dearth n.缺乏
同lack, shortage, scarcity
There is a dearth of parking place in Taipei.
臺(tái)北缺乏停車位。
derivative n./adj.衍生之物(的)
同development, outgrowth, byproduct (n.)
This type of dance is a derivative of the traditional dancing found in Chinese opera.
這種舞蹈是從中國傳統(tǒng)戲劇的舞蹈中衍生而來的。
disdain v.輕蔑
同despise, scorn, spurn
Rebecca disdains the idea of having to arrive home by 10∶00 PM.
麗貝卡對(duì)晚上10點(diǎn)以前必須回家的想法嗤之以鼻。
elapse v.經(jīng)過；消逝
同pass, slip away, glide by, lapse
Years elapsed before Tony and Paula saw each other again.
數(shù)年之后，托尼和波拉再度見面。
enigma n.謎
同puzzle, riddle, mystery
Philosophers enjoy thinking about enigmas that seem impossible to understand.
哲學(xué)家們喜歡思考那些似乎難以理解的謎。
etiquette n.禮節(jié)
同manners, formalities, decorum
Every culture has its own rules of table etiquette.
每種文化都有自己的餐桌禮儀。
faction n.黨派
同clique, sect, party, denomination
Disputes between different factions of the party finally led to its fall.黨內(nèi)派系的紛爭終于導(dǎo)致該黨的瓦解。
Exercise: Fill in the blanks.
1. When our mothers met, they _____ on about all the embarrassing things we had done as children.
2. Some people oppose keeping animals in _____.
3. Pauline _____ working for such a corrupt company, so she quit her job.
4. During the dinner party, you will be expected to follow rules of proper _____.
5. A conservative _____ broke with the main party and formed a new political party.
解答1. bantered 2. captivity 3. disdained 4. etiquette 5. faction