词汇学习

●Word Study

Word List

Identify/harsh/desperate/distinction/challenge/standoff/represent/elements/grope/ acknowledge/cling/commitment

1. Represent

v. to stand for; to symbolize; to serve as an example of

Examples:

●The bald eagle represents the United States.

●The museum had several paintings

●representing the artist's early style.

2. elements

n. the forces that constitute the weather, especially severe or inclement weather

Example:

●The outside paint has been damaged by the elements.

3. grope

v. to reach or search about uncertainly; to feel one’s way

Examples:

●groped for the telephone

●grope for an answer

4. Acknowledge: Acknowledgment

v. to admit the existence, reality, or truth of, recognize

Example:

●He acknowledged that the purchase had been a mistake.

5. cling

v. a. to hold fast or adhere to sth., as by grasping, sticking, embracing

b. to remain close; to resist separation

c. to remain emotionally attached; to hold on

Examples:

●He clung to the rope to keep from falling.

●These fabrics cling to the body.

●We clung together in the storm.

●Clinging to outdated customs.

6. commitment

n. the state of being bound emotionally or intellectually to a course of action or to another person or persons

Examples:

●a deep commitment to liberal policies

●a profound commitment to the family

Commit: v.

●commit a crime

●They were committed to follow orders.

●He was too young to commit fully to marriage.

●The patient was committed to the hospital.

7. identify

v. to recognize or be able to name

Examples:

●Even the small baby can identify her mother by her voice.

●The police officer identified himself and asked for our help.

identical: a. exactly the same; very similar

identity: n. the qualities that make sth. or sb. different from others

●The tests are identical to those carried out last year.

●identity crisis

8. harsh

a. a. disagreeable to the senses, especially to the sense of hearing

b. extremely, unnecessarily severe; unpleasant, unkind; stern

Examples:

●“There is no alternative,” he said in a harsh voice.

●The child has a harsh upbringing life.

●The punishment is rather harsh for such a minor offence.

9. desperate

a. a. having lost all hope; despairing

b. suffering or driven by great need or distress

c. extremely intense

Examples:

●They are living in desperate poverty.

●desperate for recognition

●He felt a desperate urge to tell the truth.

10. Distinction

n. a. difference

b. an honour in recognition of excellence

Examples:

●He said he would draw/make on distinction(s) between terrorism and murder.

●She has the distinction of being one of the few people to have an honorary degree conferred on by the university this year.

11. challenge

n. v. a. to question, to dispute

b. to call to engage in a contest, fight, or competition

c. to summon to action, effort, or use; to stimulate

Examples:

●The book challenges established beliefs.

●He challenged me to a game of chess.

●He challenged me to a game of chess.

12. standoff

n. a situation in which neither side can gain an advantage

a. (informal) disapproving slightly unfriendly

Example:

●The State Department was warning that this could lead to another diplomatic standoff.