Tina Tang的部落格

squarish (adj.) /ˈskwerɪʃ/

definition:

having a shape that is almost like a square

ex:

The opera house which is all silvery twists and curves is the aesthetic opposite of the squarish museum.

frame (n.) /ˈfreɪm/

definition:

the basic structure and shape of the body of a person or animal

ex:

She had to extend every inch of her five-foot frame [=body] to reach the top shelf.

cupolas (n.) /ˈkjuːpələ/

definition:

a rounded roof or part of a roof

ex:

I pop up the top, and there's a cupola.

spire (n.) /ˈspajɚ/

definition:

a tall, narrow, pointed structure on the top of a building

ex:

The church spire was struck by lightning.

scroll (n.) /ˈskroʊl/

definition:

a long piece of paper that rolls around one or two cylinders and that usually has something written or drawn on it

ex:

He was presented with a scroll commemorating his achievements.

balcony (n.) /ˈbælkəni/

definition:

a raised platform that is connected to the side of a building and surrounded by a low wall or railing

ex:

We asked for a hotel room with a balcony.

lissome (adj.) /ˈlɪsəm/

definition:

thin and graceful — usually used of women

ex:

However, a filmmaker from South has succeeded in breaking the reserve of the lissome lass.

garage (n.) /ˈgærɪʤ/

definition:

a shop where vehicles are repaired

ex:

My car was making a strange noise, so I brought it to the garage.

gin (n.) /ˈʤɪn/

definition:

a clear alcoholic drink that is flavored with juniper berries

ex:

I'll have a gin and tonic, please.

encroach (v.) /ɪnˈkroʊtʃ/

definition:

to gradually move or go into an area that is beyond the usual or desired limits

ex:

The suburbs encroach further into the rural areas each year.

obliterate (v.) /əˈblɪtəˌreɪt/

definition:

to destroy (something) completely so that nothing is left

ex:

The tide eventually obliterated [=wiped out] all evidence of our sand castles.

august (adj.) /ɑˈgʌst/

definition:

having a formal and impressive quality

ex:

We visited their august mansion and expansive grounds.

coquette (n.) /koʊˈkɛt/

definition:

a woman who likes to win the attention or admiration of men but does not have serious feelings for them

ex:

She had a reputation of being a frivolous coquette.

decay (v.) /dɪˈkeɪ/

definition:

to be slowly destroyed by natural processes : to be slowly broken down by the natural processes that destroy a dead plant or body

ex:

Tomatoes that fall off the vine will decay [=rot] on the ground.

wagon (n.) /ˈwægən/

definition:

a vehicle with four wheels that is used for carrying heavy loads or passengers and that is usually pulled by animals (such as horses)

ex:

Pioneers crossed the American Midwest in wagons.

eyesore (n.) /ˈaɪˌsoɚ/

definition:

an ugly object or building

ex:

The shack is a real eyesore.

cemetery (n.) /ˈsɛməˌteri/

definition:

a place where dead people are buried

ex:

His remains were interred in the cemetery.

hereditary (adj.) /həˈrɛdəˌteri/

definition:

passed or able to be passed from parent to child before birth

ex:

He suffers from a rare hereditary condition.

apron (n.) /ˈeɪprən/

definition:

a piece of clothing that is worn on the front of the body over clothes to keep them from getting dirty

ex:

She accidentally splashed oil over her apron while cooking lunch.

dispensation (n.) /ˌdɪspənˈseɪʃən/

definition:

permission to break a law or an official promise you have made : release from a rule, vow, or oath

ex:

The priest asked for dispensation from his vows.

perpetuity (n.) /ˌpɚpəˈtuːwəti/

definition:

the state of continuing forever or for a very long time

ex:

The land will be passed on from generation to generation in perpetuity.

charity (n.) /ˈtʃerəti/

definition:

the act of giving money, food, or other kinds of help to people who are poor, sick, etc.

ex:

The holidays are a time for charity and good will.

archaic (adj.) /ɑɚˈkejɪk/

definition:

old and no longer useful

ex:

The company needs to update its archaic computer systems.

calligraphy(n.) /kəˈlɪgrəfi/

definition:

the art of making beautiful handwriting

ex:

Her calligraphy was the clearest I'd ever seen.

deputation (n.) /ˌdɛpjəˈteɪʃən/

definition:

a group of people who are sent to a place to represent other people

ex:

Many countries will be sending deputations to the peace conference.