Tina Tang的部落格

alacrity (n.)

definition :

promptness in response

For example:

She accepted the invitation with an alacrity that surprised me.

allege (v.)

definition :

to adduce or bring forward as a source or authority

For example:

He alleged that the mayor has accepted bribes.

affirm (v.)

definition :

to express dedication to

For example:

We cannot affirm that this painting is genuine.

gainsay (v.)

definition :

to declare to be untrue or invalid

For example: It can't be gainsaid that most people wish they had more time and money.

contradict (v.)

definition :

to imply the opposite or a denial of

For example:

He contradicted the charges of his critics.

acute (adj.)

definition :

characterized by sharpness or severity

For example:

It's a politically acute film that does not oversimplify the issues.

impenetrable (adj.)

definition :

incapable of being penetrated or pierced

For example:

The fort's defenses were thought to be impenetrable.

negotiable(adj.)

definition :

capable of being negotiated

For example:

The terms of the contract are negotiable.

passable(adj.)

definition :

capable of being freely circulated

For example:

The main road is passable but most others are still covered with snow.

adherent(adj.)

definition :

connected or associated with especially by contract

For example:

The bandage is made from a mildly adherent fiber.

abjure(v.)

definition :

a: to renounce upon oath

b: to reject solemnly

For example:

A strict religious sect that abjures the luxuries, comforts, and conveniences of the modern world.

abortive(adj.)

definition :

obsolete

For example:

Aan abortive attempt to recover the sunken pirate ship.

abound(v.)

definition :

to be present in large numbers or in great quantity

For example:

They live in a region where oil abounds. 

abrogate(v.)

definition :

to abolish by authoritative action

For example:

The company's directors are accused of abrogating their responsibilities.

abstemious(adj.)

definition :

marked by restraint especially in the consumption of food or alcohol

For example:

She is known as an abstemious eater and drinker.

spew(v.)

definition :

a: vomit

b: to come forth in a flood or gush

c: to ooze out as if under pressure

For example:

Exhaust spewed out of the car.

prerogative(n.)

definition :

an exclusive or special right, power, or privilege

For example:

If you'd rather sell the tickets than use them, that's your prerogative.

avarice(n.)

definition :

excessive or insatiable desire for wealth or gain

For example: The corporate world is plagued by avarice and a thirst for power.

phlegmatic(adj.)

definition :

resembling, consisting of, or producing the humor phlegm

For example:

Some people are phlegmatic, some highly strung. Some are anxious, others risk-seeking.

covet(v.)

definition :

to wish for earnestly

For example:

His religion warns against coveting material goods.

manifest(adj.)

definition :

readily perceived by the senses and especially by the sense of sight

For example:

Their sadness was manifest in their faces.

advocate(v.)

definition :

to plead in favor of

For example:

He advocates traditional teaching methods.

antipathy(n.)

definition :

obsolete

For example:

There has always been strong antipathy between the two groups.

complicity(n.)

definition :

association or participation in or as if in a wrongful act

For example:

There's no proof of her complicity in the murder.

ostensible(adj.)

definition :

intended for display : open to view

For example:

The ostensible reason for the meeting turned out to be a trick to get him to the surprise party.