preposition

ˌprepəˈzɪʃən

ˌprepəˈzɪʃən

a word that is used before a noun,pronoun, or gerund to show place, time, direction etc. In the phrase ‘the trees in the park’, ‘in’ is a preposition.


prescribe

to say what medicine or treatment a sick person should have

If these don’t work I may have to prescribe you something stronger.

如果这些药无效，我也许得给你开一些药效更强的。

the drugs prescribed for his stomach pains

to state officially what should be done in a particular situation

What punishment does the law prescribe for this crime?

法律规定这种罪行应受何处罚？


prescription

Dr. Kleinert gave me a prescription for some sleeping tablets.

I'll write you a prescription for some skin cream.

(=give a patient the drugs that a doctor says they need)

You can get the prescription made up at a chemist's.

Most of these drugs require a doctor's prescription.

I went to the surgery to pick up a repeat prescription.

Not everyone can afford the cost of prescription drugs.

a piece of paper on which a doctor writes what medicine a sick person should have, so that they can get it from a pharmacist

We are trying to cut the price of [prescription drugs](bold).

我们正努力降低处方药的价格。

a [repeat prescription](bold)(=one that you have regularly)

[fill a prescription](bold) AmE(=get the drugs a doctor has written that you need)

I got the prescription filled on the way home.

回家的路上我买了医生开给我的药。

a particular medicine or treatment ordered by a doctor for a sick person

〔医生开的〕处方药；治疗方法

If you’re pregnant, you can get free prescriptions.

要是怀孕的话可以获得免费的处方药。

([by prescription](bold) ([AmE](bold)) )

a drug that you get on prescription can only be obtained with a written order from the doctor

an idea or suggestion about how you should behave, or how to make a situation, activity etc successful

The party’s main prescription for educational problems was to give schools more money.

该政党解决教育问题的主要方法是给学校提供更多资金。


presence

These plants indicate the presence of underground water.

Excavations revealed the presence of an ancient burial ground.

They invented a device for detecting the presence of submarines.

Tests confirmed the presence of an infection.

How could he possibly explain the presence of so much money in his flat?

If he had noticed her presence, he gave no sign.

(=be aware that someone is present without seeing them)

The man sensed his presence at once and turned sharply.

(=speak to someone or make a sign to show that you know they are present)

He acknowledged my presence with a quick wave.

It was only when I coughed that he became aware of my presence.

when someone or something is present in a particular place

Your presence is requested at the club meeting on Friday.

敬请出席周五的俱乐部会议。

Tests revealed the presence of poison in the blood.

化验显示血液中含有毒素。

with someone or in the same place as them

在某人面前，当着某人的面

He was determined not to complain in the presence of the nurse.

他决定不当着那位护士的面抱怨。

I asked you not to smoke in my presence.

我叫你不要在我面前抽烟的。

the ability to appear impressive to people because of your appearance or the way you behave

a group of people, especially soldiers, who are in a place to control what is happening

〔驻扎的〕部队；〔派遣的〕队伍

We will increase [police presence](bold) in local communities.

我们将在当地社区增加警力。

Soldiers still maintain a [military presence](bold) in the area.

士兵们仍然驻守在该地区。

the ability to gain sales because your business is strong or noticeable

a company with a strong presence in all major world markets

在世界各大市场都很有势力的公司

a spirit or influence that cannot be seen but is felt to be near

They felt a strange presence in the deserted house.

他们感到那所废弃的房子里有异灵。

to have a strong and noticeable effect on the people around you or the situation you are in

She was a very pretty girl and made her presence felt almost at once.

她是个很漂亮的姑娘，她一出现几乎马上就能吸引别人的注意。


present

The present situation could get much worse.

There are no plans to build more houses here at the present time.

present – used especially about something that is not expected to stay the same for long

existing or being used now – used about things or situations that you think may be changed in the future

The proposal will strengthen existing immigration laws.

used about the art, writing, ideas, society etc that belong to the present time

the impact of computer-generated imagery on contemporary art and design

used about conditions and attitudes that exist now, when you are comparing them with those that existed in the past

People struggle to keep up with the pace of life in today’s world of instant communications.

在〔某地〕的；在场的，出席的

Foreign observers were present at the elections.

the gases present in the Earth’s atmosphere

to be felt strongly or remembered for a long time

强烈感觉到的；历历在目的

The memory of her brother’s death is still present in her mind.

哥哥去世时的情景她仍记忆犹新。

the [present situation](bold) of the millions of people who are suffering poverty and disease

遭受贫困和疾病折磨的数百万人民的现状

[At the present time](bold) we have no explanation for this.

目前我们还无法解释这件事。

The practice has continued from medieval times to the present day.

这种做法从中世纪时期一直延续至今。

([all present and accounted for](bold) )

used to say that everyone who is supposed to be in a place, at a meeting etc is now here

used when you are criticizing a group of people and you want to tell the people you are with that they are not included in the criticism

〔批评他人时用语〕在座各位除外

Women are never satisfied with anything! Present company excepted, of course.

女人从来不会满足！当然在座的各位除外。


present

These mountain roads present problems even to experienced drivers.

Juggling work and family responsibilities presents difficulties for women.

I'm enjoying my new job because it presents an interesting challenge.

The disease presents a grave threat to the livestock industry.

(=cause a problem that is difficult to deal with or solve)

The lack of money presented a massive obstacle.

to give something to someone, for example at a formal or official occasion

〔在正式场合等〕颁发，授予，赠送；呈献；呈递

He was presented with a bottle of champagne.

She was [presented](bold) with an [award](bold).

The computer centre presented a cheque for £500 to cancer research.

那家计算机中心捐赠了一张500英镑的支票用于癌症研究。

使发生[存在]，引起，造成

I knew I had presented her with an impossible task.

我知道我给了她一项不可能完成的任务。

Large classes present great problems to many teachers.

大班教学给许多老师造成很大困难。

to talk and behave in a particular way when you meet people

to show or describe someone or something

The artist was determined to present an accurate picture.

那位画家决心要描绘出一幅精准的画面。

We’ll present the information using a chart.

我们将用图表来展示这些信息。

Shakespeare presents the hero as a noble man doomed to make mistakes.

莎士比亚把主人公表现成一位道德高尚却注定要犯错的人。

The government presents itself as being sensitive to environmental issues.

政府表现出一副对环境问题很敏感的样子。

to give a speech in which you offer an idea, plan etc to be considered or accepted

提出〔观点、计划等〕；陈述

Our manager is due to present the report at the end of the month.

我们的经理将于月底作汇报。

On January 3 the company will present its plans to the bank.

1月3日该公司将向银行提交计划。

to show something such as an official document or ticket to someone in an official position

You must present your passport to the customs officer.

你必须向海关人员出示护照。

to give a performance in a theatre, cinema etc, or broadcast a programme on television or radio

上演；演出；上映；播出〔广播或电视节目〕

Edinburgh Theatre Company presents ‘The Wind in the Willows’.

爱丁堡剧团上演《柳林风声》。

if you present a television or radio programme, you introduce its different parts

Thursday’s ‘The Late Show’ was presented by Cynthia Rose.

星期四的《深夜秀》是由辛西娅·罗丝主持的。

to give something or someone a particular appearance or style

The restaurant likes to present food with style.

那家餐馆的食物总是色香味俱全。

if a situation, opportunity etc presents itself, it suddenly happens or exists

I’ll tell her as soon as the [opportunity presents itself](bold).

to formally introduce someone to another person, especially to someone of a very high rank

〔正式地〕介绍，引见〔尤指向地位极高者〕

我于1964年被引见给女王。

used to greet someone, say sorry to them etc very politely

Mrs. Gottlieb presents her apologies and regrets she will not be able to attend.

戈特利布夫人因为不能出席而感到抱歉和遗憾。

to show an illness by having a particular symptomsign of an illness

显露（病症），表现出（症状）

The doctor asked whether any of the children had been presenting any unusual symptoms.

医生询问是否有孩子表现出什么特别的症状。

Three of the five patients presented with fever and severe headaches.

五位病人中有三位出现了发烧和剧烈头痛的症状。

when soldiers present arms, they hold their guns straight up in front of them while an officer or other important person walks past


present

I want to buy a present for Lucy but I’m not sure what she’d like.

Children soon learn to enjoy giving presents as well as getting them.

She spent the afternoon wrapping Christmas presents.

We always exchange Christmas and birthday presents.

What would Dad like as a Christmas present?

His wedding present to her had been a diamond necklace.

something you give someone on a special occasion or to thank them for something

我在找一份礼物送给马克。

Stop worrying about the past and live in the present.

别再为过去烦恼，好好地过眼前的日子。

The film is set sometime between 1995 and the present.

这部电影的背景设定为1995年到现在的某时。

‘When do you want to start?’ ‘Well, there’s [no time like the present](bold)(=used to say that if you are going to do something at all, you should do it now).’

“你想什么时候开始？” “嗯，没有比现在更合适的时候了。”

the form of the verb that shows what exists or is happening now

The item you want is not available at present.

您想要的那件商品目前没货。

At present, the airport handles 110 flights a day.

目前，该机场每天完成飞机起降110架次。

In everyday English, people usually say [at the moment](bold)  rather than [at present](bold) :

I’m looking for a new job [at the moment](bold).

something that exists or will be done for the present exists now and will continue for a while, though it may change in the future

The company is still in business, at least for the present.

这家公司仍在运营，至少目前如此。

In everyday English, people usually say [for now](bold) , rather than [for the present](bold) :

That’s all we have time for, [for now](bold).


presentation

the act of giving someone a prize or present at a formal ceremony

Dr Evans thanked him for coming to [make](bold) the [presentations](bold).

埃文斯博士感谢他来颁奖。

an event at which you describe or explain a new product or idea

报告；〔新产品的〕介绍；〔观点的〕陈述，说明

We will begin a series of presentations to help the public fully understand our system.

我们将进行一系列的说明，帮助公众充分了解我们的制度。

I’m going to ask each of you to make a short presentation.

我要请你们每一位作一个简短的介绍。

the way in which something is said, offered, shown, or explained to others

讲述，描绘；显示；呈现；表现

desktop devices for the presentation of information

when you show something to someone so that it can be checked or considered

the presentation of the identity documents

Club members will be admitted on presentation of their membership cards.

俱乐部会员出示会员卡方可进入。

I went to see the National Theatre’s presentation of Arthur Miller’s ‘The Last Yankee’.

我去观看了国家剧院上演的阿瑟·米勒的《最后的美国佬》。

the position in which a baby is lying in its mother’s body just before it is born

a book that is given to someone, especially by the writer or publisher

〔尤指作者或出版商提供的〕赠（阅）本


presenter

someone who introduces the different parts of a television or radio show

〔电视或广播节目的〕主持人，主播

英国广播公司第二台《新闻之夜》的主播


presently

马上，一会儿，不久，很快

The range of courses [presently available](bold) has grown.

目前可选择的课程范围已经扩大了。

Your case is presently being investigated.

你的案子目前正在调查中。


present participle

a participle that is formed in English by adding ‘ing’ to the verb, as in ‘sleeping’. It can be used in compound forms of the verb to show continuous tenses, as in ‘she’s sleeping’, or as an adjective, as in ‘the sleeping child’.


present perfect

the form of a verb that shows what happened during a period of time up to and including the present, formed in English with the present tense of the verb ‘have’ and a past participle, as in ‘he has gone’


present tense

the form of the verb that shows what exists or is happening now


preservation

when something is kept in its original state or in good condition

Eliot campaigned for the preservation of London’s churches.

埃利奥特发起了保护伦敦各教堂的运动。

We are working for the preservation of the environment.

我们正致力于环境保护工作。

the preservation of our cultural heritage

the act of making sure that a situation continues without changing

the degree to which something has remained unchanged or unharmed by weather, age etc

The arena is in an exceptionally fine [state of preservation](bold).

那座竞技场保存得非常完好。


preserve

to save something or someone from being harmed or destroyed

维护，保护，保存〔使免受破坏〕

We must encourage the planting of new trees and preserve our existing woodlands.

我们必须鼓励栽种新树木，同时也要保护现有的林地。

to make something continue without changing

the responsibility of the police to preserve the peace

Norma tried to preserve a normal family life in difficult circumstances.

诺尔玛努力在艰苦的条件下维持正常的家庭生活。

to store food for a long time after treating it so that it will not decay


preserve

a substance made from boiling fruit or vegetables with sugar, salt, or vinegar

an activity that is only suitable or allowed for a particular group of people

Banking used to be a [male preserve](bold).

银行业一度是男人的天下。

The civil service became the preserve of the educated middle class.

政府文职机构成了受过良好教育的中产人士的专属领地。

an area of land or water that is kept for private hunting or fishing


presidency

the position of being the president of a country or organization, or the period of time during which someone is president

总统[主席，总裁]的职位[任期]

Roosevelt was elected four times to the presidency of the US.

罗斯福四次当选美国总统。

There were few real improvements during his presidency.

在他的总统任期内几乎没有什么真正的改善。


President

the official leader of a country that does not have a king or queen

the person who has the highest position in a company or organization

〔公司〕总裁，董事长；〔机构等的〕主席，会长；〔银行〕行长


presidential

[adj](bold) <[usually before noun](bold)>


press

There was very little about the incident in the national press.

Evening classes are advertised in the local press.

The British press have blamed other countries for North Sea pollution.

African countries want the foreign press to report African affairs.

(=newspapers intended for educated people)

The book received excellent reviews in the quality press.

(=popular newspapers that have a lot of news about famous people etc, rather than serious news)

He regularly appeared in the tabloid press alongside well-known actresses.

(=newspapers that print shocking stories about people’s private lives)

The gutter press enjoyed printing the sensational story.

(=reporters whose reports are not restricted by the government)

I am glad that we have a free press in this country.

‘It was a really tough decision,’ she told the press.

(=give them secret information in an unofficial way)

The confidential report was leaked to the press.

According to press reports, he was suffering from exhaustion.

The event received a lot of press coverage.

A group of press photographers was waiting for her outside.

people who write reports for newspapers, radio, or television

The press has been very nasty about him.

[The press](bold)  is usually followed by a singular verb: The press [does](bold) not always report the whole story.

In British English, you can also use a plural verb: The press [do](bold) not always report the whole story.

reports in newspapers and on radio and television

To judge from the press, the concert was a great success.

从新闻报道来看，这次音乐会非常成功。

The band has received good [press coverage](bold)(=the reports written about something in newspapers).

该乐队获得了报界的好评。

The story was widely covered in the national press.

此事在全国性报纸上广为报道。

to be criticized in the newspapers or on radio or television

受到新闻界[舆论界]的批评

The government's policy on mental health care is getting an increasingly bad press.

to be praised in the newspapers or on radio or television

受到新闻界[舆论界]的好评

Our recycling policy is getting a good press.

我们的回收利用政策逐渐获得新闻界的好评。

a business that prints and sometimes also sells books

a machine that prints books, newspapers, or magazines

a piece of equipment used to put weight on something in order to make it flat or to force liquid out of it

a light steady push against something small

if a newspaper, magazine, or book goes to press, it begins to be printed

All information was correct at the time we went to press.

我们准备付印时所有信息都正确无误。

a crowd of people pushing against each other


press

[be hard pressed to do sth](bold) at → [hard](->hard) 2 sense 5

to push something down or against a surface with your fingers or foot

to press something inwards from both sides

It’s one of those balls that make a funny noise when you squeeze it.

Squeeze the lemon and add the juice to the sauce.

to press something against a surface accidentally and damage it by making it flat

to press something very hard so that it breaks into very small pieces, or is very badly damaged

The front of the car was completely crushed in the crash.

to press cooked vegetables or fruit until they are soft and smooth

to press something solid until it becomes a powder, using a machine or tool

to push something firmly against a surface

Manville kept his back pressed flat against the wall.

曼维尔后背紧紧地贴在墙上。

She pressed the gas pedal and the car leapt forwards.

她踩下油门，汽车向前冲了出去。

He pressed a card into her hand before leaving.

离开之前他往她手里塞了一张卡片。

to push a button, switch etc to make a machine start, a bell ring etc

Lily [pressed](bold) the [switch](bold) and plunged the room into darkness.

莉莉按下开关，房间里顿时漆黑一片。

Press control, alt, delete to log on to the computer.

to move in a particular direction by pushing

The car rocked as the crowd pressed hard against it.

人群拼命地挤靠着汽车，车身晃动了起来。

to try hard to persuade someone to do something, especially by asking them many times

I felt that if I had pressed him he would have lent me the money.

我觉得如果当时我逼着他要，他会把钱借给我的。

The police pressed her to remember all the details.

警方催促她回忆所有的细节。

The manufacturers are pressing the government for action.

生产商正在敦促政府采取行动。

We must continue to press for full equality.

我们必须继续诉求，争取实现完全平等。

I was [pressing](bold) my [claim](bold) for custody of the child.

我正在极力争取孩子的监护权。

to put pressure or a weight on something to make it flat, crush it etc

At this stage the grapes have to be pressed.

to hold someone or something close to you

to hold someone’s hand or arm tightly for a short time, to show friendship, sympathy etc

紧握某人的手/手臂〔表示友好、同情等〕

Sometimes he was too ill to speak, and just pressed my hand.

有时他病得太厉害不能说话，就用力握握我的手。

to say officially that someone has done something illegal and must go to court

a government department that is pressed for both time and money

to offer something to someone and try to make them take it

极力把〔某物〕给〔某人〕

I pressed money on him, but he refused to take it.

我硬塞钱给他，但他就是不肯要。

to push a weight up from your chest using only your arms, without moving your legs or feet

to persuade someone to help you, or to use something to help you do something because of an unexpected problem or need

〔因意外问题或需求而〕将就使用[暂用]某人/某物

The army was pressed into service to fight the fires.

to shake hands with a lot of people – used humorously

与许多人握手〔幽默用法〕

The president reached into the crowd to press the flesh.

总统走入人群和大家握手。

把某物推入[压入，按入，塞入]适当的位置

Jane slammed the door and pressed the bolt home.

简砰的一声把门关上并插上了插销。

to repeat or emphasize something, so that people remember it

重复[强调]某事物〔以使人们记住它〕

He decided it was time to [press](bold) his [point](bold) home.

他断定该是强调他观点的时候了。

to try to succeed completely, using an advantage that you have gained

用足自己的优势；尽量利用时机


pressing

needing to be discussed or dealt with very soon

Poverty is a more pressing problem than pollution.

贫穷是比污染更紧迫的问题。


pressing

a thing or group of things, especially records or CDs, that have been made by pressing plastic or metal into shape

压制品；一批压制品〔尤指唱片或光盘〕

The CD, released in October, sold out a first pressing of 1,500 in just four months.

这张光盘发行于10月份，第一批压制的1,500张仅仅四个月就销售一空。

按，压，挤，推；压平；压榨

The olives are heat treated during the second pressing.

橄榄在第二次压榨时经过加热处理。


pressure

We’ve decided to set up a campaign to put pressure on the Government.

They exerted pressure on their colleagues to vote for the change.

These groups have brought pressure to bear on the government.

They were put under pressure to sign confessions.

Apple growers are under pressure from the public to use fewer chemicals.

The new prime minister has already come under pressure from the opposition to call an election.

He eventually gave in to pressure and resigned.

The government responded to this pressure and modified the Bill.

There was strong pressure for a statement from the president.

Shopkeepers are under considerable pressure to work on Sundays.

There was increasing pressure on the Chancellor to cut petrol tax.

He faces mounting public pressure to resign.

We did not make this recommendation because of political pressure.

(=pressure from other countries' governments)

The announcement of a ceasefire came after intense diplomatic pressure from the US.

an attempt to persuade someone by using influence, arguments, or threats

〔通过影响、辩论或威胁施加的〕压力

They are [putting pressure on](bold) people to vote yes.

他们正在向民众施加压力，要求他们投赞成票。

[be/come under pressure to do sth](bold)

The minister was under pressure to resign.

部长面临被迫辞职的压力。

[be/come under pressure from sb (to do sth)](bold)

I was under pressure from my parents to become a teacher.

The Labour government came under pressure from the trade unions.

工党政府受到了来自工会的压力。

要求我们个个都保持苗条的压力

He [exerts pressure on](bold) his kids to get them to do as he wants.

他给孩子们施加压力，让他们按照他的想法去做。

You must never [give in to pressure](bold).

a way of working or living that causes you a lot of anxiety, especially because you feel you have too many things to do

I feel I’m not able to cope well with the pressures of life.

我觉得自己无法妥善应付生活压力。

The pressure on doctors is increasing steadily.

The [pressures of work](bold) can make you ill.

工作压力可能会导致生病。

athletes who show [grace under pressure](bold)(=who behave well when they are anxious)

压力下仍表现良好的运动员

events or conditions that cause changes and affect the way a situation develops, especially in economics or politics

〔尤指经济或政治的〕压力

Analysts expect the pound to [come under pressure](bold).

分析家预期英镑将面临压力。

[relieve/reduce pressure (on sb/sth)](bold)

Slowing the arms race relieved pressure on the Soviet economic system.

放慢军备竞赛速度减轻了苏联经济体制所面临的压力。

The 1990s [brought](bold) increased economic [pressure to bear on](bold) all business activities.

20世纪90年代所有的商业活动都面临更大的经济压力。

the force or weight that is being put on to something

The pressure of the water turns the wheel.

他的手压在我胳膊上的力量

the force produced by the quantity of gas or liquid in a place or container

The gas containers burst [at high pressure](bold).

这些瓦斯容器遇到高压就会爆炸。

a condition of the air in the Earth’s atmosphere, which affects the weather

A ridge of high pressure is building up strongly over the Atlantic.

一个强大的高压脊正在大西洋上空形成。


pressure

to try to make someone do something by making them feel it is their duty to do it

You want to enjoy food, not to be pressured into eating the right things.

人们希望享受食物，而不是被迫去吃那些该吃的东西。

Don’t feel we are pressuring you to give what you can’t afford.

别勉强，我们不会强人所难的。


prestige

the respect and admiration that someone or something gets because of their success or important position in society

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

the prestige of having your work shown at a top London gallery

有作品在伦敦顶级美术馆展览的荣誉

The king wanted to [enhance](bold) his [prestige](bold) through war.

国王想通过战争来提高自己的威信。

This little-known British firm has now [gained](bold) considerable [prestige](bold).

这家名不见经传的英国公司如今已经声名鹊起。

the personal prestige attached to owning a large property


prestige

a prestige project, product etc is one of high quality that people respect you for having or being involved in


prestigious

admired as one of the best and most important

有威望的，有声望的，有威信的


presumably

used to say that you think something is probably true

It’s raining, which presumably means that your football match will be cancelled.

下雨了，这可能意味着你们的足球比赛要取消。


presume

to think that something is true, although you are not certain

Each of you will make a speech, I presume?

我想你们每个人都会发言，是吗？

‘Are his parents still alive?’ '[I presume so](bold).’

“他的父母都还健在吗？” “我想是吧。”

I presume we’ll be there by six o'clock.

我想我们会在6点之前到。

From the way he talked, I presumed him to be your boss.

从他谈话的样子看，我想他是你们的老板。

The temple is presumed to date from the first century BC.

据推测这座寺庙建于公元前1世纪。

to accept something as true until it is shown to not be true, especially in law

认定，认为，推定〔尤在法律上〕

We must presume innocence until we have evidence of guilt.

在掌握有罪证据之前应作无罪推定。

Their nephew was missing, presumed dead.

他们的侄子失踪了，被认定为死亡。

to behave without respect or politeness by doing something that you have no right to do

I would never presume to tell you what to do.

to accept something as being true and base something else on it

The Ancient History course presumes some knowledge of Greek.

古代史课程要求略懂希腊语。

I presume that someone will be there to meet us when we arrive.

我想我们到的时候应该会有人在那里接我们。

presume on/upon sb’s friendship/generosity etc

to unfairly ask someone for more than you should, because they are your friend, are generous etc

It would be presuming on his generosity to ask him for money.

向他要钱等于是在利用他的慷慨占便宜。


presumption

something that you think is true because it is very likely

the presumption that their wealth is the result of crime

认为他们的财富是不义之财的猜测

On the presumption that the doctor knows best, I took the medicine.

我想医生是最清楚的，所以就把这药吃了。

the act of thinking something is true, bad, or good until it is shown to not be true, bad, or good

a strong presumption against development in national parks

强烈反对在国家公园里进行开发

behaviour that seems rude and too confident


pretend

to deliberately behave as though something is true when it is not, either for fun or to deceive someone

Mark closed his eyes and pretended to be asleep.

She shouted but he pretended that he hadn’t heard her.

to behave in a particular way – often used when saying that someone is pretending that something is true, when it is not

She always acts like she’s pleased to see me, but I’m sure she’s not.

He enjoyed acting the foolpretending to be stupid and couldn’t care less about his studies.

The boy acted all innocent and said that he knew nothing about the money.

I tried to act the good housewife when I got married.

to pretend that something is true, in order to avoid doing something or to deceive someone

I didn’t want to go, so I made out I was busy.

She always makes out that she doesn’t have any money.

to be pretending to be ill, hurt etc, especially in order to avoid doing something, or to make other people feel sympathy for you

She’s not really upset, she’s just putting it on.

to pretend that you are interested, surprised etc

‘Oh really!’ he said, trying to feign interest.

Sometimes it’s best just to feign ignorance pretend that you do not know.

to pretend that your life is happy and successful, especially when you have suffered some kind of trouble or loss

Although we were poor, our family always tried to keep up appearances.

She did her best to keep up appearances after her husband left her.

to copy the way that a famous person speaks and behaves, in order to entertain people, or to pretend to have an official job, in order to trick people

He’s brilliant at impersonating the president.

It’s illegal to impersonate a police officer.

to pretend to be someone else, especially someone in an official position, so that it is easier for you to do something bad or illegal

He posed as a doctor to gain access to the hospital.

There have been cases of thieves posing as telephone engineers.

to pretend to be someone or something else – used especially when saying that someone or something is not who they claim to be

Their advertisements are always full of people in white coats masquerading as scientists.

It’s not real news – it’s government propaganda masquerading as news.

to behave as if something is true when in fact you know it is not, in order to deceive people or for fun

We can’t go on pretending that everything is OK.

我们不能继续佯装一切都没问题。

我们假装自己是在月球上吧。

他并没睡着，不过是装睡而已。

To [pretend ignorance](bold) of the situation would be irresponsible.

装作不知情是不负责任的做法。

I can’t marry her and to [pretend otherwise](bold) would be wrong.

我不可以娶她，装作娶她无妨是不对的。

to claim that something is true, when it is not

声称〔不真实的事为真实〕

I can’t pretend I understand these technical terms(=I admit I do not understand them).

我不能妄称懂得这些专业术语。

The book doesn’t pretend to be for beginners.

这本书没说是给初学者看的。


pretend

imaginary or not real – used especially by children

假装的，想象的，假想的〔尤为儿语〕

We sang songs around a pretend campfire.

我们围在假想的营火旁唱歌。


pretentious

if someone or something is pretentious, they try to seem more important, intelligent, or high class than they really are in order to be impressive

自命不凡的，自我炫耀的，矫饰的


pretty

[be sitting pretty](bold) at → [sit](->sit) sense 9

In written English, people usually avoid [pretty](bold)  and use [fairly](bold)  instead:

The consequences of this are [fairly](bold) obvious.

Dinner at Luigi’s sounds pretty good to me.

到路易吉餐厅吃饭我看很不错嘛。

He hit the ball pretty well exactly where he wanted it.

他击球很准，差不多指哪儿打哪儿。

(also: [pretty near](bold) ([AmE](bold)) )

The shock of Pat’s death pretty near killed Roy.

帕特去世的打击让罗伊几乎痛不欲生。


pretty

[prettily](bold) adv. eg: Charlotte sang very prettily.

[comparative](italic) [prettier](bold) [superlative](italic) [prettiest](bold)

a woman or child who is pretty has a nice attractive face

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

Maria looks much prettier with her hair cut short.

玛丽亚把头发剪短好看多了。

something that is pretty is pleasant to look at or listen to but is not impressive

好看的，好听的，悦目的，悦耳的〔但未达到令人赞叹的程度〕

very unpleasant to look at – sometimes used humorously

不堪入目〔有时为幽默用法〕

After a night’s drinking, Al was not a pretty sight.

喝了一晚上的酒，阿尔已经不成人样了。

used humorously to say that someone is intelligent, when people think this is surprising

不仅相貌好，不只脸蛋漂亮〔幽默用法，用于表示某人聪明〕

你要知道，我可不光是脸蛋漂亮！

used to say that a very bad situation has developed

[Things have come to a pretty pass](bold), if you can’t say what you think without causing a fight.

如果你有话直说就一定会引起争吵，那就不妙了。


prevail

if a belief, custom, situation etc prevails, it exists among a group of people at a certain time

〔信念、风俗等〕盛行，流行，普遍存在

the economic conditions which prevail in England and Wales

英格兰和威尔士普遍存在的经济状况

I admired the creativity which prevailed among the young writers.

我钦佩青年作家普遍具有的那种创造力。

if a person, idea, or principle prevails in a fight, argument etc, they are successful in the end

〔某个人、观点或原则〕获胜，占上风

[common sense prevails/reason prevails](bold)(=a sensible decision is made)

He considered lying, but then common sense prevailed.

他想过要说谎，不过后来常识还是占了上风。

Your inner strength will enable you to prevail over life’s obstacles.

内心的力量会促使你战胜生活中的困难。


prevailing

existing or accepted in a particular place or at a particular time

The [prevailing mood](bold) of public opinion remained hostile.

the [prevailing](bold) economic [conditions](bold) in Northern Ireland

a wind that blows over a particular area most of the time

〔某一地区大部分时间常刮的〕盛行风


prevalence

the prevalence of deafness in older age groups


prevalent

common at a particular time, in a particular place, or among a particular group of people

Solvent abuse is especially prevalent among younger teenagers.


prevent

[preventable](bold) adj. eg: preventable diseases eg: Every one of these deaths is preventable.

In everyday English, people usually say [stop sb/sth (from) doing sth](bold)  rather than [prevent sb/sth (from) doing sth](bold) :

This barrier is to [stop](bold) people from coming in without a ticket.

to stop something from happening, or stop someone from doing something

The rules are intended to prevent accidents.

这些规定旨在预防事故发生。

His back injury may prevent him from playing in tomorrow’s game.

背伤可能让他明天不能参赛。

We were prevented from entering the site.

Wrap small ornaments in paper to prevent them being damaged.

把小饰品用纸包上以免损坏。


prevention

when something bad is stopped from happening

Educating new drivers is important for the [prevention of accidents](bold).

教育新司机对于预防事故很重要。

Effective crime prevention must be our main goal.

有效预防犯罪肯定是我们的主要目标。

You know what they say, [prevention is better than cure](bold)(=it is better to stop something bad from happening than to remove the problem once it has happened).


previous

used when talking about a person, thing, time etc before the one that you are talking about now

The car’s previous owner didn’t take very good care of it.

The temperature is higher than in previous years.

used when talking about the one that you had just before now, or the one that existed just before now

The last apartment we lived in was much smaller than this one.

Beth broke up with her last boyfriend because he drank too much.

used when talking about people you knew or things you had in the past, or about things that existed in the past and have been replaced by newer things

I saw Phil with one of my old girlfriends.

The new stadium is much bigger than the old one.

coming just before the time or thing you have just mentioned, or before the part of a book where you are now

There were fewer crimes compared to the preceding year.

The author dealt with this subject in the preceding chapters of the book.

In the preceding section of the poem, Whitman is talking about how important it is to live in the present.

used to describe someone or something that used to have a particular job or position but does not anymore

someone who used to be someone’s wife, used to be a soldier etc, but is not anymore

Lydia is still friends with her ex-husband.

the person or thing that existed before the one you have just mentioned

I didn’t enjoy Spielberg’s last film but I thought the one before was all right.

Each year, the convention is a little larger than the one before.

having happened or existed before the event, time, or thing that you are talking about now

I’ve met him before on two previous occasions.

She has two children from a previous marriage.

她在上一次婚姻中生了两个孩子。

Do you have any previous experience of this type of work?

你以前有过此类工作的经验吗？

The lawyer told the judge that Kennedy had no previous convictions.

律师告诉法官，肯尼迪没有犯罪前科。

the one that came immediately before the one you are talking about now

前一天/前一章/前一个主人等

The trees had been planted by the previous owner.

这些树是前一位主人栽种的。

There were almost no women MPs previous to 1945.

1945年以前几乎没有女议员。


previously

Almost half the group had previously been heavy smokers.

该群体中近一半人以前烟瘾都很大。

[two days/three years etc previously](bold)(=two days, three years etc before)

Six months previously he had smashed up his car.

六个月以前他撞毁了自己的汽车。


price

[cheap at the price](bold) at → [cheap](->cheap) 1 sense 8 [name your price](bold) at → [name](->name) 2 sense 7 [pay the price](bold) at → [pay](->pay) 1 sense 9

the amount of money that you have to pay for something

The prices in that shop are rather high.

You can have a two-course meal for a special price of £9.95.

the amount of money that you have to pay for services, activities, or things you need such as food and electricity

The cost of the two-day course is $1,295.

Many banks are raising their borrowing costs.

the amount of money that something is worth and that people are willing to pay if it is sold

The value of the painting was estimated at £500,000.

With such low prices, there are lots of eager buyers.

The price was reasonable for such good food.

Many fans paid astronomical prices for their tickets.

£10,000 seemed an exorbitant price for the rug.

People seem willing to pay inflated prices for houses in central London.

A poor harvest led to higher food prices.

The house is available at a knockdown price of $195,000.

(=the price of something on a market at a particular time)

We think the stock’s current market price is too high.

(=the amount of money that someone is asking for when they are selling something, especially a house)

The property is worth more than the asking price.

(=the price that someone pays when they buy something, especially a house)

You can obtain a loan for up to 90% of the purchase price.

(=the price that the public pays for something in a shop)

Tax is 40% of the retail price of a typical bottle of wine.

(=the price that a business such as a shop pays to buy something)

When supplies go down, prices tend to go up.

In real terms, the price of clothes has fallen over the last ten years.

Gas prices have continued to fluctuate in recent months.

Over 1,000 paintings will be shown with prices ranging from £50 to £5,000.

Manufacturers have had to put their prices up.

The company recently cut the price of its best-selling car.

Many carpet stores have slashed prices to bring in customers.

(=decide on it, sometimes illegally with others)

Publishers are not permitted to fix prices with one another.

Now all we need to do is agree on a price.

I paid a very reasonable price for my guitar.

(=be paid a particular amount for something)

Farmers now get a decent price for their crop.

(=be sold for a particular amount of money)

I’m sure the painting would fetch a good price in London.

Consumers are facing more fuel price rises.

Holiday sales were down, even with drastic price cuts.

(=when prices are kept at the same level by a company or by the government)

A price freeze on nine basic goods was announced on June 14.

Poor demand led to a sharp drop in prices.

The sharp rise in wholesale food prices will have to be passed onto customers.

(=used when saying that someone can/cannot afford to pay for something)

Unfortunately, there was nothing in our price range.

We paid a heavy price for our mistakes this season.

She won fame, but it came at a high price.

The success of the nation’s businesses has exacted a dreadful price from the people.

Smokers often pay a high price in terms of their health.

Any country breaking international law will be made to pay a heavy price.

The sport can exact a terrible price from its participants.

(=something is worth suffering in order to achieve something more important)

Changing his job would be a small price to pay to keep his marriage intact.

the amount of money you have to pay for something

我们谈妥了那辆自行车的价格。

Supermarkets often offer you two products for the price of one.

→ [asking price](->asking price) → [cost price](->cost price) → [list price](->list price) → [market price](->market price)

something unpleasant that you must suffer in order to be successful, free etc, or that you suffer because of a mistake or bad action

He’s never at home, but that’s the price of success.

他从不在家，但那就是成功的代价。

The awful boat journey was [a small price to pay](bold) for freedom.

在小船上的这段行程可谓胆战心惊，但这是为换取自由而付出的小小代价。

They may [pay a high price](bold) for their few years of glory.

为了短短几年的辉煌，他们也许要付出高昂的代价。

The country will [pay a heavy price](bold) for the government’s failure.

She was finally made senior executive, but [at what price](bold)!

她终于爬上了高层主管的位置，不过付出了何等代价啊！

used to talk about half the usual price of something, or the actual usual price

I bought these jeans at half price in the sale.

我在特卖的时候以半价买了这条牛仔裤。

You can get goat’s cheese at the local delicatessen – at a price!

你可以在当地的熟食店买到山羊干酪——不过价格很高！

whatever the cost and difficulties may be

She was determined to have a child at any price.

她决心不惜任何代价都要生一个孩子。

used to say that you would not do something, even for a lot of money

无论多少钱也不干；无论如何不

Sorry, that painting’s not for sale at any price.

对不起，那幅画无论多少钱都不卖。

You can’t put a price on what a mother does for her children.

不能用金钱来衡量母亲为自己孩子的付出。

used to suggest that something was not worth achieving because too many bad things have happened as a result

名声/荣耀等又有什么用？〔指代价太大〕

是无价之宝；极其珍贵；极其重要

a reward for catching or killing someone

悬赏缉拿[杀死]某人的赏金

used to say that you can persuade people to do anything if you give them what they want

人各有其价〔指人都是可以收买的〕


price

The clothes shops all seemed to be full of highly priced designer clothes.

The food was good and reasonably priced.

On the outskirts of many towns, you will find moderately priced motels.

(=not expensive compared with similar things)

Lower costs meant that Japanese exports remained competitively priced.

There are some very modestly priced artificial plants to be had.

These figurines are attractively priced at £32.

to decide the price of something that is for sale

门票价格定为每张75英镑。

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

to put the price on goods to show how much they cost

We spent Saturday morning pricing microwaves.

星期六上午我们比较了各种微波炉的价钱。

to demand too much money for the services or goods that you are selling


priceless

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

a quality or skill that is priceless is extremely important or useful

〔品质或技能〕极其重要的，极其有用的

The ability to motivate people is a priceless asset.

能够激励人们是难能可贵的优点。


pride

Caroline is pictured here holding the trophy with great pride.

The museum is a vital source of civic pride.

She takes pride in her beautiful gardens.

I could see that her mother was bursting with pride.

He would swell with pride as he discussed his department’s achievements.

‘I knew he could do it,’ she said, glowing with pride.

I still feel a sense of pride at having been a member of the regiment.

The Chinese Olympic Games were a source of pride to the whole country.

a feeling that you are proud of something that you or someone connected with you has achieved

He [takes great pride in](bold) his children’s achievements.

他为儿女的成就感到非常骄傲。

The people have a [sense of pride](bold) in their community.

人们对自己的社区有一种自豪感。

His heart [swelled with pride](bold) when his daughter came in.

女儿进来时他的内心充满了自豪感。

She felt a [glow of pride](bold) when her name was announced for the prize.

宣布她获奖时她感到非常自豪。

Success in sport is a source of [national pride](bold).

体育方面的成就可以激发民族自豪感。

a feeling that you like and respect yourself and that you deserve to be respected by other people

It [hurt](bold) his [pride](bold) when his wife left him.

妻子离开了他，这伤害了他的自尊。

I think that getting a job would [give](bold) him his [pride back](bold).

我认为找份工作可以让他重拾自尊。

She didn’t try to hide her anger and [injured pride](bold).

她并没有试图掩饰自己的愤怒和受伤的自尊心。

[It’s a matter of pride](bold) for some men that their wives don’t have to work.

对某些男人来说妻子无须工作是有面子的事。

a belief that you are better than other people and do not need their help or support

His pride wouldn’t allow him to ask for help.

他的自尊心不允许他向别人求助。

She ought to [swallow](bold) her [pride](bold)(=ignore or forget her feelings of pride) and call him.

她应该放下架子给他打电话。

to do something very carefully and well, in a way that gives you a lot of satisfaction

Your should take more pride in your work.

她对自己的外貌引以为傲。

a person or thing that someone is very proud of

某人引以为傲的人[事物]

the thing or person that the people in a particular place are most proud of

Wigan’s rugby team was the pride of the town.

威根的橄榄球队是该镇的骄傲。

某类事物中最令人骄傲之物

a beautiful Japanese sword that is the pride of our collection

一把漂亮的日本刀——我们最引以为豪的藏品

if something has or takes pride of place, it is put in the best place for people to see because it is the thing you are most proud of

A large photograph of the children had pride of place on the sitting room wall.

起居室墙上最显眼的位置挂着一张孩子们的大幅照片。

A young lion had strayed some distance from the pride.

有一只幼狮走散，离开狮群有一段距离。


pride

to be especially proud of something that you do well, or of a good quality that you have

以（做）某事而自豪，对某事物感到得意

a restaurant that prides itself on speed of service

She prides herself on being a good listener.

她为自己善于倾听而感到自豪。


priest

someone who is specially trained to perform religious duties and ceremonies in the Christian church

Women priests are much more common these days.

The priest who married us was very friendly and helpful.

a priest of high rank in some branches of the Christian church, who is the head of all the churches and priests in a large area

a priest in the Church of England who is in charge of a church in a particular area

someone who gives the sermona religious talk as part of a church service in some Protestant churches

the formal word for any priest in some branches of the Christian church

In 1843, 450 ministers of the church broke away from the established church of Scotland.

someone, especially a priest, who takes care of the religious needs of an organization such as a college, hospital, prison, or the military

someone who is in charge of the prayers, ceremonies etc in some branches of the Protestant church

the person who is in charge of the prayers, ceremonies etc in the Jewish religion

The people turned to their traditional leaders, the mullahs.

someone who is treated with great respect by people who belong to a religion

A Sadhu, or Hindu holy man, was performing yoga on the banks of the River Ganges.

the official leaders in organized religions, such as the priests, rabbis, and mullahs

Around 30 members of the clergy gathered for the meeting.

a male member of the clergy – used especially in the past

His youngest son decided to become a clergyman.

a man with religious duties and responsibilities in some non-Christian religions

〔基督教之外一些宗教的〕教士，祭司，神职人员


primarily

The advertisement is aimed primarily at children.

这则广告的对象主要是儿童。


primary

→see THESAURUS at [important](->important)   →see THESAURUS at [main](->main) 1

Our primary concern is to provide the refugees with food and health care.

我们的头等大事是向难民提供食品和卫生保健。

Many of the villagers rely on fishing as their primary source of income.

很多村民以打鱼作为他们的主要收入来源。

Their primary objective is to make money.

Personal safety is [of primary importance](bold).

relating to the education of children between 5 and 11 years old

happening or developing before other things

Counselling was given as a primary therapy for depression.

心理咨询是抑郁症的初步疗法。


primary school

a school for children between 5 and 11 years old in England and Wales

〔英格兰和威尔士5至11岁儿童上的〕小学


prime

Smoking is the prime cause of lung disease.

抽烟是引发肺部疾病的首要原因。

Our prime concern is providing jobs for all young school leavers.

我们的头等大事是为所有的年轻毕业生提供工作。

He was named as the [prime suspect](bold) in the murder investigation.

在那宗谋杀案的调查中他被定为主要嫌疑人。

Good management is [of prime importance](bold) in business.

良好的经营管理在商业领域尤为重要。

The hotel is in a prime location overlooking the valley.

那家宾馆位置极佳，可以俯瞰山谷。

to be the person or thing that is most suitable or most likely to be chosen for a particular purpose

是（某事物的）首选／头号目标

The school is a prime candidate for closure.

Old people are a prime target for thieves.

老年人是窃贼的首选目标。

非常典型的例子，有代表性的例证

Blakey Hall is a prime example of a 19th-century building.

布莱基庄园是19世纪建筑的典型代表。


prime

the time in your life when you are strongest and most active

目前她年已四十，依然风华正茂。

He is now [past](bold) his [prime](bold).

a young singer who was tragically [cut off in](bold) her [prime](bold)(=died while she was in her prime)


prime

to prepare someone for a situation so that they know what to do

使准备好〔应付某一情况〕

你事先提醒她要说些什么了吗？

He had a shower and primed himself for action.

他冲了个淋浴，准备行动。

He had been primed to say nothing about it.

有人事先关照过他，叫他什么也别说。

to prepare a gun or bomb so that it can fire or explode

为〔枪炮〕装火药；为〔炸弹等〕装雷管

to put a special layer of paint on a surface, in order to prepare it for the next layer

All metal surfaces will have to be primed.

所有金属表面都必须打上底漆。

to encourage a business, industry, or activity to develop by putting money or effort into it

投资[投入人力]以促进某企业[行业等]的发展

to pour water into a water pump in order to make it ready to work


Prime Minister

prime minister  [n](bold) <[C](bold)> abbreviation: PM

the most important minister and leader of the government in some countries which have a parliament

他于1982年首次担任首相。


primitive

belonging to a simple way of life that existed in the past and does not have modern industries and machines

something that is primitive is very simple and does not have the extra modern parts that would make it faster, better, more comfortable etc

The first station buildings were quite primitive.

The local hospital care is primitive and unreliable.

当地医院的治疗水平落后，靠不住。

Conditions at the camp are very primitive.

a primitive animal or plant has a simple structure or body

〔动物或植物〕原始的，低等的

primitive life-forms that live deep in the ocean

生活在大洋深处的低等生物

primitive feelings are not based on reason, and seem to come from a part of people’s character that is ancient and animal-like


primitive

an artist who paints simple pictures like those of a child


prince

a male ruler of a small country or state

〔较小国家的〕国君，亲王


princess

a close female relation of a king and queen, especially a daughter


principal

His principal reason for making the journey was to visit his family.

他那次旅程的首要目的是探访家人。

Teaching is her principal source of income.

教书是她主要的收入来源。


principal

a small school with just three teachers and the principal

只有三位老师和一位校长的小型学校

someone who is in charge of a university or college

the main person in a business or organization, who can make important business decisions and is legally responsible for them

〔企业或机构的〕主管，负责人

The principal of the business has an office in New York.

这家公司的负责人在纽约有一处办公室。

the main performer in a play or in a group of musicians, dancers etc

〔戏剧、音乐等演出的〕主角，主要演员，首席演奏者

She later became a principal with the Royal Ballet.

她后来成了皇家芭蕾舞团的主要演员。

the original amount of money that is lent to someone, not including any of the interest


principally

The money is principally invested in stocks and shares.

We met principally to discuss the future of the school.

我们开会主要是为了商讨学校的前途。


principle

→ Do not confuse the noun [principle](bold) with the noun and adjective [principal](bold)[a former principal of the college](italic)[her principal tasks](italic)

Rosa is a woman of strict moral principles.

(=that someone believes in very strongly)

Dunn's high principles and pleasant manner won him the real affection of his colleagues.

Criminal law should be used to protect and reinforce moral principles.

Doesn’t working on Sunday conflict with your religious principles?

Would he stick to his socialist principles after being elected prime minister?

I may have no money and no power but I have principles.

(=act according to them, even when this is difficult)

Throughout this time, he stuck to his principles and spoke out against injustice.

(=do something that is against your principles)

I knew I could lie to help him, but it would be betraying my principles.

(=stop believing in them or trying to act by them)

It has been said that he abandoned his basic political principles while he was in power.

(=because of moral beliefs about right and wrong)

As a matter of principle one should never yield to terrorism.

He is the only candidate who has demonstrated that he is a man of principle.

He explained the general principles of the constitution.

One important principle is that you should give yourself plenty of reward for your success.

(=a very important principle to which other ideas are added)

Applicants should show that they understand the basic principles of marketing.

(=a principle that helps you decide what to do)

(=the most basic ideas that something is based on)

The researchers went back to first principles.

A good education ought to be based on multicultural principles.

The same principle applies to all kinds of selling.

What are the principles underlying this form of treatment?

Establish the principle that when your office door is shut you must not be disturbed.

(=describe a principle and make it accepted)

The report lays down general principles for the teaching of English.

a moral rule or belief about what is right and wrong, that influences how you behave

Schools try to teach children a set of principles.

学校设法教给孩子们一套道德准则。

It’s against my principles to accept gifts from clients.

收受客户礼物违背我的原则。

the basic idea that a plan or system is based on

The [general principle](bold) is that education should be available to all children up to the age of 16.

总的原则是，16岁以下儿童都应该能接受教育。

the basic principles of business management

Reflexology is based on the principle that specific areas on the feet correspond to different parts of the body.

反射疗法所依据的原理是，足部特定区域对应着身体的不同部位。

The project worked on the principle that each person’s experience was equally valuable.

这个项目的基本原则是，每一个人的经验都同样宝贵。

the principles behind government policies

He called for a return to [first principles](bold)(=the most important ideas) of road safety for children.

他呼吁回归儿童道路安全的根本原则。

Similar [principles apply](bold) in the case of older children (=the principles are the same as others that have been mentioned).

类似的原则也适用于年纪大些的儿童。

if something is possible in principle, there is no good reason why it should not happen, but it has not actually happened yet

In principle, the new software should make the accounting system a lot simpler.

从理论上说，这个新的软件应该能使财务系统简单许多。

if you agree to something in principle, you agree about a general plan or idea but have not yet considered the details

They have accepted the idea in principle.

他们基本上已接受了这种观点。

The government has [agreed in principle](bold) to a referendum.

政府已基本同意进行全民公决。

a rule which explains the way something such as a machine works, or which explains a natural force in the universe

〔机器等或自然界的〕原理；定律


print

[a licence to print money](bold) at → [licence](->licence) sense 6

to produce words, numbers, or pictures on paper, using a machine which puts ink onto the surface

I need to make a few changes before I print the document.

打印文件之前我要作些修改。

The company’s name was printed in bold letters across the top of the page.

公司的名称用黑体字印在页面的顶端。

The printer’s switched on but it won’t print.

打印机开着，但是无法打印。

As a newspaper publisher he understood the power of [the printed word](bold)(=words that are printed on paper).

作为报纸出版商，他很清楚印刷文字的力量。

when a computer document prints, a printed copy of it is produced

Press return, then the document should print.

按回车键，文件就会打印出来。

to produce many printed copies of a book, newspaper etc

Over five million copies of the paper are printed every day.

这份报纸每日印量超过五百万。

When the book was first written no publisher would print it.

这本书刚写成时没有出版商愿意出版。

to print a report of something or a letter, speech etc in a newspaper or magazine

‘The Express’ was the first paper to print the story.

《快报》是首家刊登这一事件的报纸。

‘The Telegraph’ has printed numerous articles on this subject over the last three years.

过去三年里《电讯报》已经多次刊载这个主题的文章。

I wrote to the newspaper but my letter wasn’t printed.

我给报纸写了信，不过没有刊登出来。

to produce a photograph from a photographic film

It usually takes a couple of hours for the pictures to be developed and printed.

冲印照片通常需要几个小时。

to decorate cloth with a pattern that is put all over its surface by a machine

a skirt printed with brightly coloured flowers

to write words by hand without joining the letters

用印刷体书写，一笔一画地写

Please print your name clearly in the top right-hand corner of the page.

请在这页右上角写清楚您的名字，不要连笔。

to make a mark on a surface or in a soft substance by pressing something on to it

The mark of the man’s shoe was printed in the mud.

泥地上留有那名男子的鞋印。


print

writing that has been printed, for example in books or newspapers

There was no print at all on the backs of the tickets.

门票背面没有印任何文字。

in print (=printed in a book, newspaper etc)

It must be really exciting to see your work in print.

看到自己的作品发表一定非常激动。

在出版物中看到我名字时的那份喜悦

Very little of his poetry actually [got into print](bold)(=was printed).

if a book is in print, new copies of it are still being printed

〔书〕仍在印行，仍可买到

After fifty years, the book is still in print.

50年后，那本书仍在印行。

if a book is out of print, it is no longer being printed and you cannot buy new copies

the letters in which something is printed

印出的字；〔印刷用的〕字体

The book is also available in [large print](bold).

The print quality of the new printer is excellent.

这台新打印机的打印质量非常好。

the details of a legal document, which are often printed in very small writing

〔法律文书中的〕小字印刷条款

Always read the small print before signing anything.

签署任何东西之前要先读一读小字印刷条款。

a mark that is made on a surface by something that has been pressed onto it

His feet left deep prints in the soft soil.

他的双脚在松软的泥土上留下了深深的脚印。

the marks that are made by the pattern of lines on the ends of your fingers

The police found a set of prints on the car door.

警方在车门上发现了一组指纹。

cloth, especially cotton, on which a coloured pattern has been printed

各种可供选择的漂亮印花布

她穿着一身棉布印花连衣裙。

a photograph that has been produced from a film

Why don’t you order an extra [set of prints](bold)?

你为什么不多印一套照片？

a picture that is made by cutting lines onto a piece of metal or wood and then printing it onto paper

a copy of a painting that is produced by taking a photograph of it and printing it onto paper

〔以照相制版制作的〕绘画复制品


printer

a machine which is connected to a computer and can make a printed record of computer information

〔与计算机连接的〕打印机

someone who is employed in the trade of printing


prior

He denied that he had prior knowledge of the robbery.

A sale of the factory will need the prior approval of shareholders.

We will not disclose this information without your prior agreement.

(=an event that you have already promised to attend)

The prime minister was unable to attend owing to a prior engagement.

Visitors can tour the burial tombs by prior arrangement.

existing or arranged before something else or before the present situation

先前的；较早的；事先安排的

You do not need any prior knowledge of the subject.

你无须事先具备该方面的知识。

Changes may not be made without the prior approval of the council.

未经委员会事先同意，不得作出改变。

Vegetarian meals are provided by prior agreement.

Some prior experience with the software is needed.

a warning or announcement made before something happens

The society must [give](bold) customers [prior notice](bold) before changing the cost.

调整费用之前协会必须预先通知客户。

The bomb exploded [without](bold) any [prior warning](bold).

没有任何预先警告，炸弹就爆炸了。

All the arrangements should be completed prior to your departure.

你离开之前一切都要安排好。

a person’s right to something which is considered more important than another person’s right to the same thing

His own children have a prior claim to the business.

他自己的孩子可以优先获得这家企业。


prior

the priest next in rank to the person in charge of an abbey

a previous occasion when someone was found guilty of a crime


prioritize

[prioritization](bold) /praɪˌɒrətaɪˈzeɪʃ/ US /-ˌɔːrətə-/  n. <U>

BrE also: prioritise  [v](bold) <[T](bold)>

to put several things, problems etc in order of importance, so that you can deal with the most important ones first

按重要性列出；确定〔事项、问题等〕的优先顺序

你需要按照轻重缓急安排自己的工作。

to deal with one thing first, because it is the most important

The public wants to see the fight against crime prioritized.

公众希望能把打击犯罪放在第一位。


priority

Right now, the environment is a high priority.

He sees these negotiations as an urgent priority.

At that time, architecture was a low priority.

Controlling spending is his top priority.

The first priority for most unemployed people is obtaining a job.

The reduction of inflation must be the Government’s overriding priority.

Their immediate priority was to find somewhere to sleep that night.

Marriage isn’t very high on my list of priorities.

They asked voters to list issues in order of priority.

With any new project, it's important to set priorities.

(=decide which things are the most important as a way of dealing with a situation)

If you’ve got a lot of things to do, sort out your priorities.

Lisa had a job, but she'd always made her family the priority.

As you get older, your priorities may change.

Couples may have to decide whose career has priority.

The breakdown services say that women on their own get priority.

Winning the war took priority over everything else.

The hospital always gives priority to emergency cases.

the thing that you think is most important and that needs attention before anything else

The club’s priority is to win the League.

该俱乐部首先考虑的是要赢得联赛。

After several burglaries in the area, security is now a [high priority](bold)(=very important and needing attention soon).

该地区发生了几宗入室盗窃案以后，治安成了当务之急。

With so little money available, repairs must remain a [low priority](bold)(=not important and not needing attention soon).

可用的钱这么少，只好暂时放下维修事宜了。

The customer is high on our [list of priorities](bold).

List your tasks [in order of priority](bold)(=most important first).

按照轻重缓急列出你的工作。

the right to be given attention first and before other people or things

Buses should [have priority](bold) over other road users.

A young person who has finished the course will be [given priority](bold) over one who has not.

完成课程的年轻人将比没有完成的获得优先考虑。

I want to start work on the garden but the house must [take priority](bold).

我想开始整修花园，不过还是先得打扫屋子。

(AmE also: [get your priorities straight](bold) )

to know what is most important and needs attention first


priority

Members receive priority bookings and reduced ticket prices to all concerts.

会员可优先预订所有音乐会的门票，并享受优惠票价。


prison

You use [prison](bold)  without ‘the’ when talking in general about someone being kept somewhere as a punishment: He is in prison for murder. The judge sent him to prison.

You use[ the prison](bold)  when talking about a particular place: There are about 600 prisoners in the prison. Visitors to the prison are carefully checked.

a large building where people are kept as a punishment for a crime or while they are waiting to go to court for their trial

He was sentenced to five years in prison.

a prison, or a similar smaller building where prisoners are kept for a short time

This old building is the jail that Butch Cassidy escaped from in 1887.

He was taken to a cell in the Los Angeles County Jail.

58% of prisoners are in jail for non-violent crimes.

The strikers were harassed, beaten and put in jail for trespassing.

Grover got caught for not paying his taxes and was sent to jail.

a large prison for people who are guilty of serious crimes

The murderer served 10 years at the  penitentiary in Stillwater.

the abandoned federal penitentiary on Alcatraz Island

1,000 prisoners rioted at the North County Correctional Facility.

a place where young people who have done something illegal are kept, because they are too young to go to prison. Also used about a place where people who have entered a country illegally are kept

Kevin, who had been abandoned by his mother, had been in and out of detention centres all his life.

Harmondsworth detention centre, near Heathrow airport

a prison in which prisoners have more freedom than in an ordinary prison, usually because their crimes were less serious

In some open prisons, prisoners are allowed to go home at weekends.

a small room in a prison or police station, where someone is kept as a punishment

Conditions were poor, and there were several prisoners to one cell.

Mentally ill people should not be put in prison.

I was afraid I might get sent to prison.

He was released from prison six weeks ago.

When’s he going to be let out of prison?

The boy just come out of prison after doing two years for assault.

Blake escaped from a Missouri prison last year.

(=one where prisoners are not restricted as much as usual)

He was sent to a maximum security prison where prisoners are kept in their cells almost 23 hours a day.

(=a period of time in prison as a punishment)

He is serving a four-year prison sentence.

Last month, a prisoner attacked two prison officers with a knife.

Overcrowding means that many prisoners have to share a prison cell.

The government wants to reduce the size of the prison population.

a building where people are kept as a punishment for a crime, or while they are waiting to go to court for their trial

He visits his dad [in prison](bold) every week.

他每周都去探望狱中的父亲。

Ricky has been [out of prison](bold) for three years now.

They’ll probably [put](bold) him [in prison](bold) for a long time.

他们很可能会让他在监狱里待很长时间。

Helen was [sent to prison](bold) for attacking a man with a knife.

海伦因持刀袭击一名男子而被送入监狱。

The two men were arrested only a week after they were [released from prison](bold).

那两名男子从监狱获释后仅仅一周就被捕了。

Three terrorists [escaped from](bold) Brixton [Prison](bold).

有三名恐怖分子从布里克斯顿监狱越狱了。

an increase in the number of women [going to prison](bold)

Mr Gunn received a ten-year [prison sentence](bold).

the system that deals with keeping people in a prison

Does prison deter criminals from offending again?

监禁可以防止罪犯再次犯罪吗？

an unpleasant place or situation which it is difficult to escape from

那座农场对她来说犹如牢笼。


prisoner

someone who is kept in a prison as a punishment for a crime, or while they are waiting for their

Prisoners may be locked in their cells for twenty-two hours a day.

a prisoner serving a life sentence for murder

someone who has been found guilty of a crime and sent to a prison. [Convict](bold) is used especially about someone who is sent to prison for a long time. It is more commonly used in historical descriptions, or in the phrase [an escaped convict](bold)

The convicts were sent from England to Australia.

Police were hunting for an escaped convict.

Low-risk convicts help to fight forest fires and clean up public lands.

someone who is kept in a prison or a mental hospital

Some inmates are allowed to have special privileges.

He was described by a fellow inmate as a quiet man.

someone who is kept somewhere and not allowed to go free, especially in a war or fighting. [Captive](bold) is a rather formal word which is used especially in literature

Their objective was to disarm the enemy and release the captives.

She was held captivekept as a prisoner in the jungle for over three years.

a soldier, member of the navy etc who is caught by the enemy during a war and kept in the enemy’s country

My grandad was a prisoner of war in Germany.

They agreed to release two Iranian prisoners of war.

someone who is kept somewhere as a prisoner, in order to force people to agree to do something, for example in order to get money or to achieve a political aim

Diplomats are continuing their efforts to secure the release of the hostages.

The US hostages were held in Tehran for over a year.

someone who is kept in a prison, usually because of their political views and often without a trial

In some cases, political detainees have been beaten or mistreated.

23,531 people passed through the camps between 1944 and 1962, including 14,647 political internees.

A prison governor is refusing to accept any more remand prisoners.

(=one who is going to be punished by being killed)

There is an appeal process for condemned prisoners.

(=one who is in prison because of their political opinions)

They demanded that the military government free all political prisoners.

Soldiers arrived, looking for escaped prisoners.

someone who is kept in a prison as a legal punishment for a crime or while they are waiting for their trial

Relationships between the staff and the prisoners are good.

Prisoners here only serve short sentences.

这里的犯人只是短期服刑。

[remand prisoner](bold) BrE(=someone who is in prison waiting for their trial)

The organization is arguing for the release of [political prisoners](bold)(=people in prison because of their political opinions).

该组织正在争取释放政治犯。

someone who is taken by force and kept somewhere

The guerrillas kept her prisoner for three months.

游击队员将她囚禁了三个月。

我们的飞行员被抓了俘虏。

The army advanced, [taking](bold) 200,000 [prisoners](bold).

军队向前推进，抓获20万名俘虏。

someone who is in a place or situation from which they cannot escape

难以脱离某地的人；无法摆脱某种状况的人


privacy

Names have been changed to protect the privacy of those involved.

He had locked the door to ensure privacy.

(=try to find out personal things about them, or disturb them when they want to be alone)

She complained that the magazine had invaded her privacy by printing the photos.

Show teenagers that you respect their privacy by knocking on their bedroom door.

Random drug testing of employees is an invasion of privacy.

Children feel more comfortable when parents respect their right to privacy.

Some patients do not want counselling because they feel it interferes with their personal privacy.

The lawn was surrounded by tall bushes, giving complete privacy.

the state of being able to be alone, and not seen or heard by other people

With seven people squashed in one house, you don’t get much privacy.

七个人挤在一间房子里，想要独处不大可能。

the state of being free from public attention


private

if something is private, you do not want most people to know about it because it concerns your feelings, your relationships etc

He didn’t want to discuss his private life.

What happens in the bedroom is strictly private.

relating to your private life – used especially about problems, feelings, and questions

She talked about her own personal feelings.

I’d rather not talk about it – it’s personal.

The singer has had a lot of problems in her personal life.

used about feelings and thoughts that you do not tell anyone about

Barclay had a secret desire to become an actor.

His secret fear was that Jenny would leave him.

very private – used about things relating to your relationships and sexual feelings

Many people share intimate details of their lives on the Internet.

your innermost feelings, thoughts etc are your most private ones

Counselling often encourages you to reveal your innermost thoughts.

if something is none of your business, it is private and you should not ask about it

It’s none of your business how much I earn.

‘Are you married?’ ‘That’s none of your business.’

for use by one person or group, not for everyone

私人（用）的；私有的，个人的

莫里斯拥有一架私人喷气式飞机。

他记了些笔记供自己所用。

Many communists objected to any form of [private property](bold).

not related to, owned by, or paid for by the government

There is private ownership of property in a market economy.

市场经济中存在财产私有制。

[go private](bold) BrE(=pay for medical treatment instead of getting it free at a public hospital)

a private meeting, conversation etc involves only two people or a small number of people, and is not for other people to know about

I need to have a private discussion with you.

Are you alone? I just wanted a private word.

你是一个人吗？我只是想和你私下里说几句。

private feelings, information, or opinions are personal or secret and not for other people to know about

〔感情、消息或意见〕个人的，秘密的

Jack’s private opinion was that she was selfish.

别看那个——那是私人信息。

used about someone who is not known to the public or not working for the government or another organization

不为公众认识的；不任职于政府部门的；独立的〔相对于为某机构工作的〕

The painting was sold to a private collector.

那幅画卖给了一位私人收藏家。

Seven police and three [private individuals](bold) needed medical attention.

七名警察和三名平民需要医疗处理。

separate from and not related to your work or your official position

与公事无关的，与官职无关的，私人的

The president is paying a private visit to Europe.

总统将对欧洲进行私人访问。

He enjoys everything he does in both his professional and his [private life](bold).

他对工作和个人生活中的一切都感到满意。

Why don’t we go upstairs where it’s more private?

我们为什么不到楼上去呢？那里清静些。

a private person is one who likes being alone, and does not talk much about their thoughts or feelings

喜欢独处的，内向的，内敛的

a joke made between friends, family members etc that other people do not understand

〔朋友、家庭成员等之间才理解的〕私密玩笑


privately

if you feel or think something privately, you do not tell anyone about it

Laura praised the pictures, though she privately thought they were rather ordinary.

劳拉称赞了那些照片，虽然她心里觉得它们相当普通。

哈丽雅特私下里不得不同意。

Privately, senior officials agreed that not many people had voted.

高官们私下认为投票的人并不多。

using or involving private rather than government institutions

两个孩子接受的都是私立教育。


privilege

a special advantage that is given only to one person or group of people

He had no [special privileges](bold) and was treated just like every other prisoner.

他不享受特权，待遇和任何其他犯人一样。

something that you are lucky to have the chance to do, and that you enjoy very much

Today, we [have](bold) the [privilege](bold) of listening to two very unusual men.

今天我们有幸聆听两位非常与众不同的男嘉宾讲话。

I [had](bold) the great [privilege](bold) to play for Yorkshire.

我很荣幸地代表约克郡参赛。

a situation in which people who are rich or of a high social class have many more advantages than other people

〔富人或上层阶级的〕权势

a situation in which doctors, lawyers etc are allowed to keep information about their discussions with their patients or clients  secret from other people

〔医生、律师等的〕特许保密权

the right to do or say something unacceptable without being punished, especially in Parliament

言行免责权〔尤指议员的权利〕

[breach of privilege](bold)(=a breaking of the rules about what a Member of Parliament can do or say)


privilege

to treat some people or things better than others


privileged

having advantages because of your wealth, social position etc

〔因为有钱有势而〕有特权的

Students from a privileged background have an advantage at university.

Only the [privileged few](bold) can afford private education.

只有享有特权的少数人才能上得起私立学校。

having a special advantage or a chance to do something that most people cannot do

有特权的；荣幸的，幸运的

Kylie feels fortunate to be in such a [privileged position](bold) because of her successful TV career.

凯莉觉得由于成功的电视生涯而使自己处于这样优越的地位真是幸运。

privileged information is private and is not allowed to be made public by law


prize

She won the Nobel Prize for literature in 1938.

Ms Brolls also took the prize for best individual speaker.

If your letter is published, you will receive a £5 prize.

They will share the first prize of £500.

A prize will be given for the best-decorated egg.

Four years later he was awarded the Erasmus Prize.

The fiction prize goes to Carol Shields.

She won first prize in a poetry competition.

The film won the top prize at the Berlin Film Festival.

The runner-up will get a consolation prize of a camera.

(=one given as a joke to the person who comes last)

The cake I made for the competition was so bad I got the booby prize.

There's a $5,000 cash prize for the winner.

Congratulations to all the prize winners!

The players are demanding an increase in prize money.

(=a competition in which people whose names or tickets are chosen by chance win prizes)

something that is given to someone who is successful in a competition, race, game of chance etc

〔给予获胜者的〕奖品，奖金，奖赏

In this month’s competition you could [win](bold) a [prize](bold) worth £3,000.

在本月的竞赛中您可以赢得价值3,000英镑的奖品。

The [first prize](bold) has gone to Dr John Gentle.

获得一等奖的是约翰·金特尔博士。

The prize for best photography has been won by a young Dutch photographer.

最佳摄影奖由一位年轻的荷兰摄影师夺得。

Scientists from Oxford shared the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 1945.

The [prizes](bold) are [awarded](bold)(=given) every year to students who have shown original thinking in their work.

这些奖项每年颁发给在学习中表现出创造性思维的学生。

The total [prize money](bold) was £30,000.

something that is very valuable to you or that it is very important to have

有价值的事物，宝贵的事物

used to say that it is very easy to guess something

No prizes for guessing what she was wearing.


prize

to think that someone or something is very important or valuable

He is someone who prizes truth and decency above all things.

他把真理和正派看得高于一切。

The company’s shoes are [highly prized](bold) by fashion conscious youngsters.

该公司的鞋备受时尚年轻人的青睐。


prize

good enough to win a prize or having won a prize

可获奖的，优等的；已获奖的

He has spent months cultivating what he hopes are prize flowers.

他花了几个月培育他认为有望获奖的花卉品种。

The Picasso painting is a prize exhibit in the museum.

毕加索的画是该博物馆的珍品。


pro

→ [pro forma](->pro forma) → [pro rata](->pro rata)

someone who is paid to do something, especially play a sport, that other people do for pleasure

〔相对于业余爱好者而言的〕专业人士，职业人员〔尤指职业运动员〕

the small gap between top amateurs and pros in golf

顶级业余高尔夫球手和职业选手之间的微小差距

someone who has had a lot of experience with a particular type of situation

〔对某种情况有经验的〕老手

Cathy’s an old pro at organizing raffles.

the advantages and disadvantages of something

We discussed the pros and cons of going to university.

我们讨论了上大学的利与弊。


pro

paid to do something, especially play a sport, that other people do for pleasure

Most young talented players are determined to turn pro.

大多数有天赋的年轻运动员都决心转为职业选手。

played or done by people who are paid for what they do


pro

if you are pro an idea, suggestion etc, you support it

As a party, they had always been pro family.

作为一个团体，他们一向支持家庭观念。


probability

This method of treatment has a high probability of success.

The probability of being struck by lightning is pretty low.

There is a strong probability that the letter has been destroyed.

Each new baby has an approximately equal probability of inheriting maleness or femaleness.

The statistical probability of a plane crash is increasing.

(=considering the probability of two or more events)

A decision about removing a child from its parents is made on the balance of probabilities.

how likely something is, sometimes calculated in a mathematical way

The probability of winning the lottery is really very low.

彩票的中奖概率是非常低的。

There is a 95% probability that she will not have the disease.

她有95%的概率不会得这种病。

There’s a high probability that the children will follow a different career.

孩子们很有可能会从事一项不同的职业。

You must decide whether, [on the balance of probabilities](bold), he committed the crime.

你们一定要权衡正反两方面的可能性，然后再裁定他是否犯罪。

what is likely or something that is likely

可能发生的事；可能存在的事

The probability is that smaller businesses will not have to pay the tax.

较小的企业可能无须缴这种税。

A peace agreement now seems a probability rather than a possibility.

达成和平协定现在似乎是十有八九的事，而不只是一种可能性。

Mistakes could and, in all probability, would occur.

错误可能而且也完全有可能发生。


probable

可能存在的，可能发生的，很可能的，大概的

The probable cause of the fire was faulty wiring.

起火的原因很可能是电路故障。

It seems probable that the accident has damaged her brain.

看起来很可能是那场事故损伤了她的大脑。

The probable result of global warming will be a rise in sea levels.

全球变暖很可能导致海平面升高。


probable

someone who is likely to be chosen for a team, to win a race etc

很有可能入选的人；很有可能获胜的人


probably

used when saying that you think something is true or will happen, although it is not completely definite

probably going to happen or probably true

The most likely result is a win for the Democrats.

The price of petrol is likely to rise again this year.

used when saying that the present situation makes you think that something will probably happen or is probably true

There aren’t any taxis, so it looks as if we’ll have to walk.

Take an umbrella. It might well rain later on.

used when saying that you think something will probably happen or is probably true, although you are not sure

‘Will the match still go ahead?' ’Yes, I would think so.’

used to say that something is likely to happen, likely to be true etc

This would probably be a good time to take a break.

这很可能会是休息一下的好机会。

It’s probably the best movie I have ever seen.

这大概是我看过的最好的电影。

‘Are you going to be able to do this?’ ‘Yes, probably.’

“这件事你能做吗？” “可以，应该能行。”

‘Is she going to send it back?’ ‘[Probably not](bold), no.’

“她会把它送回来吗？” “大概不会吧，不会。”

The building will be replaced, most probably by a modern sports centre.

大楼将拆除重建，很可能被一座现代化的体育中心所取代。


probe

to ask questions in order to find things out, especially things that other people do not want you to know

I don’t want to probe too deeply into your personal affairs.

我不想过分打探你的私事。

Police probed claims that he had sold drugs.

警方对有人称他贩卖毒品一事进行了调查。

to look for something or examine something, using a long thin object

〔用细长的工具〕寻找，探测，探查

Jules probed the mud gingerly with a stick.

朱尔斯小心翼翼地用棍子在淤泥里探查着。


probe

a long thin metal instrument that doctors and scientists use to examine parts of the body

〔医生和科学家用的〕探针

an investigation in which many questions are asked to discover the truth about something

对警察贪污行为的彻底调查


problem

a problem that stops you from making progress

The space program suffered a major setback when the space shuttle, Discovery, exploded.

a problem, especially one that you had not expected

There’s a snag – I don’t have his number.

a small problem that delays or prevents something

There have been a few last-minute hitches.

when something does not work in the way it should

a situation that is annoying because it causes problems

Just trying to store all this stuff is a hassle.

We saw water rushing in and realised we had a serious problem.

The building’s lack of parking space could cause problems.

(=cause it or make it have to be considered)

A shortage of trained nurses is posing major problems.

The state has failed to deal with the problem of violence against women.

There is more than one way to tackle this problem.

He solved his financial problems by selling his car.

We try to help families overcome housing problems.

Terrorism is possibly the most important problem facing western countries.

(=mention it, so that people can discuss it)

He also raised the problem of noise from planes taking off and landing.

You shouldn’t encounter any further problems.

Problems may arise when the family wants to move house.

The country’s economic problems are compounded by its ageing population.

The problem lies in the design of the rocket.

The school’s biggest problem is a shortage of cash.

Old cars often develop minor engine problems.

The main problem for the climbers was lack of sleep.

They quickly found that their real problem lay with marketing.

Does the team have the skills to tackle these difficult problems?

He still faced the thorny problem of finding a way out of the jungle.

(=relating to the most basic and important parts of something)

The government has done little to solve the fundamental problems of poverty and crime.

(=one that needs to be dealt with very soon)

Lack of clean drinking water is the most pressing problem facing the refugees.

(=relating to your private life and relationships)

My daughter found it hard to talk about her personal problems.

She would never discuss family problems with outsiders.

He argued that the government was to blame for the country’s economic problems.

The delay was caused by technical problems.

Burying a pet can present practical problems.

Air pollution is our most serious environmental problem.

Have you ever suffered from any of these health problems?

There are special telephones for people with hearing problems.

Patients with weight problems were put on a strict diet.

She is being treated for psychological problems at a mental hospital in Oxford.

He suffers from depression and other emotional problems.

Many of these children have behavioural problems.

Lifting things carelessly can lead to serious back problems.

She has had some minor medical problems.

The patient began to suffer breathing problems.

She was older than me, but that wasn’t really a problem.

她比我年长，不过那不算什么问题。

The problem of street crime is getting worse every year.

街头犯罪的问题一年比一年严重。

I’ve been having a few problems with my car.

In writing, people sometimes prefer to use the word [issue](bold)  rather than [problem](bold) , as it sounds more neutral and less negative:

something wrong with your health or with part of your body

[health problem/problem with your health](bold)

Does she have any long-term health problems?

她有什么长期健康问题吗？

If you have back problems you should avoid lifting heavy objects.

要是你的背有毛病，就应该避免提重物。

Many people with hearing problems try to hide their condition.

很多有听力障碍的人试图隐瞒自己的问题。

She refuses to admit to herself that she has a weight problem.

她不愿承认自己有体重方面的问题。

Is this a sign of some kind of deeper psychological problem?

这是否意味着有某种更深层次的心理问题呢？

a question for which you have to find the right answer, using mathematics or careful thought

〔通过计算或仔细思考而解决的〕问题，习题

She gave us 20 [mathematical problems](bold) to solve.

她让我们解20道数学题。

used to say that you are happy to do something or for someone else to do something

‘Can I bring a friend?’ ‘Sure, no problem.’

“我能带个朋友来吗？” “当然，没问题。”

used after someone has said thank you or said that they are sorry

没什么〔用于回答对方的感谢或道歉〕

‘Thanks for all your help.’ ‘No problem!’

“感谢你的所有帮助。” “没什么！”

used before saying what the main difficulty in a situation is

The problem is, there isn’t enough time.

used to say rudely that someone else is responsible for dealing with a situation, not you

那是你的/他的等问题〔用于表示应由他人负责处理某情况，而非自己〕

If you miss the train, that’s your problem.

要是你赶不上火车，那是你自己的问题。

used to say rudely that you are not responsible for dealing with a particular problem and are not willing to help

那不是我的问题〔用于表示不负责某事而且不愿意提供帮助〕

‘We’ve got a serious staffing shortage.’ ‘That’s not my problem.’

“我们人员严重短缺。” “那不是我的问题。”

used when you think that someone is behaving in a way that is unreasonable

你/他等出什么问题了？〔用于表示认为某人的行为不合常理〕

used to ask someone why they seem to disagree with you, in a way that shows that you are annoyed

关于那一点你有问题吗？〔用于询问他人为何有异议，表示气恼〕

a child etc whose behaviour causes problems for other people


problematic

ˌprɒbləˈmætɪk◂

involving problems and difficult to deal with

有很多问题的，难对付的，成问题的

The reforms could turn out to be [highly problematic](bold).

改革最终可能会困难重重。


procedure

What's the correct procedure for applying for a grant?

It’s standard procedure to take photographs of the scene of the crime.

Adoption was not made a legal procedure until 1926.

Unacceptable behaviour will be dealt with through our usual disciplinary procedures.

The company has a standard complaints procedure.

An interview is an important part of our selection procedure.

Apparently the accidents were due to inadequate safety procedures.

It’s important that you always follow the correct procedure.

We had to go through the whole procedure again.

a way of doing something, especially the correct or usual way

〔尤指正确的或通常的做事〕程序，步骤，手续

What’s the procedure for applying for a visa?

申请签证需要怎样的手续？

This is standard procedure for getting rid of toxic waste.

这是清除有毒废料的标准步骤。

All schools have disciplinary [procedures](bold) they must [follow](bold).

所有学校都有必须遵守的纪律制度。

On board, we were given the usual talk on [safety procedures](bold)(=what to do if an accident happens, or to prevent an accident).

在飞机上，我们听了例行的飞行安全讲解。

Liposuction is a minor [surgical procedure](bold).

抽脂手术是个外科小手术。


proceed

→ Do not confuse with [precede](bold) (=happen before or go before)[the period of illness that preceded his death](italic)

to continue to do something that has already been planned or started

The government was determined to proceed with the election.

Before proceeding further, we must define our terms.

我们必须先定义术语，然后再往下展开。

In everyday English, people usually say [go ahead](bold)  rather than [proceed](bold) :

They decided to [go ahead with](bold) the project.

Work is [proceeding according to plan](bold).

to do something after doing something else first – used sometimes to express surprise or annoyance

接着做，继而做〔有时用于表示感到意外或恼怒〕

Sammy took off his coat and proceeded to undo his boots.

萨米脱掉了外衣，接着又解开靴子。

Passengers for Miami should proceed to gate 25.

前往迈阿密的乘客请到25号登机口。


proceeding

You may take proceedings to enforce payment.

They threatened to begin legal proceedings against him.

He wanted to avoid the expense and trouble of legal proceedings.

One of the businessmen is facing criminal proceedings.

The couple say they will take civil proceedings against the medics for professional misconduct.

His wife had threatened to start divorce proceedings.

She faced criminal charges in addition to bankruptcy proceedings.

an event or a series of things that happen

事件，〔一连串〕发生的事

We watched the proceedings in the street below.

我们留心看下面街道上发生的事。

At this point in the proceedings, my doctor offered me a choice.

治疗进行到此时，医生给了我一个选择。

when someone uses a court of law to deal with a legal case

[begin/open/take proceedings (against sb)](bold)

She has begun [divorce proceedings](bold).

John is taking [legal proceedings](bold) against his ex-partner.

约翰在对他的前合伙人提起法律诉讼。

the official written records of a meeting, society etc


proceeds

the money that is obtained from doing something or selling something

〔做某事或出售某物所获得的〕收入，收益

We sold the business and bought a villa in Spain with the proceeds.

我们卖了公司，用所得的钱在西班牙买了一幢别墅。

The proceeds of the concert will go to charity.

音乐会的收入将捐献给慈善机构。


process

Try to be patient through the long process of healing.

The copying of manuscripts was a laborious process.

Getting a visa can be a complex process.

A decision will only be taken after a formal consultation process.

Cats have different mental processes from dogs.

The student is actively involved in the learning process.

They are frustrated with the lack of progress in the peace process.

Not all staff can participate in the decision-making process.

An interview normally forms part of the selection process.

A lot of companies are going through a process of change.

The system underwent a process of simplification.

We encourage our clients to participate in the process at every stage.

a series of actions that are done in order to achieve a particular result

〔为达到某目标的〕过程，进程

the Israeli–Egyptian [peace process](bold)

Repetition can help the learning process.

重复对学习过程会有所帮助。

Getting fit again has been a long slow process.

恢复健康是个漫长的过程。

the [mental processes](bold) involved in decision-making

a series of things that happen naturally and result in gradual change

the [natural process](bold) of evolution

Coal forms by a [slow process](bold) of chemical change.

煤是由缓慢的化学变化形成的。

to have started doing something and not yet be finished

在（做）某事的过程中，在进行 …中

The company is in the process of moving to new offices.

该公司正搬往新的办公室。

if something is in process, it is happening now

while you are doing something or something is happening

I spilt the coffee, burning myself in the process.

我把咖啡洒出来，烫到了自己。

a way of finding the right answer, the truth etc by gradually deciding that none of the other answers etc are possible

排除法，淘汰法〔把错误的答案一一排除以找出正确答案〕

I solved the problem by a process of elimination.

我用排除法解出了那道题。

回收利用是一个工业流程。


process

→ [data processing](->data processing) → [word processor](->word processor)

to make food, materials, or goods ready to be used or sold, for example by preserving or improving them in some way

加工〔食品、原料、商品〕

Goats’ cheese may be processed in many ways.

山羊奶干酪可以有多种加工方法。

Two million workers are employed processing goods for electronic firms.

200万名工人受雇为电子公司加工产品。

to deal with an official document, request etc in the usual way

[process an application/claim/transaction etc](bold)

All university applications are processed through this system.

所有大学入学申请都是由这个系统处理的。

to deal with information using a computer

The new network will enable data to be processed more speedily.

新网络将使数据处理更迅速。

to print a picture from a photographic film


process

to walk or move along in a very slow and serious way, especially as part of a group

列队行进；缓慢而严肃地行进


procession

a line of people or vehicles moving slowly as part of a ceremony

〔人或车辆的〕行列，队伍

They [marched in procession](bold) to the Capitol building.

他们列队向国会大厦行进。

several people or things of the same type, appearing or happening one after the other


processor

the central part of a computer that deals with the commands and information it is given

a machine or person that processes food or other materials before they are sold or used


proclaim

to say publicly or officially that something important is true or exists

The president proclaimed the republic’s independence.

Protesters proclaimed that the girl was innocent.

抗议者宣称那个女孩是无辜的。

His son was immediately proclaimed king.

他的儿子立即被宣布为国王。

to show something clearly or be a sign of something

The stripes on her uniform proclaimed her seniority.

制服上的条纹表明她的级别很高。


produce

New drugs are [producing](bold) remarkable [results](bold).

新药正在产生显著的效果。

a rise in sea level produced by climatic change

由气候变化引起的海平面升高

As a policy, it did not [produce the desired effect](bold).

作为一项政策，它并未产生预期的效果。

to make, write etc something to be bought, used, or enjoyed by people

The factory produces an incredible 100 cars per hour.

那家工厂一小时生产100辆汽车，令人难以置信。

How did you manage to produce a meal so quickly?

你怎么这么快就能做出一顿饭来？

〔自然地〕生产，产生，出产

This region produces the grapes used in champagne.

该地区出产酿造香槟酒用的葡萄。

if you produce an object, you bring it out or present it, so that people can see or consider it

有人拦住他盘问，他便掏出一把枪。

They were unable to produce any statistics to verify their claims.

他们拿不出任何统计数据来证明他们的说法。

if someone produces a film or play, they find the money for it and control the way it is made

监制，制作〔电影或戏剧〕

科斯特纳监制并导演了这部电影。

to give birth to a baby or young animals

An adult cat may produce kittens three times a year.

一只成年猫一年可以生三窝小猫。


produce

(=produced without artificial chemicals)

There is increased demand for organic produce.

The government bought surplus agricultural produce from farmers.

She had filled a basket with her garden produce.

Local produce is used wherever possible.

Vitamin A can also be obtained from dairy produce and eggs.

food or other things that have been grown or produced on a farm to be sold

[dairy produce](bold) BrE(=milk, butter, cheese etc)


producer

someone whose job is to control the preparation of a play, film, or broadcast, but who does not direct the actors

〔戏剧、电影或广播的〕监制，制作人，制片人

someone whose job is to organize and direct the recording and production of a record

a person, company, or country that makes or grows goods, foods, or materials

生产者，制造商，生产公司[国]

South Carolina is the fourth largest producer of tobacco.


product

something that is made or produced in large quantities, usually in order to be sold

things that are produced in order to be sold, especially for use in the home

They sell furniture and other household goods.

white goodslarge electrical goods used in the home such as washing machines and refrigerators

a type of product or raw material that can be bought and sold – used especially about basic food products, metals, and fuels

The decline in prices for agricultural commodities made the economic situation worse.

All metal was a valuable commodity and was rarely wasted.

things that are being sold, especially in shops

Customers are not allowed to handle the merchandise.

Sales of books, videos, and other merchandise have increased.

things that are offered for sale, especially in a market or on the street

In the market, the traders began selling their wares.

Merchants brought their wares from all over the world.

a product that is sent to a foreign country in order to be sold

At the moment, oil is their biggest export.

goods that are brought from one country into another to be sold there

The UK clothing industry cannot compete with foreign imports on price.

They help firms turn good ideas into commercial products.

Demand for consumer products has increased.

Do you know what chemicals are in household products such as washing powder and paint?

She doesn’t buy beauty products that have been tested on animals.

Some people are allergic to dairy products.

meat products like sausages, pies and burgers

The quality of the finished product is all-important.

The money will be used to fund product development.

(=the range of things that a company makes and sells)

We want to broaden the company’s product line.

something that is grown or made in a factory in large quantities, usually in order to be sold

The London factory assembles [the finished product](bold).

He works in marketing and product development.

if someone is the product of a particular background or experience, their character is typical of that background or the result of that experience

Paula was the product of a sheltered middle-class home.

葆拉是备受呵护的中产阶级家庭的产物。

if something is the product of a particular situation, process etc, it is the result of that situation or process

The report was the product of four years’ hard work.

那份报告是四年辛苦工作的成果。

the number you get by multiplying two or more numbers in mathematics

something that is produced through a natural or chemical process

〔自然过程或化学反应的〕生成物

Hemoglobin is a product of red blood cells.

血红蛋白是红细胞的生成物。


production

the process of making or growing things to be sold, especially in large quantities

agricultural production and distribution

By September, the new motors were in production.

到9月份，这种新的发动机开始投产。

go into/out of production (=begin to be produced in large numbers, or stop being produced)

The new model will go into production next year.

the amount of goods that are made or grown

[increase/rise/fall etc in production](bold)

when something is produced through a natural process

a play, film, broadcast etc that is produced for the public, or the process of producing it

〔演出、上映、制作等的〕戏剧，电影，广播节目；〔戏剧、电影、广播等的〕制作，出品

the new Shakespeare production at the Arts Theatre

艺术剧院新排演的莎士比亚戏剧

In 1992, Green moved into video production.

1992年格林转而从事录像制作。

Entrance is only permitted on production of a ticket.


productive

多产的；丰饶的；富有成效的

Most of us are more productive in the morning.

我们大多数人在早上更有效率。

relating to the production of goods, crops, or wealth

生产〔成品、作物或财富〕的，生产性的

The meeting was productive of several good ideas.

那次会议产生了几个好想法。


productivity

the rate at which goods are produced, and the amount produced, especially in relation to the work, time, and money needed to produce them

生产率，生产效率；生产量，生产力

[high productivity](bold) levels in manufacturing

It cost the country $4 million in [lost productivity](bold).

它对该国造成了400万美元的生产力损失。


profession

He followed his father into the legal profession.

The medical profession is still divided about the main cause of heart attacks.

There are not enough physicists entering the teaching profession.

Many economics graduates enter the accountancy profession.

Mary had retired from the nursing profession.

A high proportion of people in the caring professions are women.

Hugh intended to enter the medical profession.

Why do you want to leave the profession?

Some members of the medical profession supported the use of these drugs.

He was a very highly respected man, at the top of his profession.

a job that needs a high level of education and training

〔需要高等教育和训练的〕专业，行业

[the legal/medical/teaching etc profession](bold)

Some students enter other professions such as arts administration.

有些学生进入了艺术管理等其他行业。

people who work in [the professions](bold)(=doctors, lawyers etc)

nurses, social workers, and other people in [the caring professions](bold)(=ones that involve looking after people)

护士、社工和其他从事护理行业的人

all the people who work in a particular profession

某职业的全体人员；同业，同行

In this meaning, [profession](bold)  is usually followed by a singular verb: Our profession [has](bold) been keen to use new technology.

In British English, you can also use a plural verb: Our profession [have](bold) been keen to use new technology.

a statement of your belief, opinion, or feeling

〔信念、观点或感情的〕公开表示，表白

the job of being a prostitute – used humorously