a

Before a word beginning with a vowel sound, use [an](bold) :

Use [an](bold)  before an 'h' that is not pronounced:

Use [a](bold)  before a 'u' that is pronounced like 'you':

Use [an](bold)  before an abbreviation that is pronounced with a vowel sound at the start:

also: [an](bold)  [indefinite article](bold) [determiner](bold)

used to show that you are talking about someone or something that has not been mentioned before, or that your listener does not know about

一（个）〔用于未曾提及或对方不知道的人或物的名称前〕

他们突然听到砰的一声巨响。

used to show that you are referring to a general type of person or thing and not a specific person or thing

〔用于泛指一类人或事物〕

我想经过培训成为一名工程师。

used before someone’s family name to show that they belong to that family

〔用于某人的姓氏前表明其属于这个家庭〕

One of his daughters had married a Rothschild.

他有个女儿嫁给了罗思柴尔德家的人。

used in some phrases that say how much of something there is

〔用于某些表示数量的短语〕

There were [a lot](bold) of people at the party.

[A few](bold) weeks from now I’ll be in Venice.

再过几个礼拜我就在威尼斯了。

You have caused [a great deal](bold) of trouble.

used to mean ‘each’ when stating prices, rates, or speeds

每一（个）〔用于表明价格、费用或速度〕

used before singular nouns to mean all things of a particular type

任一，每一〔用于单数名词前表示某一类的全部〕

A square has four sides (=all squares have four sides).

used once before two nouns that are mentioned together very often

〔用于两个经常同时被提及的名词前〕

used before the -ing forms of verbs when they are used as nouns referring to an action, event, or sound

〔用于表示动作、事件或声音的动词-ing形式之前〕

头顶上传来翅膀的拍打声。

Bernice became aware of a humming that seemed to come from all around her.

伯尼斯意识到似乎从四方八面传来嗡嗡声。

used before nouns that are usually uncountable when other information about the quality, feeling etc is added by an adjective, phrase, or clause

〔用于有形容词、短语或从句修饰的不可数名词前〕

Candidates must have a good knowledge of chemistry.

used before the name of a substance, food etc to refer to a particular type of it

〔用于物质、食品等名称前表示某一类〕

要用优质奶酪来做调味酱。

在湿润的土壤中生长良好的植物

used before the name of a drink to refer to a cup or glass of that drink

Renwick went to the bar and ordered a beer.

伦威克走到吧台点了杯啤酒。

used before the name of a famous artist to refer to a painting by that artist

一幅 …的作品〔用于著名画家的姓名前〕

used before a name to mean someone or something that has the same qualities as that person or thing

〔用于某人或某物的名字前指与其具有同样特性的人或物〕

她被誉为玛丽莲·梦露再世。

used before someone’s name when you do not know who they are

某一，一位〔用于陌生人的姓名前〕

有位汤姆·威尔金斯先生打电话来。

used before the names of days, months, seasons, and events in the year to refer to a particular one

〔用于某一年的日、月、季节和事件前，指具体的日子或事件〕

We arrived in England on a cold wet Sunday in 1963.

1963年一个寒冷、下雨的星期天，我们来到了英格兰。

我不记得有过像这样的圣诞节。


abandon

to leave someone, especially someone you are responsible for

她怎么能抛弃自己的孩子？

to go away from a place, vehicle etc permanently, especially because the situation makes it impossible for you to stay

离弃，逃离〔某地方、交通工具等〕

We had to abandon the car and walk the rest of the way.

我们只好弃车，步行走完剩下的路。

Fearing further attacks, most of the population had abandoned the city.

因为害怕还要受到袭击，大多数市民已逃离该市。

to stop doing something because there are too many problems and it is impossible to continue

The game had to be abandoned due to bad weather.

由于天气不好，比赛不得不中止。

They [abandoned](bold) their [attempt](bold) to recapture the castle.

他们放弃了夺回城堡的努力。

Because of the fog they [abandoned](bold) their [idea](bold) of driving.

因为有雾，他们打消了开车去的念头。

to stop having a particular idea, belief, or attitude

放弃〔信念、信仰或看法〕

They were accused of abandoning their socialist principles.

他们被指责放弃了社会主义原则。

Rescuers had [abandoned](bold) all [hope](bold) of finding any more survivors.

营救人员对找到更多生还者已不抱任何希望。

to feel an emotion so strongly that you let it control you completely

沉湎于某事；陷入〔某种感情〕

她陷入悲痛之中，无法自拔。

〔由于船在下沉而〕弃船（逃生）


abandon

if someone does something with abandon, they behave in a careless or uncontrolled way, without thinking or caring about what they are doing

They drank and smoked with reckless abandon.

他们纵情地喝酒抽烟，毫无顾忌。


abbreviate

to make a word or expression shorter by not including letters or using only the first letter of each word

‘Information technology’ is usually abbreviated to ‘IT’.


abbreviation

əˌbriːviˈeɪʃən

əˌbriːviˈeɪʃən

‘Dr’ is the written abbreviation of ‘Doctor’.

In everyday English, people usually say [be short for](bold)  instead of [be the abbreviation of/for](bold) :

W.H.O. [is short for](bold) ‘World Health Organization’.


abdomen

ˈæbdəmən, æbˈdəʊ-

[abdominal](bold) /æbˈdɒmɪn/ US /-ˈdɑː-/  adj. eg: acute abdominal pains

the part of your body between your chest and legs which contains your stomach, bowels etc

the end part of an insect’s body, joined to the thorax


ability

[Ability](bold)  is followed by an infinitive with ‘to’, not by an [-ing](bold)  form. You say: I admire his ability to listen.
Don’t say: [I admire his ability of listening.](strike)

Many of these students are of above average ability.

Children of high ability demand more absorbing tasks.

These drawings required considerable ability on the part of the artist.

The company aims to select people of outstanding ability.

(=an unusual ability that is difficult to explain)

He has an uncanny ability for spotting investment opportunities.

He didn't have the natural ability of his brother.

Babies have an innate ability to do simple maths.

You do not need to have any artistic ability.

Tim showed musical ability at an early age.

Her acting abilities were obvious straightaway.

The exercises are supposed to help you improve your mental ability.

No one doubts his intellectual abilities.

A degree is evidence of your academic ability in a particular subject area.

The test is intended to measure the children's linguistic ability.

These students have a higher level of mathematical ability.

(=that you have proved through your achievements)

Companies often value the proven ability and reliability of older employees.

also: possess the ability to do sth (formal)

She has the ability to make people feel relaxed.

a chance for candidates to demonstrate their abilities

As a young man, he lacked the ability to say no.

The children were of the same age and ability level.

There is a wide range of ability within the class.

Disruptive behaviour is more prominent in the lower ability range.

Examinations are not always a good test of ability.

The class was given a verbal ability test.

(=a group that students are taught in, based on their level of ability)

Children are divided into different ability groups.

The health center serves all patients, regardless of their ability to pay.

卫生服务中心为所有病人服务，不管他们的支付能力如何。

someone’s level of skill at doing something

The test measures your mathematical ability.

这种测试考查的是数学能力。

各种演奏水平的乐师都有。

He completed the job to the best of his ability.


able

to have the skill, strength, knowledge etc needed to do something

I’ve always wanted to be able to speak Japanese.

to be in a situation in which it is possible for you to do something

I’d like to do more gardening, but I never seem able to find the time.

我想多干点园艺活儿，可似乎总是抽不出时间。

I haven’t been able to read that report yet.

我班上能力比较强的学生之一


abnormal

[abnormally](bold) adv. eg: an [abnormally high](bold) pulse rate

very different from usual in a way that seems strange, worrying, wrong, or dangerous

不正常的，反常的；异常的

My parents thought [it was abnormal](bold) for a boy to be interested in ballet.

我父母认为一个男孩子对芭蕾舞感兴趣并不正常。


abnormality

ˌæbnɔːˈmæləti

an abnormal feature, especially something that is wrong with part of someone’s body

〔尤指身体的〕反常特征，异常情况

tests that can detect genetic abnormalities in the foetus

可以查出胎儿遗传异常的化验


aboard

在〔船，飞机，火车〕上；上〔船，飞机，火车〕

They finally [went aboard](bold) the plane.


aboard

在船[飞机，火车]上；上船[飞机，火车]

The plane crashed, killing all 200 people aboard.

飞机失事，机上200人全部遇难。

used to tell passengers of a ship, bus, or train that they must get on because it will leave soon

请大家上船[公共汽车，火车]！


abolish

to officially end a law, system etc, especially one that has existed for a long time

废除，废止〔尤指已存在很久的法律、制度等〕

Slavery was abolished in the US in the 19th century.

美国于19世纪废除了奴隶制。


abortion

a medical operation to end a pregnancy so that the baby is not born alive

She decided to [have](bold) an [abortion](bold).


about

[be quick about it](bold) at → [quick](->quick) 1 sense 5 [go about your business](bold) at → [business](->business) sense 12

used when saying what the subject of something is

In her novels she writes about life in South Africa.

There’s something I wanted to ask you about.

Prince Saiid answered questions concerning Kuwait’s future.

The report raises a number of questions regarding food safety.

about – used especially when you want to start talking or writing about something

Dear Sir, I’m writing with regard to your advertisement in The Times.

used in business letters and in emails to introduce the subject that you are going to write about

concerning or relating to a particular subject

她说了些要离开镇子的话。

About that car of yours. How much are you selling it for?

说到你的那辆车，你打算卖什么价钱？

[It’s about](bold) Tommy, doctor. He’s been sick again.

医生，是汤米，他又病了。

Naturally, my mother wanted to know [all about](bold) it (=all the details relating to it).

很自然，我母亲想知道事情的全部。

used to show why someone is angry, happy, upset etc

因为〔用以表明生气、开心、烦恼等的原因〕

她因为错过聚会而不开心。

in many different directions within a particular place, or in different parts of a place

We spent the whole afternoon walking about town.

我们整个下午都在城里四处走。

in the nature or character of a person or thing

在 …（身）上〔指特点或性格〕

[There’s something](bold) really strange [about](bold) Liza.

[What](bold) I [like about](bold) the job is that it’s never boring.

这份工作我喜欢的是它从不枯燥。

used to ask a question that directs attention to another person or thing

某人/某事物怎么样[怎么办]〔用以将注意力转向另一人或事物〕

What about Jack? We can’t just leave him here.

杰克怎么办？我们不能把他丢在这里不管。

某人/某事物怎么样[好吗]〔用以提建议〕

to do something to solve a problem or stop a bad situation

想办法解决某个问题，处理某种坏情况

If we don’t do something about it, the problem is going to get worse.

如果我们不想办法解决，问题会变得更糟。

What can be done about the rising levels of pollution?

污染越来越严重，可以采取什么办法呢？

if an organization, a job, an activity etc is about something, that is its basic purpose

Leadership is [all about](bold) getting your team to co-operate.

当领导的职责就是让你的团队同心合力。

used to say who or what is important in a situation

重要的（问题）是某人/某事物

It’s all about money, and who’s got the most.

就是钱的问题，是谁拿到最多的问题。

used to tell someone to do something while they are doing something else because it would be easier to do both things at the same time

Go and see what’s the matter, and while you’re about it you can fetch me my sweater.

去看看怎么回事，顺便把我的毛衣拿来。

used to ask the reason for something that has just happened, especially someone’s angry behaviour

Jo sensed fear and jealousy all about her.

乔感觉她周围充满恐惧和嫉妒。


about

a little more or less than a particular number, amount, or size

→see THESAURUS at [approximate](->approximate) 1

我住的地方离这里十英里左右。

a tiny computer about as big as a postcard

We left the restaurant at round about 10.30.

我们10点半左右离开了餐厅。

In written English, people usually prefer to use [approximately](bold) , as it sounds more technical:

The cost to taxpayers is [approximately](bold) $200 billion.

in many different directions within a place or in different parts of a place

People were rushing about, trying to find the driver.

人们四处奔走着寻找司机。

Cushions were scattered about on the chairs.

Is Derek about? There’s a phone call for him.

德里克在吗？有电话找他。

Quick! Let’s go while there’s no-one about.

快点儿！趁没有人在我们赶紧走。

I hope she hasn’t caught flu. [There’s a lot of it about](bold).

我希望她没得流感，最近得流感的人很多。

She might get temporary work, but there’s not much about.

她也许可以找个临时的工作，但这种机会不是很多。

I was about ready to leave when somebody rang the doorbell.

我正准备离开，这时有人按响了门铃。

‘Have you finished?’ ‘[Just about](bold).’

“做完了吗？”“差不多了。”

It’s [just about](bold) the worst mistake anyone could make.

这差不多是一个人可能犯的最大错误了。

used to tell someone that you have told them everything you know

He was a quiet chap, married with kids. That’s about it, really.

他这个人话不多，已婚，有孩子。大概就是这样。

used to say that there is nothing else available

There’s some cheese in the fridge and that’s about it.

冰箱里有些干酪，就这些。

He quickly turned about and walked away.


about

[out and about](bold) at → [out](->out) 1 sense 3 [be up and about](bold) at → [up](->up) 1 sense 11

if someone is about to do something, or if something is about to happen, they will do it or it will happen very soon

We were just about to leave when Jerry arrived.

我们正要离开的时候，杰里来了。

Work was about to start on a new factory building.

used to emphasize that you have no intention of doing something

不打算做某事〔用于强调〕

I’ve never smoked in my life and I’m not about to start now.

我这辈子从未抽过烟，现在也不打算开始抽。


above

[over and above](bold) at → [over](->over) 1 sense 14 [be above the law](bold) at → [law](->law) sense 13

in a higher position than something else

我们的办公室在理发店上面。

He had a bruise just above his left eye.

就在他左眼上方有块瘀伤。

I heard a strange noise coming from the room above.

我听见楼上房间传来奇怪的响声。

The great bird hovered [high above](bold) our heads.

那只大鸟在我们头顶上方的高处盘旋。

more than a particular number, amount, or level

[above freezing/zero](bold)(=higher than the temperature at which water freezes)

Tonight, temperatures should be just above freezing.

今晚的温度应该稍稍高于零度。

free medical care for pensioners aged 65 and above

为65岁及65岁以上的退休金领取者提供的免费医疗

Prize winners must have gained marks of 80% or above.

获奖者得分肯定在80%或以上。

The salaries we offer are [well above](bold)(=much higher than) average.

我们提供的薪资远高于平均水平。

Many employers value personality above experience or qualifications.

许多雇主重视个性甚于经验或资历。

[above all (else)](bold)(=used to say that something is more important than anything else)

Max is hard-working, cheerful, and above all honest.

马克斯工作努力、性格开朗，最重要的是为人诚实。

medals awarded for bravery [above and beyond](bold) the call of duty (=greater than it is your duty to show)

为超越职责要求的勇敢精神而颁发的奖章

〔声音〕比 …高[清晰]

You can always hear her voice above everybody else’s.

你总会听到她的嗓门压过其他所有的人。

〔级别、权力或地位〕大于，高于；在上，以上

He never rose above the rank of corporal.

他的军衔一直没有超过下士。

from above (=from people in higher authority)

我们只是遵守上级的命令。

As mentioned above, there is a service charge.

如上所述，须收取服务费。

Write to the address above for further information.

详情请致函上述地址查询。

to not be too good or honest to do something

没有好[诚实]到不做某事

Eileen’s not above flirting with the boss when it suits her.

但凡时机合适，艾琳不介意跟老板打情骂俏。

be above suspicion/reproach/criticism etc

to be so good that no one can doubt or criticize you

Even the king’s closest advisers were not above suspicion.

即使国王的心腹顾问也不能排除嫌疑。

to think you are better or more important than you really are


above

used in a piece of writing to refer to something mentioned in an earlier part of the same piece of writing

For the above reasons, the management has no choice but to close the factory.

基于上述原因，管理层别无选择，只好关闭工厂。

something mentioned before in the same piece of writing

If none of the above applies to you, you may be able to reclaim tax.

如果你的情况不在上述之列，可以要求退税。


abroad

You [go abroad](bold)  or [study abroad](bold) .

Don’t use a preposition before [abroad](bold) .
Don’t say: [go to abroad](strike)  [study in abroad](strike)

You [go to a foreign country](bold)  or [study in a foreign country](bold) .

我以前从未在国外生活过。

She often [goes abroad](bold) on business.

We never [travelled abroad](bold) when we were kids.

我们小时候从来没有去国外旅行过。

A lot of goods are imported [from abroad](bold).

The books about Harry Potter have been very popular, both [at home and abroad](bold).

有关哈利·波特的书在国内外一直都很流行。

if a feeling, piece of news etc is abroad, a lot of people feel it or know about it

There were rumours abroad that she was planning to resign.


abrupt

seeming rude and unfriendly, especially because you do not waste time in friendly conversation

对不起，我不是故意这么唐突的。


abruptly

He spoke abruptly, as if he wanted to avoid the subject.

他说得很生硬，似乎想避开这个话题。


absence

[leave of absence](bold) at → [leave](->leave) 2 sense 3 [conspicuous by your absence](bold) at → [conspicuous](->conspicuous) sense 3

She was apprehensive about studying again after such a long absence.

Requests for prolonged absence during term time are strongly discouraged.

The injury may mean a lengthy absence from the team.

Everything seemed to have changed during his brief absence.

She disliked Stephen's frequent absences on business.

Repeated absences from school can lead to children falling behind.

It wasn't easy to deal with Hugh's sudden absence.

Did he give a reason for his unexplained absence?

With the older pupils, unauthorized absence increased.

You will be entitled to sick pay in respect of any absence from work through sickness.

You must submit a doctor's statement to cover the period of absence beyond the seventh day.

when you are not in the place where people expect you to be, or the time that you are away

Ms Leighton will be in charge during my absence (=while I am away).

我不在时，由莱顿女士负责。

Her work involved repeated absences from home.

她的工作使她经常不在家。

the lack of something or the fact that it does not exist

a complete absence of any kind of planning

[In the absence of](bold) any evidence, the police had to let Myers go.

警察没有证据，只好把迈尔斯放了。

used to say that being away from someone makes you like them more

人不见，心更念；久别情更深


absent

not at work, school, a meeting etc, because you are sick or decide not to go

students who are regularly absent from school

In everyday English, if someone is on holiday or on a business trip, people usually say that he/she [is away](bold) :

He's [away](bold) at the moment. He’s gone to Hawaii.

If you want to say that someone is not in a particular place, say [not there](bold) :

I called in to see her but she [wasn't there](bold).

If you want to say that someone is not with you, say [not here](bold) :

I'm afraid he's [not here](bold) at the moment. Can I take a message?

if someone or something is absent, they are missing or not in the place where they are expected to be

plans to force absent fathers to pay child maintenance

强制不和小孩生活在一起的父亲支付抚养费的计划

Local women were [conspicuously absent](bold)(=obviously not there) from the meeting.

当地妇女缺席会议，众目昭彰。

a look etc that is absent shows you are not paying attention to or thinking about what is happening

The dull, [absent look](bold) on her face implied boredom.

她脸上呆滞、茫然的神情说明她觉得无聊了。


absent

to not go to a place or take part in an event where people expect you to be


absolute

We don’t know with absolute certainty that the project will succeed.

我们没有绝对的把握这个项目一定会成功。

used to emphasize your opinion about something or someone

十足的；绝对的〔用于强调〕

Some of the stuff on TV is absolute rubbish.

电视上播放的有些东西简直就是垃圾。

How did you do that? You’re an absolute genius.

你是怎么做的？你绝对是个天才。

That meal last night cost an absolute fortune.

昨晚那顿饭花了一大笔钱。

We need absolute proof that he took the money.

我们需要确凿的证据，证明他拿了钱。

Parents used to have absolute power over their children.

true, correct, and not changing in any situation

You have an absolute right to refuse medical treatment.

你有绝对权利，可以拒绝接受治疗。

measured by itself, not in comparison with other things

In absolute terms wages have risen, but not in comparison with the cost of living.

从绝对意义上说，工资是提高了，但同生活费用相比较的话，其实没有提高。


absolute

something that is considered to be true or right in all situations

She believed in the importance of moral absolutes.

她认为道德上的绝对准则十分重要。


absolutely

He made his reasons for resigning absolutely clear.

他把辞职的理由讲得一清二楚。

确确实实地，绝对〔用于强调〕

The burglars took absolutely everything.

Jim knew [absolutely nothing](bold) about the business when he joined the firm.

吉姆加入公司时对这个行业一窍不通。

He has [absolutely no](bold) experience of marketing.

used when you strongly disagree with someone or when you do not want someone to do something

‘Do you let your kids travel alone at night?’ ‘Absolutely not!’

“你会让孩子们晚上单独外出吗？”“当然不行！”

used to say that you completely agree with someone


absorb

əbˈsɔːb, əbˈzɔːb

to take in liquid, gas, or another substance from the surface or space around something

Water and salts are absorbed into our bloodstream.

水分和盐被吸收进我们的血液中。

to read or hear a large amount of new information and understand it

Her capacity to absorb information is amazing.

她吸收信息的能力令人称奇。

to interest someone so much that they do not pay attention to other things

吸引〔某人〕，使全神贯注

The movement and noise of the machines absorbed him completely.

机器的运转和声响把他完全吸引住了。

Judith lay on the settee, absorbed in her book.

朱迪思躺在沙发椅上专心致志地看书。

California absorbs many of the legal immigrants to the US.

加利福尼亚州吸纳了许多前往美国的合法移民。

We were soon absorbed into local village life.

我们很快就融入了当地的乡村生活。

if something absorbs light, heat, energy, or noise, it takes it in

if something absorbs changes or costs, it accepts them and deals with them successfully

The beer industry had absorbed a doubling of federal tax in 1991.

1991年，啤酒行业经受住了联邦税加倍的考验。

if something absorbs money, time etc, it uses a lot of it

Defence spending absorbs almost 20% of the country’s wealth.

国防开支消耗了这个国家将近20%的财富。

to reduce the effect of a sudden violent movement

A well-designed sports shoe should absorb the impact on your feet.

设计优良的运动鞋应当能够减轻脚上受到的冲击力。


abstain

to choose not to vote for or against something

Six countries voted for the change, five voted against, and two abstained.

六个国家投票赞成变革，五个国家反对，两个国家弃权。

to not do or have something you enjoy, especially alcohol or sex, usually for reasons of religion or health

〔通常出于宗教或健康原因〕自制；〔尤指〕戒酒，禁欲

Pilots must [abstain from alcohol](bold) for 24 hours before flying.

飞行员在飞行前的24小时里必须禁酒。


abstract

based on general ideas or principles rather than specific examples or real events

纯理论的，纯概念的，抽象的

the ability to translate abstract ideas into words

将抽象概念转换成文字的能力

By the age of seven, children are capable of thinking [in abstract terms](bold).

儿童到了七岁就具有抽象思维的能力。

Human beings are the only creatures capable of [abstract thought](bold)(=thinking about ideas).

人类是唯一具有抽象思维能力的动物。

existing only as an idea or quality rather than as something real that you can see or touch

abstract paintings, designs etc consist of shapes and patterns that do not look like real people or things

〔画、设计等〕抽象（派）的


abstract

a painting, design etc which contains shapes or images that do not look like real things or people

抽象画；抽象设计；抽象派作品

a short written statement containing only the most important ideas in a speech, article etc

〔演讲、文章等的〕摘要，概要

considered in a general way rather than being based on specific details and examples

抽象地，概括地，从理论上说

Talking about crime in the abstract just isn’t enough.

抽象地谈论犯罪根本不足以说明问题。


abstract

to write a document containing the most important ideas or points from a speech, article etc

写〔演讲、文章等〕的摘要


absurd

əbˈsɜːd, -ˈzɜːd

[absurdity](bold) n. <C,U> eg: Duncan laughed at [the absurdity of](bold) the situation.

It seems quite absurd to expect anyone to drive for 3 hours just for a 20-minute meeting.

让人开3小时的车只为了去参加一个20分钟的会议，这好像很荒唐吧。

something that is completely stupid and unreasonable

Some of the stories he tells verge on the absurd.

他讲的有些故事近乎荒诞。


abundance

One quality the team possessed in abundance was fighting spirit.

该队的一大特点是斗志昂扬。


abundant

something that is abundant exists or is available in large quantities so that there is more than enough

abundant opportunities for well-qualified staff

提供给高素质员工的大量机会


abuse

Many children [suffer](bold) racial [abuse](bold) at school.

An independent committee will look into alleged [human rights abuses](bold).

一个独立委员会将对涉嫌践踏人权的行为进行调查。

the use of something in a way that it should not be used

government officials’ [abuse of power](bold)

A self-monitoring tax system is clearly [open to abuse](bold)(=able to be used wrongly).

自我监督的税收制度显然容易被滥用。

[alcohol/drug abuse](bold)(=the practice of drinking too much or taking illegal drugs)

rude or offensive things that someone says when they are angry

vandalism and [verbal abuse](bold) directed at old people

[a torrent/stream of abuse](bold)(=a series of rude or angry words)

The other driver started hurling abuse at me.

另外一个司机朝我破口大骂起来。

[a term of abuse](bold) at → [term](->term) 1 sense 3


abuse

to treat someone in a cruel and violent way, often sexually

to deliberately use something for the wrong purpose or for your own advantage

Williams [abused](bold) his [position](bold) as mayor to give jobs to his friends.

威廉斯滥用市长权力，给不少朋友安排了工作。

Morris [abused](bold) the [trust](bold) the firm had shown in him.

莫里斯辜负了公司对他的信任。

people who [abuse](bold) the [system](bold)

The proportion of drinkers who abuse alcohol is actually quite small.

饮酒者中酗酒的人所占的比例实际上很小。

to say rude or offensive things to someone

Many soldiers in Belfast are [verbally abused](bold).

许多驻扎在贝尔法斯特的士兵遭到辱骂。

He came to the help of another driver who was being [racially abused](bold) by three white passengers.

当另一名司机被三名白人乘客用种族歧视的言语谩骂，他伸出援手。

to treat something so badly that you start to destroy it

James abused his body for years with heroin and cocaine.

詹姆斯吸食海洛因和可卡因多年，糟蹋了自己的身体。


academic

He had the right experience and academic qualifications for the job.

Personal problems may affect a student’s academic performance.

Girls’ academic achievements are at least as good as boys’.

(=levels that are considered to be acceptable)

(=study of a subject, in order to discover new facts or test new ideas)

Many academic research projects take years to complete.

After academic study, you have to gain practical experience.

Children who are not good at academic subjects may excel in music or sport.

(=a subject that is studied at university)

the academic disciplines of linguistics, psychology and sociology

She wanted to pursue an academic career.

(=the time within a period of 12 months when students are studying at a school or university)

Language students spend the third academic year abroad.

(=the institutions, people etc involved in education)

In the academic world, the theory was received less approvingly.

There is concern for the academic freedom of both staff and students.

relating to education, especially at college or university level

学术的〔尤指与学院或大学教育有关〕

He possessed no academic qualifications.

concerned with studying from books, as opposed to practical work

纯理论的，学术的〔与实践相对〕

the study of art as an academic discipline

把艺术作为一门理论科目的研究

if a discussion about something is academic, it is a waste of time because the speakers cannot change the existing situation

The question of where we go on holiday is [purely academic](bold) since we don’t have any money.

去哪里度假完全就是空谈，因为我们根本没有钱。


accelerate

if a process accelerates or if something accelerates it, it happens faster than usual or sooner than you expect

measures to accelerate the rate of economic growth

if a vehicle or someone who is driving it accelerates, it starts to go faster


acceleration

əkˌseləˈreɪʃən

əkˌseləˈreɪʃən

a process in which something happens more and more quickly

an acceleration in the rate of inflation

the rapid acceleration of economic progress in South East Asia

the rate at which a car or other vehicle can go faster

〔车辆的〕加速能力，加速性能

The latest model has excellent acceleration.

这款最新型号加速性能优异。

the rate at which the speed of an object increases


accent

She spoke with an accent that I couldn’t understand.

During his stay in England, he had picked up an English accent.

After 9 years in London, Ben had lost his French accent.

(=deliberately speak with a different accent from your usual one)

When Mum’s on the phone, she puts on a funny accent.

She spoke with a strong Scottish accent.

I got a call from a man with a foreign accent.

He spoke with a lovely soft southern accent.

If you have a regional accent, don’t try to hide it.

Sebastian spoke with an upper-class accent.

I could detect the hint of a German accent in her voice.

the way someone pronounces the words of a language, showing which country or which part of a country they come from

if the accent is on a particular quality, feeling etc, special importance is given to it

accommodation with the accent on comfort

the part of a word that you should emphasize when you say it

In the word ‘dinner’ the accent is on the first syllable.

dinner一词的重音在第一音节上。

a written mark used above or below particular letters in some languages to show how to pronounce that letter


accent

to make something more noticeable so that people will pay attention to it

Use make-up to accent your cheekbones and eyes.

用化妆品来突出颧骨和眼部。


accept

You [accept](bold)  something: She decided to accept the offer. I accepted his invitation to have dinner with him.
Don’t say: [I accepted to have dinner with him.](strike)

You [agree to](bold)  something: Her parents would never agree to the marriage.
Don’t say: [Her parents would never agree the marriage.](strike)

You [agree to do](bold)  something: I agreed to have dinner with him.

In the end I had to accept his offer of £4,500.

Are you going to accept their invitation to the wedding?

Don’t be afraid to accept help if you need it.

Egypt gratefully accepted American economic aid.

They were ready to accept French military assistance.

To protect the environment we must accept some difficult challenges.

Miller accepted the award for best comedy show.

I wish that I’d accepted the opportunity to retire when it was offered.

Accepting presents from him made her feel uncomfortable.

She was desperate for money so she accepted the job.

I had been taught not to accept lifts from strangers.

The president’s family and friends accepted massive bribes in exchange for official favours.

She invited him for a drink and he gladly accepted.

to take something that someone offers you, or to agree to do something that someone asks you to do

Rick [accepted](bold) her [offer](bold) of coffee.

里克同意了她请喝咖啡的提议。

He [accepted](bold) the [invitation](bold) to stay with us.

他接受了邀请来我们家住。

His school reports said that he is always ready to [accept](bold) a [challenge](bold)(=agree to do something difficult).

他的学业报告上说他乐于接受挑战。

他们给我一份工作，我接受了。

He accepted a glass of water from Helen.

他接过海伦递来的一杯水。

He [readily accepted](bold) her invitation (=accepted it quickly).

In everyday English, when talking about accepting a job, accepting responsibility or blame, or accepting a method of payment, people usually use [take](bold) :

[They offered me the job and I [accepted](bold).](strike)

They offered me the job and I [took it](bold).

When talking about accepting an offer, people often say [take ](bold) someone [up on their offer](bold) :

He decided to [take her up on her offer](bold).

to decide that there is nothing you can do to change a difficult and unpleasant situation or fact and continue with your normal life

He’s not going to change, and you just have to accept it.

他不会改变的，你只能忍。

We have to accept that this is not an ideal world.

我们必须接受现实，这不是个理想的世界。

He can't [accept the fact that](bold) his problems are his own fault.

他接受不了这个事实——他的问题都是他自己造成的。

to decide that someone has the necessary skill or intelligence for a particular job, course etc or that a piece of work is good enough

Students accepted by Stanford Law School had very high scores on the LSAT.

斯坦福法学院录取的学生LSAT（法学院入学考试）的成绩非常高。

They have accepted him as the representative of the company.

Random House accepted the book for publication.

蓝登书屋同意出版这本书。

to allow someone to become part of a group, society, or organization, and to treat them in the same way as the other members

The children gradually began to accept her as one of the family.

孩子们逐渐接纳她为家庭中的一员。

It often takes years for immigrants to be accepted into the host community.

移民经常需要几年的时间才会被当地社区所接纳。

to agree to take or deal with something that someone gives you, or to say that it is suitable or good enough

同意；〔认为合适或足够好而〕接受

The government has [accepted](bold) the [resignation](bold) of a senior army commander.

政府已批准一位陆军高级指挥官的辞呈。

Please [accept](bold) my sincere [apologies](bold).

Sorry, we don’t accept traveller’s cheques.

对不起，我们不收旅行支票。

to decide to do what someone suggests or advises you should do

Be prepared to accept the advice of members of staff.

to agree that what someone says is right or true

She has accepted your explanation as to why you didn’t attend the meeting.

她相信了你对缺席会议的解释。

In more formal English, you say[ it is accepted that](bold)  when saying what people generally believe is true: It is accepted that he was sincere in his claim.

to admit that you were responsible for something bad that happened

The University will not accept responsibility for items lost or stolen.

物品遗失或被窃，本大学概不负责。


acceptable

[acceptability](bold) /əkˌseptəˈbɪləti/  n. <U>

good enough to be used for a particular purpose or to be considered satisfactory

→see THESAURUS at [satisfactory](->satisfactory)

an agreement which is acceptable to all sides

Students who achieve an [acceptable standard](bold) will progress to degree studies.

达到一定程度的学生可以进一步攻读学位。

How do we reach an [acceptable level](bold) of data security?

我们如何使数据安全达到令人满意的程度？

acceptable behaviour is considered to be morally or socially good enough

Alcohol is not an [acceptable way](bold) out of your problems.

Here, the students set the standards for [acceptable behaviour](bold).

这里由学生自己制定可接受行为的标准。

It is not [socially acceptable](bold) for parents to leave children unattended at that age.

父母不照管那么小的孩子是社会大众所不能接受的。

It is [perfectly acceptable](bold) to sample the food before you buy.

食品先尝后买是完全可以的。


acceptance

when you officially agree to take something that you have been offered

He wrote a [letter of acceptance](bold)(=a letter in which you agree to accept a job, university place etc) to the university.

他给那所大学写了一封接受函。

when people agree that an idea, statement, explanation etc is right or true

〔对观点、陈述、解释等的〕接受，赞同，赞成，认可

There is still not widespread acceptance that fathers can care for children as well as mothers do.

父亲和母亲一样能照顾好孩子的观点尚未得到普遍接受。

This management style gained acceptance in the 1980s.

这种管理模式在20世纪80年代得到了认可。

the ability to accept an unpleasant situation which cannot be changed, without getting angry or upset about it

〔对无法改变之事的〕承受

By the end of the trial, Nicolas moved towards acceptance of his fate.

审判结束时，尼古拉斯慢慢接受了自己的命运。

the process of allowing someone to become part of a group or a society and of treating them in the same way as the other members

〔群体或社会对某人的〕接纳

Acceptance by their peer group is important to most youngsters.

对大多数年轻人来说，为同辈所接纳是很重要的。


accepted

considered right or suitable by most people

Having more than one wife is a normal and [accepted practice](bold) in some countries.

在一些国家，一夫多妻是正常的、被认可的做法。

generally accepted principles of fairness and justice

人们普遍接受的关于公平、公正的观念


access

the right to enter a place, use something, see someone etc

进入权；使用权；接触的机会

Access to the papers is restricted to senior management.

只有高级管理层才有权查阅这些文件。

Cats should always [have access](bold) to fresh, clean water.

应该让猫总能喝到新鲜、干净的水。

how easy or difficult it is for people to enter a public building, to reach a place, or talk to someone

进入，到达，面见〔的难易度〕

We’re trying to improve access for disabled visitors.

我们正在设法给残障访客的出入提供便利。

a villa with [easy access](bold) to the sea

the way you use to enter a building or reach a place

Access is by means of a small door on the right.

Access to the restrooms is through the foyer.

to have a car, a computer etc that you can use

有汽车/计算机等可以使用

the legal right to see and spend time with your children, a prisoner, an official etc

My ex-husband has access to the children once a week.

我的前夫有权每周探望孩子一次。

to succeed in entering a place or in seeing someone or something

进入（某地）；见到（某人或某物）

The police managed to gain access through an upstairs window.

警察设法从楼上的一扇窗户进入了屋子。


access

to find information, especially on a computer

存取，获取〔尤指计算机数据〕

Users can access their voice mail remotely.

用户可以远程获取语音邮件。


accessible

[accessibility](bold) /əkˌsesəˈbɪləti/  n. <U>

a place, building, or object that is accessible is easy to reach or get into

There is a church which is [easily accessible](bold) from my home.

the need for a health service that is accessible to all

建立全民共享的卫生服务体系的需求

Computers should be made readily accessible to teachers and pupils.

应当让老师和学生可以随时使用电脑。

someone who is accessible is easy to meet and talk to, even if they are very important or powerful

易接近的，随和的，平易近人的

I think that you’ll find she’s very accessible.

我想你会发现她十分平易近人。

a book, poem, painting etc that is accessible is easy to understand and enjoy

〔书、诗、画等〕易懂的，易于欣赏的

He wants his music to be accessible to everyone.

他希望自己的音乐人人都能欣赏。


accessory

something such as a piece of equipment or a decoration that is not necessary, but that makes a machine, car, room etc more useful or more attractive

bathroom accessories such as mirrors and towel-rails

something such as a bag, belt, or jewellery that you wear or carry because it is attractive

装饰物，小配件〔如手袋、皮带、珠宝等〕

a set of fully matching clothes and accessories

一套完全相配的衣服和饰物

someone who helps a criminal, especially by helping them hide from the police

同谋，帮凶，〔尤指帮助藏匿的〕从犯

[an accessory before/after the fact](bold)(=someone who helps a criminal before or after the crime)


accident

an event in which a vehicle is damaged and often someone is hurt

Hugh had an accident on his way to work.

a serious accident in which a vehicle hits something else

Rees-Jones was the only person to survive the crash.

an accident in which two or more cars, trains etc hit each other

His car was involved in a collision with a train.

a head-on collision (=between vehicles that are driving towards each other)

The actor was killed in a head-on collision while driving his new sports car.

a serious accident involving a train, plane, or boat, in which a lot of people are killed or injured

an accident in which a car or train is badly damaged

an accident that involves several cars or trucks

There was a 12-car pileup on the motorway.

a car accident in which little damage is done

Atkinson was involved in a fender-bender in the hotel parking lot.

At 15, he borrowed his parents’ car and had a prang.

There’s been a bad accident on the freeway.

The road is closed following a serious accident.

News is coming in of a major rail accident.

‘This was an absolutely horrific accident,’ said an ambulance spokesman.

a fatal accident involving a bus and a cyclist

The ice and poor visibility caused minor accidents all over the country.

The number of traffic accidents has gone down.

Portugal has one of Western Europe’s worst road accident rates.

also: an automobile accident  (AmE) (formal)

It was the country's worst ever rail accident.

(=when someone is hit by a driver who does not stop)

A woman is fighting for her life after a hit-and-run accident.

Your son has been involved in a car accident.

Steps have been taken to prevent a similar accident happening again.

Most road accidents occur in urban areas.

Young drivers are more likely to have accidents than older drivers.

One of the accident victims is still trapped in his vehicle.

There is a relation between accident rates and the numbers of drivers on the road.

a survey of the latest airline accident statistics

The two deaths are the subject of an accident inquiry.

Accident investigations often take months.

Accident investigators have been there all morning.

Police were at the scene of the accident within minutes.

in a way that is not planned or intended

I met her [quite by accident](bold)(=completely by accident).

The discovery was made almost by accident.

The pilot, [whether by accident or design](bold)(=whether it was planned or not planned), made the plane do a sharp turn.

不知是有意还是无意，那名飞行员让飞机来了个急转弯。

an event in which a car, train, plane etc is damaged and often someone is hurt

Over 70,000 people are seriously injured every year in road accidents.

每年在道路事故中受重伤的有七万多人。

The accident happened at the junction of Forest Road and Pine Walk.

事故发生在森林路与松树路的交叉口。

a situation in which someone is injured or something is damaged without anyone intending them to be

〔无意中致伤或致损的〕事故，意外事件

Ken [had](bold) an [accident](bold) at work and had to go to hospital.

肯在工作中出了事故，不得不去医院。

I’m sorry about breaking the vase – [it was an accident](bold)(=I did not intend to do it).

对不起，我把花瓶打碎了——这是个意外。

[a climbing/skiing/hunting etc accident](bold)

He died in a climbing accident in the Himalayas.

他在攀登喜马拉雅山时遇难。

She was injured in a [freak accident](bold)(=an unusual accident) when a wall suddenly collapsed.

她在一场墙壁突然倒塌的诡异事故中受了伤。

I had a [slight accident ](bold) with your coffee.

出了个小小的意外，我把你的咖啡弄洒了。

They lost their lives in a [tragic accident](bold).

他们在一次悲惨的事故中丧生。

something that happens without anyone planning or intending it

我的第三个孩子是意外怀上的。

[It is no accident that](bold) men fill most of the top jobs in nursing, while women remain on the lower grades.

男性在护理行业中占据大多数重要职位，而女性仍处于较低级别，这绝非偶然。

[an accident of birth/geography/history etc](bold)(=an event or situation caused by chance)

used to tell someone who has broken something that they should not worry that it has happened

意外事情在所难免，不小心总是有的

used about a situation in which an accident is likely to happen because no one is trying to prevent it

The boats are being left to drift; it’s an accident waiting to happen.

任由这些船漂流，肯定会出事的。


accidental

happening without being planned or intended

Buy an insurance policy that covers [accidental damage](bold).


accidentally

in a way that was not planned or intended

Fleming discovered the drug by accident, when he was researching something else.

I met the man purely by accident, and we began a conversation.

if you do something by mistake, you intend to do one thing, but you accidentally do something else instead

Michelle must have picked up my keys by mistake.

Gary wandered into the wrong hotel room by mistake.

if you say that something was an accident, you mean that you are sorry it happened, but it was not done deliberately

Marris told the police the killing was an accident.

Don’t blame yourself – it was an accident.

if you do something unintentionally, especially something bad, you do it even though you do not intend to do it

Teachers often unintentionally favour certain students.

Several scenes in the movie are unintentionally funny.

if you inadvertently do something, you do it without realizing you are doing it, because you are not careful enough

In a panic, I inadvertently pushed the accelerator instead of the brake.

The Finance Minister inadvertently revealed budget secrets to reporters.

She accidentally dropped the vase on her foot.

她不小心把花瓶摔在脚上。


accommodate

if a room, building etc can accommodate a particular number of people or things, it has enough space for them

He bought a huge house to accommodate his library.

他买了一座大房子来放他的藏书。

The ballroom can accommodate 400 people.

那个舞厅可容纳400人。

to provide someone with a place to stay, live, or work

为 …提供住处[工作场所]

The island was used to accommodate child refugees.

to accept someone’s opinions and try to do what they want, especially when their opinions or needs are different from yours

We’ve made every effort to accommodate your point of view.

我们已经尽力采纳你的观点。

to get used to a new situation or to make yourself do this

Her eyes took a while to accommodate to the darkness.

她的眼睛过了一会儿才适应黑暗。


accommodation

əˌkɒməˈdeɪʃən

In meaning 1, [accommodation](bold)  is used as an uncountable noun, especially in British English: Can you arrange some accommodation for me?
Don’t say: [Can you arrange an accommodation?](strike)

In American English, [accommodation](bold)  is often used as a plural noun in meaning 1: The price includes meals and accommodations.

In meaning 2, [accommodation](bold)  is often used as a singular noun: They reached an accommodation.

a place for someone to stay, live, or work

The price for the holiday includes flights and accommodation.

度假的价格包括机票和住宿。

[secure accommodation](bold) for young offenders

Universities have to provide [student accommodation](bold) for first-year students.

大学必须为一年级新生提供学生宿舍。

In everyday English, people usually say [somewhere to live/stay](bold)  rather than [accommodation](bold) :

She’s trying to find [somewhere to live](bold).

Have you found [anywhere to stay ](bold)yet?

an agreement between people or groups who have different views or opinions, that satisfies everyone

We [reached](bold) an [accommodation](bold) between both parties.

Neither side was willing to make any kind of accommodation.

双方都不愿意达成任何形式的和解。


accompany

[past tense and past participle](italic) [accompanied](bold) [present participle](italic) [accompanying](bold) [third person singular](italic) [accompanies](bold)

Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

14岁以下儿童必须有成人陪同。

Wherever her husband went, she would accompany him.

不论丈夫去哪里，她都陪伴左右。

In everyday English, people usually say [go with](bold)  or [come with](bold)  someone rather than [accompany](bold)  someone:

Do you want me to [go with](bold) you to the station?

to play a musical instrument while someone sings a song or plays the main tune

Daniel wanted Liz to accompany him on violin.

丹尼尔想让丽兹用小提琴为他伴奏。

to happen or exist at the same time as something else

The disease is accompanied by sneezing and fever.

这种病伴有打喷嚏和发烧症状。

[Accompany](bold)  is usually passive in this meaning.

if a book, document etc accompanies something, it comes with it

〔书、文件等〕附有，带有，配有

Please see accompanying booklet for instructions.

说明请参阅所附的小册子。

Your passport application form should be accompanied by two recent photographs.

护照申请表应附近照两张。


accomplish

əˈkɑːm-, əˈkʌm-

to succeed in doing something, especially after trying very hard

〔尤指通过努力〕完成，实现

We have accomplished all we set out to do.

所有计划要做的事情，我们都已完成。

[Mission accomplished](bold)(=we have done what we intended to do).


accomplishment

əˈkɑːm-, əˈkʌm-

something successful or impressive that is achieved after a lot of effort and hard work

Cutting the budget was an impressive accomplishment.

削减预算是一项了不起的成就。

It was a [major accomplishment](bold) for a player who had been injured so recently.

对于一个刚受过伤的选手来说，这是很好的成绩。

the act of finishing or achieving something good

an ability to do something well, or the skill involved in doing something well

Playing the piano is one of her many accomplishments.

弹钢琴是她的多项才艺之一。


accord

without being asked or forced to do something

The door seemed to move of its own accord.

a situation in which two people, ideas, or statements agree with each other

These results are in accord with earlier research.

这些结果和先前的研究一致。

It is important to the success of any firm that its partners should be in complete accord.

合伙人步调一致对于公司的成功至关重要。

a formal agreement between countries or groups

if two or more people do something with one accord, they do it together or at the same time

There was a silence as the women turned with one accord to stare at Doreen.

那些女人一齐转身盯着多琳看，全场鸦雀无声。


accord

to give someone or something special attention or a particular type of treatment

You will not be accorded any special treatment.

你不会得到任何特殊待遇。

Every school accords high priority to the quality of teaching.

每所学校都高度重视教学质量。

The punishments accorded with the current code of discipline.

处罚与现行的纪律规则一致。


accordance

Article 47 may only be used [in accordance with](bold) international [law](bold).

第47条只能按照国际法来施行。

Use this product only in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

必须依照厂商说明书使用本产品。


accordingly

in a way that is suitable for a particular situation or that is based on what someone has done or said

Katherine still considered him a child and treated him accordingly.

凯瑟琳仍旧把他当作小孩子，像对待小孩子一样对他。

Some of the laws were contradictory. Accordingly, measures were taken to clarify them.

有些法律相互矛盾，因此，采取了措施将其阐明。


according to

as shown by something or stated by someone

According to the police, his attackers beat him with a blunt instrument.

按照警方的说法，袭击者用钝器击打他。

There is now widespread support for these proposals, according to a recent public opinion poll.

根据最近的民意调查，目前人们普遍支持这些提议。

→ Don’t say ‘according to me’ or ‘according to my opinion/point of view’. Say [in my opinion](bold)[In my opinion his first book is much better.](italic)

in a way that depends on differences in situations or amounts

取决于，根据〔不同情况或数量〕

You will be paid according to the amount of work you do.

你的酬劳将按工作量来定。

in a way that agrees with a system or plan, or obeys a set of rules

按照，根据〔制度、计划、规则〕

The game will be played according to rules laid down for the 1992 Cup.

Everything [went according to plan](bold), and we arrived on time.

一切按计划进行，我们准时到达。


account

a written or spoken description that says what happens in an event or process

He provided the police with a detailed account of what he saw.

something you say or write that gives details about what something or someone is like

The report gave a brief description of the problem.

an account of something that has happened which may not be true – used especially when people are telling each other about something

I don’t think he was honest enough to tell us the full story.

a written or spoken account of a situation or event, giving people the information they need, especially after studying something as part of your job

The UN will issue a report on the incident.

Initial police reports suggest she was murdered.

a particular person’s account of an event, which is different from the account that another person gives

Her version of events has been contradicted by other witnesses.

Marshall gave the police his account of how the fight started.

Freud has provided an account of the human psyche’s stages of development.

He later wrote an account of his experiences during the war.

Have you read his account of the journey?

She gave me a detailed account of what happened at the meeting.

It is not possible to give a full account of what we discussed.

What follows is a short account of the legal procedure.

The class were asked to write a brief account of their holidays.

I’ve tried to write a clear account of the incident.

Both newspapers gave fairly accurate accounts of what had happened.

The book is a true account of his life and death.

Rosemary gave me a blow-by-blow account of their trip.

(=very clear with a lot of details, especially unpleasant details)

He wrote a graphic account of his time in jail.

(=so clear that it seems real or like real life)

I read a vivid account of his experiences in Egypt.

(=an account of an event, given by the person who saw it happen)

(=an account of a situation, given by the person who experienced it)

a first-hand account of life in the refugee camps

(=different accounts of the same event, that cannot both be true)

There were conflicting accounts of what actually happened.

He was too shocked to [give an account](bold) of what had happened.

他因受惊过度而无法描述所发生的事情。

[blow-by-blow account](bold)(=a description of all the details of an event in the order that they happened)

a blow-by-blow account of how England lost to Portugal

英格兰队如何负于葡萄牙队的详细报道

Chomsky’s account of how children learn their first language

乔姆斯基关于儿童如何学习第一语言的描述

[eye-witness/first-hand account](bold)(=a description of events by someone who saw them)

Eye-witness accounts told of the unprovoked shooting of civilians.

目击者讲到平民无故被枪击。

This gives a first-hand account of the war.

这是关于这场战争的第一手报道。

an arrangement in which a bank keeps your money safe so that you can pay more in or take money out

我的工资直接存入我的银行账户。

I’ve [opened an account](bold) with Barclay’s Bank.

我在巴克莱银行开了一个账户。

My husband and I have a [joint account](bold)(=one that is shared between two people).

→ [bank account](->bank account) → [checking account](->checking account) → [current account](->current account) → [deposit account](->deposit account) → [profit and loss account](->profit and loss account) → [savings account](->savings account)

to consider or include particular facts or details when making a decision or judgment about something

考虑到某事物，把某事物考虑进去

These figures do not take account of changes in the rate of inflation.

这些数字没有把通货膨胀率的变化考虑进去。

You say: We will take your views into account.
Don’t say: [We will take your views in account.](strike)

because of something else, especially a problem or difficulty

因为某事物，由于某事物〔尤指问题或困难〕

She was told to wear flat shoes, on account of her back problem.

因为背部有问题，她被建议穿平底鞋。

an exact record of the money that a company has received and the money it has spent

The accounts for last year showed a profit of $2 million.

去年的账目显示利润为200万美元。

a department in a company that is responsible for keeping records of the amount of money spent and received

if you buy goods on account, you take them away with you and pay for them later

an arrangement that you have with a shop or company, which allows you to buy goods or use a service now and pay for them later

〔可先使用后付款的〕赊欠账户

Can you charge this to my account please?

一个能无限使用的因特网后付费账户

a statement that shows how much money you owe for things you have bought from a shop

[pay/settle your account](bold)(=pay what you owe)

James left the restaurant, settling his account by credit card.

詹姆斯用信用卡结完账离开餐厅。

an arrangement to sell goods and services to another company over a period of time

〔一段时间内的〕交易安排

Our sales manager has secured several big accounts recently.

我们的销售部经理最近拉到了好几笔大生意。

It has, from all accounts, been a successful marriage.

谁都说这是一桩美满的婚姻。

if you do something on someone’s account, you do it because you think they want you to

Please don’t change your plans on my account.

请不要为了我而改变你的计划。

Carrie decided to do a little research on her own account.

used when saying that someone must not, for any reason, do something

according to what you have said, especially when you have admitted doing something wrong

Bentley was, by his own account, over-sensitive to criticism.

据本特利自己说，他对批评过于敏感。

There needn’t be any more worries on that account.

没有必要再为那事担心了。

to do something or perform very well or very badly

Kevin gave a good account of himself in today’s game.

凯文在今天的比赛中表现出色。

to force someone who is responsible for a mistake or a crime to explain publicly why they did it and punish them for it if necessary

The people responsible for the accident have never been brought to account.

这起事故的责任人一直没有被追究责任。

善用某事物，充分利用某事物

Perhaps she could put some of her talents to good account by helping us.

通过帮助我们，也许她可以把自己的某些才能充分发挥出来。

As she grew up, her father was of no account to her.

她渐渐长大，父亲对她也不重要了。


accountable

[accountability](bold) /əˌkaʊntəˈbɪləti/  n. <U>

responsible for the effects of your actions and willing to explain or be criticized for them

The government should be accountable to all the people of the country.

政府应当对全体国民负责。

Managers must be accountable for their decisions.

管理人员必须对自己作出的决定负责。

The hospital should be [held accountable](bold) for the quality of care it gives.

医院应当对医护质量负责。


accountant

someone whose job is to keep and check financial accounts, calculate taxes etc


accumulate

[accumulation](bold) /əˌkjuːmjəˈleɪʃ/  n. <C,U> eg: the accumulation of data

In everyday English, people usually say [build up](bold)  rather than [accumulate](bold) :

These chemicals tend to [build up](bold) in the soil.

to gradually get more and more money, possessions, knowledge etc over a period of time

→see THESAURUS at [collect](->collect) 1

It is unjust that a privileged few should continue to accumulate wealth.

少数特权阶级继续积聚财富，这是不公平的。

to gradually increase in numbers or amount until there is a large quantity in one place

Fat tends to accumulate around the hips and thighs.

脂肪常常积聚在臀部和大腿部位。


accuracy

the ability to do something in an exact way without making a mistake

He passes the ball with unerring accuracy.

worries about the accuracy of government statistics

对政府统计数据准确性的担心


accurate

[accurately](bold) adv. eg: It’s impossible to predict the weather accurately.

→see THESAURUS at [right](->right) 1   →see THESAURUS at [true](->true) 1

The brochure tries to give a fair and accurate description of each hotel.

该手册尽量公正、准确地介绍每一家酒店。

Police believe Derek gave a reasonably accurate account of what happened.

警方相信德里克对事情的叙述是比较准确的。

The evidence she gave to the court was not strictly accurate (=not exactly accurate).

她向法庭提供的证词并不完全准确。

It is difficult to get accurate figures on population numbers.

很难取得精确的人口统计数字。

a machine that is accurate is able to do something in an exact way without making a mistake

The cutter is accurate to within ½ a millimetre.

这个切割器精确到½毫米以内。

an accurate shot, throw etc succeeds in hitting or reaching the thing that it is intended to hit


accusation

ˌækjəˈzeɪʃən

ˌækjəˈzeɪʃən

a statement saying that you believe someone is guilty of a crime or of doing something bad

The army has faced accusations of racism.

a public statement accusing someone of doing something although it has not been proved

He denied allegations that he received a bribe.

Police are investigating allegations of corruption.

an official statement by the police accusing someone of a crime and saying that they must go to court, or a statement saying that someone has done something bad, made by anyone

He appeared in court on a murder charge.

She denied the charge that the article had been misleading.

an official written statement accusing someone of a crime so that they will be judged under the American legal system

He is under indictment for credit card fraud.

You’ve made a lot of accusations but you haven’t got any evidence.

The accusations against him were brought by two 18-year-old women.

As a result, some outrageous accusations were levelled at her.

The police faced accusations of using excessive force.

The government denied accusations of corruption.

There were very few facts to support the accusation against him.

These are very serious accusations indeed.

There were a lot of false accusations throughout the trial.

The embassy denied what it called groundless accusations about its involvement in the attack.

He was drunk and his accusations were becoming more and more outrageous.

She’s made all sorts of wild accusations about him, hasn’t she?

The dispute was marked by bitter accusations from both sides.

Repeated accusations of neglect were made against the authorities.

(=made again, often in a more forceful way)

The government faced renewed accusations of corruption.

There were further accusations of incompetence.

He fled the country amid accusations of fraud.

a statement saying that someone is guilty of a crime or of doing something wrong

A number of [serious accusations](bold) have been [made](bold) against her.

The main [accusation levelled against](bold) him was that he tried to avoid military service.

对他提出的主要指控是他想逃避兵役。

His administration now [faces accusations](bold) of corruption.

他的政府正面临贪污腐败的指控。

The organizers of the march strongly [denied](bold) government [accusations](bold) that they intended to cause trouble.

游行的组织者极力否认政府对他们企图闹事的指控。

Burton’s enemies had made [false accusations](bold) against him.

伯顿的敌人对他提出不实的指控。

She’s made all sorts of [wild accusations](bold) against me in the past.

她过去对我妄加指责，说了种种不是。

They fled the country, [amid accusations of](bold) corruption.

在一片对贪污腐败的指责声中，他们逃离了该国。


accuse

You [accuse](bold)  someone [of doing](bold)  something: They accused him of cheating.
Don’t say: [accuse someone to do something](strike)

to say that you believe that someone is guilty of a crime or of doing something bad

Two women have been accused of kidnapping a newborn baby.

to accuse someone of doing something, although this has not been proved

He alleged that the other man had attacked him first.

if the police charge someone, they officially tell that person that they are believed to be guilty of a crime and that they must go to court

to officially accuse someone of a crime so that they will be judged in court under the American legal system

to say that you believe someone is guilty of a crime or of doing something bad

The professor [stands accused of](bold)(=has been accused of) stealing his student’s ideas and publishing them.

那位教授被指控剽窃学生的观点拿去发表。


accustom

to make yourself or another person become used to a situation or place

It took a while for me to accustom myself to all the new rules and regulations.

我过了一段时间才适应所有的新规章制度。


ache

if part of your body aches, you feel a continuous, but not very sharp pain there

His feet were aching from standing so long.

他站了那么久，双脚隐隐作痛。

In everyday English, people usually say they [have a headache](bold) , [have (a) backache](bold) , [have (a) stomach ache](bold) , or [have (a) toothache](bold)  rather than saying that their [head, back, etc aches](bold) :

[My [head aches](bold) terribly.](strike)

I [have a](bold) terrible [headache](bold).

to want to do or have something very much

He ached to reach out and hold her close.

他很想伸出双手紧紧抱住她。

Sarah ached with sadness that her brother was so ill.

弟弟病得很重，萨拉忧心忡忡。

Tim’s [heart](bold) was [aching](bold) for her.


ache

[achy](bold) adj. eg: I’m feeling tired and achy.

a continuous pain that is not sharp or very strong

A [dull ache](bold) throbbed at the back of David’s head.

[aches and pains](bold)(=slight feelings of pain that are not considered to be serious)

Apart from the usual aches and pains, she felt all right.

除了几处经常性的轻微疼痛以外，她感到身体尚可。


achieve

to successfully complete something or get a good result, especially by working hard

实现；〔尤指经过努力〕取得，达到

She eventually [achieved her goal of](bold) becoming a professor.

她终于实现目标，当上了教授。

Wilson has [achieved](bold) considerable [success](bold) as an artist.

威尔逊作为一名艺术家成就斐然。

Frances achieved very good exam results.

弗朗西丝考试取得了优异成绩。

In everyday English, people usually say someone [gets](bold)  a result rather than [achieves](bold)  it:

He [got](bold) good grades in his final exams.

to be successful in a particular kind of job or activity

We want all our students to achieve within their chosen profession.

我们希望所有的学生在自己选择的专业领域内都能有所成就。


achievement

Winning the award was a great achievement.

(=one that is unusual or surprising and deserves praise)

In recognition of this remarkable achievement he was awarded the OBE.

Writing the book was a major achievement.

Eisenhower' s outstanding achievement was to avoid war.

These studies represent a considerable achievement.

(=the best of several impressive achievements)

Her appointment to the Paris post was the crowning achievement of her life.

Few people realised what an enormous achievement Concorde represented.

(=be difficult to achieve and therefore worth admiring)

He got the top mark in the country which is no mean achievement.

Working and bringing up kids on your own is quite an achievement.

something important that you succeed in doing by your own efforts

We try to celebrate the achievements of our students.

我们想要庆祝学生取得的成就。

His great achievement is to make all the players into a united team.

他的伟大成就在于把所有选手组织成一支团结的队伍。

The test measures children’s achievements in reading, spelling, and maths.

这项测验评估儿童在阅读、拼写和数学方面的成绩。

when you achieve something or when people achieve something

Roberts is researching the effect of social class on educational achievement.

罗伯茨在研究社会等级对于学业成就的影响。

As we climbed the final few metres, we felt a [sense of achievement](bold).

我们攀登最后几米的时候，有一种成就感。


acid

a chemical substance that has a pH of less than 7. Strong acids can burn holes in material or damage your skin


acid

a juicy apple with a slightly acid flavour

一个多汁、略带酸味的苹果

an acid remark uses humour in an unkind way to criticize someone

尖酸刻薄的话/评论/口吻等

I was expecting another of his acid remarks, but he remained silent.

我等着他再说一句刻薄的话，但他不吭声了。

a way of finding out whether something is as good as people say it is, whether it works, or whether it is true

People ask if the team is good enough. This match will be the acid test.

人们问这支球队是不是够好，经过这场比赛的考验就可见分晓。

an acid soil does not contain much lime13

蓝莓的生长需要强酸性土壤。


acknowledge

to admit or accept that something is true or that a situation exists

承认〔某事属实或某情况存在〕

The family acknowledge the need for change.

全家人都承认需要改变一下。

He acknowledges that when he’s tired he gets bad-tempered.

他承认自己累了就会发脾气。

Claire acknowledged that she was guilty.

The government must acknowledge what is happening and do something about it.

对于目前的情况，政府必须承认其存在并对此采取措施。

‘Maybe you are right,’ she acknowledged.

“也许你是对的。”她承认道。

This is a fact that most smokers [readily acknowledge](bold).

这是大多数烟民都愿意承认的事实。

In more formal English, you say[ it is acknowledged that](bold)  when saying what people generally agree is true: It is acknowledged that these letters are genuine.

if people acknowledge something, they recognize how good or important it is

The Brazilian coach acknowledged the talent of his players.

巴西队教练认为他的球员很有天分。

The film festival is acknowledged as an event of international importance.

这个电影节被认为是国际盛事。

[be widely/generally acknowledged to be sth](bold)

The mill produces what is widely acknowledged to be the finest wool in the world.

那家工厂生产的毛料被公认是全世界最好的。

to accept that someone or something has authority over people

Both defendants refused to acknowledge the authority of the court.

两名被告都拒绝承认法庭的权威性。

Many of the poor acknowledged him as their spiritual leader.

许多穷苦人都把他视为他们的精神领袖。

to publicly announce that you are grateful for the help that someone has given you

We wish to acknowledge the support of the university.

我们想要感谢大学给予的支持。

to show someone that you have noticed them or heard what they have said

Tom acknowledged her presence by a brief glance.

汤姆瞥了她一眼，表示知道她在。

to let someone know that you have received something from them

I would be grateful if you would [acknowledge receipt](bold) of this letter.

收到此信后请告知，不胜感谢。


acknowledgement

the act of admitting or accepting that something is true

We want an acknowledgement of the existence of the problem.

我们希望这问题的存在能够得到承认。

The reduction in their grant is an acknowledgement that they have been paid too much.

减少对他们的拨款就是承认他们拿得太多了。

a movement of your body that shows that you have noticed someone or heard what they have said

Basil nodded an acknowledgement as he entered the room.

巴兹尔走进房间时点头打招呼。

He gave her a faint smile of acknowledgement.

他向她微微一笑，打了个招呼。

Larsen looked over and nodded in acknowledgement.

拉森望过去，点点头打招呼。

the act of publicly thanking someone for something they have done

She received a special award in acknowledgement of all her hard work.

她获得一个特别奖，表彰她的辛劳工作。

a letter written to tell someone that you have received their letter, message etc

你需要我书面确认收到吗？

a short piece of writing at the beginning or end of a book in which the writer thanks all the people who have helped him or her

〔作者在卷首或卷末的〕致谢，鸣谢


acoustic

relating to sound and the way people hear things

an acoustic guitar or other musical instrument does not have its sound made louder electronically

〔乐器〕原声的，自然声的


acquaintance

相识的人，泛泛之交，熟人

She was a [casual acquaintance](bold) of my family in Vienna.

她是我们家在维也纳的一个交情不深的朋友。

He heard about the job through a [mutual acquaintance](bold)(=someone you and another person both know).

他是通过一个双方都认识的人知道有这份工作的。

In everyday English, people usually say [someone I know](bold)  rather than [an acquaintance](bold) :

I got the job through [someone I know](bold).

a relationship with someone you know, but who is not a close friend

They developed an acquaintance over the Internet.

You can’t judge her on such short acquaintance (=when you have not known her long).

认识这么短时间，你无法对她作出评价。

My uncle did not improve on further acquaintance (=when you knew him better).

进一步接触后，我叔叔的形象依然不怎么样。

I should be delighted to make Mrs McGough’s acquaintance.

我很高兴能认识麦高夫太太。

At the hotel, I made the acquaintance of a young American actor.

在酒店里，我结识了一位年轻的美国演员。

knowledge or experience of a particular subject

The practice of a lawyer requires acquaintance with court procedures.

[have a passing/nodding acquaintance with sth](bold)(=have only slight knowledge or experience of something)

He has a passing acquaintance with a lot of different subjects.

他对许多学科都知道个一鳞半爪。

a person of your acquaintance is someone that you know

The poems were written by various women of her acquaintance.

这些诗是她认识的形形色色的女性写的。

when you meet someone for the first time

Most people are nicer than you think on first acquaintance.

大多数人都比你初次见面时所认为的要好。


acquainted

if you are acquainted with someone, you have met them a few times but do not know them very well

Were you acquainted with a friend of mine, Daniel Green?

你那会儿认识我朋友丹尼尔·格林吗？

我们希望加深对彼此的了解。

to know about something, because you have seen it, read it, used it etc

She was well acquainted with classical literature.


acquire

to obtain something by buying it or being given it

Manning hoped to acquire valuable works of art as cheaply as possible.

曼宁希望以尽可能低的价格买到有价值的艺术品。

The council acquired the land using a compulsory purchase order.

委员会通过强制征购令购得了这块土地。

The college acquired a reputation for very high standards.

那所学院以学术水平高而闻名。

In everyday English, people usually say [get](bold)  rather than [acquire](bold) :

He soon [got](bold) a reputation for being unfriendly.

学到，获得〔知识、技能〕

He spent years acquiring his skills as a surgeon.

他花了许多年时间学习外科医生的技能。

Elsie acquired a good knowledge of Chinese.

She had acquired a taste for European beer.

something that people only begin to like after they have tried it a few times


acre

a unit for measuring area, equal to 4,840 square yards or 4,047 square metres

英亩〔面积单位，1英亩=4,840平方码或4,047平方米〕

他们拥有200英亩农田。


acrimonious

ˌækrəˈməʊniəs◂

an acrimonious meeting or discussion is one in which people argue a lot and get very angry

〔会议、讨论〕激烈的，唇枪舌剑的

The meeting ended in an acrimonious dispute.

会议在激烈的辩论中结束。


across

从一边到另一边；穿过，越过

They ran [straight across](bold) the road (=without stopping).

We’d got halfway across before Philip realized he’d left his money at home.

我们走到半路，菲利普才意识到他把钱忘在家里了。

towards someone or something on the other side of an area

There’s Brendan. Why don’t you go across and say hello?

那是布伦丹，你为什么不去打个招呼呢？

The referee looked across at his linesman before awarding the penalty.

主裁判看了一眼助理裁判，然后判了点球。

He walked across to where I was sitting.

used to say that something exists or reaches from one side of an area to the other

从一边延伸到另一边；横贯，跨越

横贯天花板的一道深深的裂缝

Do you think this shirt is too tight across the shoulders?

你觉得这衬衫的肩部是不是太紧了？

Someone’s parked [right across](bold) the entrance to the driveway.

有人把车就那么停在车道入口处。

我最好的朋友住在马路对面。

He knew that [just across](bold) the border lay freedom.

他知道，越过边境就自由了。

Across the street from where we’re standing, you can see the old churchyard.

在我们所站之处的街对面，你可以看到古老的教堂墓地。

the woman sitting across from me (=opposite me) on the train

in every part of a country, organization etc

a TV series that became popular across five continents

在五大洲广受欢迎的电视系列片

Teachers are expected to teach a range of subjects [right across](bold) the curriculum.

教师得能教授课程里的多门科目。


act

[catch sb in the act](bold) at → [catch](->catch) 1 sense 3 [clean up your act](bold) at → [clean up](->clean up)

Incidents of sexual harassment and acts of violence against women were on the increase.

We were grateful for her act of kindness.

(=when you do something that shows you trust someone completely)

The signing of the treaty with Britain was an act of faith.

(=when someone kills people or bombs a place for political reasons )

It was the worst act of terrorism in US history.

(=when someone deliberately damages things, especially public property )

These mindless acts of vandalism affect the whole community.

(=when you refuse to obey or respect someone)

As an act of defiance Leigh dropped out of high school a month before graduation.

The men were awarded the medals for acts of courage.

Starting the fire was a highly irresponsible criminal act.

We will track down those responsible for this violent act.

terrorists acts like the Oklahoma City bombing

The United States strongly condemns this cowardly act by murderous extremists.

Ordinary people sometimes find themselves performing heroic acts.

Clearly this was a deliberate act of vandalism.

(=something you do to express an idea or feeling)

The Tibetan climber will pass the Olympic flame to his Chinese partner in a symbolic act of friendship.

Anyone committing an illegal act deserves to be punished.

(=do something, especially something difficult or useful)

The nurses performed many small acts of kindness.

Once Parliament has passed an act, it becomes the law of the land.

In 1961, before the Divorce Law Reform Act was introduced, the divorce rate was only 2.1%.

In 1978 the act was amended to make the earliest mandatory retirement age 70.

The Act was repealed by the incoming Labour government.

In the 40 years since the Abortion Act became law there have been repeated attempts to amend or repeal it.

Since the act came into force, all public buildings must have disabled access.

Section 47 of the Act prohibits the making of misleading statements to the police.

The new president’s first act should be to end the war.

新总统的第一步行动应当是结束战争。

The act of writing a list can help to calm you down.

列清单可以帮助你冷静下来。

in the act of doing sth (=at the moment that you are doing something)

Lindsay paused in the act of putting down the phone.

林赛放下电话时停顿了一下。

In everyday English, people usually say [a thoughtless/kind/stupid etc thing to do](bold)  rather than [a thoughtless/kind/stupid etc act](bold) .

a law that has been officially accepted by Parliament or Congress

〔由议会或国会正式通过的〕法令，法案

the Housing and Community Development Act of 1977

1977年《住房和社区发展法》

insincere behaviour in which you pretend to have a particular kind of feeling or to be a particular kind of person

Mike played the loving husband in front of the children but it was all an act.

迈克在孩子面前表现得像个体贴的丈夫，但那都是假装的。

Be natural. Don’t feel you have to [put on an act](bold).

to become more organized and behave in a more effective way, especially in order to achieve something

〔尤指为获得某事物〕更有条理些，加把劲

You need to get your act together if you’re going to find the right house to buy.

要想买到合适的房子，你得加把劲。

one of the main parts into which a stage play,opera etc is divided

I arrived at the theatre late and missed the first act.

我到剧场时晚了，错过了第一幕。

a short performance on stage or television by someone who plays music or tells jokes

〔舞台或电视上的〕一段表演

The argument was just part of their act.

争吵只是他们表演的一部分。

a performer or a group of performers who perform together

The band is one of many acts that have been booked for the concert.

音乐会已邀约多方参演，这个乐队是其中之一。

someone who does such an excellent job that it would be difficult for someone doing the same job after them to be as good

He has been a very successful captain and will be a hard act to follow.

他是位非常出色的队长，后来者将很难与之比肩。

to take part in an activity that someone else has started, especially in order to get a share of the advantages for yourself

〔尤指为得到好处而〕插手，参与〔他人发起的活动〕

an event that is caused by natural forces, such as a storm, flood, or fire, which you cannot prevent or control

天灾，自然灾害，不可抗力〔如风暴、洪水、大火〕

an occasion when people pray together and show their respect for God

a situation in which you are trying to do several different types of work at the same time

同时兼顾好几个方面的工作，力图面面俱到

to be impossible to find when you are needed

〔在别人需要时〕消失，开溜


act

to do something in a particular way or for a particular reason

〔以某种方式或因某种原因〕行动，做事

The company acted correctly in sacking him.

The jury decided that Walker had acted in self-defence.

陪审团裁定沃克的行为属于自卫。

The UN must act now to restore democracy.

Politicians will only act when enough people demand that they do something.

只有足够多的民众起来要求，政客们才会采取行动。

In everyday English, people often use expressions like [do the right thing](bold)  or [do a brave thing](bold)  rather than use [act](bold)  with an adverb such as [correctly](bold)  or [bravely](bold) :

[They [acted correctly](bold) in telling her.](strike)

They [did the right thing](bold) in telling her.

When [act](bold)  is used alone to mean ‘take action’, in everyday English people usually just say [do something](bold) :

They acted unreasonably when they turned down Jill’s application.

他们拒绝了吉尔的申请，这样做没道理。

He’s been acting strangely ever since his mom died.

自从他妈妈死后，他的行为一直很怪。

Pip acted as if he was better than everyone else.

皮普表现得好像他比任何人都强似的。

[act your age](bold)(=used to tell someone to behave in a more adult way, suitable for someone of their age)

to pretend to have feelings, qualities etc that are different from your true ones

→see THESAURUS at [pretend](->pretend) 1

Stella felt unnatural in their company, as if she was acting a part.

斯特拉和他们在一起感到不自在，好像在演戏一样。

I first started acting when I was 12 years old.

She is acting the role of Lady Macbeth six evenings a week.

她每周有六个晚上扮演麦克白夫人一角。

The padding acts as a cushion if the player falls or is hit by the ball.

万一球员摔倒或者被球击中，衬垫可以起到缓冲作用。

Disinfectants act on bacteria in two main ways.

消毒剂杀灭细菌有两种主要途径。

to represent someone, especially in a court of law or by doing business for them

〔尤指在法庭上或通过为其做事〕代表某人，为某人代理

Makin, a solicitor, is acting for the young people in their case against the county council.

梅金律师在本案中代表年轻人起诉郡议会。


action

→ [affirmative action](->affirmative action)

They refused to give a reason for their actions.

I believe the killing was an act of desperation.

things that people do, especially for enjoyment or to achieve an aim

Surveys may not give a true picture of people’s activities.

the things that someone does and the way they behave

Do you think that advertisements really influence people’s behaviour?

something that you do in order to achieve something

Her decision to sell the shares had been a smart move.

It’s a bold move to start a business in the current economic climate.

He needed time to figure out his next move.

one of a series of things that you do in order to deal with a problem or to succeed

The first step is to make sure we have got funding for the project.

We must take steps to make sure that this does not happen again.

This is an important step towards peace.

an official action that is intended to deal with a particular problem

There are increased security measures at airports.

The school was closed as a precautionary measure following a chemical leak.

something that you do to show how you feel about someone or something

Do you think it would be a nice gesture to send her some flowers?

The company gave us £100 as a gesture of goodwill.

an action, especially one that is very good or very bad

something someone does that people admire because you need a lot of skill, courage, or strength to do it

Completing a marathon is a remarkable feat for a six-year-old.

The bridge is a great feat of engineering.

The government must take action to control inflation.

Voters are demanding tougher action on gun crime.

The fire crew immediately swung into action.

(=start doing something you have planned to do)

She was looking forward to putting her plans into action.

The committee uses the expertise of local organisations to put these ideas into action.

The public wants immediate action to stop the terrorists.

The Opposition called for urgent action to reduce unemployment.

We need firm action to deal with the problem.

(=that has a big effect on the way something develops)

We are urging the international community to take decisive action on debt relief.

The president decided to take drastic action.

(=that is aimed at making a government or company do something)

In a bid to stop whale hunting, Greenpeace have threatened direct action.

Some forms of political action are more effective than others.

(=that workers take in order to protest about pay, working conditions etc)

The miners voted in favour of industrial action.

(=that two or more countries, organizations etc take together)

Community leaders agreed to take joint action on scientific, social and environmental issues.

The General outlined his plan of action for the campaign.

Environmental groups have put forward an action plan.

Four of her sons have been killed in action.

(=used to say that a soldier has not returned after a battle and their body has not been found)

A further 9,000 allied military personnel are still officially listed as missing in action.

By the time he was 20 he’d seen action in the Gulf War and Bosnia.

American soldiers are going into action against the Mujahadin.

He declared that French soldiers will not be sent into action in Iraq.

America is not ruling out military action against Iran.

The singer threatened legal action against the magazine.

The couple are still considering whether to take court action.

(=taken against someone who has written or printed untrue statements about you)

Judge Johan Kreigler dismissed a libel action brought against two newspapers.

(=involving business or property, rather than a crime)

The victim can seek damages in a civil action.

He is within his rights to take legal action.

The council demanded that we remove the posters, or face legal action.

Justice Mayor ruled that she cannot bring a legal action for damages against the plaintiff.

the process of doing something, especially in order to achieve a particular thing

The government must [take action](bold)(=do something) now to stop the rise in violent crime.

政府现在必须采取行动遏止暴力犯罪的上升。

Environmental groups want tougher action on pollution from cars.

环境保护团体希望对汽车污染采取更严厉的措施。

She was looking forward to[ putting her ideas into action](bold)(=doing the things she had planned).

她盼望着将自己的想法付诸实施。

Ambulance crews are ready to [spring into action](bold)(=suddenly start doing something) if anything goes wrong during the race.

救护车急救人员随时准备出动，以应对比赛期间发生的意外。

Her [prompt actions](bold) probably saved my life.

她敏捷的行动很可能救了我一命。

The child could not be [held responsible for his actions](bold)(=he was too young to be blamed for them).

不能要求这个小孩对自己的行为负责。

The chief of police tried to justify his actions.

警察局长试图为自己的行为辩解。

someone or something that is in action is doing the job or activity they are trained or designed to do

I’d like to see the new computer system in action.

我希望看到新的计算机系统运行起来。

The injury will keep him out of action for a month.

这次受伤将使他一个月无法做事。

There have been reports of widespread [enemy action](bold) in the area.

据报敌军在该地区开展大规模行动。

[killed/wounded in action](bold)(=killed or wounded while fighting)

His father was killed in action in Vietnam.

530 servicemen were reported [missing in action](bold)(=they were never seen again after a battle).

据报有530名军人在战斗中失踪。

The men were [sent into action](bold) with little or no training.

这些男子被送上战场时几乎没有或根本未经训练。

He had [seen action](bold)(=been involved in fighting) in Korea.

a legal or formal process to decide whether someone has done something wrong

They are threatening to [take legal action](bold) against the hospital (=start a court case against them).

他们扬言要起诉这家医院。

The director faces [disciplinary action](bold)(=official action to punish him).

The matter is now the subject of a [court action](bold)(=a court case).

The students agreed to [drop](bold) their [action](bold)(=decided not to continue with a court case or an official complaint).

The sisters [brought a libel action](bold) against the newspaper (=started a court case).

There hasn’t been much action around here for months.

几个月来这里没有发生多少有意思的事。

New York [is where all the action is](bold).

纽约是最繁华喧闹的地方。

an action film has a lot of exciting scenes in it, in which people fight, chase, and kill each other

Most of [the action takes place](bold) in San Francisco.

大部分情节发生在旧金山。

[The action opens](bold)(=starts) in a barbershop.

故事在一家理发店拉开序幕。

the effect that a substance, especially a chemical, has on something

The drug blocks the action of the cancer gene.

这种药能遏制癌症基因的作用。

a group formed to change a social or political situation – often used in names

行动小组/委员会等〔常用于名称〕

an opportunity to be involved in an event or activity, especially one that will be enjoyable or will make money

参与，插手〔尤指为了玩乐、赚钱〕

If you want a slice of the action, tickets may still be available.

要是你们想一起去，可能还有票。

used to say that you are judged by what you do, and not by what you say

used by film directors to give the instruction to begin filming

开拍！〔电影导演下令开始拍摄时用语〕


action

to do a specific thing that needs to be done, especially after discussing it

〔尤指讨论后〕就 …进行处理，对 …采取行动

How are we actually going to action these objectives?

我们究竟如何实现这些目标呢？


active

Studies show that an active lifestyle can reduce your chance of developing heart disease.

(=when someone is able to think quickly and clearly)

A fit body is crucial if you want an active mind.

(=when someone is able to form pictures or ideas easily)

Some of the children have an overactive imagination.

We try to keep the patients active by taking them for a daily walk.

You need to become more physically active and eat less.

Most men play a less active role in family life than women.

Our members take an active part in fund-raising.

She became an active member of the Geological Society.

As a teenager he began to take an active interest in politics.

Active participation in community life is important in small towns and villages.

The school encourages the active involvement of parents.

The student must be an active participant in the learning process.

He wrote the book with the active support of his wife, Pam.

The company is an active supporter of animal rights groups.

Do you play an active role in your community?

Most of the students take an active part in sports.

You should take active steps towards reducing stress.

Not many young people take an active interest in gardening.

As a student, he was politically active.

The proportion of men aged 65–69 who are economically active has decreased.

always busy doing things, especially physical or mental activities

活跃好动的年轻人玩的游戏

She’s over 80, but is still very active.

她80多岁了，但仍旧很活跃。

My father always led a very active life.

我父亲一直过着忙忙碌碌的生活。

involved in an organization or activity and doing lots of practical things to achieve your aims

He became [politically active](bold) at college.

他上大学时开始积极参与政治活动。

The Bureau is active in promoting overseas investment.

[take/play an active part/role in sth](bold)

Encourage students to take an active part in discussions.

要鼓励学生积极参与讨论。

She [took an active interest](bold) in local charities.

她对当地慈善事业非常热衷。

the importance of active participation by elderly people in the life of the community

老年人积极参与社区生活的重要性

We’re [taking active steps](bold)(=doing practical things) to deal with the problem.

我们正在采取积极措施解决这个问题。

We maintain [active links](bold) with other European universities.

我们与欧洲其他大学保持积极联系。

He is an active member of the Labour Party.

operating in a way that is normal or expected

The virus is active even at low temperatures.

这种病毒即使在低温下也有活性。

an active volcano is likely to eruptexplode at any time

The [volcano](bold) became [active](bold) last year with a series of eruptions.

这座火山去年活跃起来，喷发了好几次。

an active verb or sentence has the person or thing doing the action as its subject. In ‘The boy kicked the ball’, the verb ‘kick’ is active

nicotine, the [active ingredient](bold) in tobacco


active

the active form of a verb, for example ‘destroyed’ in the sentence ‘Enemy planes destroyed the village.’


actively

in a way that involves doing a lot of practical things

Carol was [actively involved](bold) in running the group.

卡罗尔积极参与组织的运作。

The school actively encourages students to do their best.

学校积极鼓励学生尽力做到最好。


activist

[activist](bold) adj. <only before noun> eg: activist groups

someone who works hard doing practical things to achieve social or political change

[political/gay/animal rights etc activist](bold)


activity

also: participate in an activity (formal)

The children were encouraged to take part in several different activities.

Police suspect he may have engaged in criminal activities.

The men were involved in terrorist activities.

He doesn’t do a lot of physical activity.

Political activity is closely controlled by the government.

The current level of economic activity will influence business confidence.

Internet shopping is a rapidly developing area of business activity.

There was no sign of any human activity.

The bar was being used for illegal activities.

The police took extra measures to protect the public against terrorist activity.

The college is well situated for students who are interested in outdoor activities.

It’s important to do some kind of regular physical activity.

Your mental activity starts to slow down as you grow old.

I don’t have much time for leisure activities.

He didn’t really take part in classroom activities.

There is plenty of opportunity for children to express themselves in creative and cultural activities.

The level of economic activity has increased.

things that people do, especially in order to achieve a particular aim

〔尤指为达到一定目的而进行的〕活动

Everyone is free to engage in peaceful political activity.

每个人都可以自由参加和平的政治活动。

Regular physical activity helps to control your weight.

定期参加体育活动有助于控制体重。

something that you do because you enjoy it

outdoor activities such as hiking or climbing

a situation in which a lot of things are happening or a lot of things are being done

The office was suddenly full of [frantic activity](bold).

办公室里一下子紧张忙碌起来。

The farm was always [a hive of activity](bold) at this time of year.

每年这个时候农场里都是一派繁忙景象。


actor

a woman who performs in a play or film. Many women prefer to be called [actors](bold) rather than [actresses](bold)

Who was the actress who played Jane Eyre?

Julia Roberts is a famous Hollywood star.

someone who plays the most important part in a play or film

Daniel Radcliffe is the star of the ‘Harry Potter’ films.

one of two or more famous actors who have important parts in a play or film

Her co-star Jodie Foster won the Best Actress Award.

He will play the lead in a new version of ‘Dracula’.

an actor in a film who does not say anything but is part of a crowd

She started her career as an extra in TV soap operas.

an actor who learns a part in a play so that they can act the part if the usual actor is ill

Vanessa had flu, and her place was taken by her understudy, Miss Lisa Fennell.

Other members of the cast include Johnny Depp and Danny DeVito.

She will head the cast she will have the most important part.

a group of actors who perform plays together

In 2006, he joined the Royal Shakespeare Company.

The play will be performed by an all-female company.

It isn’t easy to become a successful professional actor.

Schwarzenegger was one of Hollywood’s leading actors.

(=acting a part that is not the most important one)

She was awarded an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.

Jacobsen was one of the most accomplished actors of his generation.

He was a comic actor and he always got a laugh.

(=acting parts from important traditional literature)

a drama school that trains classical actors

For several years he had small parts as a television actor.

(=an actor who is good at unusual or interesting roles)

As a character actor you get interesting parts.

She has starred with many leading actors.

她曾与许多大牌演员一起担任主角。

[character actor](bold)(=an actor who takes unusual or interesting roles)


actual

used to emphasize that something is real or exact

I’m not joking. Those were his actual words.

我没开玩笑，那都是他的原话。

I know Germany won, but I can’t tell you the actual score.

我知道德国队胜了，但我不知道确切的比分。

Interest is only charged on the actual amount borrowed.

利息只按实际借款额收取。

In [actual fact](bold)(=really), there is little evidence to support the allegations.

事实上，几乎没有证据支持这些指控。

→ Do not use [actual](bold) to mean ‘at the present time’. Use [current](bold) or [present](bold)[the current (NOT actual) economic policy](italic)

used to introduce the most important part of an event or activity

真正的某事物，某事物本身

The programme starts at 8.00 but the actual film doesn’t start until 8.30.

节目8点开始，但电影本身要到8点半才放映。


actually

used to add new information to what you have just said, to give your opinion, or to start a new conversation

实际上，其实；说实在的〔用于补充新的信息、说明个人观点或开始新的对话〕

I’ve known Barbara for years. Since we were babies, actually.

我认识芭芭拉很多年了，实际上我们从小就认识。

Actually, on second thoughts, I don’t think I want to go out tonight.

其实再想想，我今晚不打算出去了。

used to emphasize the real or exact truth of a situation, rather than what people may think

实际上，事实上〔用于强调真实的情况〕

‘Disappointed?’ ‘No, actually I’m rather glad.’

“失望了？”“不，实际上我挺高兴的。”


acute

The housing shortage is more acute than first thought.

住房短缺情况比一开始想的要严重。

an acute illness or disease quickly becomes very serious

acute senses such as hearing, taste, touch etc are very good and sensitive

Young children have a particularly [acute sense of](bold) smell.

Simon’s vague manner concealed an acute mind.

西蒙貌似蒙昧，其实头脑灵活。

an acute analysis of Middle Eastern politics

an acute accenta mark used to show pronunciation is a small mark written above a vowel. In ‘café’, the letter ‘e’ has an acute accent.

发锐音的，标有尖音符号的


acutely

feeling or noticing something very strongly

Students are becoming acutely aware that they need more than just paper qualifications.

学生越来越强烈地意识到他们需要的不仅是一纸文凭。


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→see THESAURUS at [advertisement](->advertisement)


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used to show that a date is a particular number of years after the birth of Christ


adapt

[adapted](bold) adj. eg: She lives in a specially adapted flat.

to gradually change your behaviour and attitudes in order to be successful in a new situation

The children are finding it hard to adapt to the new school.

孩子们觉得很难适应新学校。

flowers which are [well adapted](bold) to harsh winters

The ability to adapt is a definite asset in this job.

适应能力是做这份工作的绝对有利条件。

How do these insects adapt themselves to new environments?

这些昆虫是如何适应新环境的？

to change something to make it suitable for a different purpose

The car has been adapted to take unleaded gas.

这辆车经改装可以使用无铅汽油。

These teaching materials can be adapted for older children.

这些教材可以修改一下供大龄孩子使用。

if a book or play is adapted for film, television etc, it is changed so that it can be made into a film, television programme etc

Many children buy books after they have been adapted for television.

许多小孩子都是在书被改编成电视剧之后才去买的。

[Adapt](bold)  is usually passive in this meaning.


add

to put something with something else or with a group of other things

如果混合物看上去干，加点水。

Do you want to add your name to the list?

你想把你的名字加到名单里吗？

Suzuki has added extra doors to its sports off-roader.

铃木的运动越野车车门增加了。

Material about recent research has been added to this new edition.

这个新版本增加了最近的研究材料。

if you add numbers or amounts together, you calculate their total

For tax purposes, your pension and earnings are added together.

计算税款时，养老金和收入加在一起。

在该费用基础上加2.20英镑的邮费。

to increase the amount or cost of something

Spell-checking your document adds time to the process.

给文件作拼写检查会延长这一过程的时间。

to say more about something that has just been said

‘And I don’t care what you think,’ she added defiantly.

“而且我不在乎你怎么想。”她挑衅地加了一句。

Is there anything you’d like to add, David?

戴维，你还有什么要补充的吗？

Everyone will be invited to vote, he said, adding that voting is likely to be via the Web.

他说所有人都会被邀请来投票，并且补充说投票可能通过网络进行。

I was refused accommodation – not, [I hasten to add](bold), on account of my appearance (=used to explain more about what you have just said).

我的住宿要求被拒——我要赶紧说明一下，不是因为我的外表。

She was trying to entertain us – unsuccessfully, [I might add](bold)(=used to comment on what you have just said).

她想逗我们开心——但我说是白费力气了。

to give a particular quality to something

We’ve [added value](bold) to the information by organizing it.

我们把信息进行了整理，使它变得更有价值了。

[add a touch of glamour/class (to sth)](bold)

Champagne always adds a touch of glamour to the occasion.

香槟酒总能为特别的场合增添情调。

可以加装彩色玻璃以突出效果。

used to introduce another fact that supports your opinion

此外，再加上〔用于引出新的事实来支持自己的观点〕

Our hospitals are short of cash. Add to that the long hours doctors work, and you have a recipe for disaster.

我们的医院资金短缺，再加上医生工作时间长，这些早晚都是祸根。

if something adds weight to an argument, idea etc, it makes it stronger

为某事物增加影响力[说服力]

[add weight to the suggestion/idea etc](bold)

Recent research adds weight to the theory that the climate is changing.

最近的研究进一步证明了气候正在变化这个理论。

to make a bad situation worse for someone who has already been treated badly

She not only deceived him but, to add insult to injury, allowed him to pay for her meal.

她不仅骗了他，更恶劣的是还让他付了饭钱。

to make an argument or disagreement worse

Rather than providing a solution, their statements merely added fuel to the fire.

他们的声明不但没有解决问题，反而火上浇油。


added

in addition to what is usual or expected

The system has the added advantage of recordable DVD drives.

Include people in your picture for [added interest](bold).

将人物摄入画面以增添情趣。

Our yard is only small, and has the added disadvantage of facing north.

我们的院子很小，还有个缺点是朝北。

It may not be necessary to go to the [added expense of](bold) updating your anti-virus software.

另外花钱升级杀病毒软件也许没有必要。


addict

someone who is unable to stop taking drugs

一个正在康复的海洛因瘾君子

someone who is very interested in something and spends a lot of time doing it

My nephew is a complete video game addict.

我侄子绝对是个电子游戏迷。


addicted

unable to stop taking a harmful substance, especially a drug

成瘾的，上瘾的；〔尤指〕有毒瘾的

Fifty million Americans are addicted to nicotine.

liking something so much that you do not want to stop doing it or having it


addiction

the need to take a harmful drug regularly, without being able to stop

a strong desire to do or have something regularly


addictive

if a substance, especially a drug, is addictive, your body starts to need it regularly and you are unable to stop taking it

an activity that is addictive is so enjoyable that you do not want to stop

使人入迷的，使人沉溺其中的

It started as a hobby, but it got so addictive I had to keep on doing it.

开始时只是爱好，但它让人如此着迷，我只得继续下去。


addition

used to add another piece of information to what you have just said

除此之外，此外〔用于补充信息〕

The company provides cheap Internet access. In addition, it makes shareware freely available.

该公司提供廉价的因特网接入服务。此外，它还推出免费的共享软件。

In addition to his movie work, Redford is known as a champion of environmental causes.

除了电影事业外，雷德福还是位公认的环保斗士。

the act of adding something to something else

The addition of networking facilities will greatly enhance the system.

增加网络设施将会大大增强系统的性能。

Turn sparkling wine into Buck’s Fizz with the addition of chilled orange juice.

在起泡酒里加冰镇橙汁，做成巴克菲士鸡尾酒。

something that is added to something else, often in order to improve it

This excellent book will be a [welcome addition](bold) to the library of any student.

这本好书会成为受所有学生喜爱的新藏书。

the latest addition to our designer range

我们名师设计系列的最新款式

the process of adding numbers or amounts to make a total

an extra room that is added to a building

They built a big addition onto the back of the house.

他们在房子后面加盖了一间大屋子。


additional

[Additional information](bold) can be obtained from the centre.

可以从中心获取更多信息。

An additional charge is made on baggage exceeding the weight allowance.

In everyday English, people usually say [extra](bold)  rather than [additional](bold) :

He gets [extra](bold) money from his parents.


additionally

A new contract is in place. Additionally, staff will be offered a bonus scheme.

新合同已经准备就绪。除此之外，还将给员工设立一个奖金计划。