had been visited by Jesus Christ and had proof, a profusion of reporters and journalists descended on the town.

dispatch

noun: the property of being prompt and efficient 迅速 Synonyms : despatch , expedition , expeditiousness She finished her thesis with dispatch, amazing her advisors who couldn't believe she hadn't written 60 scholarly pages so quickly. verb: dispose of rapidly and without delay and efficiently As soon as the angry peasants stormed the castle, they caught the king and swiftly dispatched him. This word has other definitions but these are the most important ones to study

volubility

noun: the quality of talking or writing easily and continuously Synonyms : articulateness , fluency The professor's volubility knows no bounds; he could talk through a hurricane and elaborate a point from one St. Patrick's Day to the next.

altruism

noun: the quality of unselfish concern for the welfare of others Synonyms : selflessness Albert Schweitzer spent most of his life doing missionary work as a doctor in Africa, seeking no reward, apparently motivated only by altruism. ++ altru 其他的 +ism 主義 →利他主義

rapprochement

noun: the reestablishing of cordial relations （與敵對群體或敵對之人達成的）和睦，和解，恢復友好關係 Synonyms : *reconciliation* Although Ann hoped that her mother and her aunt would have a rapprochement, each one's bitter accusations against the other made any reconciliation unlikely.

primacy

noun: the state of being first in importance 第一位，首要性 The primacy of Apple Computers is not guaranteed, as seen in the recent lawsuits and weak growth.

ascendancy

noun: the state that exists when one person or group has power over another 權勢顯赫 Synonyms : ascendance , ascendence , ascendency , control , dominance The ascendancy of the Carlsbad water polo team is clear—they have a decade of championships behind them. (ascend上升+ancy=上升状态=优势)

mendacity

noun: the tendency to be untruthful. 撒謊習慣；說謊 I can forgive her for her mendacity but only because she is a child and is seeing what she can get away with. ++ mendac

temperance

noun: the trait of avoiding excesses 自我克制，節制（如戒酒、節食等） Synonyms : moderation,sobriety Welles wasn't known for his temperance--he usually ate enough for two and drank enough for three.

gall

noun: the trait of being rude and impertinent Synonyms : cheekiness , crust , freshness , *impertinence* , *impudence* ,* insolence* Even though Carly was only recently hired, she had the gall to question her boss's judgment in front of the office. noun: feeling of deep and bitter anger and ill-will Synonyms : bitterness , rancor , rancour , resentment In an act of gall, Leah sent compromising photos of her ex-boyfriend to all his co-workers and professional contacts.

indifference

noun: the trait of seeming not to care Synonyms : *apathy* , numbness , spiritlessness, emotionlessness , impassiveness , *impassivity* , phlegm , *stolidity* , unemotionality In an effort to fight indifference, the president of the college introduced a new, stricter grading system.

diminutive

noun: to indicate smallness 微小的，矮小的 He prefers to be called a diminutive of his name: "Bill" instead of "John William." adjective: very small Synonyms : bantam , flyspeck , lilliputian , midget , petite , tiny When he put on his father's suit and shoes, his appearance was that of a diminutive youth.

inanity

noun: total lack of meaning or ideas 極其愚蠢的；無意義的；無聊的 Synonyms : mindlessness , pointlessness , senselessness , vacuity Bill's poem was nothing more than a list of impressive sounding words, so there was no point in trying to take meaning from the inanity.

qualm

noun: uneasiness about the fitness of an action 疑慮；內疚；不安 Synonyms : misgiving , scruple While he could articulate no clear reason why Harkner's plan would fail, he neverless felt qualms about committing any resources to it. ++ 读：胯目，胯下长了一只眼睛－突然引起不安的感觉

travail

noun: use of physical or mental energy; hard work; agony or anguish Synonyms : effort , elbow grease , exertion , sweat While they experienced nothing but travails in refinishing the kitchen, they completed the master bedroom in less than a weekend.

opulence

noun: wealth as evidenced by sumptuous(奢侈的) living Synonyms : luxuriousness , luxury , sumptuousness Russian oligarchs are famous for their opulence, living in fancy homes and dining on expensive cavier.

bawdy

obscene ; A bawdy story or joke contains humorous references to sex.

axiomatic

obviously true and therefore not needing to be proved 不需要證明的 It's axiomatic that Europeans don't go out of their way to reveal their cities' most treasured local charms immediately, even to the most seasoned travelers.

bacchanalian

pertaining to riotous or drunken festivity; pertaining to revelry （尤指派對）瘋狂地飲酒作樂的，發酒瘋的 For some people New Year's Eve is an occasion for bacchanalian

commensurate

proportional Employees are paid salaries commensurate with those of teachers.

ephemeral

short-lived

congenial

similar in tastes and habits; friendly; suited to 意氣相投的 syn: agreeable, pleasant, delectable, delightful, enjoyable

deft

skilful, clever or quick 熟練的；巧妙的；靈巧的 Her movements were deft and quick. 她的動作靈巧敏捷。 She answered the journalist's questions with a deft touch. 她巧妙地回答了記者的提問。 He's very deft at handling awkward situations. 他善於處理尷尬的局面。

aspersion

slander; false rumor

aggregate

sum total The rate of growth of GNP will depend upon the rate of growth of aggregate demand

capitulated

surrenders ++ 卡皮丘(裝可愛)投降 @@

acuminate

tapering to a point; make a sharp; taper

abeyance

temporary suppression or suspension The Russian threat is, at the least, in abeyance. ++ 阿伯停在馬路中間，整個 suspension

countermand

verb: a contrary command cancelling or reversing a previous command 取消，撤回（命令）；重新發布（命令） By the time the colonel countermanded his soldiers not to land in enemy territory, a few helicopters had already touched down amid heavy gunfire.

finagle

verb: achieve something by means of trickery or devious methods 耍花招弄到；欺詐；騙取 Synonyms : manage , wangle Steven was able to finagle one of the last seats on the train by convincing the conductor that his torn stub was actually a valid ticket.

concede

verb: acknowledge defeat I concede. You win! verb: admit (to a wrongdoing) Synonyms : confess , profess After a long, stern lecture from her father, Olivia conceded to having broken the window. verb: give over; surrender or relinquish to the physical control of another Synonyms : cede , grant , yield The Spanish were forced to concede much of the territory they had previously conquered.

expound

verb: add details or explanation; clarify the meaning; state in depth 詳細解釋；闡述；詳細說明 Synonyms : dilate , elaborate , enlarge , expand , expatiate , exposit , flesh out , lucubrate The CEO refused to expound on the decision to merge our department with another one, and so I quit.

tout

verb: advertize in strongly positive terms; show off 給...做廣告，宣傳，讚揚，吹捧 Synonyms : blow , bluster , boast , brag , gas , gasconade , shoot a line , swash , vaunt At the conference, the CEO touted the extraordinary success of his company's Research & Development division. ++ 套他進來買東西

lionize

verb: assign great social importance to 將...視作名人, 吹捧 Synonyms : celebrate , lionise Students in the U.S. learn to lionize Jefferson, Franklin, and Washington because they are the founding fathers of the nation.

relegate

verb: assign to a lower position 降級 Synonyms : break , bump , demote , kick downstairs When Dexter was unable to fulfill his basic duties, instead of firing him, the boss relegated him to kitchen cleanup. [補] delegate 代表

posit

verb: assume as fact 假想，設想 Synonyms : postulate Initially, Einstein posited a repulsive force to balance Gravity, but then rejected that idea as a blunder.

impugn

verb: attack as false or wrong 抨擊；質疑 Though many initially tried to impugn Darwin's theory, in scientific circles today, the is idea taken as truth. ++ im进入+pugn=打进去=抨击

assail

verb: attack in speech or writing Synonyms : assault , attack , lash out , round , snipe In the weekly paper, the editor assailed the governor for wasting hundreds of thousands of dollars in public projects that quickly failed. ++ as+sail(跳上去)→跳上去打→猛攻;也可用联想：as-sail(帆)：扬帆起航向前攻

enamor

verb: attraction or feeling of love 著迷 Synonyms : becharm , beguile , bewitch , captivate , capture , catch , charm , enamour , enchant , entrance , fascinate , trance She is completely enamored with Justin Bieber, and goes to all his concerts on the East coast.

impute

verb: attribute (responsibility or fault) to something 歸咎於 - Synonyms : ascribe , assign , attribute - He imputed his subpar performance on the test to a combination of stress and poor sleep.

ascribe

verb: attribute or credit to Synonyms : assign , attribute , impute History ascribes The Odyssey and The Iliad to Homer, but scholars now debate whether he was a historical figure or a fictitious name. ++ to + scribe = 把...寫上去 ---> 歸因於

eschew

verb: avoid and stay away from deliberately; stay clear of 迴避，避開；放棄 Synonyms : shun Politicians are the masters of eschewing morals; academics are the masters of eschewing clarity. ++ 餐桌上爸媽在吵架，走出去chew不沾鍋

differentiate

verb: be a distinctive feature, attribute, or trait (sometimes in positive sense) Synonyms : distinguish , mark Mozart's long melodic lines differentiate his compositions from other works of late 18th century music. verb: evolve so as to lead to a new species or develop in a way most suited to the environment Synonyms : specialise , specialize , speciate Animals on Madagascar differentiated from other similar animal species due to many years of isolation on the island.

impede

verb: be a hindrance or obstacle to Synonyms : hinder,block , close up , jam , obstruct , obturate , occlude Since the police sergeant had to train the pair of new hires, progress in his own case was impeded.

denote

verb: be a sign or indication of; have as a meaning Synonyms : refer Even if the text is not visible, the red octagon denotes "stop" to all motorists in America.

browbeat

verb: be bossy towards; discourage or frighten with threats or a domineering manner 威嚇，嚇唬 Synonyms : ballyrag , boss around , bully , bullyrag , *hector* , push around , strong-arm During the interrogation, the suspect was browbeaten into signing a false confession. ++ brow 眉毛，beat 打架。>:-<（吓唬）

exemplify

verb: be characteristic of 作為...的典範（或範例、典型、榜樣等） Synonyms : represent Lincoln exemplified the best of not only America, but also the potential greatness that exists within each person. verb: clarify by giving an example of 舉例說明 Synonyms : illustrate , instance Please present some case studies that exemplify the results that you claim in your paper.

confound

verb: be confusing or perplexing(困惑的) to Synonyms : bedevil , befuddle , confuse , discombobulate , fox , fuddle , throw Though Harry loved numbers, he found calculus confounding. verb: mistake one thing for another Synonyms : confuse Americans often confound sweet potatoes with yams, and refer to both vegetables by the same name.

vacillate

verb: be undecided about something; waver between conflicting positions or courses of action 躊躇；猶豫；搖擺不定 Synonyms : hover , oscillate , vibrate,fluctuate , waver Some students vacillate between schools when deciding which to attend, while others focus only on one school. This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study ++ 用 oscillate 記

prevail

verb: be widespread in a particular area at a particular time; be current: During the labor negotiations, an air of hostility prevailed in the office. verb: prove superior Before the cricket match, Australia was heavily favored, but India prevailed

languish

verb: become feeble 變得虛弱 Synonyms : fade Stranded in the wilderness for four days, the hiker languished, eating protein bars and nuts. ++ langui 拼：懒鬼－衰弱；萎靡不振

importuned

verb: beg persistently and urgently 一再懇求 After weeks of importuning the star to meet for a five-minute interview, the journalist finally got what she wanted.

flounder

verb: behave awkwardly; have difficulties Synonyms : stagger Sylvia has excelled at advanced calculus, but ironically, when she has deal with taxes, she flounders. ++ flounder = 比目魚，比喻作不知所措的 ++ 【记】分割记忆:flo看作flow(流),under(在...下面),在下面流动→挣扎

elicit

verb: call forth (emotions, feelings, and responses) 引出，探出，誘出（尤指資訊或反應） Synonyms : arouse , enkindle , evoke , fire , kindle , provoke , raise Just smiling-even if you are depressed--can elicit feelings of pleasure and happiness.

rescind

verb: cancel officially 廢除；取消；撤銷 Synonyms : annul , countermand , lift , overturn , repeal , reverse , revoke , vacate The man's driver's license was rescinded after his tenth car accident, which meant he would never be allowed to legally drive again.

rile

verb: cause annoyance in; disturb, especially by minor irritations 激怒；使惱火 Synonyms : annoy , bother , chafe , devil , get at , get to , gravel , irritate , nark , nettle , rag , vex Dan is usually calm and balanced, but it takes only one intense glare from Sabrina to rile him.

stultify

verb: cause one, through routine, to lose energy and enthusiasm 使無效 Synonyms : cripple As an undergraduate Mark felt stultified by classes outside his area of study; only in grad school, in which he could focus solely on literary analysis, did he regain his scholarly edge. ++ stult＝stupid（adj.愚蠢的），ify：使愚蠢，使无效

placate

verb: cause to be more favorably inclined; gain the good will of 平息，安撫 Synonyms : *appease* , *assuage* , conciliate , gentle , gruntle , lenify , *mollify* , *pacify* I was able to placate the angry mob of students by promising to bring cookies on Monday.

disseminate

verb: cause to become widely known 散佈，傳播，宣傳 Synonyms : broadcast , circularise , circularize , circulate , diffuse , disperse , distribute , pass around , propagate , spread Before the effects of anaethesia were disseminated, patients had to experience the full pain of a surgery. ++ dis分开+semin+ate=把种子散开=播种

perpetuate

verb: cause to continue 使持續；使長存，使永恆 If you do not let him do things for himself, you are merely perpetuating bad habits that will be even harder to break in the future. ++ per = 全部 , pet =追求 . ex petition = 請願 / appetite 食慾,慾望 / compete 競爭 / impetuous 猛烈的 [補] petulant 任性的

crystallize

verb: cause to take on a definite and clear shape 使結晶、使具體化 - Synonyms : crystalise , crystalize , crystallise - Only after fifteen minutes of brainstorming did Samantha's ideas for the essay crystallize.

transmute

verb: change or alter in form, appearance, or nature 徹底改變（尤指變成更好的他物） - Synonyms : metamorphose , transform,transubstantiate - One of the goals of alchemy was to find the substance or process that would transmute lead into gold. ++ trans(变化)+mute(变化)→变化

denigrate

verb: charge falsely or with malicious intent; attack the good name and reputation of someone 貶低，詆毀 Synonyms : *asperse* , *besmirch* , *calumniate* , defame , *slander* , smear , *smirch* , sully Count Rumford denigrated the new theory of heat, demonstrating that it was wholly inadequate to explain the observations. ++ de + nigr(黑) -->抹黑 ex. negro:黑人

abstain

verb: choose not to consume or take part in (particularly something enjoyable) 戒絕，戒除（尤指不好的享樂） Synonyms : desist , refrain Considered a health nut, Jessica abstained from anything containing sugar-even chocolate. [補] obtain 獲得 ++ abs(不)+tain(拿住)→不拿住→放弃

circumvent

verb: cleverly find a way out of one's duties or obligations Synonyms : dodge , duck , elude , evade , fudge , hedge , parry , put off , sidestep , skirt One way of circumventing the GRE is to apply to a grad school that does not require GRE scores.

glean

verb: collect information bit by bit 緩慢艱難地收集（資訊） Synonyms : harvest , reap Herb has given us no formal statement about his background, but from various hints, I have gleaned that he grew up in difficult circumstances

vanquish

verb: come out better in a competition, race, or conflict （尤指戰爭中）擊敗，使潰敗 Synonyms : beat , beat out , crush , shell , trounce For years, Argentina would dominate in World Cup qualifying matches, only to be vanquished by one of the European countries during the late stages of the tournament(錦標賽).

proscribe

verb: command against Synonyms : disallow , forbid , interdict , nix , prohibit , veto My doctor proscribes that I not eat donuts with chocolate sauce and hamburger patties for breakfast. ++ pro 前，scribe 写－写在前面－禁止

vie

verb: compete for something 競爭；爭奪 Synonyms : compete , contend While the other teams in the division actively vie for the championship, this team seems content simply to go through the motions of playing. ++ 爭奪破爛 IE 的市場

dissemble

verb: conceal one's true motives, usually through deceit 掩蓋，掩飾（動機、感情、真相） Synonyms : *affect , feign* , pretend , sham To get close to the senator, the assassin dissembled his intentions, convincing many people that he was a reporter for a well-known newspaper.

objurgate

verb: express strong disapproval of Synonyms : *condemn , decry , excoriate , reprobate* The manager spent an hour objurgating the employee in the hopes that he would not make these mistakes again.

subsume

verb: contain or include The rogue wave quickly subsumed the pier and boardwalk, destroying everything in its path. verb: consider (an instance of something) as part of a general rule or principle Synonyms : colligate Don Quixote of La Mancha subsumes all other modern novels, demonstrating modern literary devices and predating even the idea of a postmodern, metanarrative. ++ sub 的也一起進來 sum 吧!

proselytize

verb: convert to another religion, philosophy, or perspective 使改變（宗教、政治信仰或生活方式） Synonyms : proselytise Lisa loves her Mac but says little about it; by contrast, Jake will proselytize, interrogating anyone with an Android about why she didn't purchase an iPhone.

implicate

verb: convey a meaning; imply Synonyms : entail By saying that some of the guests were uncomfortable, the manager implicated to the hotel staff that it needed to be more dilligent. verb: to indicate in wrongdoing, usually a crime

lambast

verb: criticize severely or angrily Showing no patience, the manager utterly lambasted the sales team that lost the big account. <> bombastic = pompous = arrogant ++林爸把你養這著大 balabalabala....

rebuke

verb: criticize severely or angrily; *censure* 斥責；指責；訓斥 Synonyms : bawl out , berate , call down , call on the carpet , chew out , chew up , chide , dress down , have words , jaw , *lambast* , *lambaste* , lecture , rag , remonstrate , *reprimand* , reproof , scold , take to task , trounce The police chief rebuked the two officers whose irresponsible decisions almost led to the deaths of seven innocent by-standers.

besmirch

verb: damage the good name and reputation of someone 玷污，糟蹋（名譽等） Synonyms : *aspersion* , *calumniate* , defame , denigrate , slander , smear , smirch , sully The prince's distasteful choice of words besmirched not only his own name, but the reputation of the entire royal family. ++ be+smirch(汙點)

lacerate

verb: deeply hurt the feelings of; distress 劃傷，割傷，撕裂（尤指肉） The teacher was fired for lacerating a student who wrote a poor essay.

gainsay

verb: deny or contradict; speak against or oppose Synonyms : challenge , dispute I can't gainsay a single piece of evidence James has presented, but I still don't trust his conclusion. ++ 趕緊(台語) say ---> 趕緊否認

disenfranchise

verb: deprive of voting rights Synonyms : disfranchise The U.S. Constitution disenfranchised women until 1920 when they were given the right to vote.

delineate

verb: describe in detail After a brief summary of proper swimming technique, the coach delineated the specifics of each stroke, spending 30 minutes alone on the backstroke. ++ xx + line ---> 一行一行的描寫，鉅細靡遺的

perturb

verb: disturb in mind or cause to be worried or alarmed Synonyms : cark , disorder , disquiet , distract , trouble , unhinge Now that Henry is recovering from a major illnesses, he no longer lets the little trivialities, such as late mail, perturb him. ++ per始終 +turb = 始終攪亂 = 擾亂

deign

verb: do something that one considers to be below one's dignity 屈尊去做，放下架子去做 - Synonyms : condescend , descend - The master of the house never deigned to answer questions from the servants. ++ de 向下，ign 读：一个n－向下成一个n 的形状－鞠躬－屈尊记住：屈尊表示对别人的一种藐视。

quail

verb: draw back, as with fear or pain 鵪鶉、畏縮 Synonyms : cringe , flinch , funk , recoil , shrink , squinch , wince Craig always claimed to be a fearless outdoorsman, but when the thunderstorm engulfed the valley, he quailed at the thought of leaving the safety of his cabin.

extrapolate

verb: draw from specific cases for more general cases 推斷；推知 Synonyms : generalise , generalize , infer By extrapolating from the data on the past three months, we can predict a 5% increase in traffic to our website. ++ extra 外，pol 放－从里往外放出想法

flag

verb: droop, sink, or settle from or as if from pressure or loss of tautness; become less intense Synonyms : droop , sag , swag After the three crushing defeats in the last three games, the team's enthusiasm began to flag. ++ 沒風的時候會下垂

bowdlerize

verb: edit by omitting or modifying parts considered indelicate Synonyms : castrate , *expurgate* , shorten To receive an R rating, the entire movie was bowdlerized because it contained so much violence and grotesque subject matter. ++ bowdler 這傢伙試著把莎士比亞的性愛畫面刪除再出版

machinate

verb: engage in plotting or enter into a conspiracy, swear together 陰謀策劃，密謀（以獲利） Synonyms : cabal , complot , conjure , conspire *surreptitious* The rebels met at night in an abandoned barn to machinate.

hail

verb: enthusiastically acclaim or celebrate something 雹，冰雹 Synonyms : herald Many college superstar athletes are hailed as the next big thing, but then flop at the professional level.

ostracize

verb: exclude from a community or group 故意避開；排擠，排斥 Synonyms : ban , banish , blackball , cast out , ostracise , shun Later in his life, Leo Tolstoy was ostracized from the Russian Orthodox Church for his writings that contradicted church doctrine.

banish

verb: expel from a community, residence, or location; drive away 趕走；流放，放逐；（尤指）把（某人）驅逐出境 Synonyms : ban , blackball , cast out , *ostracise , ostracize* , shun The most difficult part of the fast was banishing thoughts of food. This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

debunk

verb: expose as false ideas and claims, especially while ridiculing 駁斥；揭穿，揭露...的真相 Synonyms : expose Richard Dawkins tries to debunk religious belief, but his ridicule(奚落) tends to push people away from his points rather than convince them.

bemoan

verb: express discontent or a strong regret 抱怨；悲嘆 Synonyms : bewail , deplore , lament While the CFO carefully explained all the reasons for the cuts in benefits, after the meeting employees bemoaned the cuts as further evidence that management was against them.

engender

verb: give rise to 引起（某種感覺）；導致；産生 Synonyms : beget , bring forth , father , generate , get , mother , sire The restrictions of the Treaty of Versailles were so severe that they engendered deep hatred and resentment in the German people.

rankle

verb: gnaw into; make resentful or angry 使人耿耿於懷；令人懷恨；使人怨憤不已 Synonyms : eat into , fret(煩躁不安) , grate(磨碎，使人煩躁) His constant whistling would rankle her, sometimes causing her to leave in a huff.

besiege

verb: harass, as with questions or requests; cause to feel distressed or worried 圍攻，圍困 Synonyms : beleaguer , circumvent , hem in , surround After discovering a priceless artifact in her backyard, Jane was besieged by phone calls, emails, and reporters all trying to buy, hold or see the rare piece of history.

thwart

verb: hinder or prevent (the efforts, plans, or desires) of Synonyms : baffle , bilk , cross , foil , frustrate , queer , scotch , spoil I wanted to spend a week in New York this autumn, but the high costs of travel and lodging thwarted my plans.

frustrate

verb: hinder or prevent (the efforts, plans, or desires) of Synonyms : baffle , bilk , cross , foil , queer , scotch , spoil , thwart, I thought I would finish writing the paper by lunchtime, but a number of urgent interruptions served to frustrate my plan. This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

stymie

verb: hinder or prevent the progress or accomplishment of 阻止，妨礙，阻撓 Synonyms : block , blockade , embarrass , hinder , obstruct , stymy The engineers found their plans stymied at every turn and were ultimately able to make almost no progress on the project.

encumber

verb: hold back 妨礙、阻礙 - Synonyms : constrain , cumber , restrain - The costume encumbered all my movements and caused me to sweat profusely. ++ en+cumber(躺)→躺在里边→妨害

enthrall

verb: hold spellbound Synonyms : delight , enchant , enrapture , enthral , ravish , transport She was so enthralled by the movie that she never heard people screaming, "Fire! Fire!" in the neighboring theater. ++en+thrall(奴隶)→成为奴隶→迷住;

misconstrue

verb: interpret in the wrong way 誤解...的意思（或意圖） Synonyms : be amiss , misapprehend , misconceive , misinterpret , misunderstand The politician never trusted journalists because he though that they misconstrue his words and misrepresent his positions.

construe

verb: interpreted in a particular way 將...理解為 Synonyms : interpret , see The author's inability to take a side on the issue was construed by both his opponents and supporters as a sign of weakness. Any change in plan would be construed as indecision. ++ con，strue＝struct 结构－弄清结构

preclude

verb: keep from happening or arising; make impossible 排除，防止，杜絕 Synonyms : forbid , foreclose , forestall , prevent The manager specified that all other gates be locked, to preclude the possibility of persons without tickets entering the arena undetected. ++ pre + close --> 預先關起來防守!

guffaw

verb: laugh boisterously(喧閙的) Synonyms : laugh loudly Whenever the jester fell to the ground in mock pain, the king guffawed, exposing his yellow, fang-like teeth.

belittle

verb: lessen the importance, dignity, or reputation of 輕視；貶低 Synonyms : diminish, *denigrate*, *derogate*, minimize A good teacher will never belittle his students, but will instead empower them.

hamstrung

verb: made ineffective or powerless 使受限制；使難有作爲 The FBI has made so many restrictions on the local police that they are absolutely hamstrung, unable to accomplish anything. ++ ham＝harm（v.伤害），string 绳子，腿腱：使残废，使无效

reconcile

verb: make (one thing) compatible with (another) Synonyms : accommodate , conciliate Peggy was unable to reconcile her kind friend Jane with the cruel and merciless character Jane played on television. [補] recondite 深奧的

elucidate

verb: make clearer and easier to understand Synonyms : clear , clear up , crystalise , crystalize , crystallise , crystallize , enlighten , illuminate , shed light on , sort out , straighten out Youtube is great place to learn just about anything-an expert elucidates finer points so that even a complete novice can learn. ++ ex + luc -> out + light = 闡明

incense

verb: make furious Synonyms : exasperate , infuriate When Herb bought football tickets for a game on the day of their wedding anniversary, Jill was incensed. This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study ++ 拜拜用的香，用香杵你一下->激怒

mitigate

verb: make less severe or harsh Synonyms : extenuate , palliate I can only spend so much time mitigating your disagreements with your wife, and at certain point, you need to do it on your own. verb: lessen the severity of an offense If it weren't for the mitigating circumstances, he would have certainly lost his job. ++ 蜜糖給你!! ---> --> 使緩和；減輕（危害等）

embellish

verb: make more attractive by adding ornament, colour, etc.; make more beautiful 裝飾，修飾；給...錦上添花，渲染 Synonyms : adorn , beautify , decorate , grace , ornament , fancify , prettify McCartney would write relatively straightforward lyrics, and Lennon would embellish them with puns and poetic images. ++ em = en --> en + bell -->給聖誕樹裝上 bell

compound

verb: make more intense, stronger, or more marked Synonyms : deepen , heighten , intensify Her headache was compounded by the construction crew outside, which had six jackhammers going at the same time.

rarefied

verb: make more subtle or refined Use the adjective rarefied to describe things that are so stylish, smart, or moral that they seem elevated above the ordinary, like the rarefied conversation of brilliant scholars.

ossify

verb: make rigid and set into a conventional pattern （使）（習慣或思想）僵化；（使）固定不變 - Synonyms : petrify , rigidify - Even as a young man, Bob had some bias against poor people, but during his years in social services, his bad opinions ossified into unshiftable views. ++ oss = 骨頭

conflate

verb: mix together different elements or concepts 合併，結合，混合（尤指文本） - Synonyms : blend , coalesce , combine , commingle , flux , fuse , immix , meld , merge , mix - In her recent book, the author conflates several genres--the detective story, the teen thriller, and the vampire romance--to create a memorable read. ++ con 一起，flat 吹气－吹到一起－合并

tender

verb: offer up something formally (投標) Synonyms : bid The government was loath to tender more money in the fear that it might set off inflation. This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study ++ tender 作为"温柔的"意思大家都熟悉，温柔的提出才能让人接受, tend/tent/tens/ = stretch -->投標伸展商業勢力

devolve

verb: pass on or delegate to another 移交，轉移（權力或職責） Synonyms : degenerate , deteriorate , drop The company was full of managers known for devolving tasks to lower management, but never doing much work themselves. verb: grow worse (usually "devolve into") The dialogue between the two academics devolved into a downright bitter argument. ++ involve 的相反

exalt

verb: praise or glorify(讚美) 晉升；提拔 Synonyms : extol , glorify , laud , proclaim The teenagers exalted the rock star, covering their bedrooms with posters of him. ++ ex+alt高=高出来=升高

antedate

verb: precede in time Synonyms : antecede , forego , forgo , precede , predate, foredate Harry was so unknowledgable that he was unaware the Egyptian pharaohs antedated the American Revolution.

hamper

verb: prevent the progress or free movement of 阻礙，妨礙 Synonyms : cramp , halter , strangle As the rain water began to collect in pools on the highway, it began to hamper the flow of traffic. This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study ++ 用 hammer 阻礙你!!

exonerate

verb: pronounce not guilty of criminal charges 證明...無罪；宣佈...無罪；使免受責備 Synonyms : acquit , assoil , clear , discharge , exculpate The document clearly indicated that Nick was out of the state at the time of the crime, and so served to exonerate him of any charges. [補] inexorable 無法阻擋的 ++ ex 出，oner 负担－走出负担－无罪

retract

verb: pull inward or towards a center; formally reject or disavow a formerly held belief, usually under pressure 撤銷；撤回；收回 Synonyms : draw in,abjure , forswear , recant , resile Email is wonderfully efficient, but once something awkward or damaging has been sent, there is no way to retract it. ++ re + pull -->拉回 = 撤回

brook

verb: put up with something or somebody unpleasant 忍受 Synonyms : abide , bear , digest , endure , put up , stand , stick out , stomach , suffer , support , tolerate While she was at the chalkboard, the teacher did not brook any form of talking--even a tiny peep resulted in afternoon detention. ++ 大家都要忍受小AB自幹

resolve

verb: reach a conclusion after a discussion or deliberation Synonyms : conclude After much thought, Ted resolved not to travel abroad this summer because he didn't have much money in his bank account. This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

culminate

verb: reach the highest or most decisive point Synonyms : climax Beethoven's musical genius culminated in the 9th Symphony, which many consider his greatest work.

bristle

verb: react in an offended or angry manner Synonyms : abound , burst As we discussed the painting, I noticed the artist's wife bristling at our criticisms, ready to defend her husband's work.

discriminate

verb: recognize or perceive the difference Synonyms : know apart,separate Sarah couldn't discriminate between a good wine and a bad wine, so she avoided wine tastings. This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

degrade

verb: reduce in worth or character, usually verbally 貶低 xxx 的人格 Synonyms : demean , disgrace , put down , take down Jesse had mockingly pointed out all of Nancy's faults in front of their friends, publicly degrading the poor girl.

truncate

verb: reduce the length of something 截短，刪節，縮短（尤指去尾） Synonym: *abridge* The soccer game was truncated when the monsoon rain began to fall.

debase

verb: reduce the quality or value of something 使墮落、貶低 Synonyms : adulterate , dilute , load , stretch The third-rate script so debased the film that not even the flawless acting could save it from being a flop. ++ down + base -->降低標準

snub

verb: refuse to acknowledge; reject outright and bluntly 冷落，怠慢 Synonyms :cut , disregard , ignore, rebuff , repel Wheeler was completely qualified for the committee, but the board snubbed him, choosing an obviously lesser qualified candidate instead.

balk

verb: refuse to comply 猶豫 Synonyms : baulk , jib , resist The students were willing to clean up the broken glass, but when the teacher asked them to mop the entire floor, they balked, citing reasons why they needed to leave. ++ 罢课。因为起床有困难，就拒绝作上课这件事。源于：back－不肯前进

repudiate

verb: reject as untrue or unfounded 拒絕，不接受；否認；批駁 Many in the public believed the rumors of a UFO crash outside town, so the chief of police did everything he could to repudiate the rumors.

spurn

verb: reject with contempt(蔑視；鄙視) 輕蔑地拒絕；摒棄 Synonyms : disdain , freeze off , pooh-pooh , reject , scorn , turn down She spurned all his flattery and proposals, and so he walked off embarrassed and sad.

cede

verb: relinquish possession or control ove （尤指不情願地或被迫）割讓，讓予，放棄 Synonyms : deliver , give up , surrenderr Eventually, all parents must cede control of their growing childrens' educations and allow their offspring some autonomy.

buck

verb: resist Synonyms : go against The profits at our firm bucked the general downturn that affected the real estate industry. ++ 學生罷課對抗學校

circumscribe

verb: restrict or confine 限制；抑制 Synonyms : confine , limit Their tour of South America was circumscribed so that they saw only popular destinations and avoided the dangerous parts of cities.

abrogate

verb: revoke formally 正式廢除，廢止；撤銷 As part of the agreement between the labor union and the company, the workers abrogated their right to strike for four years in exchange for better health insurance.

lampoon

verb: ridicule with satire 諷刺文章；諷刺漫畫 Synonyms : satirise , satirize Mark Twain understood that lampooning a bad idea with humor was the most effective criticism. ++lamp（n.灯），oon＝noon－大中午的用灯照别人－讽刺

pillory

verb: ridicule(奚落) or expose to public scorn 嚴厲抨擊；（尤指）公開批評 Synonyms : gibbet After the candidate confessed, the press of the opposing party took the opportunity to pillory him, printing editorials with the most blatantly exaggerated accusations.

arrogate

verb: seize and control without authority 霸佔；擅取 Synonyms : assume , seize , take over , usurp Arriving at the small town, the outlaw arrogated the privileges of a lord, asking the frightened citizens to provide food, drink, and entertainment. ++ ar+rog+ate=一再要求=霸占 [補] abrogate 正式廢除、廢止

grovel

verb: show submission or fear 卑躬屈膝；奴顏婢膝；俯首貼耳 Synonyms : cower , crawl , creep , cringe , *fawn* Every time Susan comes to the office, Frank grovels as if she were about to fire.

palaver

verb: speak (about unimportant matters) rapidly and incessantly During the rain delay, many who had come to see the game palavered, probably hoping that idle chatter would make the time go by faster.

advocate

verb: speak, plead, or argue in favor of Synonyms : preach While the senator privately approved of gay marriage, he was unwilling to advocate for the cause in a public venue(場所). noun: a person who pleads for a cause or propounds an idea Synonyms : advocator , exponent , proponent Martin Luther King Jr. was a tireless advocate for the rights of African-Americans in the United States. This word has other definitions but these are the most important ones to study

squander

verb: spend thoughtlessly; waste time, money, or an opportunity 浪費，揮霍（金錢或補給品）；糟蹋（機會） Synonyms : blow , waste,consume , ware Fearing his money would be squandered by his family, he gave all of it to charity when he died.

vilify

verb: spread negative information about Synonyms : rail , revile , vituperate Todd was noble after the divorce, choosing to say only complimentary things about Barbara, but Barbara did not hesitate to vilify Todd. ++ lify --> 你很肥!!! ㄟㄟㄟ這是誹謗!!

dissipate

verb: squander or spend money frivolously Synonyms : *squander* The recent graduates dissipated their earnings on trips to Las Vegas and cruises in Mexico. ++ dis+sip(喝,饮),到处吃喝→浪费;sip本身是一个常考单词 verb: to disperse or scatter （使）逐漸消失；（使）逐漸浪費掉 Synonyms : break up , dispel , *disperse* , scatter,spread out Kathleen's perfume was overwhelming in the cramped apartment, but once we stepped outside the smell dissipated and we could breathe once again.

promulgate

verb: state or announce 傳播，宣揚（思想或信仰） Synonyms : exclaim , proclaim The President wanted to promulgate the success of the treaty negotiations, but he had to wait until Congress formally approved the agreement. ++ pro+ mu --> 徙木立信

emulate

verb: strive to equal or match, especially by imitating; compete with successfully 效仿，模仿；和...競爭，努力趕上 To really become fluent in a new language, emulate the speech patterns and intonation of people who speak the language. ++ emul = equal

squelch

verb: suppress or crush completely 鎮壓、壓制 Synonyms : quell , quench After the dictator consolidated his power, he took steps to squelch all criticism, often arresting any journalist who said anything that could be interpreted as negative about his regime.

preempt

verb: take the place of or have precedence over Synonyms : displace A governmental warning about an imminent terrorist attack would preempt ordinary network programming on television.

supplant

verb: take the place or move into the position of Synonyms : replace , supercede , supersede , supervene upon For many, a cell phone has supplanted a traditional phone; in fact, most 20-somethings don't even have a traditional phone anymore. [補] supplicate 懇求

conniving

verb: taking part in immoral and unethical plots 搞陰謀的；暗算他人的 The queen was so conniving that, with the help of the prince, she tried to overthrow the king.

pontificate

verb: talk in a dogmatic and pompous manner 自以為是地發表意見；發表武斷的意見 The vice-president would often pontificate about economic theory, as if no one else in the room were qualified to speak on the topic. ++ pon 胖，tifi 踢飞，cat 猫，e：一个胖教皇踢飞一只猫－自大武断

bridle

verb: the act of restraining power or action or limiting excess 马勒 New curfew laws have bridled people's tendency to go out at night. verb: anger or take offense The hostess bridled at the tactless dinner guests who insisted on eating before everybody had gotten their food.

deliberate

verb: think about carefully; weigh the pros and cons of an issue 深思熟慮的 Synonyms : consider , debate , moot , turn over Emergency situations such as this call for immediate action and leave no room to deliberate over options. This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

castigate

verb: to *reprimand* harshly Synonyms : *chasten* , *chastise* , correct , objurgate Drill sergeants are known to castigate new recruits so mercilessly that the latter often break down during their first week in training. ++criticized based on caste casting=trying to change

espouse

verb: to adopt or support an idea or cause 投身（活動）；支持，擁護（觀點） Synonyms : adopt , embrace , sweep up As a college student, Charlie espoused Marxism, growing his beard out and railing against the evils of the free-market.

maintain

verb: to assert Synonyms : defend The scientist maintained that the extinction of dinosaurs was most likely brought about by a drastic change in climate. This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

perceive

verb: to be aware of, to sense or feel Synonyms : comprehend If hunters are skilled, the animals will not perceive their presence.

qualify

verb: to be eligible for a role, status, or benefit by meeting specific requirements Synonyms : measure up If James had made more than $50,000 last year, then he wouldn't have qualified for the low-income scholarship. verb: to make less severe; to limit (a statement) Synonyms : restrict Chris qualified his love for San Francisco, adding that he didn't like the weather as much as the weather in Los Angeles.

behooves

verb: to be one's duty or obligation 對（某人）來說應該（或理應） The teacher looked down at the student and said, "It would behoove you to be in class on time and complete your homework, so that you don't repeat freshman English for a third straight year."

kowtow

verb: to bow or act in a subservient manner 卑躬屈膝，唯命是從 Synonyms : bootlick , fawn , kotow , suck up , toady , truckle Paul kowtowed to his boss so often the boss herself became nauseated by his sycophancy. ++叩頭

hector

verb: to bully or intimidate 威嚇 Synonyms : ballyrag , boss around , browbeat , bully , bullyrag , push around , strong-arm The boss's hectoring manner put off many employees, some of whom quit as soon as they found new jobs.

chortle

verb: to chuckle, laugh merrily(marry 愉快的^^) Synonyms : chuckle , laugh softly Walking past the bar, I could hear happy, chortling people and the blast of horns from a jazz band.

vindicate

verb: to clear of accusation, blame, suspicion, or doubt with supporting arguments or proof 證明（某人）無辜，澄清 Synonyms : justify Even seven Tour de France wins cannot vindicate Lance Armstrong in the eyes of the public--that the athlete used performance enhancing drugs invalidates all those wins. ++win the case(by justification)

eradicate

verb: to completely destroy Synonyms : exterminate , extirpate , root out , uproot, annihilate , carry off , decimate , eliminate , extinguish , wipe out I tried eradicating the mosquitos in my apartment with a rolled up newspaper, but there were too many of them. ++ out + radic(root) --> 根除、杜絕

corroborate

verb: to confirm or lend support to (usually an idea or claim) Synonyms : affirm , confirm , substantiate , sustain,bear out , support , underpin Her claim that frog populations were falling precipitously（驟然的，急遽的） in Central America was corroborated by locals, who reported that many species of frogs had seemingly vanished overnight.

excoriate

verb: to criticize very harshly Synonyms : condemn , decry , objurgate , reprobate Entrusted with the prototype to his company's latest smartphone, Larry, during a late night karaoke bout, let the prototype slip into the hands of a rival company - the next day Larry was excoriated, and then fired. ++ ex 出，cor＝core（n.果核；核心）－使核心出来－撕去皮；强烈公开谴责（就像撕去别人一层皮）

execrate

verb: to curse and hiss at 咒罵 Synonyms : accurse , anathematise , anathematize , anathemise , anathemize , comminate Though the new sitcom did decently in the ratings, Nelson railed against the show, saying that it was nothing more than an execrable pastiche of tired cliché's and canned laughter. ++ ex 出，secrat 神圣－走出神圣－咒骂desecrate（vt.亵渎；污辱）

fleece

verb: to deceive Synonyms : gazump , hook , overcharge , pluck , plume , rob , soak , surcharge Many people have been fleeced by Internet scams(詐騙) and never received their money back. This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study ++ flee 逃跑 --->騙了你之後就逃跑了!!!

hoodwink

verb: to deceive or trick someone 欺騙，矇騙 Someone tried to hoodwink Marty with an email telling him that his uncle had just passed away, and to collect the inheritance he should send his credit card information. ++ hood(帽兜)+wink(眨眼)→眨眼之间从帽兜中变出(像魔术中一样)→蒙骗

mulct

verb: to defraud or swindle 詐騙 Synonyms : bunco , con , defraud , diddle , gip , goldbrick , gyp , hornswoggle , nobble , rook , scam , short-change , swindle , victimize The so-called magical diet cure simply ended up mulcting Maria out of hundreds of dollars, but did nothing for her weight.

imbibe

verb: to drink or absorb as if drinking 喝，飲（尤指酒） Synonyms : absorb , draw , soak up , sop up , suck , suck up , take in , take up Plato imbibed Socrates' teachings to such an extent that he was able to write volumes of work that he directly attributed, sometimes word for word, to Socrates. ++ im(进入)+bibe(=drink 喝)→喝入

expunge

verb: to eliminate completely Synonyms : excise , scratch , strike - When I turned 18, all of the shoplifting and jaywalking charges were expunged from my criminal record. - His name has been expunged from the list of members.

immure

verb: to enclose, usually in walls Synonyms : gaol , imprison , incarcerate , jail , jug , lag , put away , put behind bars , remand The modern supermarket experience makes many feel claustrophobic, as they are immured in walls upon walls of products. ++ im 进入，mur 墙，e－进入墙－监禁 [補] immune 免疫的

begrudge

verb: to envy someone for possessing or enjoying something 吝惜；捨不得給，抱怨 Synonyms : resent Sitting all alone in his room, Harvey begrudged the happiness of the other children playing outside his window. verb: to give reluctantly We never begrudge money spent on ourselves. ++ be+grudge

beg

verb: to evade or dodge(避開) (a question) By assuming that Charlie was headed to college - which he was not - Maggie begged the question when she asked him to which school he was headed in the Fall.

gerrymander

verb: to manipulate voting districts in order to favor a particular political party 為了贏得選舉，不正當地重劃選區 Years ago, savvy politicians had gerrymandered the city center to ensure their re-election.

censor

verb: to examine and remove objectionable material Synonyms : ban Every fall, high school English teachers are inundated by requests to censor their curriculum by removing The Catcher in the Rye and Scarlet Letter from their reading lists. noun: an official who censors material The censor insisted that every reference to drugs should be removed from the manuscript. ++ 你這個要審查一下哦 (censor)

galvanize

verb: to excite or inspire (someone) to action Synonyms : galvanise , startle At mile 23 of his first marathon, Kyle had all but given up, until he noticed his friends and family holding a banner that read, "Go Kyle"; galvanized, he broke into a gallop(飛跑，疾馳), finishing the last three miles in less than 20 minutes.

reproach

verb: to express criticism towards （尤指因為某人沒成功或沒達到預期目標而）責備，責怪，批評 Synonyms : upbraid At first, Sarah was going to yell at the boy, but she didn't want to reproach him for telling the truth about the situation.

censure

verb: to express strong disapproval 指責，斥責，譴責 Synonyms : animadversion After being caught in bed with a mistress, the mayor was quickly censured by the city council. [補] censor 審查

inundate

verb: to flood or overwhelm Synonyms : deluge , submerge, flood , swamp The newsroom was inundated with false reports that only made it more difficult for the newscasters to provide an objective account of the bank robbery. ++ und- = flow, overflow

indict

verb: to formally charge or accuse of wrong-doing The bankrobber was indicted on several major charges, including possession of a firearm. ++ in 里面，dict 说－在法庭里说－控告

belie

verb: to give a false representation to; misrepresent 演飾 Synonyms : contradict , negate The smile on her face belies the pain she must feel after the death of her husband.

appropriate

verb: to give or take something by force Synonyms : allow , earmark , reserve , set aside,capture , conquer , seize The government appropriated land that was occupied by squatters, sending them scurrying for another place to live. verb: to allocate The committe appropriated the funds to its various members.

wax

verb: to gradually increase in size or intensity Synonyms : climb , mount , rise Her enthusiasm for the diva's new album only waxed with each song; by the end of the album, it was her favorite CD yet. This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

defray

verb: to help pay the cost of, either in part of full 尤指組織支付，承擔（費用） In order for Sean to attend the prestigious college, his generous uncle helped defray the excessive tuition with a monthly donation.

stem

verb: to hold back or limit the flow or growth of something 阻止 (起源於) To stem the tide of applications, the prestigious Ivy requires that each applicant score at least 330 on the Revised GRE. This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

demean

verb: to insult; to cause someone to lose dignity or respect Synonyms : degrade , disgrace , put down , take down At first the soccer players bantered back and forth, but as soon as one of the players became demeaning, calling the other's mother a water buffalo, the ref whipped out a red card.

cow

verb: to intimidate (恫嚇，恐嚇) Synonyms : overawe Do not be cowed by a 3,000-word vocabulary list: turn that list into a deck of flashcards!

exasperate

verb: to irritate intensely 激怒，使氣惱，使煩惱 Synonyms : aggravate , exacerbate , exacerbate , worsen, *incense* , infuriate As a child, I exasperated my mother with strings of never-ending questions. [補] aspersion 毀謗 ex. after heard such a aspersion, I feel very exasperated.

check

verb: to limit (usually modifying the growth of something) Deserted for six months, the property began to look more like a jungle and less like a residence - weeds grew unchecked in the front yard noun: the condition of being held back or limited When government abuses are not kept in check, that government is likely to become autocratic. This word has other definitions but these are the most important ones to study

hedge

verb: to limit or qualify a statement; to avoid making a direct statement （尤指花園、田地或馬路邊緣的）樹籬 Synonyms : circumvent , dodge , duck , elude , evade , fudge , parry , put off , sidestep , skirt When asked why he had decided to buy millions of shares at the very moment the tech companies stock soared, the CEO hedged, mentioning something vague about gut instinct. ++ h＝high，edge 边：edge 比较high－篱笆

inure

verb: to make accustomed to something unpleasant 對於某些不好的事物已經習慣、不會覺得怎樣了 - Synonyms : harden , indurate - Three years of Manhattan living has inured her to the sound of wailing sirens; she could probably sleep through the apocalypse.

err

verb: to make an error Synonyms : mistake , slip He erred in thinking that "indigent" and "indignant" were synonyms.

consecrate

verb: to make holy or set apart for a high purpose 使聖化；把...奉爲神聖；給...祝聖 Synonyms : bless , hallow , sanctify At the church of Notre Dame in France, the new High Altar was consecrated in 1182.

unnerve

verb: to make nervous or upset Synonyms : enervate , faze , unsettle At one time unnerved by math problems, she began avidly "Magoosh-ing", and soon became adept at even combinations and permutations questions. ++ 使神經失去功能= enervate

remonstrate

verb: to make objections while pleading 抗議；反對；抱怨 Synonyms : *lambaste* , lecture , rag , *rebuke* , *reprimand* , reproof , scold , trounce The mothers of the kidnapped victims remonstrated to the rogue(異常的；行為失常的) government to release their children, claiming that the detention(拘留，關押) violated human rights.

mollify

verb: to make someone angry less angry; placate Synonyms : season , temper In the morning, Harriat was unable to mollify Harry, if he happened to become angry, unless he had his cup of coffee.

disabuse

verb: to persuade somebody that his/her belief is not valid 使改變想法；使消除誤解 As a child, I was quickly disabused of the notion that Santa Claus was a rotund benefactor of infinite largess - one night I saw my mother diligently wrapping presents and storing them under our Christmas tree.

badger

verb: to pester (糾纏不清) Synonyms : beleaguer , bug , pester , tease Badgered by his parents to find a job, the 30-year-old loafer instead joined a gang of itinerant musicians. This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

propitiate

verb: to placate or appease 使息怒；勸解；撫慰 The two sons, plying their angry father with cheesy(劣質的，低級的；) neckties(領帶) for Christmas, were hardly able to propitiate him - the father already had a drawer full of ones he had never worn before or ever planned to. [補] propitious 吉利的

contrive

verb: to pull off a plan or scheme, usually through skill or trickery (策畫，有cunning的意味) Synonyms : devise , excogitate , forge , formulate , invent Despite a low GPA, he contrived to get into college, going so far as to write his own glowing letters of recommendation. This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

hound

verb: to pursue relentlessly Synonyms : hunt , trace An implacable(無法改變的) foe(敵人) of corruption, Eliot Ness hounded out graft(移植的皮膚) in all forms - he even helped nab Al Capone. This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study ++ 公狗發情，殘酷地追求母狗

dog

verb: to pursue relentlessly(毫不留情地、毫不間斷地); to hound Synonyms : chase , chase after , give chase , go after , tag , tail , track , trail Throughout his life, he was dogged by insecurities that inhibited personal growth. This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

peruse

verb: to read very carefully Instead of perusing important documents, people all too often rush to the bottom of the page and plaster their signatures at the bottom.

expurgate

verb: to remove objectionable material 刪除（不當之處）；刪去（可能使人反感的地方） Synonyms : bowdlerise , bowdlerize , castrate , shorten The censor expurgated every reference to sex and drugs, converting the rapper's raunchy flow into a series of bleeps. ++ ex+purg冲洗+ate=冲洗出来=净化

chastise

verb: to reprimand harshly Synonyms : *castigate , chasten , correct , objurgate* Though chastised for eating the snacks for the party, Lawrence shrugged off his mother's harsh words, and continued to plow through jars of cookies and boxes of donuts.

chastise

verb: to reprimand harshly Synonyms : castigate , chasten , correct , objurgate Though chastised for eating the snacks for the party, Lawrence shrugged off his mother's harsh words, and continued to plow through jars of cookies and boxes of donuts.

venerate

verb: to respect deeply Synonyms : fear , revere , reverence The professor, despite his sleep-inducing lectures, was venerated amongst his colleagues, publishing more papers yearly than all of his peers combined.

betray

verb: to reveal or make known something, usually unintentionally Synonyms : bewray With the gold medal at stake, the gymnast awaited his turn, his quivering lip betraying his intense emotions.

enervate

verb: to sap energy from Synonyms : faze , unnerve , unsettle John preferred to avoid equatorial countries; the intense sun would always leave him enervated after he'd spent the day sightseeing.

ferret

verb: to search for something persistently 雪貂--->持續不懈直到找到為止，跟雪貂一樣 Synonyms : ferret out Ever the resourceful(足智多謀的) lexicographer, Fenton was able to ferret out the word origin of highly obscure words. This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

adjudicate

verb: to serve as a judge in a competition; to arrive at a judgment or conclusion 擔任裁判；判決，裁定，裁決 Synonyms : decide , resolve , settle,judge , try Only those with the most refined palates were able to adjudicate during the barbeque competition.

prevaricate

verb: to speak in an evasive way. 含糊其詞 Synonyms : beat around the bush , equivocate All my attempts to question the authorities on the subject were met by prevarication.

equivocate

verb: to speak vaguely, usually with the intention to mislead or deceive Synonyms : beat around the bush , palter , prevaricate , tergiversate After Sharon brought the car home an hour after her curfew, she equivocated when her parents pointedly asked her where she had been.

mesmerize

verb: to spellbind(使入迷) or enthrall (使入迷) Synonyms : bewitch , magnetise , magnetize , mesmerise The plot and the characters were so well developed that many viewers were mesmerized, unable to move their eyes from the screen for even a single second.

exhort

verb: to strongly urge on; encourage Synonyms : barrack , cheer , inspire , pep up , root on , urge , urge on Nelson's parents exhorted him to study medicine, urging him to choose a respectable profession; intransigent, Nelson left home to become a graffiti artist.

start

verb: to suddenly move in a particular direction All alone in the mansion, Henrietta started when she heard a sound. This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

intimate

verb: to suggest something subtly 暗示 Synonyms : adumbrate , insinuate At first Manfred's teachers intimated to his parents that he was not suited to skip a grade; when his parents protested, teachers explicitly told them that, notwithstanding the boy's precocity, he was simply too immature to jump to the 6th grade. This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study ++mother intimates father whenever to buy anything ++cozy feelings ++private ++close friend tell my story

underwrite

verb: to support financially Synonyms : subvent , subvention The latest symphony broadcast was made possible with underwriting from the Carnegie Endowment.

hobble

verb: to walk in an awkward way, usually because the feet or legs are injured 一瘸一拐地行走，跛行 - Synonyms : gimp , hitch , limp - Bad weather has hobbled rescue efforts, making it difficult for crews to find bodies in the wreckage. ++ 好ball－好一个ball把李洪志摔了一个狗吃屎（gaucherie n.笨拙），使他hobble 了。

meander

verb: to wander aimlessly 蜿蜒，迂迴曲折 Synonyms : thread , wander , weave , wind A casual observer might have thought that Peter was meandering through the city, but that day he was actually seeking out those places where he and his long lost love had once visited.

pine

verb: to yearn(渴望) for Synonyms : ache , languish , yearn , yen Standing forlornly by the window, she pined for her lost love. This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

patronize

verb: treat condescendingly(降格去做...) Synonyms : condescend , patronise She says she genuinely(真正的) wanted to help me, but instead she patronized me, constantly pointing out how I was inferior(比較差的) to her. This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

deride

verb: treat or speak of with contempt The nun derided the students for trying to sneak insects and worms into the classroom. ++ down + laugh

cosseted

verb: treat with excessive indulgence The king and queen cosseted the young prince, giving him a prized miniature pony for his fifth birthday. ++ 悲慘世界裡面的 coset 很受尚萬強溺愛

foment

verb: try to stir up public opinion 挑起，激起，煽動（事端） Synonyms : agitate , stir up After having his pay cut, Phil spread *vicious* rumors about his boss, hoping to foment a general feeling of discontent. ++ ferment（v.使发酵，激动，动乱）

deter

verb: turn away from by persuasion Synonyms : dissuade His mother tried to deter him from joining the army, but he was too intoxicated with the idea of war to listen. verb: try to prevent; show opposition to Synonyms : discourage The government's primary job should involve deterring paths to war, not finding ways to start them. deter v 吓住,威慑(de不动+ter[=terr]=下得不动了=吓住)

avert

verb: turn away 防止，避免 Afraid to see the aftermath of the car crash, I averted my eyes as we drove by. verb: ward off or prevent Synonyms : avoid , debar , deflect , fend off , forefend , forfend , head off , obviate , stave off , ward off The struggling videogame company put all of its finances into one final, desperate project to avert bankruptcy.

nonplussed

verb: unsure how to act or respond 驚慌的；迷惑的；不知所措的 Shirley was totally nonplussed when the angry motorist cut her off and then stuck his finger out the window.

goad

verb: urge on with unpleasant comments （不停地）招惹，激怒；刺激；驅使 Synonyms : prick,needle Doug did not want to enter the race, but Jim, through a steady stream of taunts, goaded him into signing up for it. ++ goad somebody toward a goal

maunder

verb: wander aimlessly - Max liked to maunder down by the seaside and pick up whatever sea shells he would stumble upon. verb: speak (about unimportant matters) rapidly and incessantly - After drinking two espressos each, the animated couple would maunder loudly, annoying the other patrons in the coffee shop.

noisome

very unpleasant and offensive 極令人不快的；令人厭惡的 a noisome stench 惡臭

obnoxious

very unpleasant or rude 可憎的，令人討厭的；粗魯無禮的 Some of his colleagues say that he's loud and obnoxious. 他的一些同事說他這個人又愛出風頭又惹人討厭。 When she's in a bad mood she's obnoxious to everyone. 她發脾氣的時候，人人都很討厭她。

peddle

兜售；（尤指）巡迴銷售 These products are generally peddled (from) door to door. 這些產品通常是挨家挨戶進行兜售的。 He travels around, peddling his wares. 他四處遊走，兜售他的貨物

colon

冒號 :

discern (v)

分辨 (MW) to recognize or identify as separate and distinct: DISCRIMINATE <discern right from wrong>

enumerate

列舉

undercut (v)

削弱 (= undermine) (MW) to undermine or destroy the force, value, or effectiveness of <inflation undercuts consumer buying power>

pragmatic

務實的

quirky (a)

古怪有趣的 (AL) unusual especially in an interesting or appealing way [衍] quirkiness (n) [衍] quirk (n) a peculiar trait: IDIOSYNCRASY "個人習性"

marketable (a)

可銷售的 (MW) wanted by purchasers or employers: SALABLE <marketable securities> <marketable skills> [衍] marketability (n) "可銷售性"。

miser

吝嗇鬼!!

rant

咆哮

hypersomnia

嗜睡

infamy

壞名聲 ++ 來自 infamous

infested

大量出沒的 pests like aphids which infest cereal crops.

insomnia

失眠

the leading actress

女主角

utterly

完全地

expertise

專業知識

caustic

尖酸刻薄的評論讓你怒火中燒 sarcastically biting; burning His abrasive wit and caustic comments were an interviewer's nightmare.

robust

強壯、堅固的

tributary

支流

manifest

明顯的 ...the manifest failure of the policies.

conducive

有利的，有助的，有益的 Studying in a quiet room is conducive to learning; studying in a noisy environment makes learning more difficult.

discrepant (a)

有差別的 (= different) (MW) being at variance: DISAGREEING <widely discrepant conclusions> [衍] discrepancy (n) - There is some discrepancy between the two accounts. - The committee is reportedly unhappy about the discrepancy in numbers. ++ dis- (apart) + crep(crack) + -ancy

rubber

橡膠

duplicity (n)

欺騙 (MW) contradictory doubleness of thought, speech, or action especially: the belying of one's true intentions by deceptive words or action

prevailing

流行的;

murky (a)

混濁的 (MW) characterized by a heavy dimness (暗) or obscurity (模糊) caused by or like that caused by overhanging fog or smoke [衍] murkiness (n)

tirade

激烈的長篇演說

disinterestedness

無私的

the leading actor

男主角

trope (n)

老生常談 (MW) a common or overused theme or device: CLICHE <the usual horror movie tropes>

pompous

自大浮誇的; arrogant;bombastic

obsessed

著迷的

hyperbolize (v)

誇張 (= exaggerate) (MW) to exaggerate to a hyperbolic degree [衍] hyperbolic (a) [衍] hyperbole (n) extravagant (極度的) exaggeration (as "mile-high ice-cream cones")

understated (a)

輕描淡寫的 (MW) avoiding obvious emphasis or embellishment <a powerful understated performance> [衍] understatement (n) - He's very elegant, in an understated way. ++ under 下，state（v.陈述），d：轻描淡写

fringe (n)

邊緣、不重要的事物 (名詞轉形容詞用) (MW) something that is marginal, additional, or secondary to some activity, process, or subject <a fringe sport>

metaphor

隱喻