UNIT 1. RESEARCH REPORTS FOR BUSINESS AND
NEW WORDS
presentation
n. the act of presenting; a talk, usu. to a group of people 提出,呈递;介绍,报告
client
n. a person who gets help or advice from a professional, e.g. a lawyer, an accountant, an architect, etc.; a person who buys goods or services 委托人,当事人,顾客
obstacle
n. sth. which prevents action, movement or success
marketing
n. the branch of business concerned with advertising, publicity, etc. 营销
economics
n. the science that deals with money, goods and services and how they are related to each other 经济学
accounting
n. the art, practice or system of keeping, analyzing and interpreting business accounts 会计学
anthropology
n. the scientific study of man, including his physical characteristics, the origin and development of races, and the cultures, customs and beliefs of mankind 人类学
data
n. facts; information
element
n. a basic part of which sth. is made up
intend
vt. have in mind as a goal; plan
precise
a. clearly expressed; exact; accurate
significance
n. importance; meaning
economic
a. connected with trade, industry and the management of money; of economics
consumption
n. the act of consuming or an amount consumed 消费(量)
teenager
n. a young person of between 13 and 19 year old
relevance
n. importance or significance to the matter at hand
relevant
a.
segment
n. a part into which a whole is or can be divided; section
regulation
n. a law or a set of rules by which sth. is regulated
investigate
v. examine carefully in a search for facts, knowledge, or information
investigative
a.
summary
n. a short statement of the main points of a report, etc.
consideration
n. careful thought
assessment
n. the act of calculating or deciding the value or amount; the value or amount at which sth. is calculated
rhetorical
a. in using a style designed to impress or persuade 修辞(学)的
enhance
vt. make greater; improve 增加,提高
thorough
a. complete in all respects
tradition
n. ideas, customs, beliefs that have been passed down from generation to generation
description
n. the act of describing sth.; an account in words describing sth.
subject
n. a person or thing that is an object of study or experiment 实验对象,试验品
evaluate
vt. judge the value of
stroke
n. a single complete movement that is repeated often, as in swimming
factor
n. sth. that helps bring about a result 因素
overall
a. including everything; containing all
duplicate
vt. make an exact copy of
tendency
n. an inclination to think or behave in a certain way
hypothesis
n. idea or suggestion put forward as a staring point for reasoning or explanation 假
设
antithetical
a. opposite to and unable to exist together with 对立(面)的
expectation
n. the act of expecting sth. or sth. that is expected
validity
n. truth or soundness; state of legally acceptable 正确(性);合法(性),有效
valid
a.
construction
n. the act of constructing sth. or sth. that is constructed
federal
a. of the central government of the USA(美国)联邦政府的
guideline
n. (pl.) informal rules or instruction on how sth. should be done
approve
v. have a favorable opinion (of); give permission or consent (to)
skilled
a. having skill; requiring training and skill
personnel
n. all the people who work for a company or organization
applicable
a. that can be applied (to)
formal
a. (of words or style of writing or speaking) suitable for official occasions, serious writing, etc.
emphasis
n. special importance given to sth. 强调
objection
n. disapproval or opposition; a reason for being against sth.
pleasing
a. likable; giving delight or enjoyment
accuracy
n. the condition of being correct and exact.
clarity
n. clearness
draft
n. a rough sketch, plan or outline 草稿,草图, 草案
edit
vt. prepare for publication by checking, correcting and revising 编辑
ensure
vt. make sure or certain; guarantee
aid
n. help; assistance
heading
n. a title at the top of a page, chapter, or letter
methodical
a. arranged or done according to a clear plan or method; orderly and systematic
eliminate
vt. get rid of; remove
wordy
a. using too many words
transitional
a. of change from one condition, activity or topic to another
transition n.
publication
n. (the printing and selling of) books, newspapers and magazines
agency
n. (esp. AmE) department of a government or an international body
readership
n. the particular number or type of people who read a book, newspaper or magazine
visual
a. of, relating to, or used in seeing
format
n. the way or order in which sth. is arranged or presented
graph
n. a mathematical diagram which shows the relationship between two or more sets of numbers or measurement (曲线)图
diagram
n. a simple drawing consisting mainly of lines used, for example, to explain how a machine works 简图,图表
mechanical
a. concerned with small technical detail 技巧上的,细节上的
preferable
a. more desirable or suitable
listing
n. an act or instance of making a list
prose
n. ordinary written language, in contrast to poetry
sacrifice
vt. give up, usu. for obtaining sth. for oneself or for others
specialized
a. suitable or developed for one particular use
specialize
v. adapt for a particular purpose
pretentious
a. claming (in an
unpleasant way) to have importance, artistic value or social rank that one does not really possess 矫饰的,做作的
jargon
n. technical words expert use to discuss their subjects 行话
readable
a. easy and enjoyable to read
orderly
a. arranged in good order, in a well organized and controlled way
framework
n. a structure that shapes or supports sth. 框架
Phrase & Expressions
on the job
while working; at work
break down into
separate into different kinds; divide into types
a variety (of)
a number or collection of different sorts of the same general type
make up
form as a whole; constitute
under consideration
being discussed; begin given thoughtful attention
as such
as being what is indicated or suggested; in itself or in themselves
take on
begin to have; assume
write up
rewrite in a fuller, better organized way; give a full written account of
get down
write, record (usu. quickly or with difficulty)
Proper Names
Wayne Losano
韦恩.洛桑诺
UNIT 2. THE BEGINNING OF A CARREER
New Words
mademoiselle
n. French title equivalent to Miss, abbr. Mlle
shady
a. full of or providing shad; dark
interior
n. the inner part of sth; inside
insane
a. seriously ill in the mind; mad
anyhow
ad. in any case; anyway
brass
n. (sl.) high officials, executives, etc.
net
vt. gain as profit 净赚
slick
n. a popular magazine printed on heavy, glassy paper(用油光纸印制的)通俗杂志
frankly
ad. in an open, honest and straightforward way
frank
a.
intersession
n. a period between two academic terms, sometime utilized for brief concentrated courses
beer
n. a bitter alcoholic drink made from grain 啤酒
companion
n. one who is often with another person; friend 同伴
brassy
a. loud and daring in a tasteless manner
jolly
vt. make (sb.) feel good or agreeable, esp. to gain and end
protagonist
n. the chief character in a play or novel
gabby
a. very talkative
ratio
n. the relationship in number, quantity or size between two different things 比率
tag
vt. follow closely
flirt
n. a person who behaves with a member of the opposite sex in a way that attracts interest and attention
gracious
a. very well-mannered and pleasant
cute
a. sharp-witted, clever, charmingly attractive
pal
n. (infml) friend
flip
vi. turn over quickly
index
n. an alphabetical list of the names and subjects in a printed work 索引
polish
vt. improve; perfect 润色
soar
vi. fly high into the air; rise beyond what is common and ordinary
tangible
a. real; clear or definite enough to be easily seen, felt or noticed
testimony
n. proof; evidence
germ
n. the beginning of anything; origin 萌芽,起源
editorship
n. the position of an editor
senior
a. of the final year at high school or college
n. student in the senior class
outlet
n. a way of releasing sth.
perspective
n. view; outlook; way of thinking about things 观点,看法
broaden
v. make or become broader
heck
int. (used mainly as a mild curse) hell
yearn
vi. have a strong desire; long
uproot
vt. tear up by the roots
inferiority
n. the state or condition of being not good or less good in quality or value
inferiority complex
an abnormal feeling not as good as other people, sometimes resulting in avoidance of others or overly aggressive behavior 自卑情结
inferior
a.
coward
n. a person who is afraid to face danger, pain or hardship
pellet
n. a little ball or similarly shaped object; piece
gang
n. a group of friends who frequently meet
starry
a. filled with stars that are visible
sweater
n. a warm knitted piece of clothing, which covers the upper part of one's body and arms 毛线衫,厚运动衫
fond
a. having a great liking or love for sb. or sth.
metaphysical
a. highly abstract; philosophical 高度抽象的,哲理的
disorganized
a. in a confused state; badly planned or managed
preoccupy
vt. fill the thoughts of sb. almost completely, esp. so that not enough attention is given to other things
mechanics
n. the way in which sth. works or is done
mechanics of living
simple routine matters of life
assimilate
vt. take into the body and digest; understand completely and be able to use properly
chaos
n. a state of complete and thorough disorder and confusion
Phrases & Expressions
no doubt
without doubt; certainly
to top it off
(usu. introducing sth. undesirable) in addition to everything else
be stuck in
be unable to escape from (a disadvantageous position)
know one's way around/ about
understand how things happen in the world; be experienced in the way of the world
as for
in regard to; speaking of; concerning
sink in
get a firm place in the mind; become fully understood
get over
believe; learn to live with the shock of (sth. Very surprising or shocking)
set one's sight for
aim for, wish to get or win
cheer up
become hopeful, joyous or glad; stop being sad or discouraged
at present
at this time; now
what with
as a result of (used to introduce the reasons for a particular situation, esp. an undesirable one)
be preoccupied by/with
have the mind fixed on sth., esp. sth. worrying so that no attention is paid to anything else
make the best of
do as well as one can with
come one's way
happen to one
Proper Names
Sylvia Plath
西尔维亚.普拉斯
Belmont
贝尔蒙特
Cape Cod
科德角
Mademoiselle
《小姐》杂志
Minton
明顿
Marley
马莉
the Atlantic
《大西洋》月刊
Henry
亨利
Liz
莉兹
Harvard Law (School)
哈佛大学法学院
Clark
克拉克
T.S. Eliot
T.S. 艾略特
UNIT 3. THE QUEST FOR EXTRATERRESTRIAL
New Words
quest
n. search
extraterrestrial
a. (coming from) outside the earth
ponder
v. think about slowly and carefully
muse
v. think deeply, forgetting about the world around one
contemplate
v. look at or think about intently; have in mind as a possibility or plan
exotic
a. not native; fascinating because strange or different 外国的;异国情调的
biology
n. the scientific study of living things; animal and plant life, as of a given area 生物学;一个地区的生物
cosmic
a. of the universe, esp. the heavens as distinguished from the earth 宇宙的
exquisite
a. extremely beautiful or pleasant, esp. in a delicate or refined way
acceptable
a. good enough; satisfactory
extraordinary
a. very remarkable; exceptional
unimaginably
a. in an unimaginable manner; inconceivably
astronomy
n. the scientific study of the stars, planets, and other natural objects in space 天文学
array
n. collection; an impressive display of numerous persons or objects 列阵
detector
n. an instrument for discovering the presence of sth.
dedicated
vt. devoted
dedicate
vt. set apart for a special use or purpose
operationally
ad. in respect to operation
operational
a.
galaxy
n. any of the large groups of stars which make up the universe 星系
the Milky Way Galaxy
银河系
assign
vt. fix; decide on
quantity
n. an amount or number
abundance
n. a great quantity; plenty
planetary
a. of a planet; having sth. to do with planets
likelihood
n. the degree to which sth. can reasonably be expected to happen; probability
probability
n. the condition of being likely to happen
characteristically
ad. in a characteristic manner
characteristic
n. a special feature or quality that makes sb. or sth. different from others
a. showing a special feature or identity
breathtakingly
ad. astonishingly
exhilarating
a. very exciting; causing happiness
diversity
n. difference; variety
diverse
a.
lifestyle
n. a way of living
commerce
n. the buying and selling of goods; trade 商业
candidate
n. a person or thing that is regarded as being suitable for a particular purpose or as being likely to do or be a particular thing
astronaut
n. a person trained to travel in a spacecraft 宇航员
visitation
n. the act of visiting; visit
remote
a. distant in space or time
inexpensive
a. that which does not cost much; reasonable in price
anthropocentric
a. regardi
ng men as the central fact, and his existence and welfare as the ultimate aim, of the universe 以人类为宇宙中心的
electromagnetic
a. of magnetic force produced by an electric current 电磁的
spectrum
n. a set of bands of colored light in the order of their wavelengths into which a beam of light may be separated; a range of any of various kinds of waves 光谱;波谱
ray
n. a beam of light, heat, electricity or some other form of energy
gamma ray (usu. pl.)
a beam of light of short wavelength which goes through solid objects Y射线,光(量)子
peer
n. an equal in rank, quality or worth
backward
a. late in development
observatory
n. a place from which scientists watch stars and other heavenly bodies 天文台
princess
n. the daughter of a king or queen; a prince's wife 公主;王妃
optimistic
a. tending to see the bright side of things
imply
vt. express, show or mean indirectly; suggest
stellar
a. of or concerning stars
muster
vt. gather or collect; summon
respectability
n. the quality of being respectable
Mars
n. 火星
mission
n. an important task, esp. one that involves traveling abroad
burgeon
vi. bud; grow or develop rapidly
lately
ad. not long ago; recently
manifestation
n. sign of the existence or presence of a person, object or quality
manifest vt.
skeptic
n. person who questions the truth of theories or apparent facts
skeptical
a.
interstellar
n. (placed or moving) between the stars
spacecraft
n. a vehicle used for traveling in outer space 宇宙飞船
ply
v. make regular journeys (between); sail
conveniently
ad. with ease
convenient
a.
colony
n. the area settled by a group of people who leave their country to live in another place 殖民地
premature
a. appearing, happening, or done before the usual, expected or correct time
surmise
vt. guess; suppose
detect
vt. notice or find the presence of
international
a. of or between two or more nations
traffic
n. vehicles, people, ships or aircraft moving along a route
incompletely
ad. not completely; partially
modulation
n. variation of the amplitude, frequency, or phase of the carrier wave in accordance with the sound wave or other signals being sent 调制
pulsar
n. an astronomical source or powerful radio waves emitted in short, intense bursts or pulses at very precise intervals 脉冲星
quasar
n. a heavenly object which emits powerful blue light and radio waves; quasi-stellar objects 类星体
galactic
a. of or having to do with the Milky Way or with other galaxies
ethic
n. system of moral behavior 伦理
noninterference
n. the practice of not taking part in or trying to influence the affairs of other people, countries, etc.
approp
riate
a. correct or suitable for a particular situation or occasion
immortality
n. the state of being immortal; never-ending life or endless fame 不朽,永存;不灭的声望
motivation
n. need; desire 动因;动力
motivate
vt.
gallivant
vi. go around amusing oneself; wander
adolescent
a. growing up from childhood to adulthood; immature
assurance
n. belief in one's own ability; confidence
brim
vi. be full to the brim
amenable
a. that can be tested (by)
verification
n. proof by evidence; confirmation 证明;核实
extensive
a. large in amount, area or range
organism
n. a living being
Phrases & Expressions
if any
possibly none
seek out
find (sb. or sth.) by looking hard
might very well
be (very) likely to
to date
until today; yet
band in hand with
together with
be dedicated to
be devoted to; be intended to be used for
along with
together with
depend on
following directly or logically from; turn on
so as to
in order to
in a position to
able to
brim over with
have an abundance of
cry out for
need badly
Proper Names
Carl Sagan
卡尔.萨根
Greenbank
格林班克
West Virginia
西弗吉尼亚州
Frank Drake
弗兰克.德雷克
Cornell University
康乃尔大学
the Land of Oz
奥兹国
the Soviet Union
苏联
the Amazon
亚马逊河
UNIT 4. THE LIBRARY CARD
New Words
lobby
n. entrance hall 门廊,门厅
porter
n. an employee who sweeps, cleans, does errands, etc. as in a bank, store, or restaurant 勤杂工
mop
vt. wash or wipe up; clean with a mop 擦;用拖把擦洗
commercial
a. having to do with business
hearsay
n. information or new heard from another person 传闻
furious
a. extremely angry; violent
denunciation
n. the act of denouncing; condemnation 谴责,痛斥
scorn
n. strong disrespect; contempt 鄙视,轻蔑
denounce
vt. criticize severely and publicly
castigate
vt. criticize severely
riverfront
n. the part of a city or town on or near a river or harbor area
patronize
vt. be a regular customer, reader, etc. of; give regular business to
insecure
a. anxious and unsure of oneself; not confident
offhand
a. careless or disrespectful in manner; casual
banter
vi. talk in a joking way
contempt
n. a feeling that sth. is of little value or worthless; scorn 轻视,轻蔑
solidarity
n. agreement of interests, aims, or standards
Baptist
n. 浸礼会教徒
comprehend
vt. understand
Kluxer
n. a member of the Ku Klux Klan 三K党成员
sympathizer
n. a person who sympathizes with another persons or is favorably inclined toward a particular belief
anti-
prefix against
; opposed to
refer(to)
vi. mention or speak about
pope
n. head of the Roman Catholic Church(罗马天主教的)教皇
lover
n. one who is in love with sb. or sth.
southerner
n. a person from a southern region
imponderable
a. unable to be weighed or assessed
suspiciously
ad. distrustfully
pose
vt. put forward fro discussion; state
supervise
vt. keep watch over( work or workers) as the person in charge
forge
vt. make or write(sth. false) to deceive
foolproof
a. that can not go wrong
nigger
n. (derogatory) a Negro
errand
n. a short journey made to get sth. or carry a message
doff
vt. take off
respectful
a. having or showing respect
unbookish
a. not inclined to read and study
patron
n. a person who uses a particular shop, hotel, etc, esp. regularly
optical
a. of or relating to light or the sense of light 光学的;视力的
suspicious
a. causing one to suspect; deserving or exciting suspicion
suspicion
n.
duck
vt. try to escape by hiding quickly 闪避
hold
a. showing or needing courage
pointedly
ad. in such a way as to make some meaning, reference or application quite unmistakable
doubtful
a. having, showing or causing doubt
title
n. a name given to a book, painting, play, etc.
thumb
vi. turn pages of (a book, etc.) rapidly with a thumb, reading only portions
frown
vi. draw the brows together in deep thought, anger or disapproval
pork
n. meat from pigs
bean
n. a rounded seed of a plant related to peas 豆
jar
vt. have a harsh, unpleasant effect on; shock
sweeping
a. forceful; comprehensive and wide-ranging
raging
a. violent; furious
rage
vi. be furious with anger; act violently
demon
n. an evil spirit
slash
vt. cut with a sweeping stroke of a sword, knife or whip
extol
vt. praise highly
mock
vt. laugh at; make fun of; ridicule
reality
n. the condition or quality of being real; the state of things as they are
weapon
n. an instrument used to attack another or defend oneself from attack
club
n. a heavy stick with one thick end, use as a weapon
conviction
n. a strong feeling or belief about sth.
revel
vi. take very great pleasure(in)
crude
a. in a natural or raw state; unrefined
surge
vi. rise or swell with great force
hunger
vi. have a strong desire or craving
disbelieve
vt. refuse to believe
novel
n. a long story about fictitious people and events
lug
vt. pull along or carry with effort; drag
golf
n. a game played by hitting a small, hard ball with one of a set of clubs around an outdoor course into a series of holes in as few strokes as possible 高尔夫球
mythical
a. not real; imaginary
myth
n. a story that expresses the belie
fs and values of a people 神话
revive
vt. bring back to life or consciousness
vivid
a. active, lively
naturalism
n. the showing in art, and literature, of the world and people scientifically and exactly as they are 自然主义
mood
n. the way sb. feels at a certain time 心境,情绪
ream
n. 480 or 500 sheets of paper of the same size and quality 令
sufficiently
ad. in a sufficient manner or to a sufficient degree
sufficient
a. as much as is needed; enough
ignorance
n. the condition of being ignorant; lack of knowledge
Jim Crow
discriminating against Negroes; for blacks only
Phrases & Expressions
aside from
except for; in addition to
on earth
of all possible things; ever (use. used for emphasis after words that ask question)
call down
summon; evoke (sth. upon sb.)
out of the question
not worth considering; impossible
fit into
belong to; be appropriate to
refer to
mention; allude to
address oneself to
give one's full attention to; tackle
on errands
making a short trip to do or get sth. for sb.
slip up
make a mistake
be clear of
be a safe distance away from; free from
call up
call on the telephone
under one's breath
in a whisper
right off
at once; immediately
be through
have reached the end of; be finished with; be done with
run across
find or meet by chance
look up
search for, hunt information about in a dictionary
surge up
rise up in a wave
hunger up
rise up in a wave
nothing less than
nothing short of
beyond one's reach
not capable of being had or got to
Proper Names
Richard Wright
理查德.赖特
Memphis
孟菲斯
Commercial Appeal
《商业呼声报》
H.L. Mencken
H.L. 门肯
Don
唐
A Book of Prefaces
《序言集》
Prejudices
《偏见》
Sinclair Lewis
辛克莱.刘易斯
Main Street
《大街》
Gerald
杰拉尔德
George F. Babbitt
乔治.F.巴比特
Dreiser
德莱塞
Jennie Gerhardt
珍尼.格哈特
Sister Carrie
《嘉莉妹妹》
UNIT 5. HOW COULD ANYTHING THAT FEELS SO BAD BE SO
New Words
strategy
n. the art of planning action that lead to gaining a goal or victory
paradox
n. a seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement that is or may be true; a person or situation exhibiting apparently contradictory characteristics 似非而是,自相矛盾
paradoxical
a. of or having the nature of a paradox
discontented
a. dissatisfied and restlessly unhappy
statistics
n. facts and figures gathered together for information or on a particular subject 统计(资料)
institution
n. an established custom, law or relationship in a society or community 风俗,制度,惯例
popular
a. enjoyed, accepted or liked by many people
desirable
a. worthy of being desired
liability
n. sth. for which one is responsible, esp. by law; sth. that limits one's activities or freedom 责任,义务; 不利条件
liable
a. responsible under the law
asset
n. sth. that is useful or valuable; (pl.) the property of a person, company, etc. 宝贵的东西,资产
anymore
ad. (used in negative sentences) any longer
yarn
n. a long continuous thread, as of wool or cotton, use in making cloth, mats, etc.
electrical
a. concerned with or using electricity
plug
n. a device at the end of an electrical cord that fits into an electrical socket to make an electrical connection 插头
bond
n. sth. that binds or unites 联结物;联系
functional
a. made for or concerned with practical use only 功能的
function
n. normal use; duty or work 功能
affectional
a. relating to or implying affections 感情的
affection
n. gentle, lasting love, like that of a parent for a child; fondness
desertion
n. (an example of ) the act of leaving one's duty, family, etc. 抛弃,遗弃
overcome
vt. fight successfully against; defeat
order
n. kind, sort, type
intimacy
n. a close and affectionate personal relationship; familiarity
intimate
a.
dissatisfaction
n. lack of satisfaction; displeasure
improvement
n. the act of improving or the state of being improved
way
ad. far, considerably
familiarity
n. thorough knowledge
religious
a. of religion
plot
vt. draw (a curve) on a graph to show certain stated facts
incidence
n. the rate at which sth. happens or exists 发生率
participative
a. characterized by participation; participating
layman
n. a person who does not have specialized or professional knowledge of a subject 门外汉,外行
passive
a. not joining in or taking part; not acting
contemporary
a. belonging to the present time; of or belonging to the same time
changer
n. one who makes change
medium (pl. media)
n. a method for giving information; form of art 媒介;艺术手段
mass media
the means of communication that reach large numbers of people in a short time, such as radio, television, newspapers, magazines, etc.
activism
n. the process of campaigning in public or working for an organization in order to bring about political or social change
rebellion
n. the act of rebelling; open defiance of authority
engender
vt. bring about; produce
assess
vt. estimate the value or amount of; evaluate
gradual
a. happening or developing slowly and by degrees; not sudden
increment
n. an increase or addition, esp. one of a series
resist
vt. work or fight against
resistance
n.
mobilize
vt. organize for a purpose 动员
organizational
a. of or having to do wi
th organization
reform
n. an improvement, esp. one made by removing faults or abuses 改革
arrangement
n. a plan made in preparation for sth.
component
n. any of the parts that together make a whole machine or system
romance
n. a love affair
esthetic
a. having to do with beauty and the appreciation of beauty in nature an dart(审)美的
victimize
vt. cause (sb.) to suffer unfairly
victim
n. a person or animal sacrificed, injured or destroyed; a person who suffers some hardship or loss 牺牲者;受害者
environment
n. the physical and social conditions in which people live
fulfill
vt. supply or satisfy
frontier
n. an area or field not yet developed
exploration
n. the act of traveling in little known lands or seas for the purpose of discovery
explore
vt. examine (sth.) thoroughly in order to test or find out about it
seemingly
ad. in appearance; apparently
limitless
a. without limit or end
Phrases & Expressions
when it come to
when it concerns
for that matter
with regard to that; about that
the other way round
in the opposite order
in terms of
in regard to; especially about
bring about
cause; produce; lead to
can't help but
can only; be forced to
take (great) pains (with/to do)
try hard (to do)
Proper Names
Richard E. Farson
理查德.E.法森
California
加利福尼亚
Emerson
爱默生
Buckminster Fuller
巴克明斯特.富勒
UNIT 6. THE MONSTER
New Words
monster
n. a person too wicked to be considered human; an animal or plant that is very unlike those usually found in nature
undersized
a. smaller than usual; too small
sickly
a. weak, unhealthy and often ill
agony
n. very great pain or suffering of mind or body
coarse
a. not fine or smooth; rough
delusion
n. a false belief
grandeur
n. greatness, nobility
delusion of grandeur
夸大妄想
dramatist
n. a writer of plays, esp. serious ones; playwright
composer
n. one who writes musical works
compose vt.
conversationalist
n. a person who enjoys and is skilled at conversation
monologue
n. a long speech by one person; a spoken part in a play or film for a single person 独白
maddeningly
ad. annoyingly
tiresome
a. irritating or boring
mania
n. a desire so strong than it seems mad; an unusual or unreasonable fondness 狂热;癖好
hint
n. a statement or action that gives a small or indirect suggestion
trivial
a. of little or no importance
harangue
n. a long, loud speech, esp. one which blames those listening to it
volubility
n. fondness for talking; talkativeness
deafen
vt. make deaf, esp. for a short time; stun with noise
vegetarianism
n. the practice or principle of eating o
nly vegetable foods and refraining from eating meat, fish or other animal products
pamphlet
n. a small book with paper covers which deals usu. with some matter of public interest; booklet 小册子
expense
n. cost in money, time, or effort
opera
n. a musical play
summon
vt. order(sb.) to come
applause
n. loud praise for a performer or performance, esp. by striking the hands together
needless
a. unnecessary
eminent
a. (of people) famous and admired
vocalist
n. singer
vocal
a. of the voice
rave
vi. talk wildly
suicidal
a. wishing to kill oneself, which leads or will lead to death or destruction
suicide
n.
gloom
n. a feeling of unhappiness or despair
gloomy
a.
darkly
ad. with a dark, gloomy, or menacing look or manner
Buddhist
a., n. having to do with Buddhism; a believer in Buddhism 佛教的;佛教徒
monk
n. a member of an all-male religious group who has made solemn promises, esp. not to marry and not to have any possessions, living in a monastery 僧侣
Buddhist monk
僧,和尚
grief
n. a feeling of extreme sadness
grief-stricken
a. filled with great sorrow
grieve
v.
pet
n. an animal kept in the home as a companion
callous
a. without feeling for the suffering of other people; unkind
emperor
n. the ruler of an empire
shudder
vi. shake uncontrollably for a moment, esp. from fear, cold, or strong dislike; tremble
incapable
a. not having the power or ability to do sth. or show a quality
grovel
vi. be shamefully bumble or eager to please; ask or beg with too great humility 卑躬屈膝,奴颜婢膝
loftily
ad. proudly; haughtily
lofty
a. very high; towering; noble
benefactor
n. a person who gives friendly help, often in the form of money
mortally
ad. bitterly, extremely
mortal
a. causing death; certain to die someday
offend
vt. hurt the feeling of; upset
offensive
a.
recipient
n. a person who receives sth.
legal
a. of or using the law
rajah
n. an Indian ruler
prospective
a. expected or intended; likely to be or become
royalty
n. a part of the price of a book, paid to the writer on each copy sold; a payment made to the writer of a play or piece of music when it is performed 版税
pressing
a. urgent
jail
n. prison
unscrupulous
a. not caring about honesty and fairness in getting what one wants; completely without principles
endless
a. having or seeming to have no end; never finishing
infidelity
n. an act of disloyalty; lack of faithfulness, esp. to husband or wife
admirer
n. a person who admires, esp. a man who is attracted to a particular woman
wealthy
a. rich, abundant
selfish
a. concerned about oneself without thinking of others
devotion
n. loyalty
lessen
v. make or become less
autobiography
n. the story of a person's life written by himself/herself
disagreeable
a. bad-tempered and unfriendly; unpleasant
stupendous
a. amazing, marvelous 巨大的,惊人的
musical
a. of or for music
genius
n. a person who has very great natural ability to think and create
unquestionably
ad. beyond dispute or doubt; certainly
rank
v. have or regard as having a certain rank or relative position
musico-dramatic
a. of or concerning both music and the drama
masterpiece
n. an outstanding work 杰作
headache
n. a pain in the head; a difficult or worrying problem
loot
vt. rob, plunder
trilogy
n. a group of three related books, plays, etc. connected by common subject matter, but each complete in itself (小说、戏剧等的)三部曲
faithless
a. not deserving trust; disloyal
compromise
vi. surrender one's principles, etc. dishonorably; reach an agreement by having each side give up certain demands 背弃;妥协
downright
ad. thoroughly; completely
grand
a. dignified, stately
forgive
v. stop being angry (at)
forgiveness
n. the act of forgiving or the willingness to forgive; pardon
scratch
v. dig, scrape, or injure with sth. sharp, such as fingernails, claws or a tool
shriek
vi. make a loud, shrill cry
miracle
n. sth. that is amazing and unusual 奇迹
Phrases & Expressions
in relation to
in connection with; with regard to; about
in one's eyes
in one's opinion
in support of
supporting
at sb.'s expense
with sb. paying the cost
needless to say
of course; as was to be expected
out of sorts
in an angry or unhappy mood; in a bad temper
under obligation (to do)
having the duty (to do)
good for
able to pay or contribute; useful or suitable for
lay one's hands on
find; gain possession of
run up
allow (sth. such as debt) to increase
on record
written down in a record
UNIT 7. ZERITSKYS LAW
New Words
connection
n. the state of being connected; relationship
-stricken
(combining form) overwhelmed or afflicted by disease, misfortune, horror, grief, etc.
ice-encased
a. placed or enclosed in or as if in an ice case
hysterical
a. in a state of hysteria; emotionally disturbed 歇斯底里的
lick
vt. pass the tongue over 舔
subsequently
ad. afterward, late
hind
a. back, rear
follow-up
a. of sth. done to continue or reinforce an initial action
dispatch
n. a report sent to a newspaper, etc. by a correspondent
disappearance
n. the act or an example of disappearing
rescue
vt. save from danger
nap
n. a short sleep, usu. at a time other than one's regular sleeping hours
defrost
v. make or become free of ice or frost;
thaw
unfair
a. not fair or right; unjust
luckless
a. having or bringing bad luck; unfortunate
archvillain
n. a principal villain; an extremely wicked person
indisputably
ad. beyond doubt; certainly
exorbitant
a. going beyond reasonable limits
storage
n. the act of storing or the condition of being stored
facility
n. (usu. pl.) sth. provided for people to use. 设备,设施
row
n. a noisy quarrel or dispute
substantial
a. large in amount
refund
n. the return of money paid; a repayment 退款;归还
publicity
n. information given out to get public attention 宣传,广告
enterprise
n. an undertaking, esp. one that is difficult or involving risk; a business firm
whimper
n. a weak complaint 牢骚,怨声
fee
n. a charge for a service or a right
ironclad
a. inflexible, rigid
mainstay
a. a main support
loot
n. goods (esp. private property) taken from an enemy in war, or stolen by thieves
admirable
a. worth admiring; arousing wonder and approval
chamber
n. an enclosed space or a private room; a room set aside for a special purpose
hue and cry
the pursuit of a suspected criminal with loud cries in order to raise the alarm; loud public outcry 追捕犯人时的叫喊声;(表示反对的)叫嚷
crime
n. an action or activity that is against the law or a failure to do what the law requires
haul
n. the amount of sth. gained, esp. stolen goods
anonymity
n. the condition of being anonymous 匿名
enforcement
n. the act or process of enforcing; putting into force 实施,执行
enforce vt.
agent
n. representative of a government agency
fugitive
n. a person running away from justice, danger, etc. 逃亡者
illegal
a. against the law
diligently
ad. in a diligent manner; carefully; industriously
bizarre
a. strictly odd or queer in appearance or style; fantastic
unparalleled
a. too great to be equaled 举世无双的
liquidate
vt. terminate the operation of (a commercial firm, etc.) by assessment of liabilities and appropriation of assets for their settlement 清算
yacht
n. a small ship used for pleasure trips
arduous
a. requiring great physical or mental effort; difficult to accomplish
goodly
a. considerable
pensioner
n. a person who receives a regular payment, not wages, from a government, company, or patron
pension
n. a regular payment to a person of a specified sum of money which is not wages
proportion
n. the size or amount of one thing when compared to the size or amount of another; (pl.) size or extent 比率,比例;大小
inexhaustible
a. existing in such large amounts that it can never be finished or used up
insupportable
a. unbearable
marital
a. of or relating to marriage
confession
n. admission (of one's weakness, fault, sin, etc.) 坦白;忏悔
incarcerate
vt. confine or imprison 幽闭;监禁
unamiable
a. ill-natured, ungracious
spouse
n. a wife or husband
scheme
n. a plan for doing sth.
visit
vt. inflict (punishment) for (wrongdoing); avenge 降罪于,惩罚
lifework
n. the work to which one's life is devoted; most important work of one's life
fanatically
ad. excessively
meticulous
n. extremely careful; with great attention to detail
double-check
n. the act of checking again; verifying
shrewd
a. clever in judgment, esp. of what is to one's own advantage
dissatisfy
vt. fail to satisfy; displease
greed
n. a selfish desire to get more and more of sth. 贪婪
greedy
a.
expand
v. make or become larger
grievance
n. a complaint or cause for complaint, esp. when one feels one has been unfairly treated
immature
a. not mature; not full-grown
frivolous
a. not serious or sensible in content, attitude or behaviour 不严肃的,轻浮的
foresee
vt. see or realize in advance
slip
n. a usu. slight mistake
elapse
vi. (of time) pass by
awesome
a. inspiring fear or dread
sweetheart
n. a person whom one loves
accusation
n. a statement that one has done sth. wrong
accuse
vt.
rumor
n. news or information which is passed from person to person but has not been proven to be true
freezer
n. a large fridge in which supplies of food can be stored at a very low temperature; deep freeze
mandatory
a. required by law; compulsory 依法的;强制性的
choke
vt. block or clog up (a passage, street, etc.)
transport
n. the act of carrying (goods or people) from place to place
Congress
n. the elected law-making body, e.g. of the US 立法机构,如美国国会
warehouse
n. a house or building where merchandise is stored
dehydrate
vt. cause to lose water 使脱水
Phrases & Expressions
in brief
in short; to sum up
as far as
to the distance, point or degree that
for one
as the first of several possible examples
dry off
make or become dry
stop dead in one's tracks
stop very quickly or with great force
be bound up with
be closely connected with or related to
first and last
always and chiefly
put away
put in the right place or out of sight
die down
come slowly to an end; grow slowly less or weaker
on the track of
looking for, trying to find
earn/make a living
support oneself
at that
in addition; also
be caught in
be involved in
to the point where
to the extent that
play around
spend time playing, fooling or joking instead of being serious or working
settle down
marry; begin to live a stable life
take with a grain of salt
accept or believe only
in part
go through
be approved or accepted
Proper Names
Zeritsky
齐里斯基
Ann Griffith
安.格里菲斯
Los Angeles
洛杉机
Fred C. Graham
弗雷德.C.格雷厄姆
John A. Monahan
约翰.A. 莫纳汉
UNIT 8. THE ROLE OF SCIENCE FICTION
New Words
genre
n. a particular type of art, writing, music, etc., which has certain characteristics that all examples of this type share(文艺作品的)体裁,样式;类型
controversial
a. causing much argument or disagreement
forecast
vt. say what will happen ahead of time; predict
planetwide
a. extending all over the planet
humankind
n. human being in general; mankind
probable
a. likely to happen or be true
inevitable
a. which can not be avoided; certain to happen
mode
n. a way of behaving, living, operating, etc.
spaceship
n. a vehicle used for traveling in outerspace; spacecraft
flexibility
n. flexible quality
flexible
a. easily adapted to fit various conditions
tabular
a. arranged in the form of a table
gimmick
n. an ingenious or novel mechanical device 别致的玩意儿;新奇的发明
robot
n. a machine that can move and do some of the work of a human being and is usu. controlled by a computer 机器人
sorrow
n. sadness, grief
prehistoric
a. of a time before events were written down
formula
n. a fixed way of doing sth.; method 公式,程式
decisive
a. showing or marked by determination and firmness
exterior
a. on the outside; outer
n. an outer part, surface or appearance
clash
n. a strong disagreement; conflict
lurk
vi. wait in hiding. esp. for an evil purpose; exist unseen
joint
a. done or shared by two or more people
headline
n. a line usu. printed in large type at the top of a newspaper article
hectic
a. very busy; rushed
badger
vt. bother by requesting sth. repeatedly
tragedy
n. a serious play that ends unhappily; a terrible event; disaster
historian
n. an expert in history; a person who writes about history
craft
n. a trade or art needing skill, esp. with one's hands 工艺
covertly
ad. secretly
poetry
n. (the art of writing) poems
endeavor
n. an earnest effort or attempt
sober
a. not drunk; serious, solemn
plodding
a. proceeding in a slow or dull way
phalanx
n. a closely massed body of persons, animals, or things; a number of persons united for a common purpose 方阵,密集的人群(兽群、东西);为一个共同目标而团结起来的一群人
soulless
a. having or showing no attractive or tender human qualities
electromagnetism
n. magnetism produced by an electric current; the branch of physics that deals with electricity and magnetism 电磁(学)
slice
n. a thin flat pi
ece cut from sth; portion
electronics
n. the study of electrons and their behavior and of electronic equipment such as computers
stolid
a. not easily excited; showing no emotion; seeming dull
awe
n. a feeling of wonder and fear mixed together with deep respect
underarm
a. (euph.) of or for the armpit (为)腋下的
deodorant
n. a man-made chemical substance that destroys or hides unpleasant smells, esp. those of the human body
deride
vt. laugh at or make fun of as of no value
fuzzy
a. not clear in shape or sound; confused
fuzzy-brained
a.
egghead
n. (derog.) a clever, highly-educated person, esp. one who is impractical
minority
n. a group of people of a different race, religion or nationality from the rest of society
tuck
vt. put or store in a safe or secret place
site
n. a place where sth. of special interest existed or happened
Pacific
a. 太平洋的
atoll
n. ring-shaped island made of coral partly or completely enclosing an area of sea water环礁,环状珊瑚礁
humanist
n. a student of human nature or affairs; follower of humanism 人文主义者,人本主义者;人道主义者
humanistic
of humanism or humanists
glorification
n. the act of glorifying or the state of being glorified
chaotic
a. in a state of complete disorder and confusion
celebrate
vt. mark (an event) with public or private rejoicings; praise in writing, speech, etc.
tidal
a. of or having a tide
tide
n. the regular rise and fall of the sea caused by the pull of the moon and sun 潮汐
unperturbed
a. undisturbed; calm
mythology
n. a collection of myths; the study of myths 神话集;神话学
myth
n. an ancient story that expresses the beliefs and values of a people 神话故事
manfully
ad. bravely, courageously
geological
a. of or having to do with geology
geology
n. the study of the origin, structure and history of the earth 地质学
politician
n. a person who runs for or holds a position in government
preach
v. speak publicly on a religious or moral subject
gospel
n. a set of instructions or teachings; any of the four accounts of Christ's life in the Bible 《新约》四部福音之一
archaic
a. belonging to the past; no longer used
fruitful
a. producing good results; successful
interpreter
n. a person who interprets 翻译
interpret
vi. put (a language) into the words of another language usu. by speech; make clear or explain the meaning of
interpretation
n.
evangelize
vt. preach the Gospel (to)对……宣讲福音
farthermost
a. most distant; farthest
knowledgeable
a. knowing a lot
Phrases & Expression
come out
be published
bit by bit
gradually; little by little
lean on
choose, esp. for support; d
epend on
feel for
sympathize with
in one's hands
under one's control; be taken care of
one the grounds that
for the reason that
think out
consider, examine carefully
back up
support, esp. in an argument
tuck away
store in a safe place
take thought
perform the actions connected with thinking; think
Proper Names
Ben Bova
本.博瓦
MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
麻省理工学院
Abraham
亚伯拉罕
Paris
帕里斯
Troy
特洛伊
Hamlet
哈姆雷特
Claudius
克劳狄斯
Faust
浮士德
New Scientist
《新科学家》周刊
Robert Graves
罗伯特.格雷夫斯
James Clerk Maxwell
詹姆斯.克拉克.马克斯韦尔
UNIT 9. LOOK FOR THE RUSTY LINING
New Words
rusty
a. covered with rust, rusted 生锈的
lining
n. the inner surface of sth. 衬里
inheritable
a. that can be inherited
inherit
vt. receive (property, a title, etc.) left by someone who has died
worrier
n. a person who worries
glum
a. sad, gloomy
gene
n. a tiny unit of a plant or animal cell that determines a characteristic that will be passed onto the offspring of the parent 基因
reflower
vi. flower again; (fig.) be at one's or its best once more
all-purpose
a. that can be used for any purpose
suck
vt. draw into the mouth by using the lips, cheeks and tongue; absorb 吸
vogue
n. the popular fashion or custom at a certain time
fad
n. (infml) an intense but short-lived fashion
celestial
a. of the sky or heaven
UFO
unidentified flying object 不明飞行物,飞碟
ominously
ad. of bad omen; unfavorably, threateningly
worrisome
a. which troubles one or makes one anxious
polar
a. of or near the North or South pole
submerge
v. (to cause) to go under the surface of water
tasty
a. having a pleasant taste; full of flavor
inexorably
ad. in a relentless way; unyieldingly 毫不宽容地
riddle
vt. make many holes in
wreck
n. a destroyed or much injured ship; (fig.) a person who has lost his health or money
quaint
a. strange or odd in an interesting, pleasing, or amusing way
transient
a. lasting for only short time; quickly passing
manageable
a. easy or possible to control or deal with
rust
v. make or become rusty
terror
n. (a person or thing that causes) great or intense fear
surrender
v. give up or give in to the power of (esp. of an enemy) as a sign of defeat
optimist
n. one who is hopeful about the future
inspiration
n. a felling of enthusiasm and encouragement one get from sb. or sth. that give new ideas and the desire to create 灵感
inspire
vt.
eastern
a. of or belonging to the east part of the world or a country
posture
n. a way of
behaving or thinking on a particular occasion; attitude
trump
vt. take (a trick or card of another suit) with a trump; (fig.) be better than; surpass
antique
n. a piece of furniture, jewelry, etc, that was made a very long time ago and is therefore valuable
inundation
n. the act or fact of overflowing; flood 泛滥;洪水
overdue
a. left unpaid too long
warning
n. a notice of coming danger given beforehand
canal
n. a waterway dug across land for ships to go through
pedestrian
n. a person who goes on foot; walker
a. (fig.) without imagination; dull, slow, commonplace
immemorial
a. originating in the distant past, ancient
cryogenically
ad. by using very low temperatures
toe
n. one of the end parts of the foot 脚趾,足尖
relocate
v. move to or establish in a new place
self-cancelling
a. cancelling itself out
cancel
vt. neutralize or balance in force or influence; offset
enlarge
v. make or become larger
rink
n. a sheet of ice for skating 溜冰场
dud
n. a shell or bomb that fails to explode; (sl.) a failure
digest
vt. change food into simple substance that can be absorbed by the body
spit
vt. eject or discharge (sth.) from the mouth 吐出
flash
n. a short new announcement concerning a new event
chinch bug
n. a black-and-white tropical American insect that does much damage to wheat, corn, grass and other plants in dry weather 麦虱
menopause
n. the period during which a woman's menstrual cycle ends, normally occurring at an age of 45 to 50 绝经期
endorse
vt. give public approval of; support greatly
Phrases & Expressions
suck up
draw liquids etc. up a tube by making a vacuum at its upper end
but then
but on the other hand; but at the same time
at hand
coming soon; almost here; nearby
turn back
cause to go back
look up to
admire; regard with respect
get through
be successful in; manage to do, complete, etc.
drop dead
die suddenly
make room for
provide space for
run out of
finish; exhaust
ease off
do with less severity or intensity; become less severe
burn out
use up its fuel
play a part
do a share; have an effect on
Proper Names
Ralph Schoenstein
拉尔夫.舍恩斯坦
Vogue
《时尚》半月刊
Atlantic, the
大西洋
Saskatchewan
萨斯喀彻温
Brazil
巴西
Central America
中美洲
Panama
巴拿马
Boston
波士顿
Mel Ott
梅尔.奥特
Eleanor Roosevelt
埃莉诺.罗斯福
Gunnar Myrdal
冈纳尔.迈达尔
Bloomingdale
布卢明代尔百货公司
Connecticut
康涅狄克州
National Football League
全国橄榄球联赛
UNIT 10. DEBATING THE UNKNOWABLE
New Words
debate
vt. argue about (sth.) with sb., discuss
n. a discussi
on about a subject on which people have different views
unknowable
a. beyond comprehension, esp. beyond human comprehension
puzzlement
n. bewilderment, perplexity
turbulence
n. agitation; great disturbance 骚动,纷乱
turbulent
a.
subside
vi. sink to a lower or more normal level; become less
package
vt. wrap or seal in a container, wrappings, etc. to attract purchasers
glimpse
n. a quick view or look
incomprehension
n. lack of comprehension; inability to understand
reconfirm
vt. confirm anew
skepticism
n. a doubting state or habit of mind; doubt
assertion
n. a positive statement; firm declaration
assert
vt. state positively; declare firmly
instability
n. lack of firmness; being unstable
admission
n. (an) act of accepting the truth (of sth.)
entomology
n. the branch of zoology that deals with insects 昆虫学
incite
vt. cause or encourage sb. to a strong feeling or action; provoke
termite
n. an insect that looks somewhat like white ants and eats the wood of buildings and furniture 白蚁
fecal
a. having to do with feces (waste matter discharged from the intestines)粪便的,排泄物的
column
n. a long, thin, upright structure; pillar; post
arch
n. a curved structure capable of bearing the weight of the material above it 拱
termitarium
n. nest of termites
flawless
a. without a flaw; perfect
flaw
n. a fault or weakness that makes sth. imperfect 瑕疵
air-conditioning
n. the system that uses machines to control the temperature of the air in a room or building
humidity
n. moisture, esp. of the air 湿气;湿度
ecosystem
n. an ecological system which relates all the plants, animals and people in an area to their surroundings, considered as a whole 生态系(统)
fashion
n. the popular way of dressing or behaving at a certain time
superorganism
n. a group of organisms (as of social insects) that function as a social unit
reductionist
a. having to do with a procedure or theory that reduces complex data or phenomena to simple terms
reduction
n.
insect
n. a small animal with six les, a body divided into three main parts, and often wings 昆虫
exhibit
vt. show demonstrate
mystery
n. sth. that is not known or understood
unsolved
a. not solved or explained
introduction
n. a written or spoken explanation at the beginning of a book or speech
ambiguity
n. the possibility of two or more meanings; vagueness 模棱两可;意义不明确
ambiguous
a. having more than one possible meaning, permitting more than one possible interpretation or explanation
premedical
a. preparing for the study of medicine
outset
n. the beginning
engross
vt. take up all of; absorb
engrossing
a. (not of a pe