Tina Tang的部落格

quandary(n.)

definition :

a state of perplexity or doubt

For example:

The unexpected results of the test have created a quandary for researchers.

perplexity(n.)

definition :

the state of being perplexed

For example:

There was a look of perplexity on his face.

baffle(v.)

definition :

to defeat or check (as a person) by confusing or puzzling

For example:

I was baffled by many of the scientific terms used in the article.

recoil(v.)

definition :

a: to fall back under pressure

b: to shrink back physically or emotionally

For example:

We recoiled in horror at the sight of his wounded arm.

recant(v.)

definition :

to withdraw or repudiate (a statement or belief) formally and publicly

For example:

Church officials asked the minister to recant.

archaic(adj.) definition :

of, relating to, or characteristic of an earlier or more primitive time

For example:

The company needs to update its archaic computer systems.

prehistoric (adj.)

definition :

of, relating to, or existing in times antedating written history

For example:

His attitudes about women are downright prehistoric.

antiquated(adj.)

definition :

outmoded or discredited by reason of age

For example:

He has some pretty antiquated opinions about politics.

pugnacious(adj.)

definition :

having a quarrelsome or combative nature

For example:

There's one pugnacious member on the committee who won't agree to anything.

puny(adj.)

definition :

slight or inferior in power, size, or importance

For example:

I wouldn't mess with him—he makes bodybuilders look puny in comparison

profuse(adj.)

definition :

pouring forth liberally

For example:

He offered profuse apologies for being late.

copious(adj.)

definition :

a: yielding something abundantly

b: plentiful in number

For example:

The storm produced a copious amount of rain.

lavish(adj.)

definition :

expending or bestowing profusely

For example:

This lavish consumption of our natural resources simply cannot continue.

prognostication (n.)

definition :

an indication in advance

For example:

The complete fulfillment of his prognostication surprised even him.

presaging (adj.)

definition :

to give an omen or warning of

For example:

Many investors are worried that the current slowdown could presage another recession.

constituent(n.)

definition :

one who authorizes another to act as agent

For example:

She's pledged to help her elderly constituents.

hegemony(n.)

definition :

the social, cultural, ideological, or economic influence exerted by a dominant group

For example:

They discussed the national government's hegemony over their tribal community.

dominance(n.)

definition :

functional asymmetry between a pair of bodily structures

For example:

Although Napoléon had achieved dominance over the European continent, Great Britain still ruled the waves.

sovranty (n.)

definition :

supreme excellence or an example of it

For example:

Nor was the sovereignty of the Native Hawaiian race recognized at the time Hawaii became a state.

concoct(v.)

definition :

to prepare by combining raw materials

For example:

The drink was first concocted by a bartender in New York.

staunch(n.)

definition :

steadfast in loyalty or principle

For example:

She is a staunch advocate of women's rights.

array(n.)

definition :

to set or set forth in order

For example:

She arrayed herself in rich velvets and satins.

blemish(v.)

definition :

to spoil by a flaw

For example:

A series of burn marks blemish the table's surface.

recondition (v.)

definition :

to restore to good condition

For example:

He reconditioned the old car.

coalition(n.)

definition :

a temporary alliance of distinct parties, persons, or states for joint action

For example:

The groups united to form a coalition.