academic words Flashcards
infinitesimal
adj. extremely small.
n. an indefinitely small quantity; a value approaching zero.
invoke
verb
1.call on (a deity or spirit) in prayer, as a witness, or for inspiration.
2. cite or appeal to (someone or something) as an authority for an action or in support of an argument.
“the antiquated defence of insanity is rarely invoked in England”
reckless
heedless of danger or the consequences of one’s actions; rash or impetuous. careless, incautious
prohibitive
adjective. 1.(of a law or rule) forbidding or restricting something.”prohibitive legislation”
2. (of a price or charge) so high as to prevent something being done or bought. “the cost of converting existing power stations is likely to be prohibitive”
deter
verb
1. discourage (someone) from doing something by instilling doubt or fear of the consequences.
“only a health problem would deter him from seeking re-election”
2. prevent the occurrence of.
“strategists think not only about how to deter war, but about how war might occur”
cohort
noun
a group of people with a shared characteristic.
“a cohort of civil servants patiently drafting legislation”
a group of people with a common statistical characteristic.
“the 1940–4 birth cohort of women”
obsolescence
noun
the process of becoming obsolete or outdated and no longer used. “computers are infamous for their rapid obsolescence”
folly
noun
noun: folly; plural noun: Follies
1. lack of good sense; foolishness. “an act of sheer folly” a foolish act, idea, or practice.plural noun: follies “the follies of youth”
pertain
verb
- be appropriate, related, or applicable to. “matters pertaining to the organization of government”
- be in effect or existence in a specified place or at a specified time. “their economic circumstances are vastly different from those which pertained in their land of origin”
innocuous
adjective
not harmful or offensive.
perturbation
noun
1.anxiety; mental uneasiness.
“she sensed her friend’s perturbation”
2. a deviation of a system, moving object, or process from its regular or normal state or path, caused by an outside influence. “these shifts and swings in wildlife populations are possibly related to climatic perturbations”
discrete
adjective
individually separate and distinct. “speech sounds are produced as a continuous sound signal rather than discrete units”
sheer
adjective
adjective: sheer; comparative adjective: sheerer; superlative adjective: sheerest
1. nothing other than; unmitigated (used for emphasis). “she giggled with sheer delight”
2. (especially of a cliff or wall) perpendicular or nearly so.
“the sheer ice walls”
3. (of a fabric) very thin; diaphanous. “sheer white silk chiffon”
adverb: sheer
1.perpendicularly. “the ridge fell sheer, in steep crags”
noun: sheer; plural noun: sheers
a very fine or diaphanous fabric or article. “I put up the new curtains and sheers”
in essence
basically and without regard for peripheral details; fundamentally. "in detail the class system is complex but in essence it is simple"
indefinitely
adverb
for an unlimited or unspecified period of time.
“talks cannot go on indefinitely”
virtually
adverb: virtually
1. nearly; almost.
“the disease destroyed virtually all the vineyards in Orange County”
rapidity
noun: rapidity
the quality of moving or reacting with great speed.
“the fish sank into the sand with such rapidity that it must be seen to be believed”
the fact of happening at a great rate; swiftness.
“technology spreads with extraordinary rapidity”
distinctive
adjective
characteristic of one person or thing, and so serving to distinguish it from others.
“juniper berries give gin its distinctive flavour”
credibly
adverb: credibly
in a believable and convincing way. “he can also talk credibly about the details”
implicit
adjective
1. suggested though not directly expressed.
“comments seen as implicit criticism of the policies”
2. always to be found in; essentially connected with.
“the values implicit in the school ethos”
deficiency
noun
a lack or shortage.
“deficiencies in material resources”
a failing or shortcoming.
“for all its deficiencies it remains his most powerful play”
the amount by which something, especially revenue, falls short; a deficit.
“a budget deficiency of $96 billion”
notation
noun: notation; plural noun: notations
1. a series or system of written symbols used to represent numbers, amounts, or elements in something such as music or mathematics.
“algebraic notation”
2. a note or annotation.
“he noticed the notations in the margin”
quadratic
In mathematics, the term quadratic describes something that pertains to squares, to the operation of squaring, to terms of the second degree, or equations or formulas that involve such terms.
brace
noun
1. a device fitted to something, in particular a weak or injured part of the body, to give support. “a neck brace”
verb
1. make (a structure) stronger or firmer with wood, iron, or other forms of support. “the posts were braced by lengths of timber”
saturated
adjective
1. holding as much water or moisture as can be absorbed; thoroughly soaked. “a mass of saturated air decreases in temperature as it rises in the atmosphere”
proposition
noun
- a statement or assertion that expresses a judgement or opinion. “the proposition that high taxation is undesirable”
- a suggested scheme or plan of action, especially in a business context. “a detailed investment proposition”
refrain
verb
stop oneself from doing something. “she refrained from comment”.
noun
noun: refrain; plural noun: refrains
a repeated line or number of lines in a poem or song, typically at the end of each verse.
1. the musical accompaniment for a refrain.
“he would play the refrain”
2. a comment or complaint that is often repeated.
“‘Poor Tom’ had become the constant refrain of his friends”
instantaneous
adjective
1. occurring or done instantly.
“modern methods of instantaneous communication”
2. existing or measured at a particular instant.
“measurement of the instantaneous velocity”
interior
adjective
1. situated on or relating to the inside of something; inner. “the interior lighting is not adequate”
2. remote from the coast or frontier; inland. “the interior jungle regions”
noun
1. the inner part of something; the inside. “the interior has been much restored”
2. the inland part of a country or region.
“the plains of the interior”
contingency
noun
a future event or circumstance which is possible but cannot be predicted with certainty. “a detailed contract which attempts to provide for all possible contingencies”
a provision for a possible event or circumstance.
“stores were kept as a contingency against a blockade”
an incidental expense.
“allow an extra fifteen per cent on the budget for contingencies”
inverse
adjective
opposite or contrary in position, direction, order, or effect. “numerous studies have shown an inverse relationship between exercise and the risk of heart disease”.
induction
noun
- an occasion when someone is formally introduced into a new job or organization, especially through a special ceremony
- the act of causing an event or process to happen
- the process of discovering a general principle from a set of facts
shorthand
noun
a method of rapid writing by means of abbreviations and symbols, used especially for taking dictation.
cumbersome
adjective
large or heavy and therefore difficult to carry or use; unwieldy. “cumbersome diving suits”
slow or complicated and therefore inefficient.
“organizations with cumbersome hierarchical structures”
iterate
verb
perform or utter repeatedly. “the bird’s call is a monotonously iterated single note”
make repeated use of a mathematical or computational procedure, applying it each time to the result of the previous application; perform iteration.
dictate
verb
1. state or order authoritatively.
“the tsar’s attempts to dictate policy”
2. say or read aloud (words to be typed, written down, or recorded on tape). “I have four letters to dictate”
noun
an order or principle that must be obeyed. “the dictates of fashion”
asymptotically
adjective Mathematics.
of or relating to an asymptote.
(of a function) approaching a given value as an expression containing a variable tends to infinity.
(of two functions) so defined that their ratio approaches unity as the independent variable approaches a limit or infinity.
(of a formula) becoming increasingly exact as a variable approaches a limit, usually infinity.
coming into consideration as a variable approaches a limit, usually infinity:
asymptotic property; asymptotic behavior.
trivial
adjective
1. having little value or importance: “I don’t know why he gets so upset about something so trivial.” “Sexual harassment in the workplace is not a trivial matter.”
albeit
conjunction: albeit
though. “he was making progress, albeit rather slowly”
retain
verb
1. continue to have (something); keep possession of.
“Labour retained the seat”
2. absorb and continue to hold (a substance).
“limestone is known to retain water”
incur
verb
become subject to (something unwelcome or unpleasant) as a result of one’s own behaviour or actions.
“I will pay any expenses incurred”
context
noun
the circumstances that form the setting for an event, statement, or idea, and in terms of which it can be fully understood.
“the proposals need to be considered in the context of new European directives”
generically
adverb. 1. in a way that relates to a class or group of similar things; not specifically. "what most writers generically refer to as ‘world music’" 一般而言
multiplicity
noun
a large number or variety. “the demand for higher education depends on a multiplicity of factors”
permute
verb 改变序列
submit to a process of alteration, rearrangement, or permutation. “we wish to permute the order of the bytes”
permissible
adjective
permitted; allowed. “it is permissible to edit and rephrase the statement”
exuberant
adjective
full of energy, excitement, and cheerfulness.
“a noisy bunch of exuberant youngsters”
characterized by a vigorously imaginative artistic style.
“exuberant, over-the-top sculptures”
superfluous
adjective
unnecessary, especially through being more than enough. “the purchaser should avoid asking for superfluous information”
discrepancy
noun
an illogical or surprising lack of compatibility or similarity between two or more facts. “there’s a discrepancy between your account and his”
retaliate
verb
make an attack in return for a similar attack. “the blow stung and she retaliated immediately”
commemorative
adjective
acting as a memorial of an event or person. “a commemorative plaque”
noun
an object such as a stamp or coin made to mark an event or honour a person.
apparel
noun:
clothing. “they were dressed in bright apparel”
pervasive
adjective
(especially of an unwelcome influence or physical effect) spreading widely throughout an area or a group of people. 無處不在
“ageism is pervasive and entrenched in our society”
salvage
verb
rescue (a wrecked or disabled ship or its cargo) from loss at sea. “an emerald and gold cross was salvaged from the wreck” 打撈
noun
the rescue of a wrecked or disabled ship or its cargo from loss at sea. “a salvage operation was under way”
parsimonious
adjective
very unwilling to spend money or use resources. “even the parsimonious Joe paid for drinks all round” 吝嗇小氣的，過度節儉的
procurement
noun.
the process of getting supplies “a substantial budget for the procurement of military supplies”
rig
verb
1. provide (a sailing boat) with sails and rigging. “the catamaran will be rigged as a ketch”
2. set up (equipment or a device or structure), typically in a makeshift or hasty way. “he had rigged up a sort of tent”
noun
1. the particular way in which a sailing boat’s masts, sails, and rigging are arranged. “a ketch rig”
2. a device or piece of equipment designed for a particular purpose. “a lighting rig”
exhaustive
adjective
including or considering all elements or aspects; fully comprehensive. “the guide outlines every bus route in exhaustive detail”
preclude
verb
prevent from happening; make impossible. “the secret nature of his work precluded official recognition”
(of a situation or condition) prevent someone from doing something. “his difficulties preclude him from leading a normal life”
conceivable
adjective
capable of being imagined or grasped mentally.
“a mass uprising was entirely conceivable”
postulate
verb
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”
2. (in ecclesiastical law) nominate or elect (someone) to an ecclesiastical office subject to the sanction of a higher authority. “the chapter was then allowed to postulate the bishop of Bath”
spurious
adjective 伪
not being what it purports to be; false or fake. “separating authentic and spurious claims”
(of a line of reasoning) apparently but not actually valid.
“this spurious reasoning results in nonsense”
augment
verb
make (something) greater by adding to it; increase.
“he augmented his summer income by painting houses”
arm’s-length
adjective
used to describe a situation in which two people, companies, etc. operate separately from each other. 公平交易
exemplify
verb
- be a typical example of. “the best dry sherry is exemplified by the fino of Jerez”
- illustrate or clarify by giving an example. “he exemplified his point with an anecdote”
oscillation
noun
1. movement back and forth in a regular rhythm. “the natural oscillation of a spring”
2. PHYSICS
regular variation in magnitude or position about a central point, especially of an electric current or voltage.
“electromagnetic oscillations”
vandalism
noun
action involving deliberate destruction of or damage to public or private property. “an act of mindless vandalism”
culminate
verb
1. reach a climax or point of highest development. “weeks of violence culminated in the brutal murder of a magistrate” 以…告終；達到…的頂點
meridian
子午線
mitigate
verb
make (something bad) less severe, serious, or painful. “drainage schemes have helped to mitigate this problem”
prospective
adjective
expected or expecting to be the specified thing in the future. “she showed a prospective buyer around the house”
likely to happen at a future date. “a meeting to discuss prospective changes in government legislation”
expropriation
noun
the action by the state or an authority of taking property from its owner for public use or benefit. “the decree provided for the expropriation of church land and buildings”
the action of dispossessing someone of property. “a popular movement aiming at the expropriation of the landowners and the overthrow of the autocracy”
reimbursement
noun
the action of repaying a person who has spent or lost money. “reimbursement of everyday medical costs”
a sum paid to cover the money that has been spent or lost. “the family received insurance reimbursements”
kink
noun
1.a sharp twist or curve in something that is otherwise straight. “a kink in the road”
verb
form or cause to form a sharp twist or curve. “the river kinks violently in a right angle”
entail
verb
1. involve (something) as a necessary or inevitable part or consequence. “a situation which entails considerable risks”
LAW
2. limit the inheritance of (property) over a number of generations so that ownership remains within a particular family or group.
“her father’s estate was entailed on a cousin”
dissipate
verb
1. (with reference to a feeling or emotion) disappear or cause to disappear. “the concern she’d felt for him had wholly dissipated”
2. waste or fritter away (money, energy, or resources).
“he inherited, but then dissipated, his father’s fortune”
fritter
verb
1. waste time, money, or energy on trifling matters.
“I wish we hadn’t frittered the money away so easily”
trivial
adjective
1. of little value or importance. “huge fines were imposed for trivial offences”
disastrous
adjective
causing great damage. “a disastrous fire swept through the museum”
heuristic
adjective
enabling a person to discover or learn something for themselves. “a ‘hands-on’ or interactive heuristic approach to learning”.
judiciously
adverb
with good judgement or sense. “his work has been carefully and judiciously edited”
contravene
verb
offend against the prohibition or order of (a law, treaty, or code of conduct). “he contravened the Official Secrets Act”
coincide
verb
1. occur at the same time.
“publication is timed to coincide with a major exhibition”
2. correspond in nature; tally.
“the interests of employers and employees do not always coincide”
3. be in agreement. “the members of the College coincide in this opinion”
disutility
noun ECONOMICS
the adverse or harmful effects associated with a particular activity or process, especially when carried out over a long period.
endow
verb
- give or bequeath an income or property to (a person or institution). “he endowed the Church with lands”
- provide with a quality, ability, or asset. “he was endowed with tremendous physical strength”
endowment
noun
1. the action of endowing something or someone.
“he tried to promote the endowment of a Chair of Psychiatry”
2. a quality or ability possessed or inherited by someone. “his natural endowments were his height and intelligence”
contextual
adjective
depending on or relating to the circumstances that form the setting for an event, statement, or idea.
“he included contextual information in footnotes”
depending on the preceding or following parts of a text to clarify meaning.
“they have limited practice in working out the meaning of unfamiliar material from contextual clues”
inhibitory
adjective
hindering or preventing an action.
“some may find such limits inhibitory”
slowing down or preventing a process, reaction, or function.
“a study to determine if honey has an inhibitory effect on atherosclerosis”
retaliatory
adjective
(of an action) characterized by a desire for revenge. 报复性
“fears of a retaliatory attack by the victim’s friends”
locus
noun
1. TECHNICAL
a particular position or place where something occurs or is situated.
“it is impossible to specify the exact locus in the brain of these neural events”
2. MATHEMATICS
a curve or other figure formed by all the points satisfying a particular equation of the relation between coordinates, or by a point, line, or surface moving according to mathematically defined conditions.
“a parabola is the locus of a point that moves so as to be equidistant from a fixed point and a straight line”
radical
adjective
1. (especially of change or action) relating to or affecting the fundamental nature of something; far-reaching or thorough.
“a radical overhaul of the existing regulatory framework”
- advocating or based on thorough or complete political or social change; representing or supporting an extreme or progressive section of a political party.
noun
1. a person who advocates thorough or complete political or social change, or a member of a political party or section of a party pursuing such aims.
salient
adjective
1. most noticeable or important.
“it succinctly covered all the salient points of the case”
hamper
noun
a basket with a carrying handle and a hinged lid, used for food, cutlery, and plates on a picnic.
“a picnic hamper”
verb
hinder or impede the movement or progress of. 阻碍
“their work is hampered by lack of funds”
irrespective
adjective
not taking (something) into account; regardless of.
“child benefit is paid irrespective of income levels”
enact
verb
1. make (a bill or other proposal) law. 制定
“legislation was enacted to attract international companies”
2. put into practice (an idea or suggestion).
“the pressure group’s aim was to see the proposals enacted”
3. act out (a role or play) on stage.
“Mystery Plays were staged and enacted by members of the guilds”
scarp
noun (废料)
1. a small piece or amount of something, especially one that is left over after the greater part has been used.
“I scribbled her address on a scrap of paper”
2. discarded metal for reprocessing.
“the steamer was eventually sold for scrap”
verb
discard or remove from service (a redundant, old, or inoperative vehicle, vessel, or machine), especially so as to convert it to scrap metal.
“a bold decision was taken to scrap existing plant”
parable
noun
a simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson, as told by Jesus in the Gospels. (寓言故事)
“the parable of the blind men and the elephant”
handicap
noun
1. a circumstance that makes progress or success difficult.
“not being able to drive was something of a handicap”
verb
act as an impediment to.
“lack of funding has handicapped the development of research”
impediment
noun
1. a hindrance or obstruction in doing something.
“a serious impediment to scientific progress”
2. a defect in a person’s speech, such as a lisp or stammer.
lisp
n. 发音不清
stammer
verb
speak with sudden involuntary pauses and a tendency to repeat the initial letters of words.
“he turned red and started stammering”
noun
a tendency to stammer.
“as a young man, he had a dreadful stammer”
dreadful
adjective
1. causing or involving great suffering, fear, or unhappiness; extremely bad or serious.
“there’s been a dreadful accident”
2. used to emphasize the degree to which something is the case, especially something regarded with sadness or disapproval.
“this was all a dreadful mistake”
render
verb
1. provide or give (a service, help, etc.).
“money serves as a reward for services rendered”
2. cause to be or become; make.
“the rains rendered his escape impossible”
precede
verb （先于）
come before (something) in time.
“a gun battle had preceded the explosions”
come before in order or position.
“take time to read the chapters that precede the recipes”
go in front or ahead of.
“he let her precede him through the gate”
evoke
verb
1. bring or recall (a feeling, memory, or image) to the conscious mind.
“the sight evoked pleasant memories of his childhood”
2. invoke (a spirit or deity).
“Akasha is evoked in India when a house is being built to ensure its completion”
caveat
noun
a warning or proviso of specific stipulations, conditions, or limitations. 警告
“there are a number of caveats which concern the validity of the assessment results”
tentative
adjective not certain or fixed; provisional. "a tentative conclusion" done without confidence; hesitant. "he eventually tried a few tentative steps round his hospital room"
translucent
adjective 半透明
(of a substance) allowing light, but not detailed shapes, to pass through; semi-transparent.
“her beautiful translucent skin”
Prototypicality
Prototypicality (or simply typicality), is a measure of how representative an object is of a category. Operationally, the prototypicality (of an object) is measured by individuals’ ratings of how “good an example” they consider the object, of a category (Rosch, 1973)
prominence
noun
1. the state of being easily seen or well known.
“she came to prominence as an artist in the 1960s”
perceptual
adjective
relating to the ability to notice something or come to an opinion about something using your senses:
“a patient with perceptual problems who cannot judge distances”
reciprocity
noun 互惠
the practice of exchanging things with others for mutual benefit, especially privileges granted by one country or organization to another.
“the Community intends to start discussions on reciprocity with third countries”
incumbent
adjective
1. necessary for (someone) as a duty or responsibility.
“the government realized that it was incumbent on them to act”
2. (of an official or regime) currently holding office.
“the incumbent President was defeated”
noun
the holder of an office or post. 在职者
“the present incumbent will soon be retiring”
inertia
noun
1. a tendency to do nothing or to remain unchanged.
“the bureaucratic inertia of the various tiers of government”
2. a property of matter by which it continues in its existing state of rest or uniform motion in a straight line, unless that state is changed by an external force. [PHYSICS] 惯性
“the power required to overcome friction and the inertia of the moving parts”
sparse
adjective 1. thinly dispersed or scattered. "areas of sparse population" 2. scanty; in short supply. "information on earnings is sparse"
de facto
adverb
in fact, whether by right or not.
“the country was de facto divided between two states”
adjective
existing or holding a specified position in fact but not necessarily by legal right.
“a de facto one-party system”
obviate
verb
remove (a need or difficulty).
“the presence of roller blinds obviated the need for curtains”
avoid or prevent (something undesirable).
“a parachute can be used to obviate disaster”
rivalry
noun 对抗，竞争
competition for the same objective or for superiority in the same field.
“there always has been intense rivalry between the clubs”
hasten
verb
1. be quick to do something.
“he hastened to refute the assertion”
2. move or travel hurriedly.
“we hastened back to Paris”
3. cause (something, especially something undesirable) to happen sooner than it otherwise would.
“this tragedy probably hastened his own death from heart disease”
synthesis
noun 合成
1. the combination of components or elements to form a connected whole.
“the synthesis of intellect and emotion in his work”
2. the production of chemical compounds by reaction from simpler materials.
“the synthesis of methanol from carbon monoxide and hydrogen”
delineate
verb
1. describe or portray (something) precisely.
“the law should delineate and prohibit behaviour which is socially abhorrent”
2. indicate the exact position of (a border or boundary).
“his finger found a precisely outlined section delineated in red marker”
innate
adjective
inborn; natural.
“her innate capacity for organization”
notwithstanding
- preposition
in spite of.
“notwithstanding the evidence, the consensus is that the jury will not reach a verdict” - adverb
nevertheless; in spite of this.
“I didn’t like it. Notwithstanding, I remained calm” - conjunction
although; in spite of the fact that.
“notwithstanding that the hall was packed with bullies, our champion played on steadily and patiently”
proprietary
adjective (所有权的)
1. relating to an owner or ownership.
“the company has a proprietary right to the property”
2. (of a product) marketed under and protected by a registered trade name.
“proprietary brands of insecticide”
tautological
- adjective
using two words or phrases that express the same meaning, in a way that is unnecessary and usually unintentional: 重复的；累赘的
“The phrase “advance planning” is tautological since when else are you going to plan something?” - in logic (= a formal scientific method of examining ideas), relating to a statement that is always true:
“If “Jones” is a proper name, then “Jones exists” is tautological.”
predicate
noun.
something which is affirmed or denied concerning an argument of a proposition.
verb
1. state, affirm, or assert (something) about the subject of a sentence or an argument of a proposition. 断定
“a word which predicates something about its subject”
2. found or base something on.基于
“the theory of structure on which later chemistry was predicated”
discretionary
adjective
1. decided by officials and not fixed by rules:
“a discretionary grant”;
“Judges have great discretionary powers”
2. denoting or relating to investment funds placed with a broker or manager who has discretion to invest them on the client’s behalf.
“discretionary portfolios”
disproportionate
adjective
too large or too small in comparison with something else.
“people on lower incomes spend a disproportionate amount of their income on fuel”
counteract
verb act against (something) in order to reduce its force or neutralize it. "should we deliberately intervene in the climate system to counteract global warming?"
elicit
verb
evoke or draw out (a reaction, answer, or fact) from someone.
“I tried to elicit a smile from Joanna”
anomaly
noun
1. something that deviates from what is standard, normal, or expected. 异常
“there are a number of anomalies in the present system”
2. ASTRONOMY
the angular distance of a planet or satellite from its last perihelion or perigee.
grasp
1. verb seize and hold firmly. "she grasped the bottle" 2. noun a firm hold or grip. "the child slipped from her grasp"
synergy
noun. the combined power of a group of things when they are working together that is greater than the total power achieved by each working separately 协同作用
“Team work at its best results in a synergy that can be very productive”
peculiar
adjective
1. different to what is normal or expected; strange.
“he gave her some very peculiar looks”
2. particular; special.
“any attempt to explicate the theme is bound to run into peculiar difficulties”
susceptible
adjective
1. likely or liable to be influenced or harmed by a particular thing. 易受影響的，易受傷害的
“patients with liver disease may be susceptible to infection”
2. capable or admitting of.
“the problem is not susceptible of a simple solution”
permutation
In mathematics, a permutation of a set is, loosely speaking, an arrangement of its members into a sequence or linear order, or if the set is already ordered, a rearrangement of its elements. The word “permutation” also refers to the act or process of changing the linear order of an ordered set. (排列)
scalable
adjective
adjective: scalable; adjective: scaleable
1. able to be scaled or climbed.
2. able to be changed in size or scale.
“scalable fonts”
(of a computing process) able to be used or produced in a range of capabilities.
“it is scalable across a range of systems”
3. TECHNICAL
able to be measured or graded according to a scale.
primitive
adjective
1. relating to, denoting, or preserving the character of an early stage in the evolutionary or historical development of something.
“primitive mammals”
2. very basic or unsophisticated in terms of comfort, convenience, or efficiency.
“the accommodation at the camp was a bit primitive”
noun
1. of or typical of an early stage of development; not advanced or complicated in structure:
“primitive art/tools”
“The pioneers who settled the west had to cope with primitive living conditions.”
snobbish
adjective
like a snob: 勢利的；愛虛榮的
My brother is very snobbish about cars.
delegate
noun [ C ]
a person chosen or elected by a group to speak, vote, etc. for them, especially at a meeting
（尤指會議的）代表
Delegates have voted in favour of the motion.
代表們對這項動議投了贊成票。
Each union elects several delegates to the annual conference.
每個工會選出數名代表參加年度大會。
verb
to give a particular job, duty, right, etc. to someone else so that they do it for you
（把…）委派（給…），（把…）委託（給…）；授權（給…）
As a boss you have to delegate (responsibilities to your staff).
你作為老闆必須要分派工作。
Authority to make financial decisions has been delegated to a special committee.
財政決策權已經交給一個特別委員會了。
delegate verb (CHOOSE PERSON)
[ T + obj + to infinitive ]
to choose or elect someone to speak, vote, etc. for a group, especially at a meeting
選出（尤指會議的）代表
A group of four teachers were delegated to represent their colleagues at the union conference.
一個由四名教師組成的小組被選出來代表同事出席工會大會。
contestable
adjective
A contestable statement, claim, legal decision, etc. is one that is possible to argue about or try to have changed because it may be wrong:
“What really happened was, and remains to this day, obscure and contestable”
BUSINESS, FINANCE & ECONOMICS specialized
A contestable market is one that it is fairly easy for new companies to enter.
dilute
verb
1. to make a liquid weaker by mixing in something else:
“Dilute the juice (with water) before you drink it.”
2. to reduce the strength of a feeling, action, etc.:
“These measures are designed to dilute public fears about the product’s safety.”
3. to make something less strong or less valuable:
“Our recent acquisitions are going to dilute earnings in the next few years.”
“The rise in foreclosures is likely to dilute real estate prices.”
slack
adjective
not tight; loose:
“These tent ropes are too slack - they need tightening.”
benevolent
adjective kind and helpful 仁慈的，慈善的 He was a benevolent old man and wouldn't hurt a fly. 他是個仁慈的老人，連一隻蒼蠅都不願傷害。
disparate
adjective different in every way 截然不同的，迥然相異的 The two cultures were so utterly disparate that she found it hard to adapt from one to the other. 這兩種文化截然不同，她發現很難由一種文化轉而去適應另一種文化。
equivocal
adjective
not clear and seeming to have two opposing meanings, or confusing and able to be understood in two different ways
含糊的；模棱兩可的；有歧義的
His words to the press were deliberately equivocal - he didn’t deny the reports but neither did he confirm them.
他對新聞界發言時故意含糊其詞——既沒有否認也沒有證實這些報道。
erroneous
adj. formal wrong or false 錯誤的，不正確的 "an erroneous belief/impression" 錯誤的信念／印象
prerequisite
noun formal
something that must exist or happen before something else can exist or happen
先決條件，前提，必備條件
“Passing a written test is a prerequisite for taking the advanced course.”
通過筆試是學習進階課程的前提。
“Public support is a prerequisite for/to the success of this project.”
大眾支持是這一計劃取得成功的必備條件。
“They had to agree to certain conditions as a prerequisite of being lent the money.”
他們不得不同意一些條件才能借到錢。
pertinent
adjective formal
relating directly to the subject being considered
有關的，直接相關的
“a pertinent question/remark”
切中要害的問題／評論
“Chapter One is pertinent to the post-war period.”
第一章講述的是戰後時期。
envisage
/ɪnˈvɪz.ɪdʒ/
verb [ T ] formal
1. to imagine or expect something in the future, especially something good
设想；展望，预计
Train fare increases of 15 percent are envisaged for the next year.
预计明年火车票价将会上涨15%。
[ + that ] It’s envisaged that building will start at the end of this year.
预计大楼将在今年年底动工。
[ + -ing verb ] When do you envisage finishing the project?
你预计工程什么时候竣工？
[ + question word ] It’s hard to envisage how it might happen.
真是难以设想怎么会发生这种事情。
- to form a mental picture of something or someone you have never seen
想象
He wasn’t what I’d expected - I’d envisaged someone much taller.
他和我所期待的不一样——想象中他的个头应该高得多。
outlay
noun [ C ]
an amount of money spent for a particular purpose, especially as a first investment in something
（尤指用于第一次投资的）开支，费用
For an initial outlay of $2,000 to buy the equipment, you can earn up to $500 a month if the product sells well.
买这套设备首笔花费为2000美元，要是产品卖得好，你每月可以赚得500美元。
notional
adjective formal
existing only as an idea, not as something real
理论上的；概念上的
Almost everyone will have to pay a higher tax bill than the notional amount suggested by the Treasury Secretary.
几乎每个人都必须支付超过财政部长提出的假定数额的税款。
incorporate
verb [ T ]
to include something as part of something larger
包含；将…包括在内
Suggestions from the survey have been incorporated into/in the final design.
调查中取得的建议已被纳入了最终的设计之中。
This aircraft incorporates several new safety features.
这种飞机具有几种新的安全特征。
moot
verb [ T ] formal
to suggest something for discussion
提出…供讨论
The idea was first mooted as long ago as the 1840s.
早在19世纪40年代，这个观点就首次被提出进行讨论了。
His name was mooted as a possible successor.
作为可能的接班人，他的名字被提出讨论。
adjective
often discussed or argued about but having no definite answer
有讨论余地的；未决的
It’s a moot point whether building more roads reduces traffic congestion.
修建更多的路是否可以减少交通堵塞是个争论未决的问题。
not important or not relevant, therefore not worth discussing
不重要的；不相关的（因而不值得讨论）
We don’t have enough money to go, so it’s all moot anyway.
我们没有钱去，所有一切都不需要谈了。
prevail
verb [ I ] formal
to get control or influence
占优势，占上风
I am sure that common sense will prevail in the end.
我相信常识最终会获胜。
And did reason prevail over (= become a more powerful influence than) emotion?
理智战胜了情感吗？
to be common among a group of people or area at a particular time
流行，盛行
This attitude still prevails among the middle classes.
这种观点在中产阶级中仍然很普遍。
deplete
verb [ T ]
to reduce something in size or amount, especially supplies of energy, money, etc.
消耗；耗費（資源、金錢、精力等）
If we continue to deplete the earth’s natural resources, we will cause serious damage to the environment.
如果我們繼續消耗地球上的自然資源，將對環境造成嚴重的破壞。
The illness depletes the body of important vitamins.
這種疾病會消耗人體中重要的維他命。
humorous That last holiday seriously depleted my bank account!
上次度假花掉了我銀行帳戶裡的一大筆錢！
spectrum
noun [ C ]
the set of colours into which a beam of light can be separated, or a range of waves, such as light waves or radio waves
光谱；波谱；声谱；频谱
The colours of the spectrum - red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet - can be seen in a rainbow.
光谱中的红、橙、黄、绿、蓝、靛、紫诸色都可以在彩虹中见到。
deficit
noun [ C ]
the total amount by which money spent is more than money received
赤字；逆差；虧損
The country is running a balance-of-payments/budget/trade deficit of $250 million.
該國的收支差額／預算赤字／貿易逆差已達2.5億美元。
The UK’s deficit in manufactured goods fell slightly in the last three months.
在過去的三個月裡，英國製造業的虧損略有好轉。
egalitarian
adjective formal
believing that all people are equally important and should have the same rights and opportunities in life
平等主義的；主張人人平等的
an egalitarian society
奉行平等主義的社會
The party’s principles are basically egalitarian.
這個黨的基本原則是人人平等。
noun [ C ] formal a person who has egalitarian beliefs 平等主義者 Adams was no egalitarian. 亞當斯可絕不是甚麼平等主義者。
protocol
noun the system of rules and acceptable behaviour used at official ceremonies and occasions 禮儀，禮節 a breach of Royal protocol 對皇家禮儀的違反 diplomatic protocol 外交禮儀
[ C ] COMPUTING specialized
a computer language allowing computers that are connected to each other to communicate
規程，協定（電腦之間交換資訊的電腦語言）
concomitant
noun [ C ] formal
something that happens with something else and is connected with it
同时发生的事；伴随物
Loss of memory is a natural concomitant of old age.
上年纪后记忆力自然会随之衰退。
mill
noun [ C ]
1. a building where grain is crushed into flour
磨坊，碾磨厂，磨粉厂
a small machine for crushing things into powder
碾磨机，磨粉机
a pepper/coffee mill
胡椒／咖啡研磨机
- a factory where a particular substance is produced
制造厂，工厂
a cotton/paper/steel mill
棉纺／造纸／炼钢厂
garment
noun [ C ] formal
a piece of clothing
（一件）衣服
interim
adjective [ before noun]
1. temporary and intended to be used or accepted until something permanent exists
暂时的，过渡时期的
an interim solution
暂时的解决办法
An interim government was set up for the period before the country’s first free election.
该国在首次自由选举之前的过渡时期成立了临时政府。
- used to describe part of a company’s business year, rather than the whole year
期中的
Directors declared an interim dividend of 30 cents.
董事会宣布期中股息为30美分。
noun
in the time between two particular periods or events
在过渡时期，在此期间
The new secretary starts in June, but in the interim we’re having to type our own letters.
新秘书6月份开始工作，在此之前我们得自己录入信件。
contend
verb [ I ] to compete in order to win something 竞争；争夺 There are three world-class tennis players contending for this title. 有3位世界顶级网球选手争夺这项冠军。 He's contending against someone with twice his experience. 他在和经验比他丰富一倍的人竞争。
[ T + (that) ] formal
to say that something is true or is a fact
声称；断言；主张
The lawyer contended (that) her client had never been near the scene of the crime.
该律师声称她的委托人从未走近过犯罪现场。
axiomatic
adjective formal
1. obviously true and therefore not needing to be proved
成為公理的；不需證明的，不言自明的
It is an axiomatic fact that governments rise and fall on the state of the economy.
經濟狀況決定政府的興衰成敗，這是不言自明的事實。
It seems axiomatic that everyone would benefit from a better scientific education.
更好的科學教育會使每個人受益，這似乎是不言自明的。
contingent on/upon sth
depending on something else in the future in order to happen
视…而定的；因…而变的；取决于…的
Outdoor activities are, as ever, contingent on the weather.
室外活动从来都只能依天气而定。
Our success is contingent upon your support.
我们的成功有赖于你的支持。
allotment
[ C ] UK
a small piece of ground in or just outside a town that a person rents for growing vegetables, fruits, or flowers
（可租來種菜、水果或花的）小塊土地
equilibrant
a force that is able to balance a system of forces
平衡力
compartmentalize
to separate something into parts and not allow those parts to mix together
分隔；隔開；劃分
His life was carefully compartmentalized, with his work in one city and his social life in another.
他的生活劃分得很精細：工作在一個城市，社交生活在另一個城市。
elation
noun [ U ]
a state of extreme happiness or excitement
興高采烈；喜氣洋洋；歡欣鼓舞
There’s a sense of elation at having completed a race of such length.
跑完那麼長距離的賽程，歡欣之情會油然而生。
erode
verb [ I or T ]
1. to rub or be rubbed away gradually
侵蝕；腐蝕；磨損
Wind and rain have eroded the statues into shapeless lumps of stone.
這些雕像遭受風雨侵蝕，成了一堆堆不成形的亂石。
The cliffs are eroding several feet a year.
這些懸崖每年都被侵蝕掉數英尺。
- to slowly reduce or destroy something
削弱；逐步破壞
His behaviour over the last few months has eroded my confidence in his judgment.
他過去幾個月的表現已經使我對他的判斷力漸漸失去了信心。
downstream
adverb, adjective 1. in the direction a river or stream is flowing 順流（地），向下游（地） The current carried her downstream. 水流將她沖向下游。
- used to describe something that happens later in a process or series of events
後階段（地）
He has expanded the glass manufacturing firm by purchasing downstream businesses such as a glass distribution company.
他擴大了玻璃製造廠業務，途徑是購買相關後階段工序的企業，如一家玻璃製品經銷公司。
allot
verb [ T ]
to give something, especially a share of something available, for a particular purpose
（尤指將現有的東西）分配；分派
[ + two objects ] They allotted everyone a separate desk.
他們給每個人都分配了個人專用的辦公桌。
They allotted a separate desk to everyone.
他們給每一個人都單獨配發了桌子。
The ministry of culture will be allotted about 15% less this year.
今年文化部得到的撥款將減少10%。
Three hours have been allotted to/for this task.
這項任務限定在三小時內完成。
The museum is planning to increase the amount of space allotted to modern art.
博物館正計劃增加現代藝術展區的面積。
suffice
verb [ I ] to be enough 足夠；滿足要求 I'm taking $400 - I think that should suffice. 我帶了400美元——我覺得應該夠了。
ruffle
verb
[ T ]
to touch or move something smooth so that it is not even
弄亂；弄皺；使不平整
She affectionately ruffled his hair with her hand as she passed.
她從他身邊走過時，親昵地伸手拂亂了他的頭髮。
The birds ruffled their feathers (up) in alarm.
鳥驚恐地豎起了羽毛。
[ T often passive ] to annoy or upset someone, or to make someone very nervous 使生氣；使心煩意亂；使緊張 He's easily ruffled by criticism. 他受到一點批評都會惱羞成怒。
irrevocable
adjective impossible to change 不可改變的 an irrevocable decision 不可改變的決定
unfeasible
not feasible (= able to be done or achieved) 不可行的，行不通的
scalper
noun [ C ] US informal
someone who buys things, such as theatre tickets, at the usual prices and then sells them, when they are difficult to get, at much higher prices
倒賣（戲票等）的人，黃牛
A scalper offered me a $20 ticket for the concert for $90.
有個黃牛可以賣給我一張音樂會的票，票值爲20美元，他要價90美元。
innocuous
adjective completely harmless (= causing no harm) 無害的 Some mushrooms look innocuous but are in fact poisonous. 有些蘑菇貌似無害，但實際上有毒。
sporadic
adjective happening sometimes; not regular or continuous 偶爾發生的；陣發性的；斷斷續續的 sporadic gunfire 零星的炮火 a sporadic electricity supply 不穩定的電力供應 More than 100 people have been killed this year in sporadic outbursts of ethnic violence. 今年有超過100人在零星爆發的種族暴力中喪生。
pro rata
adjective, adverb
calculated according to, or as a share of, the fixed rate for a larger total amount
按比例計算的（地）
a pro rata payment/pay increase
按比例計算的報酬／加薪
It’s €20,000 pro rata, but I’m doing half the full number of hours, so I’ll be getting €10,000.
按比例算是兩萬歐元，但是我只做了全部時間的一半，所以我該拿到一萬歐元。
embodiment
noun
the embodiment of sth
someone or something that represents a quality or an idea exactly
（某種品質或思想的）化身，表現；典型
He was the embodiment of the English gentleman.
他是典型的英國紳士。
She was portrayed in the papers as the embodiment of evil.
她被報紙描述爲邪惡的化身。
tentative
adjective
(of a plan or idea) not certain or agreed, or (of a suggestion or action) said or done in a careful but uncertain way because you do not know if you are right
（計劃、想法、建議、行動等）試驗（性）的，試探（性）的，暫時的
I have tentative plans to take a trip to Seattle in July.
我暫定七月去西雅圖旅行。
emotive
adjective causing strong feelings 激起強烈感情的；有感染力的；激動人心的 Animal experimentation is a highly emotive issue. 拿動物做實驗是一個極易引起激烈爭論的問題。
distortion
noun
a change to the intended or true meaning of something: 歪曲，曲解
e.g. a gross distortion of the facts
e.g. Nobody has challenged his distortions on education and the economy.
recoup
to get back money that you have spent or lost
補償；彌補；收回（成本）
It takes a while to recoup the initial costs of starting up a business.
要收回開創新公司投入的先期成本需要一段時間。
The gambler recouped his losses in the next game.
這個賭徒在隨後一局中贏回了輸掉的錢。
wedge
noun
[ C ]
a piece of metal, wood, rubber, etc. with a pointed edge at one end and a wide edge at the other, either pushed between two objects to keep them still or forced into something to break pieces off it
（金屬、木頭或橡膠等製成的）楔子，三角木
Push a wedge under the door to keep it open while we’re carrying the boxes in.
在門底下塞一個楔子讓門敞開著，我們好往裡面搬箱子。
Pieces of stone can be split off by forcing wedges between the layers.
在層與層之間敲入楔子可以把石頭鑿開。
[ C ]
a piece of something, especially food, in the shape of a triangle
楔形物，三角形物（尤指食物）
Auntie Ann put a huge wedge of cake on my plate.
安姨媽把一大塊三角形的蛋糕放在我盤子裡。
a wedge of cheese
一塊三角形的起司
prudent
adjective careful and avoiding risks 謹慎的，慎重的；精明的 [ + to infinitive ] It's always prudent to read a contract carefully before signing it. 簽合約前先好好看一下，這樣做永遠都是明智的。
absolve
verb
past tense: absolved; past participle: absolved
declare (someone) free from guilt, obligation, or punishment.
“the pardon absolved them of any crimes”
(in church use) give absolution for (a sin).
“she asked the bishop to absolve her sins”
starkly
adverb very obviously and clearly 顯而易見地，十分明顯地 Her later sensual works contrast starkly with the harsh earlier paintings. 她後期表現情色的作品和她早期那些風格冷峻的繪畫作品形成了鮮明的對比。
triviality
noun [ C usually plural ] something that is not important 瑣事，小事 I'm a busy man - don't bother me with trivialities. 我很忙——別拿雞毛蒜皮的小事來煩我。
[ U ] the state of not being important 瑣碎；無足輕重 The prison sentence seemed harsh, considering the triviality of the offence. 考慮到該違法行為並不嚴重，判決入獄似乎量刑偏重。
stringent
adjective
stringent adjective (SEVERE)
having a very severe effect, or being extremely limiting
嚴重的；嚴格的，苛刻的
The most stringent laws in the world are useless unless there is the will to enforce them.
除非能夠堅持嚴格執法，否則即使是世界上最嚴苛的法律也毫無用處。
We need to introduce more stringent security measures such as identity cards.
我們需要採取更為嚴格的安全措施，例如發放身份識別卡。
Stringent safety regulations were introduced after the accident.
事故之後制定了嚴格的安全規範。
stringent adjective (LIMITING MONEY)
FINANCE & ECONOMICS specialized
involving not enough money being available for borrowing as a result of firm controls on the amount of money in an economy
緊縮的，銀根緊的
Already low living standards have been worsened by stringent economic reforms.
緊縮財政的經濟改革使得原本就低落的生活水準雪上加霜。
paternalistic
adjective POLITICS usually disapproving
(of people in authority) making decisions for other people rather than letting them take responsibility for their own lives: 家长式领导
The country has a paternalistic culture.
He had a paternalistic attitude toward his peers.
fuse
noun [ C ]
a small safety part in an electrical device or piece of machinery that causes it to stop working if the electric current is too high, and so prevents fires or other dangers
保险丝
My hairdryer’s stopped working - I think the fuse has blown (= broken).
我的吹风机坏了——我想可能是保险丝断了。
Have you tried changing the fuse?
你试没试过换根保险丝？
frenzy
noun [ C or U ]
(an example of) uncontrolled and excited behaviour or emotion that is sometimes violent
疯狂，狂热，狂暴
In a frenzy of rage she hit him.
她盛怒之下打了他。
the media frenzy over the celebrity wedding
媒体对公众人物婚礼表现出的极大兴趣
The audience worked/whipped themselves into a frenzy as they waited for her to come on stage.
观众在期待她登上舞台的过程中情绪变得狂热起来。
There was a frenzy of activity in the financial markets yesterday.
昨天金融市场极度活跃。
In a moment of jealous frenzy, she cut the sleeves off all his shirts.
她嫉妒得发疯，把他所有的衬衫袖子都剪掉了。
deviant
adjective
used to describe a person or behaviour that is not usual and is generally considered to be unacceptable
怪異的，異常的；離譜的
noun [ C ] disapproving someone whose behaviour, especially sexual behaviour, is deviant 行為不正常的人（尤指性變態者） a sexual deviant 性變態者
ruling
noun [ C ] a decision 裁決；裁定；判定；決定 [ + that ] The court has made a final ruling on the case that the companies acted illegally. 法庭對此案作出終審判決，判涉案公司違法經營。
adjective [ before noun ]
being in control and making all the decisions
統治的，支配的；佔統治地位的
The Communists are the ruling party at the moment.
當前共產黨是執政黨。
compatible
adjective
able to exist, live together, or work successfully with something or someone else
可共存的；協調的；相容的
It was when we started living together that we found we just weren’t compatible.
等到開始生活在一起時，才發現我們根本合不來。
This software may not be compatible with older operating systems.
該軟體可能與較早期的作業系統不相容。
Such policies are not compatible with democratic government.
此類政策與民主政體格格不入。
Are their two blood groups compatible (= can blood from one person be given to the other person)?
他倆的血型相容嗎？
compel
verb.
to force someone to do something
強迫；逼迫；迫使
[ + to infinitive ] As a schoolboy he was compelled to wear shorts even in winter.
在小學階段，即使在冬天他也被迫穿著短褲。
formal The new circumstances compelled a change in policy.
新情況迫使在政策上作出改變。
formal to produce a strong feeling or reaction （有時指並非所願地）激起，引發 Over the years her work has compelled universal admiration and trust. 這些年來，她的工作獲得了大家的一致欽佩和信賴。
compelling
adjective (STRONG)
If a reason, argument, etc. is compelling, it makes you believe it or accept it because it is so strong.
（理由、論證等）令人信服的，很有說服力的
compelling evidence
強而有力的證據
It’s a fairly compelling argument for going.
去的理由很有說服力。
compelling adjective (EXCITING) very exciting and interesting and making you want to watch or listen 引人入勝的；激動人心的；扣人心弦的 I found the whole film very compelling. 我覺得整部影片都很扣人心弦。 a compelling story 扣人心弦的故事
realm
noun [ C ] 1. an area of interest or activity （興趣或活動的）界，領域，範圍 Her interests are in the realm of practical politics. 她的興趣在於實用政治。
2. a country ruled by a king or queen 王國 the defence of the realm 保衛王國 The matter was hotly debated in all the towns of the realm. 此事在該王國內的各個城鎮都進行了激烈的討論。
focal
adjective UK
UK /ˈfəʊ.kəl/ US /ˈfoʊ.kəl/
central and important
中心的；重要的
The focal figure of the movie is Annette Corley, a dancer who has boyfriend troubles.
這齣電影的中心人物是安妮特‧科利，一個在男朋友問題上有點麻煩的舞蹈演員。
hype
noun [ U ] informal
UK /haɪp/ US /haɪp/
1. a situation in which something is advertised and discussed in newspapers, on television, etc. a lot in order to attract everyone’s interest
（新聞媒體的）大肆宣傳，炒作
media hype
媒體炒作
There’s been a lot of hype around/surrounding his latest film.
大規模的宣傳都圍繞著他的最新電影進行。
I’ve been put off reading the book by all the hype.
所有的宣傳炒作令我對這本書產生反感。
- verb [ T often passive ]
UK /haɪp/ US /haɪp/ (also hype up)
to repeatedly advertise and discuss something in newspapers, on television, etc. in order to attract everyone’s interest
（透過新聞媒體）大肆宣傳，炒作
It’s being hyped as the musical event of the year.
它正被炒作成年度音樂盛事。
lobbyist
noun [ C ] POLITICS
UK /ˈlɒb.i.ɪst/ US /ˈlɑː.bi.ɪst/
someone who tries to persuade a politician or official group to do something
說客，遊說者
Lobbyists for the tobacco industry have expressed concerns about the restriction of smoking in public places.
煙草業的遊說者們對在公共場所限制吸煙表示關切。
tactical
adjective
UK /ˈtæk.tɪ.kəl/ US /ˈtæk.tɪ.kəl/
relating to tactics or done in order to achieve something
策略性的，謀略性的
It was a tactical vote.
這是一種策略性的投票。
Tactical weapons are for use over short distances and, especially in the case of nuclear weapons, have a local effect only.
（尤指核武器）戰術性的
fickle
adjective
UK /ˈfɪk.əl/ US /ˈfɪk.əl/
disapproving
likely to change your opinion or your feelings suddenly and without a good reason
（意見或感情）反覆無常的，易變的
She’s so fickle - she’s never been interested in the same man for more than a week!
她是如此變幻無常，從未喜歡過一個男人超過一星期。
The world of popular music is notoriously fickle.
流行音樂界的變幻無常是出了名的。
amenity
noun [ C usually plural ]
UK /əˈmiː.nə.ti/ US /əˈmen.ə.t̬i/
something, such as a swimming pool or shopping centre, that is intended to make life more pleasant or comfortable for the people in a town, hotel, or other place
生活福利設施，便利設施；娛樂消遣設施
The council has some spare cash, which it proposes to spend on public amenities.
政務委員會有一些餘款，計劃用來增添一些公共便利設施。
latent
adjective
present but needing particular conditions to become active, obvious, or completely developed
潛在的，潛伏的，隱性的
Recent developments in the area have brought latent ethnic tension out into the open.
近來該地區的一些新情況導致民族之間潛在的緊張關係公開化了。
We’re trying to bring out the latent artistic talents that many people possess without realizing it.
我們正在努力挖掘許多人自身具有但卻沒有意識到的潛在藝術才能。
tedious
adjective boring 單調乏味的，無趣的 a tedious job 單調乏味的工作 The problem is I find most forms of exercise so tedious. 問題是我覺得大多數形式的鍛煉都很乏味。
ubiquitous
adjective
seeming to be everywhere
普遍存在的，似乎無處不在的
Leather is very much in fashion this season, as is the ubiquitous denim.
皮裝在這個季節非常流行，當然牛仔服也似乎無處不在。
The Swedes are not alone in finding their language under pressure from the ubiquitous spread of English.
不僅僅是瑞典人感覺到了自己的語言正承受著英語無處不在所帶來的壓力。
The mobile phone, that most ubiquitous of consumer-electronic appliances, is about to enter a new age.
作爲使用最普遍的消費電器，行動電話將進入一個新時代。
oligopoly
n. a situation in which a small number of organizations or companies has control of an area of business, so that others have no share
寡頭壟斷
endeavour
verb to try to do something 努力；奮力 Engineers are endeavouring to locate the source of the problem. 工程師們正竭盡全力查找問題的根源。
noun an attempt to do something 嘗試；努力 In spite of our best endeavours, it has proven impossible to contact her. 儘管我們盡了最大的努力，但最後還是未能聯繫上她。 Crossing the North Pole on foot was an amazing feat of human endeavour. 徒步穿越北極是人類探索領域的一次壯舉。 artistic endeavour 對藝術的探索
pre-empt
verb.
to do or say something before someone so that you make their words or actions unnecessary or not effective
搶在…之前說話（或行動）；預先制止
The minister held a press conference in order to pre-empt criticism in the newspapers.
部長召開了記者招待會，旨在先發制人，預先防備各報紙的指責批評。
to replace one television programme with another, usually more important one
代替，取代（電視節目）
All the networks pre-empted their regular schedules to broadcast news of the hijacking.
所有的電視網都取消了安排好的節目，轉而播放劫機的新聞。
forestall
verb [ T ]
to prevent something from happening by acting first
預先阻止；先發制人
The company executives forestalled criticism by inviting union leaders to meet.
公司管理層邀請工會領袖見面，以避免遭受批評。
adversary
noun [ C ] an enemy 對手，敵手 He saw her as his main adversary within the company. 在他眼中，她是他在公司中的頭號對手。
ameliorate
verb [ T ] formal
to make a bad or unpleasant situation better
使變好，改善，改進
Foreign aid is badly needed to ameliorate the effects of the drought.
急需外援以緩解乾旱造成的災情。
perturb
verb [ T ] formal to worry someone 使煩惱；使擔心 News of the arrest perturbed her greatly. 逮捕的消息使她心緒不寧。
preempt
verb [ T ]
to prevent something from happening by taking action first:
State laws preempted local governments from restricting newspaper displays.
If a broadcast is preempted, it is replaced by another, usually more important broadcast:
One station preempted its Friday night schedule to televise the high school playoffs.
attenuate
verb [ T ] formal
to make something smaller, thinner, or weaker
使減少；使減弱；使降低
Radiation from the sun is attenuated by the earth’s atmosphere.
地球大氣層減輕了太陽幅射。
collude
verb [ I ] formal
to act together secretly or illegally in order to deceive or cheat someone
串通；勾結；共謀
It was suspected that the police had colluded with the witnesses.
警方涉嫌與證人暗中串通。
consecutive
adjective
Consecutive events, numbers, etc. follow one after another without an interruption.
连续的，连贯的，不间断的
This is the fifth consecutive weekend that I’ve spent working.
这是我连续第五个周末加班。
negate
verb [ T ] formal to cause something to have no effect 使无效，取消 The increase in our profits has been negated by the rising costs of running the business. 我们的盈利增长被日益增加的经营成本所抵消。
idiosyncratic
adjective
having strange or unusual habits, ways of behaving, or features:
The film, three hours long, is directed in his usual idiosyncratic style.
He follows a very idiosyncratic schedule.
precipitate
verb
[ T ] formal
to make something happen suddenly or sooner than expected
促成；使突如其來地發生；加速…的發生
An invasion would certainly precipitate a political crisis.
入侵肯定會加劇政治危機。
Fear of losing her job precipitated (= suddenly forced) her into action.
對丟掉工作的恐懼促使她立即付諸行動。
moot
verb [ T ] formal
to suggest something for discussion
提出…供討論
The idea was first mooted as long ago as the 1840s.
早在19世紀40年代，這個觀點就首次被提出進行討論了。
His name was mooted as a possible successor.
作為可能的接班人，他的名字被提出討論。
tariff
noun [ C ]
a charge or list of charges either for services or on goods entering a country
關稅；關稅表
lumpy
adjective covered with or containing lumps 表面有塊狀物的；含有塊狀物的 a lumpy bed/pillow 不平整的床／枕頭 a lumpy sauce 有結塊的調料醬
usurp
verb [ T ] formal
to take control of a position of power, especially without having the right to
篡奪，奪取（權位）
Local control is being usurped by central government.
地方的權力被中央政府攫取了。
pertinent
adjective formal
relating directly to the subject being considered
有關的，直接相關的
a pertinent question/remark
切中要害的問題／評論
Chapter One is pertinent to the post-war period.
第一章講述的是戰後時期。
scrutinize
verb [ T ] (UK usually scrutinise)
to examine something very carefully in order to discover information
細看，仔細審查
He scrutinized the men’s faces carefully/closely, trying to work out who was lying.
他仔細端詳這些男人的臉，想弄清誰在撒謊。
calibrate
verb [ T ] ENGINEERING, SCIENCE specialized
to mark units of measurement on an instrument such so that it can measure accurately
劃分刻度，標定
a calibrated stick for measuring the amount of oil in an engine
測量引擎中油量的尺規
to check a measuring instrument to see if it is accurate
校正（測量工具）
contagious
adjective
A contagious disease can be caught by touching someone who has the disease or a piece of infected clothing.
（疾病）接觸性傳染的
The infection is highly contagious, so don’t let anyone else use your towel.
這種傳染病極易傳染，所以不要讓別人用你的毛巾。
A contagious person has a contagious disease.
（人）患傳染病的，帶傳染源的
Keep him out of school until he’s not contagious anymore.
在他不再傳染前，別讓他上學了。
A contagious feeling spreads quickly among people.
（情感）具有感染力的，蔓延的
Fear is contagious.
恐懼是會傳染的。
burgeoning
adjective developing quickly 迅速發展的 The company hoped to profit from the burgeoning communications industry. 公司希望能從迅速發展的通訊業中獲利。
vicinity
noun [ S ]
the area around a place or where the speaker is
周圍地區；鄰近地區；附近
There are several hotels in the immediate vicinity of the station.
就在車站附近有好幾家飯店。
We could see that there were several open Wi-Fi networks in the vicinity.
我們可以看見在附近就有好幾個供公眾使用的無線網路。
Anyone who happened to be in the vicinity could have been injured or killed.
偶然身處附近的任何人都有可能受傷或者死亡。
untapped
adjective If a supply of something valuable is untapped, it is not yet used or taken advantage of. 未利用的；未開發的 untapped assets/resources/markets/talent 未利用的資産／未開發的資源／未開發的市場／未發掘的才華
countervailing
adjective [ before noun ] formal
having equal force but an opposite effect
对抗的，抵消的，制衡的
There was nobody strong enough to lead an effective countervailing force against the dictator.
没有人有实力领导一支能够有力对抗独裁者的武装力量。
a countervailing argument
抗衡的论点
premise
noun [ C ]
an idea or theory on which a statement or action is based
（作为先决条件的）假定，前提
[ + that ] They had started with the premise that all men are created equal.
他们是从人人生来平等这一前提出发的。
The research project is based on the premise stated earlier.
这项研究计划是基于早先提出的假设之上的。
jeopardize
verb [ T ] (UK usually jeopardise)
to put something such as a plan or system in danger of being harmed or damaged
使处于危险境地；危及，损害
She knew that by failing her finals she could jeopardize her whole future.
她知道考试不及格会影响自己的整个前程。
piracy
noun [ U ]
the act of attacking ships in order to steal from them
海盗抢劫
Piracy is alive and flourishing on the world’s commercial sea lanes.
在世界商业航线上，海盗抢劫仍然十分猖獗。
reminiscent
adjective formal
making you remember a particular person, event, or thing
使人想起…的；使人回忆起…的
That song is so reminiscent of my adolescence.
那首歌勾起了我对青少年时代的无限回忆。
contextualize
verb [ T ] LANGUAGE formal or specialized (UK usually contextualise)
to consider something in its context
将…置于其背景下考虑
We need to contextualize the problem before we can understand its origin.
要弄清该问题的来由，我们必须考虑其背景。
subside
verb [ I ]
If a condition subsides, it becomes less strong or extreme.
（状况）趋于平缓，平息
The police are hoping that the violence will soon subside.
警方希望暴力事件会很快平息。
As the pain in my foot subsided, I was able to walk the short distance to the car.
我的脚没那么疼了，能够勉强走一小段路，走到车旁。
parsimonious
adjective formal disapproving
not willing to spend money or give something
吝嗇小氣的，過度節儉的
She’s too parsimonious to heat the house properly.
她太節儉了，連給房子供足暖氣都捨不得。
figurative
I think that politicians are often parsimonious with the (= do not tell the complete) truth.
我認為政客常常不願說出所有事實真相。
epidemiology
noun [ U ]
the scientific study of diseases and how they are found, spread, and controlled in groups of people
流行病學
opaque
adjective preventing light from travelling through, and therefore not transparent or translucent 不透明的；不透光的 opaque glass/tights 不透明的玻璃／连裤袜 formal Opaque writing or speech is difficult to understand. （文字或演讲）难理解的；晦涩的；含糊的 I find her poetry a little too opaque. 我发现她的诗相当晦涩。
repatriate
verb [ T ]
to send or bring someone, or sometimes money or other property, back to the country that he, she, or it came from
将…遣返回国；寄（钱）回国，将（资金等）调回本国
The government repatriated him because he had no visa.
他没有签证，所以被政府遣送回国。
halt
verb [ I or T ]
to (cause to) stop moving or doing something or happening
（使）停止，停下
“Halt!” called the guard. “You can’t go any further without a permit.”
“站住！”警卫喊道，“没有通行证不能入内。”
Production has halted at all of the company’s factories because of the pay dispute.
由于工资纠纷，这家公司所有工厂都停产了。
noun [ S ]
an occasion when something stops moving or happening
停止，停下，中止
the recent halt in production
最近的停产
Severe flooding has brought trains to a halt (= prevented them from moving) on several lines in Scotland.
凶猛的洪水使苏格兰几条铁路线上的火车停驶。
The bus came to a halt (= stopped) just in time to avoid hitting the wall.
公共汽车正好及时停下，没有撞到墙上。
If traffic increases beyond a certain level, the city grinds to a halt (= stops completely).
如果交通流量的增长超过一定限度，城市就会陷于瘫痪状态。
The car screeched to a halt (= stopped suddenly and noisily) just as the lights turned red.
这辆车就在信号灯变红时嘎吱一声刹住了车。
call a halt to sth
to prevent something from continuing
停止，中止
How many more people will have to die before they call a halt to the fighting?
还要死多少人他们才会停战？
Security forces halted the demonstrators by blocking the road.
警卫部队用封路的办法来制止示威者前进。
