Trial

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take out of context

[phrase] 断章取义: without the surrounding words or circumstances and so not fully understandable: comments that aides have long insisted were ~ed ~ ~ ~.

be bogged down

[phrase](of a person or process) be unable to make progress: you must not ~ ~ ~ in detail

fraught with

[phrase](of a situation or course of action) filled with or destined to result in (something undesirable): marketing any new product is ~ with danger.

bliss out

[phrase](~ ~ or be ~ed ~) informal reach a state of perfect happiness, typically so as to be oblivious of everything else: [ as adj. ] : ~ed-~ hippies.

toy with

[phrase]I was ~ing ~ the idea of writing a book.

with the proviso that

[phrase]a condition attached to an agreement: he left his unborn grandchild a trust fund ~ ~ ~ ~ he be named after the old man.

a plethora of

[phrase]a large or excessive amount of (something): a ~ of committees and subcommittees.

a dearth of

[phrase]a scarcity or lack of something: there is ~ ~ ~ evidence.

in abeyance

[phrase]a state of temporary disuse or suspension: matters were held in abeyance pending further inquiries.||被搁置

be inured to

[phrase]accustom (someone) to something, especially something unpleasant: these children have been(~) ~ ~ violence.

concur with

[phrase]agree with (a decision, opinion, or finding): we strongly ~ ~ this recommendation.

a glut of

[phrase]an excessively abundant supply of something: there is ~ ~ ~ cars on the market.

jibe with

[phrase]be in accord; agree: the verdict does not ~ ~ the medical evidence.

mesh with

[phrase]be in or bring into harmony: [ no obj. ] : her memory of events doesn't ~ with the world around her.||原意:网

be infatuated with

[phrase]be inspired with an intense but short-lived passion or admiration for: she ~ ~ed ~ a handsome police chief.

wreak havoc

[phrase]cause a large amount of damage or harm: torrential rainstorms ~ed ~ yesterday.|schoolchildren ~ing ~ in the classroom.

rail against/at/about

[phrase]complain or protest strongly and persistently about: he ~ed ~ human fickleness.

hew to

[phrase]conform or adhere to: some artists took photographs that ~ed ~ more traditional ideas of art.

pay obeisance to

[phrase]deferential respect: they ~ed ~ ~ the prince.

flirt with

[phrase]deliberately expose oneself to (danger or difficulty): the need of some individuals to ~ ~ death.

on a whim

[phrase]done without thinking seriously about the consequences: Web patrons are a notoriously fickle lot, bouncing from one site to another ~ ~ ~.

in light of

[phrase]drawing knowledge or information from; taking (something) into consideration: the exorbitant prices are explainable ~ ~ ~ ~ the facts.

lash someone into

[phrase]drive someone into (a particular state or condition): fear ~ed him(~) ~ a frenzy.||原意:鞭打

goof off

[phrase]evade a duty; idle or shirk: he was ~ing ~ from his math homework.

come and go

[phrase]exist or be present for a limited time; be transitory:health fads ~ ~ ~.

condole with

[phrase]express sympathy for (someone); grieve with: the priest came to ~ ~ Madeleine.

doze off

[phrase]fall lightly asleep: I ~ed off for a few seconds.

hanker after/for/to do something

[phrase]feel a strong desire for or to do something: his wife accused him of ~ing ~ adultery | she ~ed ~ go back.

balk at

[phrase]hesitate or be unwilling to accept an idea or undertaking: any gardener will at first ~ ~ enclosing the garden.

be consonant with

[phrase]in agreement or harmony with: the findings are(~) ~ ~ other research.

din something into

[phrase]make (someone) learn or remember something by constant repetition: the doctrine that has been ~ed into all our heads.

buck up

[phrase]make (someone) more cheerful: Bella and Jim need me to ~ them ~ | [ no obj. ] ~ ~, kid, it's not the end of the world.||振作

flatter oneself

[phrase]make oneself feel pleased by believing something favorable about oneself, typically something that is unfounded: [ with clause ] : I ~ myself(~) I'm the best dressed man here.

bum someone out

[phrase]make someone feel annoyed, upset, or disappointed: it really ~ed me(~) ~ when he forgot my birthday.

at rest

[phrase]not agitated or troubled; tranquil: he felt ~ ~, the tension gone | if you think something's wrong, consult the doctor and put your mind ~ ~.

pry something out of/from

[phrase]obtain something from (someone) with effort or difficulty: I got the loan, though I had to ~ it(~) ~ ~ him.

pull oneself together

[phrase]recover control of one's emotions: He's finding it hard to ~ himself(~) ~ after the accident.

advert to

[phrase]refer to in speaking or writing: he had failed to ~ ~ the consequences that his conduct was having.

make amends for

[phrase]reparation or compensation: try to make ~ for the rude way you spoke to Lucy.

connive at/in

[phrase]secretly allow (something considered immoral, illegal, wrong, or harmful) to occur: you have it in your power to ~ ~ my escape.

redolent of/with

[phrase]strongly reminiscent or suggestive of (something): names ~ ~ history and tradition.

dabble in

[phrase]take part in an activity in a casual or superficial way: he ~ed ~ writing as a young man.||涉足

at the outset

[phrase]the start or beginning of something: a field of which he had known nothing ~ ~ ~ and learned on the job.

goad someone on

[phrase]to urge someone onward, possibly with jeers or challenges; to urge someone to continue. (Usually in this order.) The cheering crowd ~ed the team(~) ~ to victory. ||I ~ed Jed(~) ~ to taking the risk.

gloss over

[phrase]try to conceal or disguise (something embarrassing or unfavorable) by treating it briefly or representing it misleadingly: the social costs of this growth are ~ed ~.||原意:给...上光

impervious to

[phrase]unable to be affected by: he worked, apparently ~ ~ the heat.||原意:不能渗透的

in check

[phrase]under control: a way of keeping inflation ~ ~.

hammer away

[phrase]work hard and persistently: for six months I have been ~ing ~ at a plot.

bear out

[phrase]作证: I think you will ~ me ~ on this.

have the gall to do something

[phrase]厚脸皮做某事: they don't ~ ~ ~ ~ say(~) it straight out

confine oneself to

[phrase]将自己局限于某事/做某事: please ~ yourself(~) ~ the facts.

blurt out

[phrase]脱口而出:he ~ed everything ~

border on

[phrase]近似于:This kind of risk ~es ~ insanity.

nerve oneself to do something

[phrase]鼓起勇气做某事:she ~ed herself(~) ~ enter(~) the room.

snarl

[v,].(of an animal such as a dog) make an aggressive growl with bared teeth: (as adj. ~ing) : ~ing Dobermans.

abjure

[v,].solemnly renounce (a belief, cause, or claim): his refusal to ~ the Catholic faith.

malfunction

[v. & n.](of a piece of equipment or machinery) fail to function normally or satisfactorily: the unit is clearly ~ing.

glitch

[v. & n.]a sudden, usually temporary malfunction or irregularity of equipment: a draft version was lost in a computer ~.||失灵

enamel

[v./n.]给...涂瓷釉;瓷釉:an ~ed roasting pan.

founder

[v.] (of a plan or undertaking) fail or break down, typically as a result of a particular problem or setback: the talks ~ed on the issue of reform.

gorge

[v.] eat a large amount greedily; fill oneself with food: the river comes alive during March when fish ~ on caddisworms | we used to go to all the little restaurants there and ~ ourselves.

scintillate

[v.] emit flashes of light; sparkle.

beleaguer

[v.] lay siege to: he is leading a relief force to the aid of the ~ed city.

squint

[v.] look at someone or something with one or both eyes partly closed in an attempt to see more clearly or as a reaction to strong light: the bright sun made them ~.

jabber

[v.] talk rapidly and excitedly but with little sense: he ~ed away to his friends.

roil

[v.] to stir up; disorder: he roiled the brook with his wood stick.

brook

[v.] tolerate or allow (something, typically dissent or opposition): Jenny would ~ no criticism of Matthew.

cozen

[v.] trick or deceive: do not think to ~ your contemporaries.

pucker

[v.](especially with reference to a person's face) tightly gather or contract into wrinkles or small folds: [ no obj. ] : her brows ~ed in a frown | [ with obj. ] : the baby stirred, ~ing up its tiny face.

macerate

[v.](especially with reference to food) soften or become softened by soaking in a liquid.

stipple

[v.](in drawing, painting, and engraving) mark (a surface) with numerous small dots or specks: (as noun ~ing) : the miniaturist's use of ~ing.

incubate

[v.](of a bird) sit on (eggs) in order to keep them warm and bring them to hatching.||孵化

peck

[v.](of a bird) strike or bite something with its beak. [ no obj. ] two geese were ~ing at some grain | vultures swooping down to ~ out the calf's eyes | [ with obj. ] : beaks may be cut off to stop the hens ~ing each other.||啄

rankle

[v.](of a comment, event, or fact) cause annoyance or resentment that persists: the casual manner of his dismissal still ~es.

retrench

[v.](of a company, government, or individual) reduce costs or spending in response to economic difficulty: as a result of the recession the company ~ed | [ with obj. ] : if people are forced to ~ their expenditure trade will suffer.

recidivate

[v.](of a convicted criminal) reoffend: offenders involved with drugs were more likely to ~.

trickle

[v.](of a liquid) flow in a small stream: a solitary tear ~ed down her cheek | (as adj. ~ing) : a ~ing brook.

abdicate

[v.](of a monarch) renounce one's throne: in 1918 Kaiser Wilhelm ~ed as German emperor | [ with obj. ] : Ferdinand ~ed the throne in favor of the emperor's brother.

lurk

[v.](of a person or animal) be or remain hidden so as to wait in ambush(伏击) for someone or something: a ruthless killer still ~ed in the darkness.

lurch

[n.]an abrupt uncontrolled movement, especially an unsteady tilt or roll: the boat gave a violent ~, and he missed his footing.||[v.]make an abrupt, unsteady, uncontrolled movement or series of movements; stagger: the car ~ed forward | Stuart lurched to his feet | figurative : he was ~ing from one crisis to the next.

charade

[n.]an absurd pretense intended to create a pleasant or respectable appearance: talk of unity was nothing more than a ~.||装模作样

profusion

[n.]an abundance or large quantity of something: a rich ~ of wildflowers | the foxgloves growing in ~ among the ferns.

bailout

[n.]an act of giving financial assistance to a failing business or economy to save it from collapse.

soliloquy

[n.]an act of speaking one's thoughts aloud when by oneself or regardless of any hearers, especially by a character in a play.

tribute

[n.]an act, statement, or gift that is intended to show gratitude, respect, or admiration: the video is a ~ to the musicals of the '40s | a symposium organized to pay ~ to Darwin.

filibuster

[n.]an action such as a prolonged speech that obstructs progress in a legislative assembly while not technically contravening the required procedures: it was defeated by a Senate ~ in June.||用冗长的演讲来阻挠行动(exm???)

delirium

[n.]an acutely disturbed state of mind that occurs in fever, intoxication, and other disorders and is characterized by restlessness, illusions, and incoherence of thought and speech.

surcharge

[n.]an additional charge or payment: we guarantee that no ~s will be added to the cost of your trip.

truce

[n.]an agreement between enemies or opponents to stop fighting or arguing for a certain time: the guerrillas called a three-day ~.

proclivity

[[n.]a tendency to choose or do something regularly; an inclination or predisposition toward a particular thing: a ~ for hard work.

headlong

[adj. & adv.]in a rush; with reckless haste: [ as attrib. adj. ] : a ~ dash through the house | [ as adv. ] : those who rush ~ to join in the latest craze.

commonsensical

[adj. of common sense]good sense and sound judgment in practical matters: use your ~ ~ | [ as modifier ] : a ~-~ approach.

aloft

[adj.& adv.]up in or into the air; overhead: the congregation sways, hands ~ | [ as adv. ] : she held her glass ~.

virile

[adj.] (of a man) having strength, energy, and a strong sex drive.

slipshod

[adj.] (typically of a person or method of work) characterized by a lack of care, thought, or organization: he'd caused many problems with his ~ management.

acrid

[adj.] having an irritatingly strong and unpleasant taste or smell: ~ fumes.

ambrosial

[adj.] something extremely pleasing to taste or smell: the ~ aroma of the roast stimulated our appetites.

analgesic

[adj.](chiefly of a drug) acting to relieve pain.||止痛药

septic

[adj.](chiefly of a wound or a part of the body) infected with bacteria.

contumacious

[adj.](especially of a defendant's behavior) stubbornly or willfully disobedient to authority.

ramshackle

[adj.](especially of a house or vehicle) in a state of severe disrepair: a ~ cottage.

natty

[adj.](especially of a person or an article of clothing) smart and fashionable: a ~ blue blazer and designer jeans.

recumbent

[adj.](especially of a person or human figure) lying down: ~ statues.

slovenly

[adj.](especially of a person or their appearance) messy and dirty: he was upbraided for his ~ appearance.

immaculate

[adj.](especially of a person or their clothes) perfectly clean, neat, or tidy: an ~ white suit.

lithe

[adj.](especially of a person's body) thin, supple, and graceful.

peremptory

[adj.](especially of a person's manner or actions) insisting on immediate attention or obedience, especially in a brusquely imperious way: "Just do it!" came the ~ reply.

unkempt

[adj.](especially of a person) having an untidy or disheveled appearance: they were unwashed and ~.

palmy

[adj.](especially of a previous period of time) flourishing or successful: the ~ days of the 1970s.

crook

[adj.](especially of a situation) bad, unpleasant, or unsatisfactory: it was pretty ~ on the land in the early 1970s.

callow

[adj.](especially of a young person) inexperienced and immature: earnest and ~ undergraduates.

feral

[adj.](especially of an animal) in a wild state, especially after escape from captivity or domestication: a ~ cat.

sprightly

[adj.](especially of an old person) lively; full of energy: she was quite ~ for her age.

diaphanous

[adj.](especially of fabric) light, delicate, and translucent: a ~ dress of pale gold.

commodious

[adj.](especially of furniture or a building) roomy and comfortable.

mordant

[adj.](especially of humor) having or showing a sharp or critical quality; biting: a ~ sense of humor.

rubicund

[adj.](especially of someone's face) having a ruddy complexion; high-colored.

rife

[adj.](especially of something undesirable or harmful) of common occurrence; widespread: male chauvinism was ~ in medicine in those days.

succinct

[adj.](especially of something written or spoken) briefly and clearly expressed: use short, ~ sentences.

dulcet

[adj.](especially of sound) sweet and soothing (often used ironically): record the ~ tones of your family and friends.

salutary

[adj.](especially with reference to something unwelcome or unpleasant) producing good effects; beneficial: a ~ reminder of where we came from.

endemic

[adj.](of a disease or condition) regularly found among particular people or in a certain area: areas where malaria is ~ | complacency is ~ in industry today.

pandemic

[adj.](of a disease) prevalent(流行的) over a whole country or the world.

abiding

[adj.](of a feeling or a memory) lasting a long time; enduring: he had an ~ respect for her.

unrequited

[adj.](of a feeling, especially love) not returned or rewarded.

ingrained

[adj.](of a habit, belief, or attitude) firmly fixed or established; difficult to change: his deeply ~ Catholic convictions.

piebald

[adj.](of a horse) having irregular patches of two colors, typically black and white.

turbid

[adj.](of a liquid) cloudy, opaque, or thick with suspended matter: the ~ estuary.

limpid

[adj.](of a liquid) free of anything that darkens; completely clear.

loutish

[adj.](of a man or boy) uncouth(粗鲁的) and aggressive.

corrugated

[adj.](of a material, surface, or structure) shaped into alternate ridges and grooves: the roof was made of ~ iron.||有褶皱的

labyrinthine

[adj.](of a network) like a labyrinth(迷宫); irregular and twisting: ~ streets and alleys.

shiftless

[adj.](of a person or action) characterized by laziness, indolence, and a lack of ambition: a ~ lot of good-for-nothings.

ingenuous

[adj.](of a person or action) innocent and unsuspecting.

sedulous

[adj.](of a person or action) showing dedication and diligence: he watched himself with the most ~ care.

tractable

[adj.](of a person or animal) easy to control or influence: ~ dogs that have had some obedience training.

brittle

[adj.](of a person or behavior) appearing aggressive or hard but unstable or nervous within: her manner was artificially bright and brittle.||外强中干的

spindly

[adj.](of a person or limb) long or tall and thin: ~ arms and legs.

ungainly

[adj.](of a person or movement) awkward; clumsy: an ~ walk.

philanthropic

[adj.](of a person or organization) seeking to promote the welfare of others, especially by donating money to good causes; generous and benevolent: they receive financial support from ~ bodies.

languish

[adj.](of a person or other living thing) lose or lack vitality; grow weak or feeble: plants may appear to be ~ing simply because they are dormant(休眠的).

uncouth

[adj.](of a person or their appearance or behavior) lacking good manners, refinement, or grace: he is unwashed, ~, and drunk most of the time.

gallant

[adj.](of a person or their behavior) brave; heroic: she had made ~ efforts to pull herself together

gallant

[adj.](of a person or their behavior) brave; heroic: she had made ~ efforts to pull herself together.

mercenary

[adj.](of a person or their behavior) primarily concerned with making money at the expense of ethics: she's nothing but a ~ little gold digger

flamboyant

[adj.](of a person or their behavior) tending to attract attention because of their exuberance, confidence, and stylishness: a flamboyant display of aerobatics | she is outgoing and ~, continuously talking and joking.

sturdy

[adj.](of a person or their body) strongly and solidly built: he had a ~, muscular physique.

lissome

[adj.](of a person or their body) thin, supple, and graceful.

expansive

[adj.](of a person or their manner) open, demonstrative, and communicative: she felt ~ and inclined to talk.

saturnine

[adj.](of a person or their manner) slow and gloomy: a ~ temperament.

incorrigible

[adj.](of a person or their tendencies) not able to be corrected, improved, or reformed: she's an ~ flirt.

wan

[adj.](of a person's complexion or appearance) pale and giving the impression of illness or exhaustion: she was looking ~ and bleary-eyed.

pallid

[adj.](of a person's face) pale, typically because of poor health.

stentorian

[adj.](of a person's voice) loud and powerful: he introduced me to the staff with a ~ announcement.

effete

[adj.](of a person) affected, overrefined, and ineffectual: ~ trendies from art college.

stolid

[adj.](of a person) calm, dependable, and showing little emotion or animation.

ingenious

[adj.](of a person) clever, original, and inventive: he was ~ enough to overcome the limited budget.

unctuous

[adj.](of a person) excessively or ingratiatingly flattering; oily: he seemed anxious to please but not in an ~ way.

gregarious

[adj.](of a person) fond of company; sociable: he was a popular and ~ man.

redoubtable

[adj.](of a person) formidable, especially as an opponent: he was a ~ debater.

beneficent

[adj.](of a person) generous or doing good.

chronic

[adj.](of a person) having an illness persisting for a long time or constantly recurring: a ~ asthmatic(哮喘).

wretched

[adj.](of a person) in a very unhappy or unfortunate state: I felt so ~ed because I thought I might never see you again.

green

[adj.](of a person) inexperienced, naive, or gullible: a ~ recruit fresh from college.

needy

[adj.](of a person) lacking the necessities of life; very poor: ~ and elderly people.

supine

[adj.](of a person) lying face upward.

unlettered

[adj.](of a person) poorly educated or illiterate.

svelte

[adj.](of a person) slender and elegant.

gangly

[adj.](of a person) tall, thin, and awkward in movements or bearing.

sedentary

[adj.](of a person) tending to spend much time seated; somewhat inactive.

homely

[adj.](of a person) unattractive in appearance.

frail

[adj.](of a person) weak and delicate: a ~ voice | she looked ~ and vulnerable.

mischievous

[adj.](of a person, animal, or their behavior) causing or showing a fondness for causing trouble in a playful way: two ~ kittens had decorated the bed with shredded newspaper.

urbane

[adj.](of a person, especially a man) suave, courteous, and refined in manner.

hale

[adj.](of a person, especially an elderly one) strong and healthy: only just sixty, very ~ and hearty.

boisterous

[adj.](of a person, event, or behavior) noisy, energetic, and cheerful; rowdy: the ~ conviviality associated with taverns of that period.

laconic

[adj.](of a person, speech, or style of writing) using very few words: his ~ reply suggested a lack of interest in the topic.

brassy

[adj.](of a person, typically a woman) tastelessly showy or loud in appearance or manner: her ~, audacious(放肆的) exterior.

squalid

[adj.](of a place) extremely dirty and unpleasant, especially as a result of poverty or neglect: the ~, overcrowded prison.

exorbitant

[adj.](of a price or amount charged) unreasonably high: the ~ price of tickets.

knotty

[adj.](of a problem or matter) extremely difficult or intricate.||原意:多结的

latent

[adj.](of a quality or state) existing but not yet developed or manifest; hidden; concealed: discovering her ~ talent for diplomacy.

trite

[adj.](of a remark, opinion, or idea) overused and consequently of little import; lacking originality or freshness: this point may now seem obvious and ~.

hermetic

[adj.](of a seal or closure) complete and airtight: a ~ seal that ensures perfect waterproofing.

dire

[adj.](of a situation or event) extremely serious or urgent: ~ consequences.

slanderous

[adj.](of a spoken statement) false and malicious: ~ allegations.||诽谤性的

subliminal

[adj.](of a stimulus or mental process) below the threshold of sensation or consciousness; perceived by or affecting someone's mind without their being aware of it.

heartrending

[adj.](of a story or event) causing great sadness or distress.

apocryphal

[adj.](of a story or statement) of doubtful authenticity, although widely circulated as being true: an ~ story about a former president.

rickety

[adj.](of a structure or piece of equipment) poorly made and likely to collapse: we went carefully up the ~ stairs | figurative : a ~ banking system.

translucent

[adj.](of a substance) allowing light, but not detailed images, to pass through; semitransparent: fry until the onions become ~.

byzantine

[adj.](of a system or situation) excessively complicated, typically involving a great deal of administrative detail: ~ insurance regulations.

bootless

[adj.](of a task or undertaking) ineffectual; useless: words at this pass were vain and ~.

limber

[adj.](of a thing) flexible: ~ graphite(石墨) fishing rods(钓竿).

opportune

[adj.](of a time) well-chosen or particularly favorable or appropriate: he couldn't have arrived at a less ~ moment.

husky

[adj.](of a voice or utterance) sounding low-pitched and slightly hoarse.

mellifluous

[adj.](of a voice or words) sweet or musical; pleasant to hear: the voice was ~ and smooth.

seminal

[adj.](of a work, event, moment, or figure) strongly influencing later developments: his ~ work on chaos theory.

mannered

[adj.](of a writer, artist, or artistic style) marked by idiosyncratic mannerisms; artificial, stilted, and overelaborate in delivery: inane dialogue and ~ acting.

invidious

[adj.](of an action or situation) likely to arouse or incur resentment or anger in others: she'd put herself in an ~ position.

expedient

[adj.](of an action) convenient and practical, although possibly improper or immoral: either side could break the agreement if it were ~ to do so.

politic

[adj.](of an action) seeming sensible and judicious under the circumstances: [ with infinitive ] : I did not think it ~ to express my reservations.

dormant

[adj.](of an animal) having normal physical functions suspended or slowed down for a period of time; in or as if in a deep sleep: ~ butterflies | figurative : the event evoked memories that she would rather had lain ~.

cogent

[adj.](of an argument or case) clear, logical, and convincing.

shopworn

[adj.](of an article) made dirty or imperfect by being displayed or handled in a store: he brought out some ~ lettuce | figurative : he appraised his brown but slightly ~ body in the mirror.

convivial

[adj.](of an atmosphere or event) friendly, lively, and enjoyable.

half-baked

[adj.](of an idea or philosophy) not fully thought through; lacking a sound basis: ~ notions of Teutonic superiority.

blatant

[adj.](of bad behavior) done openly and unashamedly: ~ lies.

lamentable

[adj.](of circumstances or conditions) deplorably bad or unsatisfactory: the facilities provided were `, not merely basic but squalid.

threadbare

[adj.](of cloth, clothing, or soft furnishings) becoming thin and tattered with age: shabby rooms with ~ carpets.

verdant

[adj.](of countryside) green with grass or other rich vegetation.

elastic

[adj.](of demand or supply) sensitive to changes in price or income: the labor supply is very ~.

pithy

[adj.](of language or style) concise and forcefully expressive.

opprobrious

[adj.](of language) expressing scorn or criticism.

flaccid

[adj.](of part of the body) soft and hanging loosely or limply, especially so as to look or feel unpleasant: she took his ~ hand in hers.

lenient

[adj.](of punishment or a person in authority) permissive, merciful, or tolerant: judges were far too ~ with petty criminals.

condign

[adj.](of punishment or retribution) appropriate to the crime or wrongdoing; fitting and deserved.

amicable

[adj.](of relations between people) having a spirit of friendliness; without serious disagreement or rancor: there will be an ~ settlement of the dispute.

defamatory

[adj.](of remarks, writing, etc.) damaging the good reputation of someone; slanderous or libelous: a ~ allegation.

euphonious

[adj.](of sound, especially speech) pleasing to the ear: this successful candidate delivers a stream of fine, ~ phrases.

racy

[adj.](of speech, writing, or behavior) lively, entertaining, and typically mildly titillating sexually: the novel was considered rather ~ at the time.

facile

[adj.](of success, especially in sports) easily achieved; effortless: a ~ victory.

meteoric

[adj.](of the development of something, especially a person's career) very rapid: her ~ rise to the top of her profession.||原意:流星的

lush

[adj.](of vegetation) growing luxuriantly: ~ greenery and cultivated fields.

clement

[adj.](of weather) mild.

comely

[adj.](typically of a woman) pleasant to look at; attractive.

nefarious

[adj.](typically of an action or activity) wicked or criminal: the ~ activities of the organized-crime syndicates.

acrimonious

[adj.](typically of speech or a debate) angry and bitter: an ~ dispute about wages.

defiant

[adj.]Someone who is ~ is bold, even in the face of defeat. A ~ person is usually fighting a powerful enemy. People who protest in countries controlled by dictators are ~. Rosa Parks was ~ when she refused to give up her seat on the bus, even though the law at that time dictated that black people had to stand when whites needed a seat. Small children are ~ too, sometimes over nothing more than a request to share their toys.

motile

[adj.]Zoology & Botany (of cells, gametes, and single-celled organisms) capable of motion.

dolorous

[adj.][literary]feeling or expressing great sorrow or distress.

anesthetic

[adj.]a substance that induces insensitivity to pain.||麻醉的

versatile

[adj.]able to adapt or be adapted to many different functions or activities: a ~ sewing machine | he was ~ enough to play either position.

tenable

[adj.]able to be maintained or defended against attack or objection: such a simplistic approach is no longer ~.

combustible

[adj.]able to catch fire and burn easily: highly ~ paint thinner.

agile

[adj.]able to move quickly and easily: Ruth was as ~ as a monkey.

agile

[adj.]able to think and understand quickly: his vague manner concealed an ~ mind.

footloose

[adj.]able to travel freely and do as one pleases due to a lack of responsibilities or commitments: I am ~ and fancy-free—I can follow my job wherever it takes me.

emaciate

[adj.]abnormally thin or weak, especially because of illness or a lack of food: she was so ~ed she could hardly stand.

indispensable

[adj.]absolutely necessary: he made himself ~ to the parish priest.

polished

[adj.]accomplished and skillful: his ~ performance in the movie.

brisk

[adj.]active, fast, and energetic: a good ~ walk | business appeared to be ~.

pompous

[adj.]affectedly and irritatingly grand, solemn, or self-important: a ~ ass who pretends he knows everything.

pompous

[adj.]affectedly and irritatingly grand, solemn, or self-important: a ~ ass who pretends he knows everything.||自命不凡的

rapacious

[adj.]aggressively greedy or grasping: ~ landlords.

permissive

[adj.]allowing or characterized by great or excessive freedom of behavior: I was not a ~ parent | the ~ society of the 60s and 70s.

offish

[adj.]aloof or distant in manner; not friendly: he was being ~ with her.

obtuse

[adj.]annoyingly insensitive or slow to understand: he wondered if the doctor was being deliberately ~.

apposite

[adj.]apt in the circumstances or in relation to something: an ~ quotation | the observations are ~ to the discussion.

provisional

[adj.]arranged or existing for the present, possibly to be changed later: a ~ government | a ` construction permit.

officious

[adj.]assertive of authority in an annoyingly domineering way, especially with regard to petty or trivial matters: a policeman came to move them on, an ~, spiteful man.

imperious

[adj.]assuming power or authority without justification; arrogant and domineering: his ~ demands.

emollient

[adj.]attempting to avoid confrontation or anger; soothing or calming: the president's ~ approach to differences.||本意:润肤的

prepossessing

[adj.]attractive or appealing in appearance: he was not a ~ sight.

choleric

[adj.]bad-tempered or irritable.

scant

[adj.]barely sufficient or adequate: companies with ~ regard for the safety of future generations.

fallacious

[adj.]based on a mistaken belief: ~ arguments.

hypocritical

[adj.]behaving in a way that suggests one has higher standards or more noble beliefs than is the case: we don't go to church and we thought it would be ~ to have him christened. it would be entirely ~ of me to say I regret it, because I don't.

supercilious

[adj.]behaving or looking as though one thinks one is superior to others: a ~ lady's maid.

supple

[adj.]bending and moving easily and gracefully; flexible: her ~ fingers | figurative : my mind is becoming more ~.

brazen

[adj.]bold and without shame: he went about his illegal business with a ~ assurance | a ~ hussy(荡妇)!||厚颜无耻的

barraged

[adj.]bombard (someone) with something: his doctor was ~ with unsolicited advice.

evocative

[adj.]bringing strong images, memories, or feelings to mind: powerfully ~ lyrics | the building's cramped interiors are highly ~ of past centuries.

levelheaded

[adj.]calm and sensible

sedate

[adj.]calm, dignified, and unhurried: in the old days, business was carried on at a rather more ~ pace.

serene

[adj.]calm, peaceful, and untroubled; tranquil: her eyes were closed and she looked very ~ | ~ certainty.

sloppy

[adj.]careless and unsystematic; excessively casual: your speech has always been ~.

mesmeric

[adj.]causing a person to become completely transfixed and unaware of anything else around them: she found herself staring into his ~ gaze.

grisly

[adj.]causing horror or disgust: the town was shaken by a series of ~ crimes.

leery

[adj.]cautious or wary due to realistic suspicions: a city ~ of gang violence.

solicitous

[adj.]characterized by or showing interest or concern: she was always ~ about the welfare of her students | a ~ inquiry.

tempestuous

[adj.]characterized by strong and turbulent or conflicting emotion: he had a reckless and ~ streak.

torturous

[adj.]characterized by, involving, or causing excruciating pain or suffering: a ~ eight weeks in their prison camp.

jovial

[adj.]cheerful and friendly: she was in a ~ mood.

ebullient

[adj.]cheerful and full of energy: she sounded ~ and happy.

jocund

[adj.]cheerful and lighthearted: a ~ wedding party.

bonhomie

[adj.]cheerful friendliness; geniality: he exuded(显露) good humor and ~.

puerile

[adj.]childishly silly and trivial: you're making ~ excuses.

teetotal

[adj.]choosing or characterized by abstinence from alcohol: a ~ lifestyle.

ham-handed

[adj.]clumsy; bungling: a ~ attempt.

grotesque

[adj.]comically or repulsively ugly or distorted: ~ facial distortions.

anterior

[adj.]coming before in time; earlier: there are few examples of gold and silver work ~ to the dynasty of the Romanoffs.

proficient

[adj.]competent or skilled in doing or using something: I was ~ at my job | she felt reasonably ~ in Italian.

prostrate

[adj.]completely overcome or helpless, especially with illness, distress, or exhaustion: his wife was ~ with shock.||[adj.]lying stretched out on the ground with one's face downward.

adjunct

[adj.]connected or added to something, typically in an auxiliary way: other alternative or ~ therapies include immunotherapy.

scrappy

[adj.]consisting of disorganized, untidy, or incomplete parts: ~ lecture notes piled up unread.||determined, argumentative, or pugnacious: he played the part of a ~ detective.

awash

[adj.]containing large numbers or amounts of someone or something: the city was ~ with journalists.

libelous

[adj.]containing or constituting a libel: a ~ newspaper story.|| 诽谤的

monochromatic

[adj.]containing or using only one color: ~ light.

craven

[adj.]contemptibly lacking in courage; cowardly: a ~ abdication of his moral duty.

measly

[adj.]contemptibly small or few: three ~ votes.

stouthearted

[adj.]courageous or determined.

awash

[adj.]covered or flooded with water, especially seawater or rain: the boat rolled violently, its decks ~.

inquisitive

[adj.]curious or inquiring: he was very chatty and ~ about everything.

timeworn

[adj.]damaged or impaired, or made less striking or attractive, as a result of age or much use: the ~ faces of the veterans | a ~ aphorism.

precipitous

[adj.]dangerously high or steep: the ~ cliffs of the North Atlantic coast.

somber

[adj.]dark or dull in color or tone; gloomy: the night skies were ~ and starless.

bawdy

[adj.]dealing with sexual matters in a comical way; humorously indecent.||淫秽的

distraught

[adj.]deeply upset and agitated: a ~ woman sobbed and screamed for help | he appeared on television, grief-ravaged and ~.

insubordinate

[adj.]defiant of authority; disobedient to orders: an ~ attitude.

tardy

[adj.]delaying or delayed beyond the right or expected time; late: please forgive this ~ reply.

vicious

[adj.]deliberately cruel or violent: a ~ assault.

deadpan

[adj.]deliberately impassive or expressionless: answers his phone in a ~ tone | ~ humor.

venial

[adj.]denoting a sin that is not regarded as depriving the soul of divine grace. Often contrasted with mortal.

migratory

[adj.]denoting an animal that migrates: ~ birds.

demotic

[adj.]denoting or relating to the kind of language used by ordinary people; popular or colloquial: a ~ idiom.

aberrant

[adj.]departing from an accepted standard.||反常的

dismal

[adj.]depressing; dreary: the ~ weather made the late afternoon seem like evening.

apocalyptic

[adj.]describing or prophesying the complete destruction of the world: the ~ visions of ecologists.

culpable

[adj.]deserving blame: sometimes you're just as ~ when you watch something as when you actually participate.

reprehensible

[adj.]deserving censure or condemnation: his complacency and ~ laxity.

despicable

[adj.]deserving hatred and contempt: a ~ crime.

industrious

[adj.]diligent and hard-working.

retrograde

[adj.]directed or moving backward: a ~ flow.||reverting to an earlier and inferior condition: to go back on the progress that has been made would be a ~ step.

dank

[adj.]disagreeably damp, musty, and typically cold.

rash

[adj.]displaying or proceeding from a lack of careful consideration of the possible consequences of an action: it would be extremely ~ to make such an assumption | a ~ decision.

rash

[adj.]displaying or proceeding from a lack of careful consideration of the possible consequences of an action: it would be extremely ~ to make such an assumption | a ~ decision.||synonym: reckless

disaffected

[adj.]dissatisfied with the people in authority and no longer willing to support them: a military plot by ~ elements in the army.

macabre

[adj.]disturbing and horrifying because of involvement with or depiction of death and injury: a ~ series of murders.

methodical

[adj.]done according to a systematic or established form of procedure: a ~ approach to the evaluation of computer systems.

pilot

[adj.]done as an experiment or test before introducing something more widely: a two-year ~ study.||试验性的

hasty

[adj.]done or acting with excessive speed or urgency; hurried: a ~ attempt to defuse the situation | ~ decisions.

stodgy

[adj.]dull and uninspired: some of the material is rather ~ and top-heavy with facts.

dreary

[adj.]dull, bleak, and lifeless; depressing: the ~ routine of working, eating, and trying to sleep.

pliable

[adj.]easily bent; flexible: quality leather is ~ and will not crack.||easily influenced: ~ teenage minds.

friable

[adj.]easily crumbled: the soil was ~ between her fingers.

testy

[adj.]easily irritated; impatient and somewhat bad-tempered.

gullible

[adj.]easily persuaded to believe something; credulous: an attempt to persuade a ~ public to spend their money.

stoical

[adj.]enduring pain and hardship without showing one's feelings or complaining: he taught a ~ acceptance of suffering.

coltish

[adj.]energetic but awkward in one's movements or behavior.

gargantuan

[adj.]enormous: a ~ appetite.

errant

[adj.]erring or straying from the proper course or standards: he could never forgive his daughter's ~ ways.||出轨的,出格的

poignant

[adj.]evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret: a ~ reminder of the passing of time.

quixotic

[adj.]exceedingly idealistic; unrealistic and impractical: a vast and perhaps ~ project.

saccharine

[adj.]excessively sweet or sentimental.

garrulous

[adj.]excessively talkative, especially on trivial matters: Polonius is portrayed as a foolish, ~ old man.

variegated

[adj.]exhibiting different colors, especially as irregular patches or streaks: ~ yellow bricks.

primordial

[adj.]existing at or from the beginning of time; primeval: the ~ oceans.

synchronous

[adj.]existing or occurring at the same time: glaciations were approximately ~ in both hemispheres.

immanent

[adj.]existing or operating within; inherent: the protection of liberties is ~ in constitutional arrangements.

vicarious

[adj.]experienced in the imagination through the feelings or actions of another person: I could glean ~ pleasure from the struggles of my imaginary film friends.

favorable

[adj.]expressing approval: the book received highly ~ reviews.

pejorative

[adj.]expressing contempt or disapproval: "permissiveness" is used almost universally as a ~ term.

minatory

[adj.]expressing or conveying a threat: he is unlikely to be deterred(威慑) by ~ finger-wagging(警告).

tendentious

[adj.]expressing or intending to promote a particular cause or point of view, especially a controversial one: a ~ reading of history.

gaudy

[adj.]extravagantly bright or showy, typically so as to be tasteless: silver bows and ~ ribbons.

abysmal

[adj.]extremely bad; appalling: the quality of her work is ~.

exquisite

[adj.]extremely beautiful and, typically, delicate: ~, jewellike portraits.

repugnant

[adj.]extremely distasteful; unacceptable: the thought of going back into the fog was ~ to him.

colossal

[adj.]extremely large: a ~ amount of mail | a ~ mistake.

earsplitting

[adj.]extremely loud: an ~ crack of thunder.

minuscule

[adj.]extremely small; tiny: a ~ fragment of DNA.

grueling

[adj.]extremely tiring and demanding: a ~ schedule.

negligent

[adj.]failing to take proper care in doing something: directors have been ~ in the performance of their duties.

conversant

[adj.]familiar with or knowledgeable about something: many ladies are ~ with the merits of drill-eyed needles.

frenetic

[adj.]fast and energetic in a rather wild and uncontrolled way: a ~ pace of activity.

fleet

[adj.]fast and nimble in movement: a man of advancing years, but ~ of foot.

crave

[adj.]feel a powerful desire for (something): a program to give the infants the human touch they ~.

committed

[adj.]feeling dedication and loyalty to a cause, activity, or job; wholeheartedly dedicated: a ~ reformer.

cramped

[adj.]feeling or causing someone to feel uncomfortably confined or hemmed in by lack of space: the staff had to work in ~ conditions.

irate

[adj.]feeling or characterized by great anger: a barrage of ~ letters.

chauvinistic

[adj.]feeling or displaying aggressive or exaggerated patriotism.

fretful

[adj.]feeling or expressing distress or irritation: the baby was crying with a ~ whimper.

contrite

[adj.]feeling or expressing remorse or penitence; affected by guilt: a broken and a ~ heart.

indignant

[adj.]feeling or showing anger or annoyance at what is perceived as unfair treatment: he was ~ at being the object of suspicion.

penitent

[adj.]feeling or showing sorrow and regret for having done wrong; repentant: a ~ expression.

vitriolic

[adj.]filled with bitter criticism or malice: ~ attacks on the politicians | ~ outbursts.

exuberant

[adj.]filled with or characterized by a lively energy and excitement: giddily ~ crowds | flamboyant and ~ architectural invention.

remorseful

[adj.]filled with remorse; sorry: the defendant was ~ for what he had done.

fast

[adj.]firmly fixed or attached: he made a rope ~ to each corner.[adj.](of friends) close and loyal.

jocular

[adj.]fond of or characterized by joking; humorous or playful: she sounded in a ~ mood | his voice was ~.

vestigial

[adj.]forming a very small remnant of something that was once much larger or more noticeable: he felt a ~ flicker of anger from last night.

aseptic

[adj.]free from contamination caused by harmful bacteria, viruses, or other microorganisms.

bracing

[adj.]fresh and invigorating: the ~ sea air.

genial

[adj.]friendly and cheerful: waved to them in ~ greeting.

pregnant

[adj.]full of meaning; significant or suggestive: a ~ pause | a development ~ with implications.

frothy

[adj.]full of or covered with a mass of small bubbles: steaming mugs of ~ coffee.

finicky

[adj.]fussy about one's needs or requirements: a ~ eater.

concise

[adj.]giving a lot of information clearly and in a few words; brief but comprehensive: a ~ account of the country's history.

propitious

[adj.]giving or indicating a good chance of success; favorable: the timing for such a meeting seemed ~.

ominous

[adj.]giving the impression that something bad or unpleasant is going to happen; threatening; inauspicious: there were ~ dark clouds gathering overhead.

dingy

[adj.]gloomy and drab: a ~ room.

viscid

[adj.]glutinous; sticky: the ~ mucus lining of the intestine.

imposing

[adj.]grand and impressive in appearance: an ~ 17th-century manor house.

treacherous

[adj.]guilty of or involving betrayal or deception: a ~ Gestapo agent | memory is particularly ~.

adventitious

[adj.]happening or carried on according to chance rather than design or inherent nature: my adventures were always ~, always thrust on me.

hangdog

[adj.]having a dejected or guilty appearance; shamefaced: the boys wore ~ looks as the police marched them down the steps.

substantive

[adj.]having a firm basis in reality and therefore important, meaningful, or considerable: there is no ~ evidence for the efficacy of these drugs.

plump

[adj.]having a full rounded shape: the berries were ~ and sweet.||丰满的

pernicious

[adj.]having a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way: the ~ influences of the mass media.

parochial

[adj.]having a limited or narrow outlook or scope: this worldview seems incredibly naive and ~.

piquant

[adj.]having a pleasantly sharp taste or appetizing flavor.

giddy

[adj.]having a sensation of whirling and a tendency to fall or stagger; dizzy: I felt ~ and had to steady myself | Luke felt almost ~ with relief.

pungent

[adj.]having a sharply strong taste or smell: the ~ smell of frying onions.

telling

[adj.]having a striking or revealing effect; significant: a ~ argument against this theory.

tangy

[adj.]having a strong, piquant flavor or smell: a ~ salad.

viscous

[adj.]having a thick, sticky consistency between solid and liquid; having a high viscosity: ~ lava.

noisome

[adj.]having an extremely offensive smell: ~ vapors from the smoldering(阴燃的) waste.

ponderable

[adj.]having appreciable weight or significance.

solvent

[adj.]having assets in excess of liabilities; able to pay one's debts: interest rate rises have very severe effects on normally ~ companies.

peccant

[adj.]having committed a fault or sin; offending.

fateful

[adj.]having far-reaching and typically disastrous consequences or implications: a ~ oversight.

cognizant

[adj.]having knowledge or being aware of: statesmen must be ~ of the political boundaries within which they work.

impecunious

[adj.]having little or no money: a titled but ~ family.

lustrous

[adj.]having luster; shining: large, ~ eyes.

spent

[adj.]having no power or energy left: the movement has become a ~ force.

airtight

[adj.]having no weaknesses; unassailable: Scamp had an ~ alibi(不在场证据).

serrated

[adj.]having or denoting a jagged edge; sawlike: a knife with a ~ edge.

rakish

[adj.]having or displaying a dashing, jaunty, or slightly disreputable quality or appearance: he had a ~, debonair look.||放浪形骸的,潇洒的

jaunty

[adj.]having or expressing a lively, cheerful, and self-confident manner: there was no mistaking that ~ walk.

rabid

[adj.]having or proceeding from an extreme or fanatical support of or belief in something: a ~ feminist.

assertive

[adj.]having or showing a confident and forceful personality: patients should be more ~ with their doctors.

covetous

[adj.]having or showing a great desire to possess something, typically something belonging to someone else: she fingered the linen with ~ hands.

tactless

[adj.]having or showing a lack of adroitness and sensitivity in dealing with others or with difficult issues: a ~ remark.

intemperate

[adj.]having or showing a lack of self-control; immoderate: ~ outbursts concerning global conspiracies.

vacuous

[adj.]having or showing a lack of thought or intelligence; mindless: a ~ smile | ~ slogans.

vindictive

[adj.]having or showing a strong or unreasoning desire for revenge: the criticism was both ~ and personalized.

smug

[adj.]having or showing an excessive pride in oneself or one's achievements: he was feeling ~ after his win.

unflappable

[adj.]having or showing calmness in a crisis.

devout

[adj.]having or showing deep religious feeling or commitment: she was a ~ Catholic | a rabbi's ~ prayers.

virtuous

[adj.]having or showing high moral standards: she considered herself very ~ because she neither drank nor smoked.

inept

[adj.]having or showing no skill; clumsy: the ~ handling of the threat.

dogged

[adj.]having or showing tenacity and grim persistence: success required ~ed determination.

credulous

[adj.]having or showing too great a readiness to believe things.

flush

[adj.]having plenty of something, especially money: the banks are ~ with funds.

resourceful

[adj.]having the ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties.

cherubic

[adj.]having the childlike innocence or plump prettiness of a cherub: a round, ~ face.

coeval

[adj.]having the same age or date of origin; contemporary: these lavas were ~ with the volcanic activity.

indiscreet

[adj.]having, showing, or proceeding from too great a readiness to reveal things that should remain secret or private: they have been embarrassed by ~ friends.

salubrious

[adj.]health-giving; healthy: ~ weather.

raspy

[adj.]hoarse or harsh-sounding: his voice was ~ from days of non-stop campaigning | a persistent ~ cough.

animus

[adj.]hostility or ill feeling: the author's ~ toward her.

ironclad

[adj.]impossible to contradict, weaken, or change: an ~ guarantee.||本意:被铁覆盖/保护的

irradicable

[adj.]impossible to eradicate: ~ hatred

inexorable

[adj.]impossible to stop or prevent: the seemingly ~ march of new technology.

grandiose

[adj.]impressive or magnificent in appearance or style, especially pretentiously so: the court's ~ facade(建筑的正面).

quiescent

[adj.]in a state or period of inactivity or dormancy: strikes were headed by groups of workers who had previously been ~ | ~ ulcerative colitis.

congruent

[adj.]in agreement or harmony: institutional and departmental objectives are largely ~ | the rules may not be ~ with the requirements of the law.

incipient

[adj.]in an initial stage; beginning to happen or develop: he could feel ~ anger building up | an ~ black eye.

shipshape

[adj.]in good order; trim and neat: he checked that everything was ~.

mangy

[adj.]in poor condition; shabby: a girl in a ~ fur coat.

nebulous

[adj.]in the form of a cloud or haze; hazy: a giant ~ glow.||(of a concept or idea) unclear, vague, or ill-defined: ~ concepts like quality of life.

unfathomable

[adj.]incapable of being fully explored or understood: her gray eyes were dark with some ~ emotion.

insentient

[adj.]incapable of feeling or understanding things; inanimate: it's arrogant to presume animals to be ~.

foolproof

[adj.]incapable of going wrong or being misused: a ~ security system.

compliant

[adj.]inclined to agree with others or obey rules, especially to an excessive degree; acquiescent: good-humored, eagerly ~ girls.

catholic

[adj.]including a wide variety of things; all-embracing: her tastes are pretty ~.

panoramic

[adj.]including all aspects of a subject; wide-ranging: his ~ vision of post-World War I peace.||原意:全景的

jarring

[adj.]incongruous in a striking or shocking way; clashing: the telephone struck a ~ note in those Renaissance surroundings.

incongruent

[adj.]incongruous; incompatible.

motley

[adj.]incongruously varied in appearance or character; disparate: a ~ crew of discontents and zealots.

backhanded

[adj.]indirect; ambiguous or insincere: coming from me, teasing is a ~ compliment.

maladroit

[adj.]ineffective or bungling; clumsy.

smarmy

[adj.]ingratiating and wheedling in a way that is perceived as insincere or excessive: a ~, unctuous reply.

formidable

[adj.]inspiring fear or respect through being impressively large, powerful, intense, or capable: a ~ opponent.

malicious

[adj.]intending or intended to do harm: ~ destruction of property | the transmission of ~ software such as computer viruses.

perfervid

[adj.]intense and impassioned: ~ nationalism.

fervid

[adj.]intensely enthusiastic or passionate, especially to an excessive degree: a letter of ~ thanks.

misconstrue

[adj.]interpret (something, especially a person's words or actions) wrongly: my advice was deliberately ~.

calamitous

[adj.]involving calamity; catastrophic; disastrous: such ~ events as fires, hurricanes, and floods.

sordid

[adj.]involving ignoble actions and motives; arousing moral distaste and contempt: the story paints a ~ picture of bribes and scams.

concerted

[adj.]jointly arranged, planned, or carried out; coordinated: determined to begin a ~ action against them.

surreptitious

[adj.]kept secret, especially because it would not be approved of: they carried on a ~ affair.

omniscient

[adj.]knowing everything: the story is told by an ~ narrator.

disjointed

[adj.]lacking a coherent sequence or connection: piecing together ~ed fragments of information.

desultory

[adj.]lacking a plan, purpose, or enthusiasm: a few people were left, dancing in a ~ fashion.

drab

[adj.]lacking brightness or interest; drearily dull: the landscape was ~ and gray | her ~ suburban existence.

disjunctive

[adj.]lacking connection: the novel's ~ detail.

nondescript

[adj.]lacking distinctive or interesting features or characteristics: she lived in a ~ suburban apartment block.

gauche

[adj.]lacking ease or grace; unsophisticated and socially awkward.

imprecise

[adj.]lacking exactness and accuracy of expression or detail: the witness could give only vague and ~ descriptions.

lackluster

[adj.]lacking in vitality, force, or conviction; uninspired or uninspiring: no excuses were made for the team's ~ performance.

desiccated

[adj.]lacking interest, passion, or energy: a ~ history of ideas.

extravagant

[adj.]lacking restraint in spending money or using resources: it was rather ~ to buy both.

crass

[adj.]lacking sensitivity, refinement, or intelligence: the ~ assumptions that men make about women.

subsidiary

[adj.]less important than but related or supplementary to: many environmentalists argue that the cause of animal rights is ~ to that of protecting the environment.

labile

[adj.]liable to change; easily altered.

glutinous

[adj.]like glue in texture; sticky: ~ mud.

nitpicking

[adj.]looking for small or unimportant errors or faults, especially in order to criticize unnecessarily: a ~ legalistic exercise.

outlandish

[adj.]looking or sounding bizarre or unfamiliar: ~ brightly colored clothes | the most ~ ideas.

lugubrious

[adj.]looking or sounding sad and dismal(阴沉的).

plastic

[adj.]looking or tasting artificial: long-distance flights with their ~ food | she smiled a little ~ smile.

clarion

[adj.]loud and clear: ~ trumpeters.||原意:号角

strident

[adj.]loud and harsh; grating: his voice had become increasingly sharp, almost ~.

stalwart

[adj.]loyal, reliable, and hardworking: he remained a ~ supporter of the cause.

requisite

[adj.]made necessary by particular circumstances or regulations: the application will not be processed until the ~ fee is paid.

extenuating

[adj.]make (guilt or an offense) seem less serious or more forgivable: there were ~ circumstances that caused me to say the things I did.

overheated

[adj.]make too excited : his ~ imagination.

sanctimonious

[adj.]making a show of being morally superior to other people: what happened to all the ~ talk about putting his family first?

provident

[adj.]making or indicative of timely preparation for the future: she had learned to be ~.

scurrilous

[adj.]making or spreading scandalous claims about someone with the intention of damaging their reputation: a ~ attack on his integrity.

dappled

[adj.]marked with spots or rounded patches: the horse's ~ed flank.

dexterous

[adj.]mentally adroit; clever: power users are ~ at using software, rather than creating it.

torpid

[adj.]mentally or physically inactive; lethargic: we sat around in a ~ state.

paramount

[adj.]more important than anything else; supreme: the interests of the child are of ~ importance.

jejune

[adj.]naive, simplistic, and superficial: their entirely predictable and usually ` opinions.

anterior

[adj.]nearer the front, especially situated in the front of the body or nearer to the head: the veins ~ to the heart. The opposite of posterior.

integral

[adj.]necessary to make a whole complete; essential or fundamental: games are an integral part of the school's curriculum | systematic training should be ~ to library management.

oblique

[adj.]neither parallel nor at a right angle to a specified or implied line; slanting: we sat on the settee(长沙发) ~ to the fireplace.

perpetual

[adj.]never ending or changing: deep caves in ~ darkness.

obstreperous

[adj.]noisy and difficult to control: the boy is cocky and ~.

nil

[adj.]nonexistent: his chances for survival were slim, almost ~.||0

irreducible

[adj.]not able to be brought to a certain form or condition: the imagery remains ~ to textual structures.||not able to be reduced or simplified.

incontrovertible

[adj.]not able to be denied or disputed: ~ proof.

unimpeachable

[adj.]not able to be doubted, questioned, or criticized; entirely trustworthy: an ~ witness.

indelible

[adj.]not able to be forgotten or removed: his story made an ~ impression on me.||原意:(of ink or a pen) making marks that cannot be removed.

sterile

[adj.]not able to produce children or young: the disease had made him ~.

inanimate

[adj.]not alive, especially not in the manner of animals and humans: ~ objects like stones.

airtight

[adj.]not allowing air to escape or pass through.||密不透风的

impassive

[adj.]not feeling or showing emotion: ~ passersby ignore the performers.

impenitent

[adj.]not feeling shame or regret about one's actions or attitudes.

off-key

[adj.]not in accordance with what is appropriate or correct in the circumstances: [ as adv. ] : some of the cinematic effects are distractingly ~.||原意:走调的

dispassionate

[adj.]not influenced by strong emotion, and so able to be rational and impartial: she dealt with life's disasters in a calm, ~ way.

unexceptionable

[adj.]not open to objection: the ~ belief that society should be governed by law.

infirm

[adj.]not physically or mentally strong, especially through age or illness.

unproductive

[adj.]not producing or able to produce large amounts of goods, crops, or other commodities: ~ land must be reforested.

amiss

[adj.]not quite right; inappropriate or out of place: there was something ~ about his calculations.

fictitious

[adj.]not real or true, being imaginary or having been fabricated: she pleaded guilty to stealing thousands in taxpayer dollars by having a ~ employee on her payroll.

porous

[adj.]not retentive or secure: he ran through a ~ defense to score easily.||(of a rock or other material) having minute spaces or holes through which liquid or air may pass.

arrhythmic

[adj.]not rhythmic; without rhythm or regularity: the ~ clip-clop of pony steps.

flippant

[adj.]not showing a serious or respectful attitude: a ~ remark.

impudent

[adj.]not showing due respect for another person; impertinent: he could have strangled this ~ upstart.

mendacious

[adj.]not telling the truth; lying: ~ propaganda.

tightfisted

[adj.]not willing to spend or give much money; miserly.

fluky

[adj.]obtained or achieved more by chance than skill: a ~ goal.

voluminous

[adj.]occupying or containing much space; large in volume, in particular:(1)(of clothing or drapery) loose and ample.(2)(of writing) very lengthy and full.(3)(of a writer) producing many books.

intermittent

[adj.]occurring at irregular intervals; not continuous or steady: ~ rain.

periodical

[adj.]occurring or appearing at intervals; occasional: she took ~ gulps of her tea.

rum

[adj.]odd; peculiar: it's a ~ business, certainly | they were a ~ bunch.

atrocious

[adj.]of a very poor quality; extremely bad or unpleasant: he attempted an ~ imitation of my English accent | ~ weather.

lofty

[adj.]of imposing height: the elegant square was shaded by ~ palms.

trivial

[adj.]of little value or importance: huge fines were imposed for ~ offenses | ~ details.

nugatory

[adj.]of no value or importance: a ~ and pointless observation.

worldly

[adj.]of or concerned with material values or ordinary life rather than a spiritual existence: his ambitions for ~ success.

nautical

[adj.]of or concerning sailors or navigation; maritime: ~ charts.

diplomatic

[adj.]of or concerning the profession, activity, or skill of managing international relations: ~ relations between the United States and Britain.||外交的

tactile

[adj.]of or connected with the sense of touch: vocal and visual signals become less important as ~ signals intensify.

diurnal

[adj.]of or during the day.

dyspeptic

[adj.]of or having indigestion or consequent irritability or depression.

portentous

[adj.]of or like a portent: the envelope and its ~ contents.||有重大影响的,预示未来的

serpentine

[adj.]of or like a serpent or snake: ~ coils.||winding and twisting like a snake: ~ country lanes.

corporeal

[adj.]of or relating to a person's body, especially as opposed to their spirit: he was frank about his ~ appetites.

sepulchral

[adj.]of or relating to a tomb or interment: ~ monuments.

sartorial

[adj.]of or relating to tailoring, clothes, or style of dress: ~ elegance.

somatic

[adj.]of or relating to the body, especially as distinct from the mind.

therapeutic

[adj.]of or relating to the healing of disease: diagnostic and ~ facilities.

sublime

[adj.]of such excellence, grandeur, or beauty as to inspire great admiration or awe: Mozart's ~ piano concertos | (as noun the ~) : experiences that ranged from the ~ to the ridiculous.

cardinal

[adj.]of the greatest importance; fundamental: two ~ points must be borne in mind.

snobbish

[adj.]of, characteristic of, or like a snob: the writer takes a rather ~ tone.||势利的

theatrical

[adj.]of, for, or relating to acting, actors, or the theater: ~ productions.

hypnotic

[adj.]of, producing, or relating to hypnosis: a ~ state.

miserly

[adj.]of, relating to, or characteristic of a miser: his ~ great-uncle proved to be worth nearly $1 million.

voluptuous

[adj.]of, relating to, or characterized by luxury or sensual pleasure: long curtains in ~ crimson velvet.

vapid

[adj.]offering nothing that is stimulating or challenging: tuneful but ~ musical comedies.

moth-eaten

[adj.]old-fashioned and no longer appropriate or useful.||原意:被虫蛀坏了的

fusty

[adj.]old-fashioned in attitude or style: grammar in the classroom became a ~ notion.||原意:腐臭的

derivative

[adj.]originating from, based on, or influenced by: Darwin's work is ~ of the moral philosophers.

immemorial

[adj.]originating in the distant past; very old: an ~ custom.

apoplectic

[adj.]overcome with anger; extremely indignant: Mark was ~ with rage at the decision.

incandescent

[adj.]passionate or brilliant: Mravinsky's ~ performance of Siegfried's Funeral March.||另意:炽热的、白炽的

piddling

[adj.]pathetically trivial; trifling: ~ little questions.

taxing

[adj.]physically or mentally demanding: they find the work too ~.

puckish

[adj.]playful, especially in a mischievous way: a ~ sense of humor.

whimsical

[adj.]playfully quaint or fanciful, especially in an appealing and amusing way: a ~ sense of humor.

pliant

[adj.]pliable: ~ willow stems | figurative : an economy ~ to political will.

grandiloquent

[adj.]pompous or extravagant in language, style, or manner, especially in a way that is intended to impress: a ~ celebration of Spanish glory.

indigent

[adj.]poor; needy.

valiant

[adj.]possessing or showing courage or determination: she made a ~ effort to hold her anger in check | a ~ warrior.

preponderant

[adj.]predominant in influence, number, or importance: the ~ influence of the US within the alliance.

self-absorbed

[adj.]preoccupied with one's own feelings , interests, or situation: they are too ~ to listen carefully to others.

subservient

[adj.]prepared to obey others unquestioningly: she was ~ to her parents.

exigent

[adj.]pressing; demanding: the ~ demands of the music took a toll on her voice.

bathetic

[adj.]producing an unintentional effect of anticlimax: the movie manages to be poignant(酸楚的) without becoming ~.

licentious

[adj.]promiscuous and unprincipled in sexual matters.||淫荡的

protuberant

[adj.]protruding; bulging: his ~ eyes fluttered open.||凸起的

ancillary

[adj.]providing necessary support to the primary activities or operation of an organization, institution, industry, or system: the development of ~ services to support its products.

nimble

[adj.]quick and light in movement or action; agile: with a deft motion of her ~ fingers.

meek

[adj.]quiet, gentle, and easily imposed on; submissive: I used to call her Miss Mouse because she was so ~ and mild | the ~ compliance of our politicians.

affectionate

[adj.]readily feeling or showing fondness or tenderness: a happy and ~ family.

ribald

[adj.]referring to sexual matters in an amusingly rude or irreverent way: a ~ comment.

adamant

[adj.]refusing to be persuaded or to change one's mind: he is ~ that he is not going to resign.

diabolic

[adj.]relating to or characteristic of the Devil: the darkness of a ~ world.

carnal

[adj.]relating to physical, especially sexual, needs and activities: ~ desire.

dour

[adj.]relentlessly severe, stern, or gloomy in manner or appearance: a hard, ~, humorless fanatic.

germane

[adj.]relevant to a subject under consideration: that is not ~ to our theme.

balky

[adj.]reluctant; uncooperative: he was trying to get his ~ horse to move.

loath

[adj.]reluctant; unwilling: I was ~ to leave.

prodigious

[adj.]remarkably or impressively great in extent, size, or degree: the stove consumed a ~ amount of fuel.

palatial

[adj.]resembling a palace in being spacious and splendid: her ~ apartment in Chicago.

mulish

[adj.]resembling or likened to a mule(固执的人) in being stubborn: Belinda's face took on a ~ expression.||执拗的

steadfast

[adj.]resolutely or dutifully firm and unwavering: ~ loyalty.

full-bodied

[adj.]rich and satisfying in flavor or sound: a spicy, ~ white wine.

antediluvian

[adj.]ridiculously old-fashioned: they maintain ~ sex-role stereotypes.

insurgent

[adj.]rising in active revolt: alleged links with ~ groups.

ascendant

[adj.]rising in power or influence: ~ moderate factions in the party.

hardy

[adj.]robust; capable of enduring difficult conditions.

curt

[adj.]rudely brief: his reply was ~.

crestfallen

[adj.]sad and disappointed: he came back empty-handed and ~.

potable

[adj.]safe to drink; drinkable: there is no supply of ~ water available.

caustic

[adj.]sarcastic in a scathing and bitter way: the players were making ~ comments about the refereeing.

sodden

[adj.]saturated with liquid, especially water; soaked through: his clothes were ~.

barbarous

[adj.]savagely cruel; exceedingly brutal: many early child-rearing practices were ~ by modern standards.

frowsy

[adj.]scruffy and neglected in appearance.

brash

[adj.]self-assertive in a rude, noisy, or overbearing way: he could be ~, cocky, and arrogant.

bumptious

[adj.]self-assertive or proud to an irritating degree: these ~ young boys today.

axiomatic

[adj.]self-evident or unquestionable: it is ~ that dividends have to be financed.

maudlin

[adj.]self-pityingly or tearfully sentimental, often through drunkenness: the drink made her ~ | a ~ ballad.

ticklish

[adj.]sensitive to being tickled: Lhasa apsos are ~ on their feet.

exemplary

[adj.]serving as a desirable model; representing the best of its kind: an award for ~ community service.

censorious

[adj.]severely critical of others: modest, charitable in his judgments, never ~, Jim carried tolerance almost too far.

bait

[n.]an allurement; a thing intended to tempt or entice: she used the prospect of freedom as ~ to trap him into talking | many potential buyers are reluctant to take the ~.

forebear

[n.]an ancestor.

scowl

[n.]an angry or bad-tempered expression.||[v.]frown in an angry or bad-tempered way: she ~ed at him defiantly.

gadfly

[n.]an annoying person, especially one who provokes others into action by criticism.||原意:牛虻

watershed

[n.]an area or ridge of land that separates waters flowing to different rivers, basins, or seas.

patrician

[n.]an aristocrat or nobleman.

pastiche

[n.]an artistic work in a style that imitates that of another work, artist, or period: the operetta is a ~ of 18th century styles | the songs amount to much more than blatant ~.

aspersion

[n.]an attack on the reputation or integrity of someone or something: I don't think anyone is casting ~s on you.

revolt

[n.]an attempt to put an end to the authority of a person or body by rebelling: a countrywide ~ against the central government | the peasants rose in ~.

interdict

[n.]an authoritative prohibition: an ~ against marriage of those of close kin.||[v.]prohibit or forbid (something): society will never ~ sex.

skirmish

[n.]an episode of irregular or unpremeditated fighting, especially between small or outlying parts of armies or fleets.

calamity

[n.]an event causing great and often sudden damage or distress; a disaster: the fire was the latest ~ to strike the area | the journey had led to ~ and ruin.

surfeit

[n.]an excessive amount of something: a ~ of food and drink.

hallucination

[n.]an experience involving the apparent perception of something not present: he continued to suffer from horrific ~s.

mangle

[adj.]severely mutilate(伤害), disfigure(破相), or damage by cutting, tearing, or crushing: the car was ~ed almost beyond recognition | figurative : he was ~ing Bach on the piano.

barefaced

[adj.]shameless; undisguised: a ~ lie.

contiguous

[adj.]sharing a common border; touching: the 48 ~ states.

refulgent

[adj.]shining brightly: ~ blue eyes.

effulgent

[adj.]shining brightly; radiant.

glossy

[adj.]shiny and smooth: thick, ~, manageable hair.

insouciant

[adj.]showing a casual lack of concern; indifferent: an ~ shrug.

pusillanimous

[adj.]showing a lack of courage or determination; timid.

insolent

[adj.]showing a rude and arrogant lack of respect: she hated the ~ tone of his voice.

audacious

[adj.]showing a willingness to take surprisingly bold risks: a series of ~ takeovers.

audacious

[adj.]showing an impudent lack of respect: an ~ remark.||放肆的

tender

[adj.]showing gentleness and concern or sympathy: he was being so kind and ~.

iridescent

[adj.]showing luminous colors that seem to change when seen from different angles.

spartan

[adj.]showing or characterized by austerity or a lack of comfort or luxury: the accommodation was fairly ~.

insensitive

[adj.]showing or feeling no concern for others' feelings: an ~ remark.

timorous

[adj.]showing or suffering from nervousness, fear, or a lack of confidence: a ~ voice.

tawdry

[adj.]showy but cheap and of poor quality: ~ jewelry.

wizened

[adj.]shriveled or wrinkled with age: a ~, weather-beaten old man.

fatuous

[adj.]silly and pointless: a ~ comment.

daft

[adj.]silly; foolish: don't ask such ~ questions.

inane

[adj.]silly; stupid: don't constantly badger people with ~ questions.

distal

[adj.]situated away from the center of the body or from the point of attachment: the ~ end of the tibia | axons ~ to the injury will degenerate. The opposite of proximal.

somnolent

[adj.]sleepy; drowsy.

ponderous

[adj.]slow and clumsy because of great weight: her footsteps were heavy and ~.

reserved

[adj.]slow to reveal emotion or opinions: he is a ~, almost taciturn man.

fetid

[adj.]smelling extremely unpleasant: the ~ water of the marsh.

malodorous

[adj.]smelling very unpleasant.

inimitable

[adj.]so good or unusual as to be impossible to copy; unique: the ~ ambience(气氛) of Hawaii.

seamy

[adj.]sordid and disreputable: a ~ sex scandal.||龌龊的

terse

[adj.]sparing in the use of words; abrupt: a ~ statement.

maculate

[adj.]spotted or stained.

concerted

[adj.]strenuously carried out; done with great effort: it would take a ~ effort for a burglar to break into my home.

taut

[adj.]stretched or pulled tight; not slack: the fabric stays ~ without adhesive.

signal

[adj.]striking in extent, seriousness, or importance; outstanding: he attacked the administration for its ~ failure of leadership.

arresting

[adj.]striking; eye-catching: at 6 feet 6 inches he was an ~ figure.

robust

[adj.]strong and healthy; vigorous: the Caplans are a ~, healthy lot.

refractory

[adj.]stubborn or unmanageable: his ~ pony.

provisory

[adj.]subject to a proviso; conditional.

anemic

[adj.]suffering from anemia.||贫血的

specious

[adj.]superficially plausible, but actually wrong: a ~ argument.

astounding

[adj.]surprisingly impressive or notable: the summit offers ~ views.

turgid

[adj.]swollen and distended or congested: a ~ and fast-moving river.

hortative

[adj.]tending or aiming to exhort(规劝): the central bank relied on ~ messages and voluntary compliance.

tenacious

[adj.]tending to keep a firm hold of something; clinging or adhering closely: a ~ grip.

inimical

[adj.]tending to obstruct or harm: actions ~ to our interests.

candor

[adj.]the quality of being open and honest in expression; frankness: a man of refreshing ~.

incogitant

[adj.]thoughtless, inconsiderate: an ~ litterbug

baleful

[adj.]threatening harm; menacing: Bill shot a ~ glance in her direction | the ~ light cast trembling shadows.

careworn

[adj.]tired and unhappy because of prolonged worry: a ~ expression.

jaded

[adj.]tired, bored, or lacking enthusiasm, typically after having had too much of something: meals to tempt the most ~ appetites.

favorable

[adj.]to the advantage of someone or something: they made a settlement ~ to the unions.

untold

[adj.]too much or too many to be counted or measured: thieves caused ~ damage.

hard-bitten

[adj.]tough and cynical: joining the ~ reporting veterans at the presidential debate.

peripatetic

[adj.]traveling from place to place, especially working or based in various places for relatively short periods: the ~ nature of military life.

facetious

[adj.]treating serious issues with deliberately inappropriate humor; flippant.

hideous

[adj.]ugly or disgusting to look at: his smile made him look more ~ than ever.

ineluctable

[adj.]unable to be resisted or avoided; inescapable: the ~ facts of history.

inalienable

[adj.]unable to be taken away from or given away by the possessor: freedom of religion, the most ~ of all human rights.

intangible

[adj.]unable to be touched or grasped; not having physical presence: my companions do not care about cyberspace or anything else so ~.

imperturbable

[adj.]unable to be upset or excited; calm: an ~ tranquility.

impuissance

[adj.]unable to take effective action; powerless.

unwonted

[adj.]unaccustomed or unusual: there was an ~ gaiety in her manner.

gratuitous

[adj.]uncalled for; lacking good reason; unwarranted: ~ violence.

rambunctious

[adj.]uncontrollably exuberant; boisterous.||喧闹的

raffish

[adj.]unconventional and slightly disreputable, especially in an attractive manner: his ~ air.

offbeat

[adj.]unconventional; unusual: she's a little ~, but she's a wonderful actress.||原意:不合拍的

recessive

[adj.]undergoing an economic recession: the ~ housing market.

tacit

[adj.]understood or implied without being stated: your silence may be taken to mean ~ agreement.

untoward

[adj.]unexpected and inappropriate or inconvenient: both tried to behave as if nothing ~ had happened | ~ jokes and racial remarks.

infelicitous

[adj.]unfortunate; inappropriate: his illustration is singularly ~.

offhand

[adj.]ungraciously or offensively nonchalant or cool in manner: his ~ way of talking.

immaterial

[adj.]unimportant under the circumstances; irrelevant: so long as the band kept the beat, what they played was ~.

blasé

[adj.]unimpressed or indifferent to something because one has experienced or seen it so often before: she was becoming quite ~ about the dangers.

fail-safe

[adj.]unlikely or unable to fail: the computer that runs the place is supposed to be ~.||原意:有自动保险装置的

superfluous

[adj.]unnecessary, especially through being more than enough: the purchaser should avoid asking for ~ information.

parsimonious

[adj.]unwilling to spend money or use resources; stingy or frugal: ~ New Hampshire voters, who have a phobia about taxes.

depleted

[adj.]used up the supply or resources of: fish stocks are severely ~.

windy

[adj.]using or expressed in many words that sound impressive but mean little: ~ speeches.

verbose

[adj.]using or expressed in more words than are needed: much academic language is obscure and ~.

wry

[adj.]using or expressing dry, especially mocking, humor: a ~ smile | ~ comments.

apropos

[adj.]very appropriate to a particular situation: the composer's reference to child's play is ~.

frigid

[adj.]very cold in temperature: ~ water.

agog

[adj.]very eager or curious to hear or see something: I'm all ~ to see London | New York is ~ at the gossip.

bully

[adj.]very good; first-rate: the statue really looked ~.

torrid

[adj.]very hot and dry: the ~ heat of the afternoon.

devoted

[adj.]very loving or loyal: he was a ~ husband | Leo was ~ to his job.

lank

[adj.]very numerous or plentiful: come and share our braai—we've got ~ meat.

tenuous

[adj.]very weak or slight: the ~ link between interest rates and investment.

trenchant

[adj.]vigorous or incisive in expression or style: she heard angry voices, not loud, yet certainly ~.

voracious

[adj.]wanting or devouring great quantities of food: he had a ~ appetite.

infamous

[adj.]well known for some bad quality or deed: an ~ war criminal.

prevalent

[adj.]widespread in a particular area at a particular time: the social ills ~ in society today.

complaisant

[adj.]willing to please others; obliging; agreeable: when unharnessed, Northern dogs are peaceful and ~.

sapient

[adj.]wise, or attempting to appear wise.

tatty

[adj.]worn and shabby; in poor condition: the room was furnished in slightly ~ upholstered furniture.

scurvy

[adj.]worthless or contemptible: that was a ~ trick.||原意:坏血病

estimable

[adj.]worthy of great respect.

despotic

[adj.]专横的:a ~ regime.

stygian

[adj.]冥河的

convex

[adj.]凸面的

concave

[adj.]凹的:~ lens 凹透镜

translucent

[adj.]半透明的: fry until the onions become ~.

antic

[adj.]古怪的,滑稽可笑的:

ductile

[adj.]可延展的

baroque

[adj.]巴洛克风格的

metaphysical

[adj.]形而上学的:the essentially ~ question of the nature of the mind.

dissolute

[adj.]放荡的:a ~, drunken, disreputable rogue.

elliptical

[adj.]椭圆的

hoary

[adj.]灰白的:a ~ old fellow with a face of white stubble(胡子茬).

pathological

[adj.]病理学的

caustic

[adj.]腐蚀性的: able to burn or corrode organic tissue by chemical action: a ~ cleaner.

interminable

[adj]. endless (often used hyperbolically夸张地): we got bogged down in(没有进展) interminable discussions.

verbatim

[adv. & adj.]in exactly the same words as were used originally: [ as adv. ] : subjects were instructed to recall the passage ~ | [ as adj. ] : your quotations must be ~.

asunder

[adv.]apart; divided: those whom God hath(have的过去用法) joined together let no man put ~.||撕碎地

virtually

[adv.]nearly; almost: ~ all those arrested were accused | the college became ~ bankrupt.

conjecture

[n. & v.]an opinion or conclusion formed on the basis of incomplete information: ~s about the newcomer were many and varied | the purpose of the opening in the wall is open to ~.

pun

[n. & v.]双关语: make a joke exploiting the different possible meanings of a word: his first puzzle ~ed on composers, with answers like "Handel with care" and "Haydn go seek" | (as adj. ~ing) : a ~ing riddle.

doldrums

[n. pl.]a state or period of inactivity, stagnation, or depression: the mortgage market has been in the ~ for three years.

gibe

[n.&v.]an insulting or mocking remark; a taunt: a ~ at his old rivals.

sonnet

[n.] a poem of fourteen lines using any of a number of formal rhyme schemes, in English typically having ten syllables per line.

paroxysm

[n.] a sudden attack or violent expression of a particular emotion or activity: a ~ of weeping.

squall

[n.] a sudden violent gust of wind or a localized storm, especially one bringing rain, snow, or sleet: low clouds and ~s of driving rain.

sloth

[n.] reluctance to work or make an effort; laziness:

obloquy

[n.] strong public criticism or verbal abuse: he endured years of contempt and ~.

prestige

[n.] widespread respect and admiration felt for someone or something on the basis of a perception of their achievements or quality: he experienced a tremendous increase in ~ following his victory.

jitter

[n.]((~s))feelings of extreme nervousness: a bout of the ~s.

asylum

[n.](also political ~) the protection granted by a nation to someone who has left their native country as a political refugee: she applied for ~ and was granted refugee status.

strait

[n.](also ~s)a narrow passage of water connecting two seas or two large areas of water: [ in place names ] : the ~ of Gibraltar.

tinker

[n.](especially in former times) a person who travels from place to place mending metal utensils as a way of making a living.

rapprochement

[n.](especially in international relations) an establishment or resumption of harmonious relations: there were signs of a growing ~ between the two countries.

sere

[n.](especially of vegetation) dry or withered: small green vineyards encircled by vast sear fields.

partition

[n.](especially with reference to a country with separate areas of government) the action or state of dividing or being divided into parts: the country's ~ into separate states.

understudy

[n.](in the theater) a person who learns another's role in order to be able to act as a replacement at short notice.

plangent

[n.](of a sound) loud, reverberating, and often melancholy.

savory

[n.](of food) belonging to the category that is salty or spicy rather than sweet.

dapper

[n.](typically of a man) neat and trim in dress, appearance, or bearing.

vernacular

[n.](usu. the ~) the language or dialect spoken by the ordinary people in a particular country or region: he wrote in the ~ to reach a larger audience.

sinew

[n.](usu. ~s) the parts of a structure, system, or thing that give it strength or bind it together: the ~s of government.||原意:肌腱

jaundice

[n.](人)黄疸病;(植物)黄锈病

ream

[n.]500 (formerly 480) sheets of paper.(exm???)||a large quantity of something, typically paper or writing on paper: ~s of paper have been used to debate these questions.

curmudgeon

[n.]a bad-tempered or surly person.

stockade

[n.]a barrier formed from upright wooden posts or stakes, especially as a defense against attack or as a means of confining animals.

commencement

[n.]a beginning or start: at the ~ of training.||[n.]a ceremony in which degrees or diplomas are conferred on graduating students: [ as modifier ] : a ~ address.

bravado

[n.]a bold manner or a show of boldness intended to impress or intimidate.

exploit

[n.]a bold or daring feat: the most heroic and secretive ~s of the war.||英雄业绩

gust

[n.]a brief, strong rush of wind.|[v.](of the wind) blow in gusts: the wind was ~ing through the branches of the tree.

edifice

[n.]a building, especially a large, imposing one.

bane

[n.]a cause of great distress or annoyance: the bane of the decorator is the long, narrow hall | the depressions that were the the ~ of her existence.

vicissitude

[n.]a change of circumstances or fortune, typically one that is unwelcome or unpleasant: her husband's sharp ~s of fortune.

pundit

[n.]an expert in a particular subject or field who is frequently called on to give opinions about it to the public: a globe-trotting financial ~.

connoisseur

[n.]an expert judge in matters of taste: a ~ of music.

maven

[n.]an expert or connoisseur: fashion ~s.

imbroglio

[n.]an extremely confused, complicated, or embarrassing situation: the Watergate ~.

rapport

[n.]a close and harmonious relationship in which the people or groups concerned understand each other's feelings or ideas and communicate well: she was able to establish a good ~ with the children | there was little ~ between them.

puissance

[n.]a competitive test of a horse's ability to jump large obstacles in show jumping.

barrage

[n.]a concentrated outpouring, as of questions or blows: she was not prepared for his ~ of questions | a ~ of 60-second television spots.

hodgepodge

[n.]a confused mixture: Rob's living room was a ~ of modern furniture and antiques.

conundrum

[n.]a confusing and difficult problem or question: one of the most difficult ~s for the experts.

nexus

[n.]a connection or series of connections linking two or more things: the ~ between industry and political power.

gourmet

[n.]a connoisseur of good food; a person with a discerning palate.

sneer

[n.]a contemptuous or mocking smile, remark, or tone: he acknowledged their presence with a condescending ~.

rift

[n.]a crack, split, or break in something: the wind had torn open a ~ in the clouds.

plight

[n.]a dangerous, difficult, or otherwise unfortunate situation: we must direct our efforts toward relieving the ~ of children living in poverty

respondent

[n.]a defendant in a lawsuit, especially one in an appeals or divorce case.

barb

[n.]a deliberately hurtful remark: his ~ hurt more than she cared to admit.||倒钩、尖刻的话

scion

[n.]a descendant of a notable family: he was the ~ of a wealthy family.

rabble

[n.]a disorderly crowd; a mob: he was met by a ~ of noisy, angry youths.

wrangle

[n.]a dispute or argument, typically one that is long and complicated: an insurance ~ is holding up compensation payments.

hallmark

[n.]a distinctive feature, especially one of excellence: the tiny bubbles are the ~ of fine champagnes.||原意:纯度印记

mongrel

[n.]a dog of no definable type or breed: [ as modifier ] : a lovable ~ puppy.||杂种

pleat

[n.]a double or multiple fold in a garment or other item made of cloth, held by stitching the top or side.||褶(???)

sophism

[n.]a fallacious argument, especially one used deliberately to deceive.

masquerade

[n.]a false show or pretense: his ~ ended when he was arrested.

travesty

[n.]a false, absurd, or distorted representation of something: the absurdly lenient sentence is a ~ of justice.

trepidation

[n.]a feeling of fear or agitation about something that may happen: the men set off in fear and ~.

pique

[n.]a feeling of irritation or resentment resulting from a slight, especially to one's pride: he left in a fit of ~.

ennui

[n.]a feeling of listlessness and dissatisfaction arising from a lack of occupation or excitement.

awe

[n.]a feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder: they gazed in awe at the small mountain of diamonds | the sight filled me with ~ | his staff members are in ~ of him.

euphoria

[n.]a feeling or state of intense excitement and happiness: the ~ of success will fuel your desire to continue training.

oxymoron

[n.]a figure of speech in which apparently contradictory terms appear in conjunction (e.g., faith unfaithful kept him falsely true).

terminus

[n.]a final point in space or time; an end or extremity: the exhibition's ~ is 1962.

nicety

[n.]a fine detail or distinction, especially one regarded as intricate and fussy: she was never interested in the ~s of Greek and Latin.

ration

[n.]a fixed amount of a commodity officially allowed to each person during a time of shortage, as in wartime: 1918 saw the bread ~ reduced on two occasions.

blandishments

[n.]a flattering or pleasing statement or action used to persuade someone gently to do something: the ~ of the travel brochure.||奉承

sling

[n.]a flexible strap or belt used in the form of a loop to support or raise a weight: the horse had to be supported by a ~ fixed to the roof.

disciple

[n.]a follower or student of a teacher, leader, or philosopher: a ~ of Rousseau.

simpleton

[n.]a foolish or gullible person.

diatribe

[n.]a forceful and bitter verbal attack against someone or something: a ~ against the Roman Catholic Church.

remonstrance

[n.]a forcefully reproachful protest: angry ~ in the Senate | he shut his ears to any ~.

oration

[n.]a formal speech, especially one given on a ceremonial occasion.

testimony

[n.]a formal written or spoken statement, especially one given in a court of law.

idyll

[n.]an extremely happy, peaceful, or picturesque episode or scene, typically an idealized or unsustainable one: the rural ~ remains strongly evocative in most industrialized societies.

parody

[n.]an imitation of the style of a particular writer, artist, or genre with deliberate exaggeration for comic effect: the movie is a ~ of the horror genre | his provocative use of ~.||滑稽的模仿(比如各种模仿秀)

petition

[n.]a formal written request, typically one signed by many people, appealing to authority with respect to a particular cause: she was asked to sign a ~ against plans to build on the local playing fields.

amity

[n.]a friendly relationship: international ~ and goodwill.

malaise

[n.]a general feeling of discomfort, illness, or uneasiness whose exact cause is difficult to identify: a society afflicted by a deep cultural ~ | a general air of ~.

canon

[n.]a general law, rule, principle, or criterion by which something is judged: the appointment violated the ~s of fair play and equal opportunity.||准则

salutation

[n.]a gesture or utterance made as a greeting or acknowledgment of another's arrival or departure: we greeted them but no one returned our ~s | he raised his glass in ~.

retinue

[n.]a group of advisers, assistants, or others accompanying an important person.

ensemble

[n.]a group of musicians, actors, or dancers who perform together: a Bulgarian folk ~.||剧团

churl

[n.]an impolite and mean-spirited person.

cacophony

[n.]a harsh, discordant(不和谐的) mixture of sounds: a ~ of deafening alarm bells | figurative : a ~ of architectural styles | songs of unrelieved ~.

downpour

[n.]a heavy rainfall: a sudden ~ had filled the gutters and drains.

juggernaut

[n.]a huge, powerful, and overwhelming force or institution: a ~ of secular(世俗的) and commercial culture.

spoof

[n.]a humorous imitation of something, typically a film or a particular genre of film, in which its characteristic features are exaggerated for comic effect: a Robin Hood ~.

hoax

[n.]a humorous or malicious deception: they recognized the plan as a ~ | [ as modifier ] : he was accused of making ~ calls.

inferno

[n.]a large fire that is dangerously out of control.

shoal

[n.]a large number of fish swimming together: a ~ of bream.

spate

[n.]a large number of similar things or events appearing or occurring in quick succession: a ~ of attacks on travelers.

scad

[n.]a large number or quantity: they raised ~s of children | [ in sing. ] : he's installed a ~ of microprocessors.

throng

[n.]a large, densely packed crowd of people or animals: he pushed his way ~ the throng | a ~ of birds.

sluggard

[n.]a lazy, sluggish person.

savant

[n.]a learned person, especially a distinguished scientist. See also idiot savant.

cordon

[n.]a line or circle of police, soldiers, or guards preventing access to or from an area or building: troops threw a ~ around the headquarters.||警戒线

crease

[n.]a line or ridge produced on paper or cloth by folding, pressing, or crushing it: khaki trousers with knife-edge ~s.||折痕

roster

[n.]a list or plan showing turns of duty or leave for individuals or groups in an organization: next week's duty ~.

gash

[n.]a long deep slash, cut, or wound: a bad ~ in one leg became infected.||[v.] make a gash in; cut deeply: the jagged edges ~ed their fingers.

monologue

[n.]a long speech by one actor in a play or movie, or as part of a theatrical or broadcast program.

crutch

[n.]a long stick with a crosspiece at the top, used as a support under the armpit by a lame person.||拐杖

tirade

[n.]a long, angry speech of criticism or accusation: a ~ of abuse.

tumult

[n.]a loud, confused noise, especially one caused by a large mass of people: a ~ of shouting and screaming broke out.

solder

[n.]a low-melting alloy, especially one based on lead and tin or (for higher temperatures) on brass or silver, used for joining less fusible metals.

periodical

[n.]a magazine or newspaper published at regular intervals.

dandy

[n.]a man unduly devoted to style, neatness, and fashion in dress and appearance.

exodus

[n.]a mass departure of people, especially emigrants.

patina

[n.]an impression or appearance of something: he carries the ~ of old money and good breeding.

incidentals

[n.]an incidental detail, expense, event, etc.: an allowance to cover meals, taxis, and other ~.杂项

propensity

[n.]an inclination or natural tendency to behave in a particular way: a ~ for violence | [ with infinitive ] : their innate ~ to attack one another.

raffle

[n.]a means of raising money by selling numbered tickets, one or some of which are subsequently drawn at random, the holder or holders of such tickets winning a prize.

tonic

[n.]a medicinal substance taken to give a feeling of vigor or well-being.

nomad

[n.]a member of a people having no permanent abode, and who travel from place to place to find fresh pasture for their livestock.

euphemism

[n.]a mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing: "downsizing" as a ~ for cuts. The opposite of dysphemism.||委婉语

misdemeanor

[n.]a minor wrongdoing: the player can expect a lengthy suspension for his latest ~.

rapscallion

[n.]a mischievous person.||淘气鬼

humility

[n.]a modest or low view of one's own importance; humbleness.

potentate

[n.]a monarch or ruler, especially an autocratic one: diplomatic missions to foreign ~s

fracas

[n.]a noisy disturbance or quarrel.

interregnum

[n.]a period when normal government is suspended, especially between successive reigns or regimes.||空位期

practitioner

[n.]a person actively engaged in an art, discipline, or profession, especially medicine: patients are treated by skilled ~s.

gamekeeper

[n.]a person employed to breed and protect game, typically for a large estate.猎场看守人

charlatan

[n.]a person falsely claiming to have a special knowledge or skill; a fraud.

vendor

[n.]a person or company offering something for sale, especially a trader in the street: an Italian ice cream ~.

paragon

[n.]a person or thing regarded as a perfect example of a particular quality: it would have taken a ~ of virtue not to feel viciously jealous.

precursor

[n.]a person or thing that comes before another of the same kind; a forerunner: a three-stringed ~ of the violin | [ as modifier ] : ~ cells.

damper

[n.]a person or thing that has a depressing, subduing, or inhibiting effect: another ~ on reactor development was the problem of safeguards.||抑制物

nonentity

[n.]a person or thing with no special or interesting qualities; an unimportant person or thing: a political ~.

poser

[n.]a person who acts in an affected manner in order to impress others.

proponent

[n.]a person who advocates a theory, proposal, or project: a collection of essays by both critics and ~s of graphology.

miscreant

[n.]a person who behaves badly or in a way that breaks the law.

toady

[n.]a person who behaves obsequiously to someone important.

exponent

[n.]a person who believes in and promotes the truth or benefits of an idea or theory: an early ~ of the teachings of Thomas Aquinas.

stoic

[n.]a person who can endure pain or hardship without showing their feelings or complaining.

chameleon

[n.]a person who changes their opinions or behavior according to the situation.||原意:变色龙

dilettante

[n.]a person who cultivates an area of interest, such as the arts, without real commitment or knowledge: [ as modifier ] : a ~ approach to science.

renegade

[n.]a person who deserts and betrays an organization, country, or set of principles.

turncoat

[n.]a person who deserts one party or cause in order to join an opposing one.

quack

[n.]a person who dishonestly claims to have special knowledge and skill in some field, typically in medicine: [ as modifier ] : ~ cures.

gourmand

[n.]a person who enjoys eating and often eats too much.

outcast

[n.]a person who has been rejected by society or a social group.

predecessor

[n.]a person who held a job or office before the current holder: the new president's foreign policy is very similar to that of his ~.

poacher

[n.]a person who hunts or catches game or fish illegally.

stickler

[n.]a person who insists on a certain quality or type of behavior: a ~ for accuracy | a ~ when it comes to timekeeping.

intercessor

[n.]a person who intervenes on behalf of another, especially by prayer: they rejected the notion that an ~ was needed to appeal to God.

malcontent

[n.]a person who is dissatisfied and rebellious.

philistine

[n.]a person who is hostile or indifferent to culture and the arts, or who has no understanding of them: I am a complete ~ when it comes to paintings.

bigot

[n.]a person who is intolerant toward those holding different opinions: don't let a few small-minded ~s destroy the good image of the city. he was a fanatical ~.

prude

[n.]a person who is or claims to be easily shocked by matters relating to sex or nudity.

sybarite

[n.]a person who is self-indulgent in their fondness for sensuous luxury.

recluse

[n.]a person who lives a solitary life and tends to avoid other people.

impostor

[n.]a person who pretends to be someone else in order to deceive others, especially for fraudulent gain.

spendthrift

[n.]a person who spends money in an extravagant, irresponsible way.

diehard

[n.]a person who strongly opposes change or who continues to support something in spite of opposition: ~ traditionalists | she was a ~ Yankees fan.

epicure

[n.]a person who takes particular pleasure in fine food and drink.

windbag

[n.]a person who talks at length but says little of value.

spectator

[n.]a person who watches at a show, game, or other event.

mettle

[n.]a person's ability to cope well with difficulties or to face a demanding situation in a spirited and resilient way: the team showed their true ~ in the second half.

stature

[n.]a person's natural height: a man of short ~ | she was small in ~.

sensation

[n.]a person, object, or event that arouses widespread interest and excitement: she was a ~, the talk of the evening.

votary

[n.]a person, such as a monk or nun, who has made vows of dedication to religious service.

tiff

[n.]a petty quarrel, especially one between friends or lovers: Joanna had a ~ with her boyfriend.

spat

[n.]a petty quarrel.

mosaic

[n.]a picture or pattern produced by arranging together small colored pieces of hard material, such as stone, tile, or glass: the mosaic shows the baptism of Christ | the walls and vaults are decorated by marble and ~ | [ as modifier ] : a ~ floor.||马赛克

aphorism

[n.]a pithy observation that contains a general truth, such as, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."||格言

epigram

[n.]a pithy saying or remark expressing an idea in a clever and amusing way.

hive

[n.]a place in which people are busily occupied: the kitchen became a ~ of activity.||忙碌的地方

sanctuary

[n.]a place of refuge or safety: people automatically sought a ~ in time of trouble | his sons took ~ in the church.

quarry

[n.]a place, typically a large, deep pit, from which stone or other materials are or have been extracted.||采石场

elegy

[n.]a poem of serious reflection, typically a lament for the dead.

venom

[n.]a poisonous substance secreted by animals such as snakes, spiders, and scorpions and typically injected into prey or aggressors by biting or stinging.||

demagogue

[n.]a political leader who seeks support by appealing to popular desires and prejudices rather than by using rational argument.

sinecure

[n.]a position requiring little or no work but giving the holder status or financial benefit.

maelstrom

[n.]a powerful whirlpool in the sea or a river.||a situation or state of confused movement or violent turmoil: the train station was a ~ of crowds.

jape

[n.]a practical joke(恶作剧): the childish ~ of depositing a stink bomb in her locker.

regimen

[n.]a prescribed course of medical treatment, way of life, or diet for the promotion or restoration of health: a ~ of one or two injections per day | a treatment ~.

chasm

[n.]a profound difference between people, viewpoints, feelings, etc.: the ~ between rich and poor.

sage

[n.]a profoundly wise man, especially one who features in ancient history or legend.

panegyric

[n.]a public speech or published text in praise of someone or something: Vera's ~ on friendship.

batch

[n.]a quantity or consignment of goods produced at one time: a ~ of cookies | the company undertakes thirty-six separate quality control checks on every ~.||一批

rostrum

[n.]a raised platform on which a person stands to make a public speech, receive an award or medal, play music, or conduct an orchestra.||讲坛

daredevil

[n.]a reckless person who enjoys doing dangerous things.

homily

[n.]a religious discourse that is intended primarily for spiritual edification rather than doctrinal instruction; a sermon.||布道

disinclination

[n.]a reluctance or lack of enthusiasm: Lucy felt a strong ~ to talk about her engagement.

taunt

[n.]a remark made in order to anger, wound, or provoke someone.

strut

[n.]a rod or bar forming part of a framework and designed to resist compression.

tether

[n.]a rope or chain with which an animal is tied to restrict its movement.

cipher

[n.]a secret or disguised way of writing; a code: he was writing cryptic notes in a ~ | the information may be given in ~.

conspiracy

[n.]a secret plan by a group to do something unlawful or harmful: a ~ to destroy the government.

epilogue

[n.]a section or speech at the end of a book or play that serves as a comment on or a conclusion to what has happened.||后记

vertigo

[n.]a sensation of whirling and loss of balance, associated particularly with looking down from a great height, or caused by disease affecting the inner ear or the vestibular nerve; giddiness.

melodrama

[n.]a sensational dramatic piece with exaggerated characters and exciting events intended to appeal to the emotions.||情节剧

incantation

[n.]a series of words said as a magic spell or charm: an ~ to raise the dead.

awning

[n.]a sheet of canvas or other material stretched on a frame and used to keep the sun or rain off a storefront, window, doorway, or deck.

vessel

[n.]a ship or large boat.

foreword

[n.]a short introduction to a book, typically by a person other than the author.||前言

fable

[n.]a short story, typically with animals as characters, conveying a moral.

parable

[n.]a simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson, as told by Jesus in the Gospels.

resurgence

[n.]an increase or revival after a period of little activity, popularity, or occurrence: a ~ of interest in religion.

bellwether

[n.]an indicator or predictor of something: college campuses are often the ~ of change | [ as modifier ] : the market's ~ stock.||系铃领头羊

syllogism

[n.]an instance of a form of reasoning in which a conclusion is drawn (whether validly or not) from two given or assumed propositions (premises), each of which shares a term with the conclusion, and shares a common or middle term not present in the conclusion (e.g., all dogs are animals; all animals have four legs; therefore all dogs have four legs).

abstention

[n.]an instance of declining to vote for or against a proposal or motion: a resolution passed by 126 votes to none, with six ~s.

mire

[n.]a situation or state of difficulty, distress, or embarrassment from which it is hard to extricate oneself: he has been left to squirm(扭动、局促不安) in a ~ of new allegations.

quibble

[n.]a slight objection or criticism: the only ~ about this book is the price.

serif

[n.]a slight projection finishing off a stroke of a letter in certain typefaces.

dullard

[n.]a slow or stupid person.

mite

[n.]a small child or animal, especially when regarded as an object of sympathy: the poor little ~ looks half-starved.

intoxicant

[n.]an intoxicating substance.||麻醉剂

puncture

[n.]a small hole in something such as the skin, caused by a sharp object: surgeons operate through small ~s in the skin | [ as modifier ] : a ~ wound.||刺孔;穿孔

modicum

[n.]a small quantity of a particular thing, especially something considered desirable or valuable: his statement had more than a ~ of truth.

faction

[n.]a small, organized, dissenting group within a larger one, especially in politics: the left-wing ~ of the party.

hovel

[n.]a small, squalid, unpleasant, or simply constructed dwelling.||肮脏简陋的住所

whiff

[n.]a smell that is only smelled briefly or faintly: I caught a ~ of peachy perfume.

sentinel

[n.]a soldier or guard whose job is to stand and keep watch.

warmonger

[n.]a sovereign or political leader or activist who encourages or advocates aggression or warfare toward other nations or groups.

schism

[n.]a split or division between strongly opposed sections or parties, caused by differences in opinion or belief.

privation

[n.]a state in which things that are essential for human well-being such as food and warmth are scarce or lacking: years of rationing and ~ | the ~s of life at the front.

coma

[n.]a state of deep unconsciousness that lasts for a prolonged or indefinite period, caused especially by severe injury or illness: a road crash left him in a ~ | figurative : a victim of a legislative ~.

stupor

[n.]a state of near-unconsciousness or insensibility: a drunken ~.

quandary

[n.]a state of perplexity or uncertainty over what to do in a difficult situation: Kate is in a ~.

incursion

[n.]an invasion or attack, especially a sudden or brief one: ~s into enemy territory.

garment

[n.]an item of clothing.

talisman

[n.]an object, typically an inscribed ring or stone, that is thought to have magic powers and to bring good luck.

embargo

[n.]an official ban on trade or other commercial activity with a particular country: an ~ on grain sales | the oil ~ of 1973.

lassitude

[n.]a state of physical or mental weariness; lack of energy: she was overcome by ~ and retired to bed | a patient complaining of ~ and inability to concentrate.

repose

[n.]a state of rest, sleep, or tranquility: in ~ her face looked relaxed.

frenzy

[n.]a state or period of uncontrolled excitement or wild behavior: Doreen worked herself into a ~ of rage.

quarantine

[n.]a state, period, or place of isolation in which people or animals that have arrived from elsewhere or been exposed to infectious or contagious disease are placed: many animals die in ~.

tangent

[n.]a straight line or plane that touches a curve or curved surface at a point, but if extended does not cross it at that point.

martinet

[n.]a strict disciplinarian, especially in the armed forces.

stench

[n.]a strong and very unpleasant smell: the ~ of rotting fish.

wanderlust

[n.]a strong desire to travel: a man consumed by ~.

polemic

[n.]a strong verbal or written attack on someone or something: his ~ against the cultural relativism of the sixties | a writer of feminist polemic.

truant

[n.]a student who stays away from school without leave or explanation.

dolt

[n.]a stupid person.

pigment

[n.]a substance used for coloring or painting, especially a dry powder that, when mixed with oil, water, or another medium, constitutes a paint or ink.

nuance

[n.]a subtle difference in or shade of meaning, expression, or sound: the ~s of facial expression and body language.

cloudburst

[n.]a sudden, violent rainstorm.

autocracy

[n.]a system of government by one person with absolute power.

sermon

[n.]a talk on a religious or moral subject, especially one given during a church service and based on a passage from the Bible.

pillar

[n.]a tall vertical structure of stone, wood, or metal, used as a support for a building, or as an ornament or monument.

pedagogue

[n.]a teacher, especially a strict or pedantic one.

lapse

[n.]a temporary failure of concentration, memory, or judgment: a ~ of concentration in the second set cost her the match.

moratorium

[n.]a temporary prohibition of an activity: an indefinite ~ on the use of drift nets.

sop

[n.]a thing given or done as a concession of no great value to appease someone whose main concerns or demands are not being met: my agent telephones as a ~ but never finds me work.

jest

[n.]a thing said or done for amusement; a joke: there are ~s about administrative gaffes(失礼) | it was said in ~.

paean

[n.]a thing that expresses enthusiastic praise: his books are ~s to combat.||原意:赞歌

retainer

[n.]a thing that holds something in place: a guitar string ~.

inducement

[n.]a thing that persuades or influences someone to do something: companies were prepared to build only in return for massive ~s | [ with infinitive ] : there is no ~ to wait for payment.

pinpoint

[n.]a tiny dot or point: a ~ of light from a flashlight.

speck

[n.]a tiny spot: the figure in the distance had become a mere ~.

vestige

[n.]a trace of something that is disappearing or no longer exists: the last ~ of colonialism.

snare

[n.]a trap for catching birds or animals, typically one having a noose of wire or cord.

bromide

[n.]a trite and unoriginal idea or remark, typically intended to soothe or placate: feel-good ~s create the illusion of problem solving.||陈词滥调

medley

[n.]a varied mixture of people or things; a miscellany: an interesting ~ of flavors.

pittance

[n.]a very small or inadequate amount of money paid to someone as an allowance or wage.

rivulet

[n.]a very small stream: sweat ran in ~s down his back.

precipice

[n.]a very steep rock face or cliff, typically a tall one: we swerved toward the edge of the ~ | figurative : the country was teetering on the ~ of political anarchy.

archetype

[n.]a very typical example of a certain person or thing: the book is a perfect ~ of the genre.

riot

[n.]a violent disturbance of the peace by a crowd: ~s broke out in the capital | [ as modifier ] : ~ police.

convulsion

[n.]a violent social or political upheaval: the ~s of 1939-45.

caveat

[n.]a warning or proviso of specific stipulations, conditions, or limitations.||警告

wastrel

[n.]a wasteful or good-for-nothing person.

coquette

[n.]a woman who flirts.

parenthesis

[n.]a word, clause, or sentence inserted as an explanation or afterthought into a passage that is grammatically complete without it, in writing usually marked off by curved brackets, dashes, or commas.||另意:括号

tact

[n.]adroitness and sensitivity in dealing with others or with difficult issues: the inspector broke the news to me with ~ and consideration.

concord

[n.]agreement or harmony between people or groups: a pact of peace and ~.||和谐

mirth

[n.]amusement, especially as expressed in laughter: his six-foot frame shook with ~.

salve

[n.]an ointment used to promote healing of the skin or as protection.||something that is soothing or consoling for wounded feelings or an uneasy conscience: the idea provided him with a ~ for his guilt.

furor

[n.]an outbreak of public anger or excitement: the article raised a ~ among mathematicians.

pariah

[n.]an outcast(a person who has been rejected by society or a social group.): they were treated as social ~s.

ecstasy

[n.]an overwhelming feeling of great happiness or joyful excitement: there was a look of ~ on his face | they went into ~s over the view.

grimace

[n.]an ugly, twisted expression on a person's face, typically expressing disgust, pain, or wry amusement: she gave a ~ of pain.

supposition

[n.]an uncertain belief: they were working on the ~ that his death was murder | their outrage was based on ~ and hearsay.

tantrum

[n.]an uncontrolled outburst of anger and frustration, typically in a young child: he has temper ~s if he can't get his own way.

yokel

[n.]an uneducated and unsophisticated person from the countryside.

vagary

[n.]an unexpected and inexplicable change in a situation or in someone's behavior: the ~s of the weather.

gaffe

[n.]an unintentional act or remark causing embarrassment to its originator; a blunder: an unforgivable social ~.

mishap

[n.]an unlucky accident: although there were a few minor ~s, none of the pancakes stuck to the ceiling | the event passed without ~.

maverick

[n.]an unorthodox or independent-minded person: a ~ among Connecticut Republicans.

effluvium

[n.]an unpleasant or harmful odor, secretion, or discharge: the unwholesome ~ of decaying vegetable matter.

reprobate

[n.]an unprincipled person (often used humorously or affectionately).

boor

[n.]an unrefined, ill-mannered person: at last the big obnoxious(讨厌的) ~ had been dealt a stunning blow for his uncouth and belligerent manner.

succor

[n.]assistance and support in times of hardship and distress.

spleen

[n.]bad temper; spite: he could vent his ~ on the institutions that had duped him.[from the earlier belief that the spleen was the seat of such emotions.]

pulchritude

[n.]beauty.

decorum

[n.]behavior in keeping with good taste and propriety: you exhibit remarkable modesty and ~.

credence

[n.]belief in or acceptance of something as true: psychoanalysis finds little ~ among laymen.

rancor

[n.]bitterness or resentfulness, especially when long-standing: he spoke without ~.

éclat

[n.]brilliant display or effect: she came into prominence briefly but with ~.

solace

[n.]comfort or consolation in a time of distress or sadness: she sought ~ in her religion.

kudos

[n.]compliments or congratulations: ~ to everyone who put the event together.

mastery

[n.]comprehensive knowledge or skill in a subject or accomplishment: she played with some ~.

brevity

[n.]concise and exact use of words in writing or speech.: ~ is the soul of wit.

derision

[n.]contemptuous ridicule or mockery: my stories were greeted with ~ and disbelief.

repartee

[n.]conversation or speech characterized by quick, witty comments or replies.

comity

[n.]courtesy and considerate behavior toward others.

subterfuge

[n.]deceit used in order to achieve one's goal.

profundity

[n.]deep insight; great depth of knowledge or thought: the simplicity and ~ of the message.

remorse

[n.]deep regret or guilt for a wrong committed: they were filled with ~ and shame.

turpitude

[n.]depravity; wickedness: acts of moral ~.

discord

[n.]disagreement between people: a prosperous family who showed no signs of ~.

dissension

[n.]disagreement that leads to discord: this maneuver caused ~ within feminist ranks.

vim

[n.]energy; enthusiasm: in his youth he was full of ~ and vigor.

ardor

[n.]enthusiasm or passion: they felt the stirrings of revolutionary ~.

hyperbole

[n.]exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally.

temerity

[n.]excessive confidence or boldness; audacity: no one had the ` to question his conclusions.

narcissism

[n.]excessive or erotic interest in oneself and one's physical appearance.||孤芳自赏

hubris

[n.]excessive pride or self-confidence.

avarice

[n.]extreme greed for wealth or material gain.

jingoism

[n.]extreme patriotism, especially in the form of aggressive or warlike foreign policy.||沙文主义

penury

[n.]extreme poverty; destitution: he died in a state of virtual ~.

fidelity

[n.]faithfulness to a person, cause, or belief, demonstrated by continuing loyalty and support: he sought only the strictest ~ to justice.

panache

[n.]flamboyant confidence of style or manner: he entertained Palm Springs society with great ~.

odium

[n.]general or widespread hatred or disgust directed toward someone as a result of their actions: his job had made him the target of public hostility and ~.

zest

[n.]great enthusiasm and energy: they campaigned with zest and intelligence | [ in sing. ] : she had a great ~ for life.

drudgery

[n.]hard, menial, or dull work: domestic ~.

bombast

[n.]high-sounding language with little meaning, used to impress people.

levity

[n.]humor or frivolity, especially the treatment of a serious matter with humor or in a manner lacking due respect: as an attempt to introduce a note of ~, the words were a disastrous flop.

badinage

[n.]humorous or witty conversation: cultured ~ about art and life.

iniquity

[n.]immoral or grossly unfair behavior: a den of ~ | a liberal lawyer could uncover the ~s committed on his own doorstep.

effrontery

[n.]insolent or impertinent behavior: one juror had the ~ to challenge the coroner's decision.

invective

[n.]insulting, abusive, or highly critical language: he let out a stream of ~.

repugnance

[n.]intense disgust: our growing ~ at the bleeding carcasses.

xenophobia

[n.]intense or irrational dislike or fear of people from other countries.

symbiosis

[n.]interaction between two different organisms living in close physical association, typically to the advantage of both. Compare with antibiosis.

finesse

[n.]intricate and refined delicacy: orchestral playing of great ~.

dissonance

[n.]lack of harmony among musical notes: an unusual degree of ~ for such choral styles | the harsh ~ give a sound that is quite untypical of the Renaissance.

hegemony

[n.]leadership or dominance, especially by one country or social group over others: Germany was united under Prussian ~ after 1871.

revelry

[n.]lively and noisy festivities, especially when these involve drinking a large amount of alcohol: sounds of ~ issued into the night | New Year ~s.||狂欢作乐

mania

[n.]mental illness marked by periods of great excitement, euphoria, delusions, and overactivity.||an excessive enthusiasm or desire; an obsession: he had a ~ for automobiles.

depravity

[n.]moral corruption; wickedness: a tale of wickedness and ~.

decadence

[n.]moral or cultural decline as characterized by excessive indulgence in pleasure or luxury: he denounced Western ~.

rectitude

[n.]morally correct behavior or thinking; righteousness: Maddie is a model of ~.

camaraderie

[n.]mutual trust and friendship among people who spend a lot of time together: a genuine ~ on the hockey team.

eleemosynary

[n.]of, relating to, or dependent on charity; charitable.

ken

[n.]one's range of knowledge or sight: such determination is beyond my ~.||[v.]know: d'ye ~ anyone who can boast of that?

travail

[n.]painful or laborious effort: advice for those who wish to save great sorrow and ~.

forbearance

[n.]patient self-control; restraint and tolerance: ~ from taking action.

illuminati

[n.]people claiming to possess special enlightenment or knowledge of something: some mysterious standard known only to the ~ of the organization.

disrepair

[n.]poor condition of a building or structure due to neglect: the station gradually fell into ~.

ignominy

[n.]public shame or disgrace: the ~ of being imprisoned.

retribution

[n.]punishment inflicted on someone as vengeance for a wrong or criminal act: employees asked not to be named, saying they feared ~ | Minos threatened war against Athens in ~ for his son's death | divine retribution.

profane

[n.]relating or devoted to that which is not sacred or biblical; secular rather than religious: a talk that tackled topics both sacred and ~.

debris

[n.]scattered fragments, typically of something wrecked or destroyed: the bomb hits it, showering ~ from all sides.||废墟

indemnity

[n.]security or protection against a loss or other financial burden: no ~ will be given for loss of cash.

savvy

[n.]shrewdness and practical knowledge; the ability to make good judgments: the financiers lacked the necessary political ~.

drivel

[n.]silly nonsense: don't talk such ~!|蠢话

padding

[n.]soft material such as foam or cloth used to pad or stuff something.

anathema

[n.]something or someone that one vehemently dislikes: racial hatred was ~ to her.

blueprint

[n.]something that acts as a plan, model, or template: a vague ~ for fundamental land redistribution.

mirage

[n.]something that appears real or possible but is not in fact so: the notion that the public is pro-business is a ~.||原意:海市蜃楼

gush

[n.]speak or write with effusiveness or exaggerated enthusiasm: a nice old lady reporter who covers the art openings and ~ed about everything.||另意:泉水(涌出)

pay/in homage to

[n.]special honor or respect shown publicly: they ~ed ~ ~ the local boy who became president | a masterly work written ~ ~ ~ Beethoven.

grandeur

[n.]splendor and impressiveness, especially of appearance or style: the austere ~ of mountain scenery.

occult

[n.]supernatural, mystical, or magical beliefs, practices, or phenomena: a secret society to study alchemy(炼金术) and the ~.

valediction

[n.]the action of saying farewell: he spread his palm in ~.

demolition

[n.]the action or process of demolishing or being demolished: the monument was saved from ~.

divestiture

[n.]the action or process of selling off subsidiary business interests or investments: the ~ of state-owned assets.

scission

[n.]the action or state of cutting or being cut, in particular:(1)chiefly Biochemistry breakage of a chemical bond, especially one in a long chain molecule so that two smaller chains result.(2)a division or split between people or parties; a schism.

verisimilitude

[n.]the appearance of being true or real: the detail gives the novel some ~.

cronyism

[n.]the appointment of friends and associates to positions of authority, without proper regard to their qualifications.||任人唯亲

purlieu

[n.]the area near or surrounding a place: the photogenic ~s of the Princeton.

altruism

[n.]the belief in or practice of disinterested and selfless concern for the well-being of others: some may choose to work with vulnerable elderly people out of ~.||利他主义

self-abasement

[n.]the belittling or humiliation of oneself: he began to apologize with copious tears and ~.

coronation

[n.]the ceremony of crowning a sovereign or a sovereign's consort.||加冕典礼

ambience

[n.]the character and atmosphere of a place: the relaxed ~ of the cocktail lounge is popular with guests.

peroration

[n.]the concluding part of a speech, typically intended to inspire enthusiasm in the audience.

negation

[n.]the contradiction or denial of something: there should be confirmation—or ~—of the findings.

domicile

[n.]the country that a person treats as their permanent home, or lives in and has a substantial connection with: his wife has a ~ of origin in Germany.

deprivation

[n.]the damaging lack of material benefits considered to be basic necessities in a society: low wages mean that 3.75 million people suffer serious ~ | rural households could escape the worst ~s of the towns.

crux

[n.]the decisive or most important point at issue: the ~ of the matter is that attitudes have changed.

husk

[n.]the dry outer covering of some fruits or seeds.

inception

[n.]the establishment or starting point of an institution or activity: she has been on the board since its ~ two years ago.

extraction

[n.]the ethnic origin of someone's family: a worker of Polish ~.||血统

cessation

[n.]the fact or process of ending or being brought to an end: the ~ of hostilities | a ~ of animal testing of cosmetics.

volition

[n.]the faculty or power of using one's will: without conscious ~ she backed into her office.

denouement

[n.]the final part of a play, movie, or narrative in which the strands of the plot are drawn together and matters are explained or resolved.||小说或者戏剧的结尾

zenith

[n.]the highest point reached by a celestial or other object: the sun was well past the ~ | the missile reached its ~ and fell.

illiteracy

[n.]the inability to read or write: the ineffective educational system meant that ~ was widespread.

malice

[n.]the intention or desire to do evil; ill will: I bear no ~ toward anybody.

synergy

[n.]the interaction or cooperation of two or more organizations, substances, or other agents to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects: the ~ between artist and record company.

interim

[n.]the intervening time: in the ~ I'll just keep my fingers crossed.

argot

[n.]the jargon or slang of a particular group or class: teenage ~.

confluence

[n.]the junction of two rivers, especially rivers of approximately equal width: here at the ~ of the Laramie and North Platte Rivers.||交汇处

finale

[n.]the last part of a piece of music, a performance, or a public event, especially when particularly dramatic or exciting: the festival ends with a grand ~.||大结局;终曲

nadir

[n.]the lowest point in the fortunes of a person or organization: they had reached the ~ of their sufferings.

reparation

[n.]the making of amends for a wrong one has done, by paying money to or otherwise helping those who have been wronged: the courts required a convicted offender to make financial ~ to his victim.

doyen

[n.]the most respected or prominent person in a particular field: the ~ of Canadian poetry.

pinnacle

[n.]the most successful point; the culmination: he had reached the ~ of his career.||原意:顶峰

protocol

[n.]the official procedure or system of rules governing affairs of state or diplomatic occasions: ~ forbids the prince from making any public statement in his defense.

perimeter

[n.]the outermost parts or boundary of an area or object: the ~ of the garden | figurative : my presence on the ~ of his life.

villain

[n.]the person or thing responsible for specified trouble, harm, or damage: the industrialized nations are the real environmental ~s.

acme

[n.]the point at which someone or something is best, perfect, or most successful: physics is the ~ of scientific knowledge.

deterioration

[n.]the process of becoming progressively worse: a ~ in the condition of the patient.

montage

[n.]the process or technique of selecting, editing, and piecing together separate sections of film to form a continuous whole.||蒙太奇

hedonism

[n.]the pursuit of pleasure; sensual self-indulgence.

ingenuity

[n.]the quality of being clever, original, and inventive.

equity

[n.]the quality of being fair and impartial: ~ of treatment.

integrity

[n.]the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness: he is known to be a man of ~.

probity

[n.]the quality of having strong moral principles; honesty and decency: financial ~.

earshot

[n.]the range or distance over which one can hear or be heard: she waited until he was out of ~ before continuing.

minutiae

[n.]the small, precise, or trivial details of something: the ~ of everyday life.

disrepute

[n.]the state of being held in low esteem by the public: one of the top clubs in the country is close to bringing the game into ~.

cachet

[n.]the state of being respected or admired; prestige: no other shipping company had quite the ~ of Cunard.

falsehood

[n.]the state of being untrue: the truth or ~ of the many legends that surround her.

parity

[n.]the state or condition of being equal, especially regarding status or pay: ~ of incomes between rural workers and those in industrial occupations.

languor

[n.]the state or feeling, often pleasant, of tiredness or inertia: he remembered the ~ and warm happiness of those golden afternoons.

solitude

[n.]the state or situation of being alone: she savored her few hours of freedom and ~.

gist

[n.]the substance or essence of a speech or text: she noted the ~ of each message.

mime

[n.]the theatrical technique of suggesting action, character, or emotion without words, using only gesture, expression, and movement.||哑剧

crest

[n.]the top of something, especially a mountain or hill: she reached the ~ of the hill.

circumlocution

[n.]the use of many words where fewer would do, especially in a deliberate attempt to be vague or evasive: his admission came after years of ~ | he used a number of poetic ~.||迂回的说法

chicanery

[n.]the use of trickery to achieve a political, financial, or legal purpose: an underhanded person who schemes corruption and political ~ behind closed doors.

gossamer

[n.]used to refer to something very light, thin, and insubstantial or delicate: in the light from the table lamp, his hair was blond ~ | [ as modifier ] : ~ wings.||原意:蛛丝

verve

[n.]vigor and spirit or enthusiasm: Kollo sings with supreme ~ and flexibility.

sacrilege

[n.]violation or misuse of what is regarded as sacred: putting ecclesiastical vestments to secular use was considered ~.

detritus

[n.]waste or debris of any kind: streets filled with rubble and ~s.

pandemonium

[n.]wild and noisy disorder or confusion; uproar: ~ broke out.

fury

[n.]wild or violent anger: tears of ~ and frustration | Rachel shouted, beside herself with ~.

idolatries

[n.]worship of idols; extreme admiration, love, or reverence for something or someone: we must not allow our ~ of art to obscure issues of political significance.

verse

[n.]writing arranged with a metrical rhythm, typically having a rhyme: a lament in ~ | [ as modifier ] : ~ drama.

alibi

[n.]不在场证据: Scamp had an airtight ~.

calligraphy

[n.]书法

artifact

[n.]人工制品

hearsay

[n.]传闻:according to ~, Bob had managed to break his arm.

quota

[n.]定额、限额:the country may be exceeding its OPEC ~ of 1,100,000 barrels of oil per day.

figurine

[n.]小雕像

gorge

[n.]峡谷

vault

[n.]拱顶;地窖||[v.]leap or spring while supporting or propelling oneself with one or both hands or with the help of a pole: he ~ed over the gate.

dirge

[n.]挽歌:singers chanted ~s | figurative : the wind howled ~es around the chimney.

diocese

[n.]教区

anarchist

[n.]无政府主义者

ballad

[n.]民谣

mosque

[n.]清真寺

furnace

[n.]熔炉;暖气炉

caricature

[n.]用讽刺歪曲等手法的夸张,漫画,讽刺画: exaggeration by means of often ludicrous distortion of parts or characteristics

convulsion

[n.]痉挛:~s are usually accompanied by loss of consciousness.

delicacy

[n.]精致:

fleet

[n.]舰队

moor

[n.]荒地;沼泽: Colliford is higher, right up on the ~s.

gladiator

[n.]角斗士

dais

[n.]讲台

hymn

[n.]赞美诗:a Hellenistic ~ to Apollo.

barricade

[n.]路障

delusion

[n.]错觉、妄想:the ~ of being watched.

conservatory

[n.]音乐学校;温室;暖房

balm

[n.]香油something that has a comforting, soothing, or restorative effect: the murmur of the water can provide ~ for troubled spirits.|| friendship is the finest balm in need.

apropos of

[phrase, prep]with reference to; concerning: she remarked ~ ~ the initiative, "It's not going to stop the abuse."

clog up

[phrase.]block or become blocked with an accumulation of thick, wet matter: [ with obj. ] : the gutters were ~ed ~ with leaves | [ no obj. ] : too much fatty food makes your arteries ~ ~.

be chary of doing something

[phrase.]cautiously or suspiciously reluctant to do something: most people are(~) ~ ~ allowing(~) themselves to be photographed.

gear something to

[phrase] adjust or adapt something to suit a special purpose or need: Tim ~ed his speech(~) ~ his audience| The newspaper ~ed its language(~) ~ a fourth-grade reading level

grate on

[phrase] have an irritating effect: he had a juvenile streak that ~ed ~ her nerves.

apropos of nothing

[phrase] used to state a speaker's belief that someone's comments or acts are unrelated to any previous discussion or situation: Isabel kept smiling ~ ~ ~.

prowl

[v.](of a person or animal) move around restlessly and stealthily, especially in search of or as if in search of prey: [ with obj. ] : black bears ~ the canyons | [ no obj. ] : committee members ~ing around the offices at night with flashlights.

quaver

[v.](of a person's voice) shake or tremble in speaking, typically through nervousness or emotion.

flag

[v.](of a person) become tired, weaker, or less enthusiastic: if you begin to ~, there is an excellent café to revive you.

preen

[v.](of a person) devote effort to making oneself look attractive and then admire one's appearance: adolescents ~ing in their bedroom mirrors.||原意:鸟用喙整理自己的羽毛

expire

[v.](of a person) die.

exude

[v.](of a person) display (an emotion or quality) strongly and openly: Mr. Thomas ~ed friendship and goodwill.

misbehave

[v.](of a person, especially a child) fail to conduct oneself in a way that is acceptable to others; behave badly.

founder

[v.](of a ship) fill with water and sink: six drowned when the yacht ~ed off the Florida coast.

list

[v.](of a ship) lean to one side, typically because of a leak or unbalanced cargo: The sudden lift of the load on the deck listed the ship badly.

fester

[v.](of a wound or sore) become septic(化脓的); suppurate(化脓): I developed a tropical sore that festered badly | (as adj. ~ing) : a ~ing abscess.||溃烂

molt

[v.](of an animal) shed old feathers, hair, or skin, or an old shell, to make way for a new growth: the adult birds were already ~ing into their winter shades of gray | [ with obj. ] : the snake ~s its skin.

abut

[v.](of an area of land or a building) be next to or have a common boundary with: gardens ~ing Prescott Street | [ no obj. ] : a park ~ing on an area of wasteland.||紧邻

augur well/badly/ill

[v.](of an event or circumstance) portend a good or bad outcome: the end of the Cold War seemed to ~ well(~) | the return to the gold standard ~ed badly(~) for industry.

metamorphose

[v.](of an insect or amphibian) undergo metamorphosis, especially into the adult form: feed the larvae to your fish before they ~ into adults.||蜕变

relapse

[v.](of someone suffering from a disease) suffer deterioration after a period of improvement.

dissolve

[v.](of something abstract, especially a feeling) disappear: my courage dissolved.

abate

[v.](of something perceived as hostile, threatening, or negative) become less intense or widespread: the storm suddenly ~ed.

glisten

[v.](of something wet or greasy) shine; glitter: his cheeks ~ed with tears | (as adj. ~ing) : the ~ing swimming pool.

wane

[v.](of the moon) have a progressively smaller part of its visible surface illuminated, so that it appears to decrease in size.||(especially of a condition or feeling) decrease in vigor, power, or extent; become weaker: confidence in the dollar ~ed.

interlock

[v.](of two or more things) engage with each other by overlapping or by the fitting together of projections and recesses: their fingers ~ed.

ossify

[v.](often as adj. ~ed) cease developing; be stagnant or rigid: ~ed political institutions.||原意:骨化

stultify

[v.](usu. as adj. ~ing) cause to lose enthusiasm and initiative, especially as a result of a tedious or restrictive routine: the mentally ~ing effects of a disadvantaged home.

saddle

[v.](usu. be ~ed with) burden (someone) with an onerous responsibility or task: he's ~ed with debts of $12 million.||原意:马鞍

slate

[v.](usu. be ~ed) chiefly N. Amer. schedule; plan: renovations are ~ed for late June | [ with obj. ] : construction is ~ed to begin late next year.

wag

[v.](with reference to an animal's tail) move or cause to move rapidly to and fro: [ no obj. ] : his tail began to ~ | [ with obj. ] : the dog went out, ~ing its tail.

hem

[v.](~ someone/something in) (usu. be ~ed in) surround and restrict the space or movement of: he was ~ed in by the tables.

shrug

[v.](~ something off) dismiss something as unimportant: the managing director ~ed off the criticism.

ravel

[v.](~ something out) untangle or unravel something: Davy had finished ~ing out his herring net | figurative : sleep ~ed out the tangles of his mind.

tamper

[v.](~ with) interfere with (something) in order to cause damage or make unauthorized alterations: someone ~ed with the brakes on my car.

transfigure

[v.].transform into something more beautiful or elevated: the world is made luminous and is ~ed.

exude

[v.]1 discharge (moisture or a smell) slowly and steadily: the beetle ~es a caustic liquid.

vituperate

[v.]Just as ~tion consists of negative, explosive, malicious outbursts, to ~ is to communicate in this way. Negative political ads ~ against opponents. When you insult someone and swear at them, you ~. People with a short temper tend to ~ often — it's similar to railing, vilifying, and reviling.

engross

[v.]absorb all the attention or interest of: the notes totally ~ed him.

fast

[v.]abstain from all or some kinds of food or drink, especially as a religious observance.

embrace

[v.]accept or support (a belief, theory, or change) willingly and enthusiastically: besides traditional methods, artists are ~ing new technology.

inculpate

[v.]accuse or blame||incriminate(表明..有罪): someone placed the pistol in your room in order to ~ you.

dally

[v.]act or move slowly: workers were loafing(游手好闲), ~ing, or goofing off.

stoke

[v.]add coal or other solid fuel to (a fire, furnace, or boiler).

embroider

[v.]add fictitious or exaggerated details to (an account) to make it more interesting: she ~ed her stories with colorful detail.||另:刺绣

elaborate

[v.]add more detail concerning what has already been said: he would not ~ on his news.

countenance

[v.]admit as acceptable or possible: he was reluctant to ~ the use of force.

espouse

[v.]adopt or support (a cause, belief, or way of life): he turned his back on the modernism he had ~ed in his youth.

hoard

[v.]amass(积聚) (money or valued objects) and hide or store away: thousands of antiques ~ed by a compulsive collector | many of the boat people had ~ed rations.

miff

[v.]annoy: she was slightly ~ed at not being invited.

peeve

[v.]annoy; irritate: he was ~ed at being left out of the cabinet | (as adj. ~ed) : a somewhat ~ed tone.

satiate

[v.]another term for sate1: he folded up his newspaper, his curiosity ~ed.

lubricate

[v.]apply a substance such as oil or grease to (an engine or component) to minimize friction and allow smooth movement: remove the nut and ~ the thread | (as adj. ~ing) : ~ing oils.

designate

[v.]appoint (someone) to a specified position: he was ~ed as prime minister.

accost

[v.]approach and address (someone) boldly or aggressively: reporters ~ed him in the street | he was ~ed by a thief, demanding his money or his life | a man tried to ~ the girl on her way to school.

condone

[v.]approve or sanction (something), especially with reluctance: the practice is not officially ~ed by any airline.

belabor

[v.]argue or elaborate (a subject) in excessive detail: critics thought they ~ed the obvious.

dispose

[v.]arrange in a particular position: the chief ~ed his attendants in a circle.

importune

[v.]ask (someone) pressingly and persistently for or to do something: if he were alive now, I should ~ him with my questions.

badger

[v.]ask (someone) repeatedly and annoyingly for something; pester: journalists ~ed him about the deals | Tom had finally ~ed her into going | [ with obj. and infinitive ] : his daughter was always ~ing him to let her join

beseech

[v.]ask (someone) urgently and fervently to do something; implore; entreat: [ with obj. and infinitive ] : they ~ed him to stay | [ with obj. ] : they earnestly ~ed his forgiveness | [ with obj. and direct speech ] : "You have got to believe me," Gloria ~ed him | (as adj. ~ing) : a ~ing gaze.

cadge

[v.]ask for or obtain (something to which one is not strictly entitled): he eats whenever he can ~ a meal | [ no obj. ] : they ~, but timidly.

supplicate

[v.]ask or beg for something earnestly or humbly: [ with infinitive ] : the plutocracy ~ed to be made peers.

interrogate

[v.]ask questions of (someone, especially a suspect or a prisoner) closely, aggressively, or formally.

entreat

[v.]ask someone earnestly or anxiously to do something: [ with obj. and infinitive ] : his friends ~ed him not to go.

vouch

[v.]assert or confirm as a result of one's own experience that something is true or accurately so described: they say New York is the city that never sleeps, and I can certainly ~ for that.

posit

[v.]assume as a fact; put forward as a basis of argument: the Confucian view posits a perfectible human nature | [ with clause ] : he ~ed that the world economy is a system with its own particular equilibrium.

expiate

[v.]atone for (guilt or sin): their sins must be ~ed by sacrifice.

rivet

[v.]attract and completely engross (someone): he was ~ed by the reports shown on television.

dodge

[v.]avoid (someone or something) by a sudden quick movement: we ducked inside our doorway to ~ shrapnel that was raining down.

temporize

[v.]avoid making a decision or committing oneself in order to gain time: the opportunity was missed because the mayor still ~ed.

epitomize

[v.]be a perfect example of: Hearst's newspapers ~ed bare-knuckle yellow journalism.

impending

[v.]be about to happen: my ~ing departure.

pore

[v.]be absorbed in the reading or study of: Heather spent hours ~ing over cookbooks.

matriculate

[v.]be enrolled at a college or university: he ~ed at the University of Vermont.

bulge

[v.]be full of and distended with: a briefcase ~ing with documents.

sulk

[v.]be silent, morose, and bad-tempered out of annoyance or disappointment: he was ~ing over the breakup of his band.

effervesce

[v.]be vivacious and enthusiastic.

acclimate

[v.]become accustomed to a new climate or to new conditions: it will take a few days to get ~ed to the altitude.

balloon

[v.]become inflated: The sails ~ed.

calcify

[v.]become inflexible and unchanging: a leg that is calcified.

pall

[v.]become less appealing or interesting through familiarity: the novelty of the quiet life ~ed.

warp

[v.]become or cause to become bent or twisted out of shape, typically as a result of the effects of heat or dampness: [ no obj. ] : wood has a tendency to ~ | [ with obj. ] : moisture had ~ed the box.

ripen

[v.]become or make ripe: [ no obj. ] : honeydew melons ~ slowly | [ with obj. ] : for ease of harvesting, the fruit is ~ed to order.

inaugurate

[v.]begin or introduce (a system, policy, or period): he ~ed a new policy of trade and exploration.

burgeon

[v.]begin to grow or increase rapidly; flourish: manufacturers are keen to cash in on the ~ing demand.

abase

[v.]behave in a way so as to belittle or degrade (someone): I watched my colleagues ~ing themselves before the board of trustees.

crook

[v.]bend (something, especially a finger as a signal): he ~ed a finger for the waitress.

rue

[v.]bitterly regret (something one has done or allowed to happen): Ferguson will ~ the day he turned down that offer | she might live to ~ this impetuous decision.

adjourn

[v.]break off (a meeting, legal case, or game) with the intention of resuming it later: the meeting was ~ed until December 4 | [ no obj. ] : let's ~ and reconvene at 2 o'clock.

fracture

[v.]break or cause to break: [ no obj. ] : the stone has ~ed | [ with obj. ] : ancient magmas ~ed by the forces of wind and ice.

respire

[v.]breathe: he lay back, respiring deeply | [ with obj. ] : a country where fresh air seems impossible to ~.

bridle

[v.]bring (something) under control; curb: the fact that he was their servant ~ed his tongue.||原意:马笼头

compromise

[v.]bring into disrepute or danger by indiscreet, foolish, or reckless behavior: situations in which his troops could be ~ed.

evoke

[v.]bring or recall to the conscious mind: the sight of American asters ~es pleasant memories of childhood.

rouse

[v.]bring out of sleep; awaken: she was ~ed from a deep sleep by a hand on her shoulder.

subjugate

[v.]bring under domination or control, especially by conquest: the invaders had soon ~ed most of the native population.

reconstitute

[v.]build up again from parts; reconstruct.

singe

[v.]burn (something) superficially or lightly: the fire had ~ed his eyebrows | (as adj. ~ed) : a smell of ~ed feathers.

scorch

[v.]burn the surface of (something) with flame or heat: surrounding houses were ~ed by heat from the blast.

convoke

[v.]call together or summon (an assembly or meeting): she sent messages ~ing a Council of Ministers.

lull

[v.]calm or send to sleep, typically with soothing sounds or movements: the rhythm of the boat ~ed her to sleep.

compose

[v.]calm or settle (oneself or one's features or thoughts): she tried to ~ herself.

reprieve

[v.]cancel or postpone the punishment of (someone, especially someone condemned to death): under the new regime, prisoners under sentence of death were ~ed.

nurture

[v.]care for and encourage the growth or development of: Jarrett was ~ed by his parents in a close-knit family.

cosset

[v.]care for and protect in an overindulgent way: all her life she'd been ~ed by her family.

lug

[v.]carry or drag (a heavy or bulky object) with great effort: she began to ~ her suitcase down the stairs.

emboss

[v.]carve, mold, or stamp a design on (a surface) so that it stands out in relief: an ~ed brass dish.||在...上压印浮凸图案

entrap

[v.]catch (someone or something) in or as in a trap: she was ~ed by family expectations.

ignite

[v.]catch fire or cause to catch fire: [ no obj. ] : furniture can give off lethal fumes when it ~es | [ with obj. ] : sparks flew out and ~ed the dry scrub.

extinguish

[v.]cause (a fire or light) to cease to burn or shine: firemen were soaking everything to ~ the blaze.

boggle

[v.]cause (a person or a person's mind) to be astonished or overwhelmed: the inflated salary of a CEO ~es the mind | (as adj. ~ing) : the total was a ~ing 1.5 trillion miles.

startle

[v.]cause (a person or animal) to feel sudden shock or alarm: a sudden sound in the doorway ~ed her | [ with infinitive ] : he was ~ed to see a column of smoke.

catalyze

[v.]cause (an action or process) to begin: the tragic event helped to ~ the already growing popular anger.

estrange

[v.]cause (someone) to be no longer close or affectionate to someone; alienate: are you deliberately seeking to ~ your readers?

dismay

[v.]cause (someone) to feel consternation and distress: they were ~ed by the U-turn in policy.

demoralize

[v.]cause (someone) to lose confidence or hope; dispirit: their rejection of the treaty has ~ed the diplomatic community.

discommode

[v.]cause (someone) trouble or inconvenience: I am sorry to have ~ed you.

dilapidate

[v.]cause (something) to fall into disrepair or ruin.

burlesque

[v.]cause to appear absurd by parodying or copying in an exaggerated form: she struck a ridiculous pose that ~ed her own vanity.||模仿嘲弄

buoy

[v.]cause to become cheerful or confident: the party was ~ed by an election victory.

constringent

[v.]causing constriction.

capitulate

[v.]cease to resist an opponent or an unwelcome demand; surrender: the patriots had to ~ to the enemy forces.

excoriate

[v.]censure or criticize severely: the papers that had been ~ing him were now lauding him.

veer

[v.]change direction suddenly: an oil tanker that had ~ed off course.

swerve

[v.]change or cause to change direction abruptly: [ no obj. ] : a car ~ed around a corner | [ with obj. ] : he ~ed the truck, narrowly missing a teenager on a skateboard.

mutate

[v.]change or cause to change in form or nature: [ no obj. ] : technology continues to ~ at an alarming rate | [ with obj. ] : the quick-dry solution really worked, even if it did ~ the skin on her fingers to reptilian scales.

remodel

[v.]change the structure or form of (something, especially a building, policy, or procedure): the station was ~ed and enlarged in 1927.

hew

[v.]chop or cut (something, especially wood) with an ax, pick, or other tool: we have finished hauling and ~ing timber.

invoke

[v.]cite or appeal to (someone or something) as an authority for an action or in support of an argument: the antiquated defense of insanity is rarely ~ed today.

disinfect

[v.]clean (something), especially with a chemical, in order to destroy bacteria: he ~ed and dressed the cut on his forehead.

scour

[v.]clean or brighten the surface of (something) by rubbing it hard, typically with an abrasive or detergent: he ~ed the bathtub.

dissolve

[v.]close down or dismiss (an assembly or official body): the country's president can ~ parliament under certain circumstances.

implode

[v.]collapse or cause to collapse violently inward: [ no obj. ] : the windows on both sides of the room had ~ed | [ with obj. ] : these forces would ~ the pellet to a density 100 times higher than that of lead.

amalgamate

[v.]combine or unite to form one organization or structure: [ with obj. ] : he ~ed his company with another | [ no obj. ] : numerous small railroad companies ~ed | (as adj. ~ed) : his true genius lies in synthesis, in an ~ed vision.

collude

[v.]come to a secret understanding for a harmful purpose; conspire: university leaders ~ed in price-rigging | the president accused his opponents of ~ing with foreigners.

console

[v.]comfort (someone) at a time of grief or disappointment: she tried to ~ him but he pushed her gently away | you can ~ yourself with the thought that you did your best.

carp

[v.]complain or find fault continually, typically about trivial matters: I don't want to ~ about the way you did it | he was constantly ~ing at me.

rail against/at/about

[v.]complain or protest strongly and persistently about: he ~ed ~ human fickleness.

raze

[v.]completely destroy (a building, town, or other site): villages were ~ed to the ground.

extemporize

[v.]compose, perform, or produce something such as music or a speech without preparation; improvise: he ~ed at the piano | [ with obj. ] : she was ~ing touching melodies.

coop

[v.]confine in a small space: being ~ed up indoors all day makes him fidgety.

flock

[v.]congregate or mass in a flock or large group: students ~ed to spring break sites.||群集

disdain

[v.]consider to be unworthy of one's consideration: gamblers ~ four-horse races.

gloat

[v.]contemplate or dwell on one's own success or another's misfortune with smugness or malignant pleasure: his enemies ~ed over his death.

harness

[v.]control and make use of (natural resources), especially to produce energy: attempts to ~ solar energy | figurative : projects that ~ the creativity of those living in the ghetto.||原意:给...上挽具

reconvene

[v.]convene or cause to convene again, especially after a pause in proceedings: [ no obj. ] : as soon as the Senate ~es next month | [ with obj. ] : it was agreed to ~ the permanent commission.||再次召开

gasify

[v.]convert (a solid or liquid, especially coal) into gas: 5 million tons of coal have been ~ed.

proselytize

[v.]convert or attempt to convert (someone) from one religion, belief, or opinion to another: the program did have a tremendous evangelical effect, ~ing many | [ no obj. ] : proselytizing for converts | (as noun ~ing) : no amount of ~ing was going to change their minds.

veneer

[v.]cover (something) with a decorative layer of fine wood.||cover or disguise (someone or something's true nature) with an attractive appearance.

shroud

[v.]cover or envelop so as to conceal from view: mountains ~ed by cloud | the mystery that ~es the origins of the universe.

gild

[v.]cover thinly with gold.||give a specious or false brilliance to: they ~ the facts until the truth all but vanishes.

pan

[v.]criticize (someone or something) severely: the movie was ~ed by the critics.

lacerate

[v.]criticize forcefully or severely: her true venom seems reserved for the media itself as she ~s our obsession with celebrity | (as adj. ~ing) : a ~ing critique of the war.||原意:割裂

revile

[v.]criticize in an abusive or angrily insulting manner: he was now ~ed by the party that he had helped to lead.

squat

[v.]crouch or sit with one's knees bent and one's heels close to or touching one's buttocks or the back of one's thighs: I ~ed down in front of him.

crumple

[v.]crush (something, typically paper or cloth) so that it becomes creased and wrinkled: he ~ed up the paper bag | (as adj. ~ed) : a ~ed sheet.||弄皱||synonym: crease

mince

[v.]cut up or grind (food, especially meat) into very small pieces, typically in a machine with revolving blades: ~ed beef.

besmirch

[v.]damage the reputation of (someone or something) in the opinion of others: he had ~ed the good name of his family.

outwit

[v.]deceive or defeat by greater ingenuity: Ray had ~ed many an opponent.

hoodwink

[v.]deceive or trick (someone): an attempt to ~ the public.

dupe

[v.]deceive; trick: the newspaper was ~ed into publishing an untrue story.

scotch

[v.]decisively put an end to: a spokesman has ~ed the rumors.

fringe

[v.]decorate (clothing or material) with a fringe: a rich robe of gold, ~ed with black velvet.||镶边;边缘

garnish

[v.]decorate or embellish (something, especially food): salad ~ed with an orange slice.

bedeck

[v.]decorate: he led us into a room ~ed with tinsel.||金属箔

retard

[v.]delay or hold back in terms of progress, development, or accomplishment: his progress was ~ed by his limp.

procrastinate

[v.]delay or postpone action; put off doing something: it won't be this price for long, so don't ~.

bait

[v.]deliberately annoy or taunt (someone): the other boys reveled in ~ing him about his love of literature.

preach

[v.]deliver a sermon or religious address to an assembled group of people, typically in church: he ~ed to a large congregation | [ with obj. ] : our pastor will ~ the sermon.

stipulate

[v.]demand or specify (a requirement), typically as part of a bargain or agreement: he ~ed certain conditions before their marriage | (as adj. ~ed) : the ~ed time has elapsed.

understate

[v.]describe or represent (something) as being smaller, worse, or less important than it actually is: the press has ~ed the extent of the problem.

merit

[v.]deserve or be worthy of (something, especially reward, punishment, or attention): the results have been encouraging enough to ~ further investigation.

incinerate

[v.]destroy (something, especially waste material) by burning: such garbage must be ~ed at the hospital.

obliterate

[v.]destroy utterly; wipe out: figurative : the memory was so painful that he ~ed it from his mind.

predestine

[v.]determine (an outcome or course of events) in advance by divine will or fate: she was certain that fate was with her and everything was ~ed | (as adj. ~ed) : our ~ed end.

abominate

[v.]detest; loathe: they ~ed the very idea of monarchy.

dwindle

[v.]diminish gradually in size, amount, or strength: traffic has ~ed to a trickle | (as adj. ~ing) : ~ing resources.

depreciate

[v.]diminish in value over a period of time: the pound is expected to ~ against the dollar.

allay

[v.]diminish or put at rest (fear, suspicion, or worry): the report attempted to educate the public and ~ fears.

taper

[v.]diminish or reduce or cause to diminish or reduce in thickness toward one end: [ no obj. ] : the tail ~s to a rounded tip | [ with obj. ] : David asked my dressmaker to ~ his trousers.

discombobulate

[v.]disconcert or confuse (someone): this attitude totally ~ed Bruce | (as adj. ~ed) : he is looking a little pained and ~ed.

deter

[v.]discourage (someone) from doing something, typically by instilling doubt or fear of the consequences: only a health problem would ~ him from seeking re-election.

disinter

[v.]discover (something that is well hidden): he has ~ed and translated an important collection of writings.||原意:挖出(尸体)

canvass

[v.]discuss thoroughly: the issues that were ~ed are still unresolved.

detach

[v.]disengage (something or part of something) and remove it: he ~ed the front lamp from its bracket | figurative : federal strings need to be ~ed to restore parental authority.

varnish

[v.]disguise or gloss over (a fact): the White House is ~ing over the defeat of the president's proposal.

detest

[v.]dislike intensely: of all birds the carrion crow is the most ~ed by gamekeepers.

ruffle

[v.]disorder or disarrange (someone's hair), typically by running one's hands through it: he ~ed her hair affectionately.

dissipate

[v.]disperse or scatter: the cloud of smoke ~ed.

blazon

[v.]display prominently or vividly: they saw their company name ~ed all over the media.

impugn

[v.]dispute the truth, validity, or honesty of (a statement or motive); call into question: the father does not ~ her capacity as a good mother.

divert

[v.]distract (someone or their attention) from something: public relations policies are sometimes intended to ~ attention away from criticism.

discompose

[v.]disturb or agitate (someone): she looked a little ~ed as she spoke.

faze

[v.]disturb or disconcert (someone): she was not ~ed by his show of anger.

disconcert

[v.]disturb the composure of; unsettle: the abrupt change of subject ~ed her | (as adj. ~ed) : she was amused to see a ~ed expression on his face.

bifurcate

[v.]divide into two branches or forks: [ no obj. ] : just below Cairo the river ~s | [ with obj. ] : the trail was ~ed by a mountain stream.

imbibe

[v.]drink (alcohol): they were ~ing far too many pitchers of beer | [ no obj. ] : having ~ed too freely, he fell over.

swill

[v.]drink (something) greedily or in large quantities: they whiled away their evening ~ing pints of beer | (as adj. ~ing) : his beer-ing pals.

quaff

[v.]drink (something, especially an alcoholic drink) heartily.

carouse

[v.]drink plentiful amounts of alcohol and enjoy oneself with others in a noisy, lively way: they danced and ~ed until the drink ran out | (as noun ~ing) : a night of ~ing.

repel

[v.]drive or force (an attack or attacker) back or away: government units sought to ~ the rebels.

gobble

[v.]eat (something) hurriedly and noisily: one man ~ed up a burger | [ no obj. ] : they don't eat, they ~.

guzzle

[v.]eat or drink (something) greedily: we ~ our beer and devour our pizza | figurative : this car ~es gas.

incarnate

[v.]embody or represent (a deity or spirit) in human form: the idea that God ~es himself in man.||化身

wheedle

[v.]employ endearments or flattery to persuade someone to do something or give one something: you can contrive to ~ your way onto a court | [ with direct speech ] : "Please, for my sake," he ~ed.

immure

[v.]enclose or confine (someone) against their will: her brother was ~ed in a lunatic asylum(疯人院).

abet

[v.]encourage or assist (someone) to do something wrong, in particular, to commit a crime or other offense: he was not guilty of murder but was guilty of aiding and ~ing others.

axe

[v.]end, cancel, or dismiss suddenly and ruthlessly: the company is ~ing 125 jobs | 2,500 staff were ~ed as part of the realignment.

etch

[v.]engrave (metal, glass, or stone) by coating it with a protective layer, drawing on it with a needle, and then covering it with acid to attack the parts the needle has exposed, especially in order to produce prints from it: (as adj. ~ed) : ~ed glass windows.||蚀刻

roister

[v.]enjoy oneself or celebrate in a noisy or boisterous way: workers from the refinery ~ed in the bars.

groove

[v.]enjoy oneself: Harley relaxed and began to ~.

infiltrate

[v.]enter or gain access to (an organization, place, etc.) surreptitiously and gradually, especially in order to acquire secret information: other areas of the establishment were ~ed by fascists.

trespass

[v.]enter the owner's land or property without permission: there is no excuse for ~ing on railroad property.

palter

[v.]equivocate or prevaricate in action or speech.

ensconce

[v.]establish or settle (someone) in a comfortable, safe, or secret place: Agnes ~ed herself in their bedroom | spectators who were once comfortably ~ed in the old stadium's box seats.

gauge

[v.]estimate or determine the magnitude, amount, or volume of: astronomers can ~ the star's intrinsic brightness.||测量

outmaneuver

[v.]evade (an opponent) by moving faster or with greater agility: the YF-22 can ~ any fighter flying today.

elicit

[v.]evoke or draw out (a response, answer, or fact) from someone in reaction to one's own actions or questions: they invariably ~ exclamations of approval from guests.

malinger

[v.]exaggerate or feign illness in order to escape duty or work.

barter

[v.]exchange (goods or services) for other goods or services without using money: he often ~ed a meal for drawings | [ no obj. ] : the company is prepared to ~ for Russian oil.

deport

[v.]expel (a foreigner) from a country, typically on the grounds of illegal status or for having committed a crime: he was ~ed for violation of immigration laws.

evict

[v.]expel (someone) from a property, especially with the support of the law: he had court orders to ~ the trespassers from three camps.

skimp

[v.]expend or use less time, money, or material on something than is necessary in an attempt to economize: don't ~ on insurance when you travel overseas.

milk

[v.]exploit or defraud (someone), typically by taking regular small amounts of money over a period of time: [ with complement ] : he had ~ed his grandmother dry of all her money.

plumb

[v.]explore or experience fully or to extremes: she had ~ed the depths of depravity(堕落).||原意:测量(水的深度)

gripe

[v.]express a complaint or grumble about something, especially something trivial: [ no obj. ] : they ~ about the busywork | [ with direct speech ] : "Holidays make no difference to Simon," Pat ~ed.

deprecate

[v.]express disapproval of: (as adj. ~ing) : he sniffed in a ~ing way.

pontificate

[v.]express one's opinions in a way considered annoyingly pompous and dogmatic: he was ~ing about art and history.

paraphrase

[v.]express the meaning of (the writer or speaker or something written or spoken) using different words, especially to achieve greater clarity: you can either quote or ~ literary texts.

fulminate

[v.]express vehement protest: all ~ed against the new curriculum.

protrude

[v.]extend beyond or above a surface: something like a fin ~ed from the water.

prolong

[v.]extend the duration of: an idea that ~ed the life of the engine by many years.

quench

[v.]extinguish (a fire): firemen hauled on hoses in a desperate bid to ~ the flames.|| stifle or suppress (a feeling): fury rose in him, but he ~ed it.

waffle

[v.]fail to make up one's mind: Joseph had been ~ing over where to go.

plummet

[v.]fall or drop straight down at high speed: a climber was killed when he ~ed 300 feet down an icy gully.

despise

[v.]feel contempt or a deep repugnance for: he ~ed himself for being selfish.

repine

[v.]feel or express discontent; fret: you mustn't let yourself ~.

deplore

[v.]feel or express strong disapproval of (something): we ~ this act of violence.

quail

[v.]feel or show fear or apprehension: she ~ed at his heartless words.

rejoice

[v.]feel or show great joy or delight: he ~ed when he saw his friend alive | he ~ed in her spontaneity and directness.

reel

[v.]feel very giddy, disoriented, or bewildered, typically as a result of an unexpected setback: the unaccustomed intake of alcohol made my head ~ | figurative : the nationalist government is already ~ing from 225 percent monthly inflation.

aggrieve

[v.]feeling resentment at having been unfairly treated: they were ~ed at the outcome | she did not see herself as the ~ed party.

infuse

[v.]fill; pervade: her work is ~ed with an anger born of pain and oppression.

shadow

[v.]follow and observe (someone) closely and typically secretly: he had been up all night ~ing a team of poachers(偷猎者).

gull

[v.]fool or deceive (someone): workers had been ~ed into inflicting poverty and deprivation upon themselves.

ratiocinate

[v.]form judgments by a process of logic; reason.

extricate

[v.]free (someone or something) from a constraint or difficulty: he was trying to ~ himself from official duties.

discharge

[v.]free from obligations or duties||清偿(责任)

amass

[v.]gather together or accumulate (a large amount or number of valuable material or things) over a period of time: starting from nothing he had `ed a huge fortune.

soothe

[v.]gently calm (a person or their feelings): a shot of brandy might ~ his nerves.

disguise

[v.]give (someone or oneself) a different appearance in order to conceal one's identity: he ~ed himself as a girl | Brian was ~ed as a priest.

enlighten

[v.]give (someone) greater knowledge and understanding about a subject or situation: Christopher had not ~ed Frances as to their relationship.

embolden

[v.]give (someone) the courage or confidence to do something or to behave in a certain way: ~ed by robust passenger traffic, the airlines put through major fare increases.

rumple

[v.]give a creased, ruffled, or disheveled appearance to: a ~ed bed.

misrepresent

[v.]give a false or misleading account of the nature of: you are ~ing the views of the government.

wince

[v.]give a slight involuntary grimace or shrinking movement of the body out of or in anticipation of pain or distress: he ~ed at the disgust in her voice.

enfranchise

[v.]give the right to vote to: a proposal that foreigners should be ~ed for local elections.

hie

[v.]go quickly: I ~ed down to New Orleans | I ~ed myself to a screenwriters' conference.

instill

[v.]gradually but firmly establish (an idea or attitude, especially a desirable one) in a person's mind: how do we ~ a sense of rightness in today's youth?

decant

[v.]gradually pour (liquid, typically wine or a solution) from one container into another, especially without disturbing the sediment: the wine was ~ed about 40 minutes before being served.

suffuse

[v.]gradually spread through or over: her cheeks were ~ed with color | the first half of the poem is ~ed with idealism.

clasp

[v.]grasp (something) tightly with one's hand: he ~ed her arm.

appall

[v.]greatly dismay or horrify: bankers are ~ed at the economic incompetence of some officials | (as adj. ~ed) : Alison looked at me, ~ed.

cumber

[v.]hamper or hinder (someone or something): they were ~ed with greatcoats and swords.

ensue

[v.]happen or occur afterward or as a result: the difficulties that ~ed from their commitment to Cuba | (as adj. ~ing) : there were repeated clashes in the ~ing days.

indurate

[v.]harden: a bed of ~ed clay.

discredit

[v.]harm the good reputation of (someone or something): his remarks were taken out of context in an effort to ~ him | (as adj. ~ed) : a ~ed former governor.

dent

[v.]have an adverse effect on; diminish: this neither deterred him nor ~ed his enthusiasm.

clout

[v.]hit hard with the hand or a hard object: I ~ed him on the head.

opine

[v.]hold and state as one's opinion: [ with direct speech ] : "The man is a genius," he ~ed | [ with clause ] : the critic ~ed that the most exciting musical moment occurred when the orchestra struck up the national anthem.

proffer

[v.]hold out (something) to someone for acceptance; offer: he ~ed his resignation.

hallow

[v.]honor as holy: the Ganges is ~ed as a sacred, cleansing river | (as adj. ~ed) : ~ed ground.

loaf

[v.]idle one's time away, typically by aimless wandering or loitering: don't let him see you ~ing around with your hands in your pockets.

mar

[v.]impair the appearance of; disfigure: no wrinkles ~ed her face.

retouch

[v.]improve or repair (a painting, a photograph, makeup, etc.) by making slight additions or alterations.

crescendo

[v.]increase in loudness or intensity: the reluctant cheers began to ~.||原意:(音乐)渐强

escalate

[v.]increase rapidly: the price of tickets ~ed | (as adj. ~ing) : the ~ing cost of health care.

aggrandize

[v.]increase the power, status, or wealth of: an action intended to ~ the Frankish dynasty.

buttress

[v.]increase the strength of or justification for; reinforce: authority was ~ed by religious belief.(支持)||[v.]provide (a building or structure) with projecting supports built against its walls: (as adj. ~ed) : a ~ed wall.(以扶壁稳固)

apprise

[v.]inform or tell (someone): I thought it right to ~ Chris of what had happened.

browbeat

[v.]intimidate (someone), typically into doing something, with stern or abusive words: a witness is being ~en under cross-examination.

aerate

[v.]introduce air into (a material): she would ~ the lawn with high heels.

goldbrick

[v.]invent excuses to avoid a task; shirk: he wasn't ~ing; he was really sick.

entangle

[v.]involve (someone) in difficulties or complicated circumstances from which it is difficult to escape: the case of murder in which she had found herself so painfully ~ed.||本意:缠住

exasperate

[v.]irritate intensely; infuriate: this futile process ~es prison officials | (as adj. ~ed) : she grew ~ed with his inability to notice anything.

nettle

[v.]irritate or annoy (someone): I was ~ed by Alene's tone of superiority.||原意:荨麻

sequester

[v.]isolate or hide away (someone or something): Tiberius was ~ed on an island | the jurors had been ~ed since Monday | the artist ~ed himself in his studio for two years.

splice

[v.]join (pieces of timber, film, or tape) at the ends: commercials can be ~ed in later | I was ~ing together a video from the footage on opium-growing.||原意:绳子铰接

cavort

[v.]jump or dance around excitedly: spider monkeys leap and ~ in the branches.

plunge

[v.]jump or dive quickly and energetically: our daughters whooped as they ~ed into the sea.

harbor

[v.]keep (a thought or feeling, typically a negative one) in one's mind, especially secretly: she started to ~ doubts about the wisdom of their journey.

rein

[v.]keep under control; restrain: with an effort, she ~ed back her impatience | critics noted the failure of the administration to ~ in public spending.||本意:缰绳

crusade

[v.]lead or take part in an energetic and organized campaign concerning a social, political, or religious issue: he ~ed against gambling in the 1950s.

debark

[v.]leave a ship or aircraft.

abscond

[v.]leave hurriedly and secretly, typically to avoid detection of or arrest for an unlawful action such as theft: she ~ed with the remaining thousand dollars.

harangue

[v.]lecture (someone) at length in an aggressive and critical manner: the kind of guy who ~ed total strangers about PCB levels in whitefish.

ennoble

[v.]lend greater dignity or nobility of character to: the theater is a moral instrument to ~ the mind.

grovel

[v.]lie or move abjectly on the ground with one's face downward: she was ~ing on the floor in fear.

kindle

[v.]light or set on fire.||arouse or inspire (an emotion or feeling): a love of art was ~ed in me.

concatenate

[v.]link (things) together in a chain or series: some words may be ~ed, such that certain sounds are omitted.

leer

[v.]look or gaze in an unpleasant, malicious, or lascivious way: bystanders were ~ing at the nude painting | (as adj. ~ing) : every ~ing eye in the room was on her.

goggle

[v.]look with wide open eyes, typically in amazement or wonder: "What in the world are you ~ing at?"

glaze

[v.]lose brightness and animation: the prospect makes my eyes ~ over with boredom | (as adj. ~ed) : she had that ~ed look in her eyes again.||变得呆滞

enact

[v.]make (a bill or other proposal) law: legislation was ~ed in 1987 to attract international companies.

palliate

[v.]make (a disease or its symptoms) less severe or unpleasant without removing the cause: treatment works by ~ing symptoms.

excavate

[v.]make (a hole or channel) by digging: the cheapest way of doing this was to ~ a long trench.

facilitate

[v.]make (an action or process) easy or easier: schools were located on the same campus to ~ the sharing of resources.

expedite

[v.]make (an action or process) happen sooner or be accomplished more quickly: he promised to ~ economic reforms.

assuage

[v.]make (an unpleasant feeling) less intense: the letter ~ed the fears of most members.

diminish

[v.]make (someone or something) seem less impressive or valuable: the trial has aged and ~ed him.||synonym: disparage||贬低

fluster

[v.]make (someone) agitated or confused: you need to be able to work under pressure and not get ~ed.

disgruntle

[v.]make (someone) angry or dissatisfied: nothing ~es anyone more than the feeling they are being cheated.

rile

[v.]make (someone) annoyed or irritated: it was his air of knowing all the answers that ~ed her | he's getting you all ~ed up.

incriminate

[v.]make (someone) appear guilty of a crime or wrongdoing; strongly imply the guilt of (someone): he refused to answer questions in order not to ~ himself | (as adj. ~ing) : ~ing evidence.

elate

[v.]make (someone) ecstatically happy: I felt ~ed at beating Dennis.

vex

[v.]make (someone) feel annoyed, frustrated, or worried, especially with trivial matters: the memory of the conversation still ~ed him | (as adj. ~ing) : the most ~ing questions for policymakers.

daunt

[v.]make (someone) feel intimidated or apprehensive: some people are ~ed by technology.

nauseate

[v.]make (someone) feel sick; affect with nausea(恶心): the thought of food ~ed her.

discomfit

[v.]make (someone) feel uneasy or embarrassed: he was not noticeably ~ed by her tone.

petrify

[v.]make (someone) so frightened that they are unable to move or think: his icy controlled quietness ~ed her.

debilitate

[v.]make (someone) weak and infirm: a weakness that ~es him despite his overwhelming physical might | (as adj. ~ed) : a ~ed patient.

elucidate

[v.]make (something) clear; explain: work such as theirs will help to ~ this matter | [ with clause ] : in what follows I shall try to ~ what I believe the problems to be | [ no obj. ] : they would not ~ further.

dilute

[v.]make (something) weaker in force, content, or value by modifying it or adding other elements to it: the reforms have been ~ed.

drone

[v.]make a continuous low humming sound: in the far distance a machine ~ed.

reconnoiter

[v.]make a military observation of (a region): they ~ed the beach some weeks before the landing | [ no obj. ] : the raiders were ~ing for further attacks.

flinch

[v.]make a quick, nervous movement of the face or body as an instinctive reaction to surprise, fear or pain: she ~ed at the acidity in his voice | he had faced death without ~ing.

rustle

[v.]make a soft, muffled crackling sound like that caused by the movement of dry leaves or paper: she came closer, her skirt swaying and ~ing.

blunder

[v.]make a stupid or careless mistake; act or speak clumsily: the mayor and the City Council have ~ed in an ill-advised campaign | I ~ed on in my explanation | (as adj. ~ing) : ~ing actors.

atone

[v.]make amends or reparation(赔偿): he was being helpful, to ~ for his past mistakes.

requite

[v.]make appropriate return for (a favor, service, or wrongdoing): they are quick to ~ a kindness.

calumniate

[v.]make false and defamatory statements about: foes were ~ing him in the US press.

hearten

[v.]make more cheerful or confident: [ with obj. and infinitive ] : she was ~ed to observe that the effect was faintly comic | (as adj. ~ing) : this is the most ~ing news of all.

parch

[v.]make or become dry through intense heat: [ with obj. ] : a piece of grassland ~ed by the sun | [ no obj. ] : his crops ~ed during the last two summers.

rarefy

[v.]make or become less dense or solid. [ with obj. ] : air ~es and degrounds the physical body. [ no obj. ] : as the shell continues to expand and ~, astronomers may eventually be able to see characteristic gamma rays from the radioactivity within.

blur

[v.]make or become unclear or less distinct: [ with obj. ] : tears ~ed her vision | his novels ~ the boundaries between criticism and fiction | [ no obj. ] : as daylight waned, the pages ~ed.

dilate

[v.]make or become wider, larger, or more open: [ no obj. ] : her eyes ~ed with horror | [ with obj. ] : the woman ~ed her nostrils.

cavil

[v.]make petty or unnecessary objections: they ~ed at the cost.

jeer

[v.]make rude and mocking remarks, typically in a loud voice: some of the younger men ~ed at him | (as adj. ~ing) : the ~ing crowds.

deject

[v.]make sad or dispirited; depress: nothing ~es a trader like the interruption of his profits.

stitch

[v.]make, mend, or join (something) with stitches: ~ a plain seam with right sides together | they ~ed the cut on her face | [ as adj.,in combination ] (~ed) : hand-~ed English dresses.

mottle

[v.]mark with spots or smears of color: the cow's coat was light red ~ed with white | (as adj. ~ed) : a bird with ~ed brown plumage.

emulate

[v.]match or surpass (a person or achievement), typically by imitation: lesser men trying to ~ his greatness.

commingle

[v.]mix; blend: [ no obj. ] : the dust had ~ed with the rain | [ with obj. ] : publicly reproved for ~ing funds.

smuggling

[v.]move (goods) illegally into or out of a country: he's been ~ing cigarettes from Gibraltar into Spain | (as noun ~ing) : cocaine ~ing has increased alarmingly.

deploy

[v.]move (troops or equipment) into position for military action: forces were ~ed at strategic locations.

stray

[v.]move away aimlessly from a group or from the right course or place: I ~ed a few blocks in the wrong direction | dog owners are urged not to allow their dogs to ~ | the military arrested anyone who ~ed into the exclusion zone.

lumber

[v.]move in a slow, heavy, awkward way: a truck filled his mirror and ~ed past.

welter

[v.]move in a turbulent fashion: the streams foam and ~.

teeter

[v.]move or balance unsteadily; sway back and forth: she ~ed after him in her high-heeled sandals.

dart

[v.]move or run somewhere suddenly or rapidly: she ~ed across the street.

creep

[v.]move slowly and carefully, especially in order to avoid being heard or noticed: he ~ed downstairs, hardly making any noise | they were taught how to ~ up on an enemy.

flit

[v.]move swiftly and lightly: small birds `ed about in the branches | figurative : the idea had ~ed through his mind.

wobble

[v.]move unsteadily from side to side: the table ~s where the leg is too short.

extort

[v.]obtain (something) by force, threats, or other unfair means: he was convicted of trying to ~ $1 million from a developer.

procure

[v.]obtain (something), especially with care or effort: food ~ed for the rebels | [ with two objs. ] : he persuaded a friend to ~ him a ticket.

forgo

[v.]omit or decline to take (something pleasant or valuable); go without: she wanted to ~ the dessert and leave while they could.

buck

[v.]oppose or resist (something that seems oppressive or inevitable): the shares ~ed the market trend.

subdue

[v.]overcome, quieten, or bring under control (a feeling or person): she managed to ~ an instinct to applaud.

glaze

[v.]overlay or cover (food, fabric, etc.) with a smooth, shiny coating or finish: new potatoes that had been ~ed in mint-flavored butter.||给...浇亮汁;给...上釉;給...上轧光;等

inundate

[v.]overwhelm (someone) with things or people to be dealt with: we've been ~ed with complaints from listeners.

filter

[v.]pass (a liquid, gas, light, or sound) through a device to remove unwanted material: the patient is hooked up to a dialysis machine twice a week to ~ out the cholesterol in the blood | figurative : you'll be put through to a secretary whose job it is to ~ calls.

waft

[v.]pass or cause to pass easily or gently through or as if through the air: [ no obj. ] : the smell of stale fat ~ed out from the cafe | [ with obj. ] : each breeze would ~ pollen around the house.

remunerate

[v.]pay (someone) for services rendered or work done: they should be ~ed fairly for their work.

leaven

[v.]permeate and modify or transform (something) for the better: the proceedings should be ~ed by humor | (as noun ~ing) : underneath the frills and fuss there's a ~ing of serious intent.||原意:使...面粉发酵

coerce

[v.]persuade (an unwilling person) to do something by using force or threats: they were ~ed into silence.

dissuade

[v.]persuade (someone) not to take a particular course of action: his friends tried to ~ him from flying.

disabuse

[v.]persuade (someone) that an idea or belief is mistaken: he quickly ~ed me of my fanciful notions.

inveigle

[v.]persuade (someone) to do something by means of deception or flattery: we cannot ~ him into putting pen to paper.

cajole

[v.]persuade someone to do something by sustained coaxing or flattery: he hoped to ~ her into selling the house | [ no obj. ] : she pleaded and ~ed as she tried to win his support.

nip

[v.]pinch, squeeze, or bite sharply: the dog ~ed him on the leg.

inter

[v.]place (a corpse) in a grave or tomb, typically with funeral rites: he was ~ed with the military honors due to him.

superimpose

[v.]place or lay (one thing) over another, typically so that both are still evident: the number will appear on the screen, ~ed on a flashing button | (as adj. ~ed) : different stone tools were found in ~ed layers.

liken

[v.]point out the resemblance of someone or something to: they ~ed the reigning emperor to a god.||把...比作...

burnish

[v.]polish (something, especially metal) by rubbing: highly ~ed armor.||[v.]enhance or perfect (something such as a reputation or a skill).

douse

[v.]pour a liquid over; drench: he ~ed the car with gasoline and set it on fire.

extol

[v.]praise enthusiastically: he ~ed the virtues of the Russian peoples.

eulogize

[v.]praise highly in speech or writing: contemporaries ~ed him as a great US senator | a plaque that ~es the workers.

stunt

[v.]prevent from growing or developing properly: some weeds produce chemicals that stunt the plant's growth | figurative : the recovery of our industries is ~ed by lack of funds | (as `ed) : an emotionally ~ed young woman.

mint

[v.]produce for the first time: an example of newly ~ed technology.||make (a coin) by stamping metal.

protract

[v.]prolong: he had certainly taken his time, even ~ing the process.

insulate

[v.]protect (something) by interposing material that prevents the loss of heat or the intrusion of sound: the room was heavily ~ed against all outside noise.

conserve

[v.]protect (something, especially an environmentally or culturally important place or thing) from harm or destruction: the funds raised will help ~ endangered meadowlands.

purvey

[v.]provide or supply (food, drink, or other goods) as one's business: shops ~ing cooked food.

jolt

[v.]push or shake (someone or something) abruptly and roughly: a surge in the crowd behind him ~ed him forward.

yoke

[v.]put a yoke on (a pair of animals); couple or attach with or to a yoke: a plow drawn by a camel and donkey ~ed together.||cause (two people or things) to be joined in a close relationship: Hong Kong's dollar has been ~ed to America's.

revoke

[v.]put an end to the validity or operation of (a decree, decision, or promise): the men appealed and the sentence was ~ed.

revoke

[v.]put an end to the validity or operation of (a decree, decision, or promise): the men appealed and the sentence was ~ed.||废除,吊销,取消

slake

[v.]quench or satisfy (one's thirst): ~ your thirst with some lemonade.

drizzle

[v.]rain lightly: it's started to ~ | (as adj. ~ing) : the ~ing rain.

broach

[v.]raise (a sensitive or difficult subject) for discussion: he ~ed the subject he had been avoiding all evening.

demur

[v.]raise doubts or objections or show reluctance: normally she would have accepted the challenge, but she ~ed.

elevate

[v.]raise or lift (something) up to a higher position: the exercise will naturally ~ your chest and head.

plateau

[v.]reach a state of little or no change after a time of activity or progress: the industry's problems have ~ed out.||原意:高原

delve

[v.]reach inside a receptacle and search for something: she ~ed in her pocket.

bristle

[v.]react angrily or defensively, typically by drawing oneself up: she ~ed at his rudeness.

proofread

[v.]read (printer's proofs or other written or printed material) and mark any errors.

recuperate

[v.]recover from illness or exertion: she has been ~ing from a shoulder wound | Christmas is a time to recuperate.

convalesce

[v.]recover one's health and strength over a period of time after an illness or operation: he spent eight months ~ing after the stroke.

defuse

[v.]reduce the danger or tension in (a difficult situation): he had the ability to ~ tense moments with humor.||原意:拆除导火索

attenuate

[v.]reduce the force, effect, or value of: her intolerance was ~ed by a rather unexpected liberalism.

pulverize

[v.]reduce to fine particles: the brick of the villages was ~ed by the bombardment.

hone

[v.]refine or perfect (something) over a period of time: she has taken numerous workshops to ~ her skills over the years | (as adj., with ~ed) : a finely ~ed performance.||原意:磨刀

forgo

[v.]refrain from: we ~ any comparison between the two men.

venerate

[v.]regard with great respect; revere: Mother Teresa is ~ed as a saint.

quash

[v.]reject or void, especially by legal procedure: his conviction was ~ed on appeal.

manumit

[v.]release from slavery; set free.

doff

[v.]remove (an item of clothing): he had ~ed tie and jacket and rolled up his shirtsleeves.

evacuate

[v.]remove (someone) from a place of danger to a safe place: several families were ~ed from their homes.

depose

[v.]remove from office suddenly and forcefully: he had been ~ed by a military coup.

adulterate

[v.]render (something) poorer in quality by adding another substance, typically an inferior one: the meat was ground fine and ~ed with potato flour.

obfuscate

[v.]render obscure, unclear, or unintelligible: the spelling changes will deform some familiar words and ~ their etymological origins.

abrogate

[v.]repeal or do away with (a law, right, or formal agreement): a proposal to ~ temporarily the right to strike.||废除

parrot

[v.]repeat mechanically: encouraging students to ~ back information.

adumbrate

[v.]report or represent in outline: James Madison ~ed the necessity that the Senate be somewhat insulated from public passions.

reprove

[v.]reprimand or censure (someone): he was reproved for obscenity | [ with direct speech ] : "Don't be childish, Hilary," he ~ed mildly | (as adj. ~ing) : a ~ing glance.

reprehend

[v.]reprimand: a recklessness that cannot be too severely ~ed.

garble

[v.]reproduce (a message, sound, or transmission) in a confused and distorted way: the connection was awful and kept ~ing his voice | (as adj. ~ed) : I got a ~ed set of directions.

esteem

[v.]respect and admire: many of these qualities are ~ed by managers | [ as adj., with submodifier ] (~ed) : a highly ~ed scholar.

reciprocate

[v.]respond to (a gesture or action) by making a corresponding one: the favor was ~ed | [ no obj. ] : perhaps I was expected to ~ with some remark of my own.

rehabilitate

[v.]restore (someone) to health or normal life by training and therapy after imprisonment, addiction, or illness: helping to ~ former criminals.

renovate

[v.]restore (something old, especially a building) to a good state of repair: the old school has been tastefully ~ed as a private house.

curb

[v.]restrain or keep in check: she promised she would ~ her temper.

evince

[v.]reveal the presence of (a quality or feeling): his letters ~ the excitement he felt at undertaking this journey.

countermand

[v.]revoke (an order): an order to arrest the strike leaders had been countermanded.||撤销(命令)

repeal

[v.]revoke or annul (a law or congressional act): the legislation was ~ed five months later.

revolt

[v.]rise in rebellion: the insurgents ~ed and had to be suppressed.

gambol

[v.]run or jump about playfully: the mare ~ed toward Connie.

sate

[v.]satisfy (a desire or an appetite) to the full: ~ your appetite at the resort's restaurant.

quench

[v.]satisfy (one's thirst) by drinking.||satisfy (a desire): he only pursued her to ~ an aching need.

blurt

[v.]say (something) suddenly and without careful consideration: she wouldn't ~ out words she did not mean | [ with direct speech ] : "It wasn't my idea," Gordon ~ed.

naysay

[v.]say no to; deny or oppose: I'm not going to ~ anything he does.

reassure

[v.]say or do something to remove the doubts and fears of someone: he understood her feelings and tried to ~ her | [ with obj. and clause ] : Joachim ~ed him that he was needed | (as adj. ~ing) : Gina gave her a ~ing smile.

enunciate

[v.]say or pronounce clearly: she ~ed each word slowly.

reiterate

[v.]say something again or a number of times, typically for emphasis or clarity: [ with clause ] : she ~ed that the administration would remain steadfast in its support | [ with direct speech ] : "I just want to forget it all," he ~ed | [ with obj. ] : he ~ed the points made in his earlier speech.

mutter

[v.]say something in a low or barely audible voice, especially in dissatisfaction or irritation: [ with obj. ] : he ~ed something under his breath | [ with direct speech ] : "I knew she was a troublemaker," Rebecca ~ed | [ no obj. ] : she ~ed in annoyance as the keys slid from her fingers.

retort

[v.]say something in answer to a remark or accusation, typically in a sharp, angry, or wittily incisive manner: [ with direct speech ] : "No need to be rude," ~ed Isabel | [ with clause ] : he ~ed that this was nonsense | [ no obj. ] : I resisted the urge to ~.

mumble

[v.]say something indistinctly and quietly, making it difficult for others to hear: [ with obj. ] : he ~ed something she didn't catch | [ with direct speech ] : "Sorry," she ~ed.

berate

[v.]scold or criticize (someone) angrily: his mother came out and ~ed me for raising my voice.

chide

[v.]scold or rebuke: she ~ed him for not replying to her letters | [ with direct speech ] : "You mustn't speak like that," she ~ed gently.

notch

[v.]score or achieve (something): she ~ed her second major championship.||[n.]an indentation or incision on an edge or surface: there was a ~ in the end of the arrow for the bowstring.

scuff

[v.]scrape or brush the surface of (a shoe or other object) against something: I ~ed the heel of my shoe on a stone.

doodle

[v.]scribble absentmindedly: he was only ~ing in the margin.

undergird

[v.]secure or fasten from the underside, especially by a rope or chain passed underneath.

grandstand

[v.]seek to attract applause or favorable attention from spectators or the media: they accused him of political ~ing.||[n.]大看台

ravish

[v.]seize and carry off (someone) by force.

repatriate

[v.]send (someone) back to their own country: the United Nations hopes to ~ all the refugees.

dispatch

[v.]send off to a destination or for a purpose: he ~ed messages back to base | [ with obj. and infinitive ] : the mayor ~ed 150 police officers to restore order.||派遣

disengage

[v.]separate or release (someone or something) from something to which they are attached or connected: I ~ed his hand from mine | they clung together for a moment, then she ~ed herself.

absolve

[v.]set or declare (someone) free from blame, guilt, or responsibility: the pardon ~ed them of any crimes.

instate

[v.]set up in position; install or establish: the restoration of those very authoritarian forms against which democracy had been ~ed.

whet

[v.]sharpen the blade of (a tool or weapon): she took out her dagger and began to ~ its blade in even, rhythmic strokes.

galvanize

[v.]shock or excite (someone), typically into taking action: the urgency of his voice ~ed them into action.

astound

[v.]shock or greatly surprise: her bluntness ~ed him.

abridge

[v.]shorten (a book, movie, speech, or other text) without losing the sense: the cassettes have been ~ed from the original stories | (as adj. ~ed) : an ~ed text of his speech.

truncate

[v.]shorten (something) by cutting off the top or the end: a truncated cone shape | discussion was ~ed by the arrival of tea.

exculpate

[v.]show or declare that (someone) is not guilty of wrongdoing: the article ~ed the mayor.

exult

[v.]show or feel elation or jubilation, especially as the result of a success: ~ing in her escape, Annie closed the door behind her.

ratify

[v.]sign or give formal consent to (a treaty, contract, or agreement), making it officially valid.

sprawl

[v.]sit, lie, or fall with one's arms and legs spread out in an ungainly or awkward way: the door shot open, sending him ~ing across the pavement | she lay ~ed on the bed.

loll

[v.]sit, lie, or stand in a lazy, relaxed way: the two girls ~ed in their chairs.

slant

[v.]slope or lean in a particular direction; diverge or cause to diverge from the vertical or horizontal: [ no obj. ] : a plowed field ~ed up to the skyline | [ with obj. ] : ~ your skis as you turn to send up a curtain of water.

smirk

[v.]smile in an irritatingly smug, conceited, or silly way: he ~ed in triumph.

sand

[v.]smooth or polish with sandpaper or a mechanical sander: ~ the rusty areas until you expose bare metal | (as noun ~ing) : some recommend a light ~ing between the second and third coats.

canvass

[v.]solicit votes from (electors in a constituency): in each ward, two workers ~ed some 2,000 voters | [ no obj. ] : she ~ed for votes.

slur

[v.]speak (words or speech) indistinctly so that the sounds run into one another: he was ~ing his words like a drunk.

drawl

[v.]speak in a slow, lazy way with prolonged vowel sounds: [ with direct speech ] : "Suits me fine," he ~ed.

ad lib

[v.]speak or perform in public without previously preparing one's words: Charles had to ~ ~ because he'd forgotten his script | [ with obj. ] : she ~ ~ed half the speech.

rant

[v.]speak or shout at length in a wild, impassioned way: she was still ~ing on about the unfairness of it all.

inveigh

[v.]speak or write about (something) with great hostility: nationalists ~ed against those who worked with the British.

vilify

[v.]speak or write about in an abusively disparaging manner: he has been ~ed in the press.

scoff

[v.]speak to someone or about something in a scornfully derisive or mocking way: department officials ~ed at the allegations | [ with direct speech ] : "You, a scientist?" he ~ed.

stammer

[v.]speak with sudden involuntary pauses and a tendency to repeat the initial letters of words.

primp

[v.]spend time making minor adjustments to (one's hair, makeup, or clothes): they ~ed his hair | [ no obj. ] : the girls who were ~ing in front of the mirror.

sunder

[v.]split apart: the crunch of bone when it is ~ed.

rive

[v.]split or tear apart violently: the party was ~en by disagreements over Europe | figurative : he was ~en with guilt.

vitiate

[v.]spoil or impair the quality or efficiency of: development programs have been ~ed by the rise in population.

blight

[v.]spoil, harm, or destroy: the scandal ~ed the careers of several leading politicians | (as adj. ~ed) : his father's ~ed ambitions.

bruit

[v.]spread (a report or rumor) widely: I didn't want to have our relationship ~ed about the office.

diffuse

[v.]spread or cause to spread over a wide area or among a large number of people: [ no obj. ] : technologies ~ rapidly | [ with obj. ] : the problem is how to ~ power without creating anarchy.

slouch

[v.]stand, move, or sit in a lazy, drooping way: he ~ed against the wall | (be ~ed) : he was slouched in his chair.

falter

[v.]start to lose strength or momentum: her smile ~ed and then faded | (as adj. ~ing) : his ~ing career.

linger

[v.]stay in a place longer than necessary, typically because of a reluctance to leave: she ~ed in the yard, enjoying the warm sunshine | she let her eyes ~ed on him suggestively.

purloin

[v.]steal (something): he must have managed to ~ a copy of the key.

embezzle

[v.]steal or misappropriate (money placed in one's trust or belonging to the organization for which one works): she had ~ed $5,600,000 in company funds.

prod

[v.]stimulate or persuade (someone who is reluctant or slow) to do something: he has been trying to ~ the White House into launching an antipoverty program.||poke (someone) with a finger, foot, or pointed object: he ~ed her in the ribs to stop her snoring | [ no obj. ] : a woman ~es at a tiger with a stick.

suture

[v.]stitch up (a wound or incision) with a suture: the small incision was ~ed.

waylay

[v.]stop or interrupt (someone) and detain them in conversation or trouble them in some other way: he ~ed me on the stairs.

cache

[v.]store away in hiding or for future use.||存货、藏货

fortify

[v.]strengthen (a place) with defensive works so as to protect it against attack: the whole town was heavily ~ed | (as adj. ~ed) : a ~ed manor house.

denude

[v.]strip (something) of its covering, possessions, or assets; make bare: almost overnight the Arctic was ~ed of animals.

exhort

[v.]strongly encourage or urge (someone) to do something: the media have been ~ing people to turn out for the demonstration | [ with direct speech ] : "Come on, you guys," ~ed Linda.

flounder

[v.]struggle or stagger helplessly or clumsily in water or mud: he was ~ing about in the shallow offshore waters.

homogenize

[v.]subject (milk) to a process in which the fat droplets are emulsified and the cream does not separate: (as adj. ~ed) : ~ed milk.||均质化

persecute

[v.]subject (someone) to hostility and ill-treatment, especially because of their race or political or religious beliefs: his followers were ~ed by the authorities.

harass

[v.]subject to aggressive pressure or intimidation: a warning to men ~ing women at work.

recoil

[v.]suddenly spring or flinch back in fear, horror, or disgust: he ~ed in horror.

pine

[v.]suffer a mental and physical decline, especially because of a broken heart: she thinks I am ~ing away from love.

perish

[v.]suffer death, typically in a violent, sudden, or untimely way: a great part of his army ~ed of hunger and disease.

postulate

[v.]suggest or assume the existence, fact, or truth of (something) as a basis for reasoning, discussion, or belief: his theory postulated a rotatory movement for hurricanes | [ with clause ] : he ~ed that the environmentalists might have a case.

allude

[v.]suggest or call attention to indirectly; hint at: she had a way of ~ing to Jean but never saying her name.

defile

[v.]sully, mar, or spoil: the land was ~ed by a previous owner.||玷污、亵渎

stint

[v.]supply an ungenerous or inadequate amount of (something): stowage room hasn't been ~ed.

glut

[v.]supply or fill to excess: the factories for recycling paper are ~ed | he was ~ing himself on junk food.

distend

[v.]swell or cause to swell by pressure from inside: [ no obj. ] : the abdomen ~ed rapidly | [ with obj. ] : air is introduced into the stomach to ~ it.

bulge

[v.]swell or protrude to an unnatural or incongruous extent: the veins in his neck ~ed | (as adj. ~ing) : he stared with ~ing eyes.

usurp

[v.]take (a position of power or importance) illegally or by force: Richard ~ed the throne.

plagiarize

[v.]take (the work or an idea of someone else) and pass it off as one's own.

disarm

[v.]take a weapon or weapons away from (a person, force, or country): guerrillas had completely ~ed and demobilized their forces.

preempt

[v.]take action in order to prevent (an anticipated event) from happening; forestall: the government ~ed a coup attempt.

nibble

[v.]take small bites out of: [ with obj. ] : he sat ~ing a cookie | [ no obj. ] : she ~ed at her food.|| [v.]show cautious interest in a project or proposal: there's a New York agent ~ing.

bluster

[v.]talk in a loud, aggressive, or indignant way with little effect: you threaten and ~, but won't carry it through | [ with direct speech ] : "I don't care what he says," I ~ed | (as adj. ~ing) : a ~ing bully.

banter

[v.]talk or exchange remarks in a good-humored teasing way: the men ~ed with the waitresses | (as adj. ~ing) : a ~ing tone.

babble

[v.]talk rapidly and continuously in a foolish, excited, or incomprehensible way: he would ~ on in his gringo Spanish.||含糊不清的

rave

[v.]talk wildly or incoherently, as if one were delirious or insane: Nancy's having hysterics and ~ing about a black ghost.

rend

[v.]tear (something) into two or more pieces: snapping teeth that would ~ human flesh to shreds | figurative : the speculation and confusion that was ~ing the civilized world.

deracinate

[v.]tear (something) up by the roots.

chaff

[v.]tease: the pleasure of ~ing your buddies

premeditate

[v.]think out or plan (an action, especially a crime) beforehand: ~ed murder.

jettison

[v.]throw or drop (something) from an aircraft or ship: six aircraft ~ed their loads in the sea.

balk

[v.]thwart or hinder (a plan or person): the utmost of his influence will be invoked to ~ the law.

truss

[v.]tie up the wings and legs of (a chicken or other bird) before cooking.||tie up (someone) with their arms at their sides: I found him ~ed up in his closet.

excruciate

[v.]torment (someone) physically or mentally: I stand back, ~ed by the possibility.

tantalize

[v.]torment or tease (someone) with the sight or promise of something that is unobtainable: such ambitious questions have long ~ed the world's best thinker

baffle

[v.]totally bewilder or perplex: an unexplained occurrence that ~ed everyone.

traverse

[v.]travel across or through: he ~ed the forest.

desecrate

[v.]treat (a sacred place or thing) with violent disrespect; violate: more than 300 graves were ~ed.

mollycoddle

[v.]treat (someone) very indulgently or protectively.

patronize

[v.]treat with an apparent kindness that betrays a feeling of superiority: "She's a good-hearted girl," he said in a ~ing voice | she was determined not to be put down or ~ed.

dodder

[v.]tremble or totter, typically because of old age: spent and nerve-weary, I ~ed into the foyer of a third-rate hotel | (as adj. ~ing) : that ~ing old fool.

prune

[v.]trim (a tree, shrub, or bush) by cutting away dead or overgrown branches or stems, especially to increase fruitfulness and growth.

slew

[v.]turn or slide violently or uncontrollably in a particular direction: [ no obj. ] : the Chevy ~ed from side to side in the snow | [ with obj. ] : he managed to ~ the aircraft around before it settled on the runway.

contort

[v.]twist or bend out of its normal shape: [ with obj. ] : a spasm of pain ~ed his face | [ no obj. ] : her face ~ed with anger | (as adj. ~ed) : ~ed limbs | figurative : a ~ed version of the truth.

fathom

[v.]understand (a difficult problem or an enigmatic person) after much thought: he could scarcely ~ the idea that people actually lived in Las Vegas | [ with clause ] : he couldn't ~ why she was being so anxious.

twig

[v.]understand or realize something: it was amazing that Graham hadn't ~ed before.

knit

[v.]unite or cause to unite: [ no obj. ] : disparate regions had begun to ~ together under the king | [ with obj. ] : he ~ed together a squad of players other clubs had disregarded | [ as adj., with submodifier ] (`) : a closely ~ family.

unbraid

[v.]untie (something braided): she may never ~ her hair in the soft candlelight of a shared bedroom.

spur

[v.]urge (a horse) forward by digging one's spurs into its sides: she ~ed her horse toward the hedge.

husband

[v.]use (resources) economically; conserve: the need to ~ his remaining strength.

equivocate

[v.]use ambiguous language so as to conceal the truth or avoid committing oneself: [ with direct speech ] : "Not that we are aware of," she ~ed.

bully

[v.]use superior strength or influence to intimidate (someone), typically to force him or her to do what one wants: a local man was ~ed into helping them.

fumble

[v.]use the hands clumsily while doing or handling something: she ~ed with the lock.

contravene

[v.]violate the prohibition or order of (a law, treaty, or code of conduct): this would ~ the rule against hearsay(传闻).

plod

[v.]walk doggedly and slowly with heavy steps: we plodded back up the hill | figurative : talks on a new constitution have ~ed on.

ramble

[v.]walk for pleasure, typically without a definite route.

saunter

[v.]walk in a slow, relaxed manner, without hurry or effort: Adam ~ed into the room.

swagger

[v.]walk or behave in a very confident and typically arrogant or aggressive way: he ~ed along the corridor | (as adj. ~ing) : a ~ing gait.

amble

[v.]walk or move at a slow, relaxed pace: they ~ed along the riverbank | he ~ed into the foyer.

perambulate

[v.]walk or travel through or around a place or area, especially for pleasure and in a leisurely way: he grew weary of ~ing over rough countryside in bad weather | [ with obj. ] : she ~ed the square.

trudge

[v.]walk slowly and with heavy steps, typically because of exhaustion or harsh conditions: I ~ed up the stairs | she ~ed through blinding snow.

limp

[v.]walk with difficulty, typically because of a damaged or stiff leg or foot: he ~ed heavily as he moved | [ with adverbial of direction ] : he ~ed off during Saturday's game.

stride

[v.]walk with long, decisive steps in a specified direction: he strode across the road | figurative : ~ing confidently toward the future.

waddle

[v.]walk with short steps and a clumsy swaying motion: three geese ~ed across the road.

parry

[v.]ward off (a weapon or attack), especially with a countermove: he ~ed the blow by holding his sword vertically.

squander

[v.]waste (something, especially money or time) in a reckless and foolish manner: entrepreneurs ~ their profits on expensive cars.

dawdle

[v.]waste time; be slow: I couldn't ~ over my coffee any longer.

drench

[v.]wet thoroughly; soak: I fell in the stream and got ~ed | (as noun ~ing) : a severe ~ing would kill his uncle.

propitiate

[v.]win or regain the favor of (a god, spirit, or person) by doing something that pleases them: the pagans thought it was important to ~ the gods with sacrifices.

knead

[v.]work (moistened flour or clay) into dough or paste with the hands.||massage or squeeze with the hands: she ~ed his back.

deify

[v.]worship, regard, or treat (someone or something) as a god: she was ~ed by the early Romans as a fertility goddess.

muffle

[v.]wrap or cover for warmth: on a chair by the far wall, ~ed in an absurd overcoat.

scrawl

[v.]write (something) in a hurried, careless way: Charlie scrawled his signature | [ no obj. ] : he was ~ing on the back of a used envelope.

jot

[v.]write (something) quickly: when you've found the answers, ~ them down.

seduce

[v.]~ means something close to attract, beguile, tempt, and mislead: a beautiful woman could ~ a dude, and a clever criminal could ~ the same dude into a life of crime. A gorgeous day could ~ you from doing your homework. When you're being ~ed, it implies you're being tricked a little bit, often into something that's enticing but not so good. The word is used in a famous line from The Graduate: "Mrs. Robinson, you're trying to ~ me."

striate

[v.]在...上画条纹:the glacier had ~ed the rocks.冰川在岩石上留下了条痕

fidget

[v.]坐立不安:the audience had begun to ~ on their chairs.

flirt

[v.]无规则运动; the beautiful lady lazily watched the butterflies ~ing among the wildflowers.

grate

[v.]磨碎:reduce (something, especially food) to small shreds by rubbing it on a grater: peel and roughly ~ the carrots | (as adj. ~ed) : ~ed cheese.


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