misunderstand

to think that someone means one thing, when in fact they mean something else

I think you’ve misunderstood what I’m saying.

Some companies appear to have misunderstood the new rules.

Don’t misunderstand me - I have nothing against these people.

to misunderstand someone or something – used especially in everyday spoken English

You’ve got me all wrong - that’s not what I meant.

to misunderstand someone’s intentions, and react in the wrong way

He was a very private man, and some people mistook this for unfriendliness.

I thought she wanted us to leave her alone, but I may been mistaken.

to wrongly believe that someone’s actions show that they have a particular opinion or feeling, or that a situation means that you should behave in particular way

The party completely misread the mood of the voters at the last election.

Eddie wondered if he should be scared, too. Maybe he had misjudged the situation.

to not understand the true meaning of someone’s actions or words, so that you believe something that is not in fact true

A lot of people misinterpreted what I was saying, and have called me a racist.

Struggling with an unfamiliar language, the simplest conversations were misinterpreted.

to misunderstand something that someone has said or done

She claimed that members of the press had misconstrued her comments.

to not understand the main part or meaning of what someone is saying or what something is intended to do

I think you’re missing the whole point of the film.

If he thinks it’s all about how much profit he can make, then he’s missing the point.

to make a mistake about one part of something that you are told, so that you understand the rest of it in completely the wrong way

Maybe I got the wrong end of the stick. I thought she was leaving him, not the other way round.

[past tense and past participle](italic) [misunderstood](bold)

to fail to understand someone or something correctly

Rachel, you must have misunderstood her! Ellie would never say something like that.

雷切尔，你一定是误会她了！埃莉绝不会说那样的话。

Don’t misunderstand me. She’s a very nice person when you get to know her.

不要误解我的意思。你了解她后就会知道她是个很好的人。


misunderstanding

ˌmɪsʌndəˈstændɪŋ

State clearly what you expect, to avoid misunderstandings later on.

Hearing loss can cause misunderstandings, when what you say is not correctly heard.

Don’t just assume that you know what he means; that can lead to misunderstandings.

Misunderstandings can easily arise when people from different cultures meet.

I want to talk to you, to try and clear up any misunderstandings.

(=happen or be done as a result of a misunderstanding)

The whole argument was based on a misunderstanding.

There’s been a misunderstanding about what I meant.

(=used when you think someone has not understood something correctly)

I think there must be some misunderstanding - I don’t know anyone called Barry.

I am writing to make sure there is no misunderstanding between us.

(=used when saying that a situation happened because of a mistake)

Why don’t you call him and tell him it was all a misunderstanding?

I’m afraid it’s all a bit of a misunderstanding.

There have been some serious misunderstandings which have led to conflict.

We need to clear up this little misunderstanding.

(=one that is not serious and is easy to correct)

It was a simple misunderstanding: I thought the meeting was on Wednesday, not Thursday.

There seems to be a complete misunderstanding of how the changes will affect us.

(=a misunderstanding of the main point of something)

a fundamental misunderstanding of Freud’s theories

(=a misunderstanding that many people share)

There is a widespread misunderstanding of the purpose of the law.

(=a misunderstanding caused by different cultures doing things in a different way)

Cultural misunderstandings have led to fights between students.

a problem caused by someone not understanding a question, situation, or instruction correctly

There must have been some misunderstanding. I didn’t order all these books.

一定是弄错了，这些书不全是我订的。

an argument or disagreement that is not very serious – often used humorously

小争执，不和〔常为幽默用法〕

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

Terry had a little misunderstanding with the police last night.

昨晚特里和警察有个小小的误会。


misuse

to use something for the wrong purpose, or in the wrong way, often with harmful results

即使是无害的药物也可能会误用。

The term ‘schizophrenia’ is often misused.

“精神分裂症”这个术语经常被误用。

There is concern that the judges might misuse their power.

有人担心裁判员可能会滥用权力。


misuse

the use of something in the wrong way or for the wrong purpose

a system designed to prevent credit card misuse

为防止信用卡盗用而设计的系统

Children who begin smoking when young are at greater risk from drugs misuse.


mix

to put different substances or liquids together so that they can no longer be separated

Mix yellow and blue paint to make green.

This cake is really easy – you just mix everything together in the bowl.

Concrete is made by mixing gravel with sand, cement, and water.

to mix things together so that they form a single substance. [Combine](bold) is more formal than [mix](bold)

Steel is produced by combining iron with carbon.

to move a spoon or stick around in a liquid, a pan etc, especially when you are mixing things together

Keep stirring until the sauce becomes thicker.

to mix together soft or liquid substances to form a single smooth substance

Blend the yogurt with fresh fruit for a great drink.

to mix food together quickly and thoroughly using a fork or kitchen tool – used especially about eggs

Beat the eggs and add them to the milk and flour.

to mix foods that are soft or liquid very quickly so that air is mixed in, using a fork or special tool

Whisk the egg whites until they form soft peaks.

to mix a liquid with water in order to make it weaker

Dilute the bleach with two parts water to one part bleach.

to put different styles, ideas, or other things together

His music mixes jazz and classical styles.

The different categories of books were all mixed together.

to mix different styles, ideas, or other things, so that they work together or become a single thing

Diets are most effective when they are combined with exercise.

He combines Greek philosophy with Christian teachings.

to combine parts of different things together, especially in a successful and effective way

The teaching course blends theory and practice in the classroom.

to combine different styles in order to form a new style

The band fuses African rhythms with traditional Celtic music.

to mix things together in an untidy way, so that they are not in any order

The jigsaw pieces were all jumbled together in the box.

if you mix two or more substances or if they mix, they combine to become a single substance, and they cannot be easily separated

Shake the bottle well so that the oil mixes with the vinegar.

充分摇动瓶子使油和醋混合。

The powder is mixed with cold water to form a paste.

用冷水把粉末搅拌成糊状。

把酸奶油和番茄酱拌在一起。

First mix the butter and sugar together, then add the milk.

先把黄油和糖搅拌匀，然后加牛奶。

to combine two or more different activities, ideas, groups of things etc

Their musical style mixes elements of Eastern culture and Western pop.

他们的音乐风格融合了东方文化和西方流行音乐中的元素。

His books mix historical fact with fantasy.

他的书把史实和想象融合在一起。

I don’t like to [mix business with pleasure](bold)(=combine business and social activities at the same time).

我不喜欢把工作和娱乐混在一起。

to meet, talk, and spend time with other people, especially people you do not know very well

〔尤指与不相熟的人〕交往，相处，交际

Charlie doesn’t mix well with the other children.

if two different ideas, activities etc do not mix, there are problems when they are combined

to prepare something, especially food or drink, by mixing things together

给我们调几杯马天尼酒好吗，比尔？

to choose to put different things together from a range of possibilities

They can mix and match their uniform, wearing either a sweatshirt or blouse with trousers or a skirt.

他们可以把制服换着搭配，穿运动衫或衬衫配裤子或裙子。

to control the balance of sounds in a record or film

You don’t want to mix it with him. He’s been drinking since noon.

你别去和他争吵，他从中午开始就一直在喝酒。


mix

the particular combination of things or people in a group or thing

We felt that between us we had the right mix of skills.

我们觉得我们两个人在技能上可以很好地互补。

a complicated mix of colours and textures

the region’s rich ethnic mix (=people of different races)

a combination of substances that you mix together to make something such as a cake

〔做蛋糕等用的〕混合配料

Add water to the cake mix and bake at 375°F.

往蛋糕粉里加水，然后在375华氏度的温度下烘烤。

a particular arrangement of sounds, voices, or different pieces of music used on a pop record


mixed

[mixed metaphor](bold) at → [metaphor](->metaphor) sense 2

consisting of several different types of things or people

if you have mixed feelings or emotions about something, you are not sure whether you like, agree with, or feel happy about it

I had mixed feelings about meeting Laura again.

对于再见劳拉，我心情很复杂。

他怀着复杂的心情注视着。

if something gets a mixed reaction etc, some people say they like it or agree with it, but others dislike it or disagree with it

褒贬不一的反应/回应/评论等

The film has had mixed reviews from the critics.

这部电影得到了评论家们褒贬不一的评价。

媒体对这个事件的报道褒贬不一。

something that is good in some ways but bad in others

Having your parents living nearby is a mixed blessing.

a group of things or people that are all very different from each other

The concert was a mixed bag of classical and modern music.

那场音乐会是古典音乐和现代音乐的大杂烩。

Club-goers are a mixed bag these days, and so are the places they go clubbing.

现在去夜总会的人形形色色，那些夜总会也是五花八门。

something that includes both good and bad parts

The meat was very good, but the vegetables were rather a mixed bag.

肉很好，但蔬菜却有好有坏。

It’s not the sort of joke you tell in mixed company.

这种笑话不宜在男女都有的场合讲。


mixture

several different substances, ideas, qualities etc that have been put together, especially so that they form one thing

Pour the mixture into the cake pan and bake for 50 minutes.

He looked at her with a mixture of admiration and curiosity.

two or more different things, substances etc that are used together or work together

Doctors use a combination of drugs to combat the disease.

The business failed due to a combination of bad management and a lack of experience.

a mixture of two or more things, qualities, or characteristics, especially ones that combine successfully or in a pleasant way

The England team is a good side, with a nice blend of experience and youthful energy.

The sauce uses a blend of different ingredients.

a mixture of very different things – used when you are describing what something looks or sounds like

The building looked like a cross between a museum and a spaceship.

Her music sounds like a cross between the Rolling Stones and Amy Winehouse.

something that is produced by combining two or more things, especially using advanced scientific methods

Scientists are combining human and animal embryos to create genetic hybrids.

These industries use a hybrid of different technologies.

a mixture of different things, in which you can still recognize the original features

The record is an amalgam of hard rock, jazz, and blues.

something that has been made by combining different things, especially information or ideas

The essay should be a synthesis of the information from various sources.

a lot of different things mixed together in an untidy way

Rae looked through the jumble of old record albums and tapes.

a mixture of a lot of different things, styles etc that do not seem right together

If you look closely at the individual buildings they are a real hodgepodge of styles.

a chemical substance that contains atoms of two or more

common chemical compounds such as sodium chloride

a combination of two or more different things, feelings, or types of people

The town is a mixture of the old and the new.

the mixture of different people living in the city

生活在这座城市中形形色色的人们

She felt a strange mixture of excitement and fear.

她有一种既兴奋又害怕的奇怪感觉。

a liquid or other substance made by mixing several substances together, especially in cooking

〔尤指烹饪中的〕混合液，混合料

Fill the bread with a mixture of lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers.

把生菜、番茄和黄瓜混在一起填进面包里。

Pour the mixture into four small dishes.

把混合料倒入四个小碟子里。

a combination of substances that are put together but do not mix with each other

混合物〔各成分之间并未发生化学反应〕


moan

[moaner](bold) n. <C> ([BrE](bold)) eg: Dad’s a gloomy old moaner.

to complain in an annoying way, especially in an unhappy voice and without good reason

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

“我已经开始晕船了。”她抱怨道。

A lot of people moaned about the parking problems.

很多人抱怨停车难的问题。

我妈总是没完没了地对我发牢骚。

He’s always moaning that we use too much electricity.

他总是抱怨说我们用电太多。

He [moaned and groaned](bold) all the way there.

他去的一路上抱怨个没完。

to make a long low sound expressing pain, unhappiness, or sexual pleasure

她痛得又是呻吟又是喊叫。

if the wind moans, it makes a long low sound

〔风〕发出长而低的声音，发呜咽声

They could hear the wind moaning in the trees.

他们听到树林里风声呜咽。


moan

a long low sound expressing pain, unhappiness, or sexual pleasure

There was a moan of pain from the injured man.

那个受伤的男子痛苦地呻吟了一声。

She [gave](bold) a little [moan](bold) of pleasure.

（因某事物）抱怨，发牢骚


mob

a large noisy crowd, especially one that is angry and violent

They were immediately surrounded by the mob.

他们立刻被那帮暴民包围了。

The leadership had been criticized for giving in to [mob rule](bold)(=when a mob controls the situation rather than the government or the law).

领导层被批评屈服于暴民统治。

The usual mob of teenagers were standing on the corner.

又是那帮青少年站在拐角的地方。

[the heavy mob](bold) BrE(=group of strong violent men)

What happens if they send the heavy mob round to find him?

如果他们派那帮打手去找他怎么办？

the mafiaa powerful organization of criminals

an insulting expression meaning all the poorest and least educated people in society

乌合之众，贱民〔侮辱性说法〕


mob

[past tense and past participle](italic) [mobbed](bold) [present participle](italic) [mobbing](bold)

if people mob a famous person, they rush to get close to them and form a crowd around them

Fans ran onto the pitch and mobbed the batsman.

球迷冲上球场围住了那位击球手。

if a group of birds or animals mob another bird or animal, they all attack it

〔鸟群或兽群〕围攻，成群袭击


mobile

a decoration made of small objects tied to wires or string which is hung up so that the objects move when air blows around them

〔悬挂在绳索等上的〕风动小饰物


mobile

The restaurant's customers are mainly upwardly mobile young professionals.

(=moving from one social class to another, especially to a higher social class)

Children today are even less likely to be socially mobile.

not fixed in one position, and easy to move and use in different places

moving or able to move from one job, area, or social class to another

流动的；易于变换工作[地区，社会阶层]的

People these days are much more [socially mobile](bold).

如今人们的社会地位容易改变多了。

an [upwardly mobile](bold)(=moving to a higher social scale) professional

She’s more mobile now that she has her own car.

她现在自己有车，出行更方便了。

a shop etc that is kept in a vehicle and driven from place to place

流动图书馆/商店/诊所等

Two mobile units provide health care in rural villages.

两个流动小组为乡村提供卫生保健服务。

features that can change their expression quickly

多变的口型/表情多变的脸/表情丰富的面容

His mobile features registered amusement.

他表情多变的脸上流露出愉悦的神情。


mobile phone

a telephone that you can carry with you and use in any place


mobility

the ability to move easily from one job, area, or social class to another

There is greater [mobility of labour](bold)(=movement of workers) between jobs and areas.

工作岗位之间和地区之间的劳动力流动性更大了。

jobs and opportunities for upward mobility

It improves the strength and mobility of joints.

它能提高关节的力量和灵活性。

The key to the army’s effectiveness is its increased mobility.

增强军队战斗力的关键是提高其机动性。

[mobility allowance](bold) BrE(=money paid to sick or disabled people to help pay for transport)


mobilize

[mobilization](bold) /ˌməʊbəlaɪˈzeɪʃ/ US /ˌmoʊbələ-/  n. <C,U> eg: the mobilization of public opinion

to encourage people to support something in an active way

a campaign to [mobilize support](bold) for the strike

动员大家支持罢工的宣传活动

to start to use the things or people you have available in order to achieve something

They failed to mobilize their resources effectively.

他们没有有效地调动资源。

if a country mobilizes or mobilizes its army, it prepares to fight a war

The physiotherapist mobilizes the patient’s shoulder.

物理治疗师帮助病人活动肩膀。


mock

[mocking](bold) adj. eg: Her tone was mocking.

[mockingly](bold) adv. eg: His lips twisted mockingly.

to laugh at and say unkind things about a person, institution, belief etc, to show that you do not have a high opinion of them. [Mock](bold) is a formal word – in everyday English people usually say [make fun of](bold)

The press mocked his attempts to appeal to young voters.

She was mocked by other pupils in her class.

You shouldn’t mock the afflicted! you should not make fun of people who cannot help having problems – used especially

to make someone or something seem stupid by making unkind jokes about them

Peter didn’t seem to realize that they were making fun of him.

It used to be fashionable to make fun of the European Parliament.

to make unkind or funny remarks about someone or something, because they seem stupid or strange

I don’t want the other kids to laugh at me.

People would laugh at the idea nowadays.

to make someone or something seem silly by making jokes about them, especially in a way that is funny but not really cruel

a TV series that regularly poked fun at the government

He’s in no position to poke fun at other people’s use of English!

to make unkind remarks that make someone or something seem stupid

His ideas were widely ridiculed at the time.

Scientists ridiculed him for doubting the existence of the greenhouse effect.

to make remarks that show you think that something is stupid or useless – often used when you think that the people who do this are wrong

Some forms of alternative medicine – much derided by doctors – have been shown to help patients.

the system that Marxists previously derided as ‘bourgeois democracy’

to laugh at someone or something and try to make them look stupid by saying unkind things about them or by copying them

讥笑，嘲弄；〔通过模仿〕取笑

Opposition MPs mocked the government’s decision.

反对党议员讥笑政府的这一决策。

It’s easy for you to mock, but we put a lot of work into this play.

你讲风凉话是很轻松，但我们这出戏可是费了很大力气的。

[Mock](bold)  something or someone is used especially in literature. In everyday English, people usually say [make fun of](bold)  something or someone: Stop making fun of the way he talks!

to make something seem completely useless

使显得无用，是对 …的嘲讽

Violent attacks like this mock the peace process.

像这样的暴力袭击事件是对和平进程的嘲讽。


mock

not real, but intended to be very similar to a real situation, substance etc

surprise etc that you pretend to feel, especially as a joke

假装的吃惊/害怕/气愤等〔尤作为玩笑〕

她装出害怕的样子举起了双手。


mock

school examinations taken as practice before official examinations


mode

→ [à la mode](->à la mode) → [modish](->modish)

a particular way or style of behaving, living, or doing something

the most efficient [mode of transport](bold)

They have a relaxed mode of life that suits them well.

他们过着悠闲的生活，很适合他们。

a particular way in which a machine or piece of equipment can operate

〔机器、设备的〕运行方式，状态，模式

把显示器调成256色彩模式。

To get out of the ‘auto’ mode on the camera, turn the knob to ‘M’.

将旋钮转到M，可退出相机的“自动”模式。

to have a particular feeling or way of thinking or behaving, because of the situation you are in

处于工作气氛/休假气氛等

With only minutes to go, we were now in panic mode.

只剩下几分钟时间了，我们此刻惶恐不安。

one of various systems of arranging notes in music, such as major and minor in Western music


model

a small copy of a building, vehicle, machine etc, especially one that can be put together from separate parts

他们向我们展示了大楼的模型。

a [working model](bold)(=one with parts which move) of a steam engine

someone whose job is to show clothes, hairstyles etc by wearing them at fashion shows or for photographs

a particular type or design of a vehicle or machine

〔车辆或机器的〕样式，型号

Renault are introducing three new models at the show.

雷诺公司将在这次展会上推出三款新车型。

Our dishwasher is the [latest model](bold)(=newest design).

我们的洗碗机是最新的型号。

a computer representation or scientific description of something

〔用于模拟实物的〕计算机模型，计算机模拟；科学模型，科学模式

Scientists are building computer models of the ocean currents.

科学家正在建立计算机洋流模型。

someone or something which people want to copy because they are successful or have good qualities

这为其他城市作出了榜样。

He used English medieval architecture as his model.

他以中世纪的英格兰建筑作为模板。

[role model](bold)(=someone that you try to copy because they have qualities you would like to have)

Good teachers can act as [positive role models](bold).

好老师能起到好榜样的作用。

someone or something that has a lot of a good quality

someone who is employed by an artist or photographer to be painted or photographed


model

a small copy of an aircraft, train etc, especially one that a child can play with or put together from separate parts

〔尤指儿童可以玩或拼装的〕航空器/火车/汽车等模型

She builds model aeroplanes in her spare time.

她在业余时间制作飞机模型。

a wife, employeeworker  etc who is considered to be good because they do everything they should

His lawyers tried to show him as a model husband and father.

他的律师们竭力想证明他是一位模范丈夫和模范父亲。

a prison etc that has been specially designed or organized to be as good as possible


model

[past tense and past participle](italic) [modelled](bold) [present participle](italic) [modelling](bold) ([BrE](bold)) [past tense and past participle](italic) [modeled](bold) [present participle](italic) [modeling](bold) ([AmE](bold))

to wear clothes at a fashion show or in magazine photographs in order to show them to people

当模特；作为模特展示〔服装〕

She’s modeling Donna Karan’s fall collection.

Claire modelled for a few years when she was in her twenties.

克莱尔在二十几岁时做过几年模特。

to try to be like someone else because you admire them

Jim had always modelled himself on his great hero, Martin Luther King.

吉姆总是以他心目中的大英雄马丁•路德•金为榜样。

to be designed in a way that copies another system or way of doing something

模仿[效仿，仿制]某事物

Their education system is modelled on the French one.

他们的教育体制是模仿法国的。

to do a computer representation or scientific description of a situation or event

〔用计算机〕做出〔情景、事件〕的模型

They used a computer to model the possible effects of global warming.

他们用计算机来模拟全球变暖可能造成的影响。

to make something by shaping clay, wood etc

用〔黏土或木头等材料〕塑造


moderate

not very large or very small, very hot or very cold, very fast or very slow etc

Even moderate amounts of alcohol can be dangerous.

喝酒即使不多也会有危险。

Moderate exercise, such as walking, is recommended.

建议适度锻炼，比如散步。

Bake the pie for 30 minutes in a moderate oven.

馅饼用中火烘烤30分钟。

having opinions or beliefs, especially about politics, that are not extreme and that most people consider reasonable

不极端的，温和的；稳健的

staying within reasonable or sensible limits


moderate

to make something less extreme or violent, or to become less extreme or violent

（使）和缓；（使）减轻；节制，克制

他学会了克制自己的怒火。


moderate

someone whose opinions or beliefs, especially about politics, are not extreme and are considered reasonable by most people

持温和观点的人，温和派人士

He’s coming under pressure from moderates in the party.

他正承受着来自党内温和派的压力。


moderately

in a way which is not extreme or stays within reasonable limits

适度地，适量地，有节制地


modern

→ [secondary modern](->secondary modern)

something that is modern uses the most recent designs or methods

the city’s modern public transportation system

The camera uses the latest digital technology.

using the most modern technology, ideas, information etc

The hospital has the most up-to-date equipment in the country.

modern – used when you disapprove of something and do not think it as good as the things that existed before

He doesn’t believe in these new-fangled gadgets.

using very advanced technology, especially electronic equipment and computers

Modern tractors are full of high-tech equipment, including GPS.

using the newest and most advanced features, ideas, and materials that are available

a state-of-the-art home entertainment system

The brand new arts centre is state-of-the-art.

The island has hardly been affected by the modern world.

In modern society, elderly relatives rarely live with their children.

It was one of the greatest disasters of modern times.

In the modern age, television is the main means of mass communication.

These problems are a major part of modern life.

Modern man gets much less exercise in his daily life than his ancestors.

(=recent history, as a subject of study)

(=languages that are spoken today, as a subject of study)

French, German and other modern languages

(=something with the same importance or purpose as something from the past)

In their own minds they are the modern equivalent of highwaymen.

belonging to the present time or most recent time

Such companies must change if they are to compete [in the modern world](bold).

此类公司如果想在现代社会中与别人竞争，就必须有所改变。

They are the youngest children [in modern times](bold) to face murder charges.

他们是近代面临谋杀指控儿童中年龄最小的。

Smaller families are a feature of [modern society](bold).

家庭规模变小是现代社会的一个特征。

Computers are an essential part of [modern life](bold).

电脑是现代生活必不可少的组成部分。

The original supermarkets were small by modern standards.

最初的超级市场按现代的标准来看是很小的。

[Modern Greek/Hebrew etc](bold)(=the form of the language used today)

made or done using the most recent designs or methods

A lot of progress has been made with the use of [modern technology](bold).

现代技术的应用带来了很大的进步。

modern art, music, literature etc uses styles that have been recently developed and are very different from traditional styles

〔艺术、音乐、文学等〕当代风格的，现代派的

having very recent attitudes or ways of behaving

〔态度、行为方式等〕新式的

The school is very modern in its approach to sex education.


modernize

[modernizer](bold) n. <C> eg: the conflict between the modernizers and the conservatives

[modernization](bold) /ˌmɒdənaɪˈzeɪʃ/ US /ˌmɑːdərnə-/  n. <U> eg: the modernization of the railway system

to make something such as a system or building more modern

使〔系统、建筑物等〕现代化

They need more funds to modernize the country’s telephone system.

他们需要更多的资金将本国的电话系统现代化。

to start using more modern methods and equipment

采用现代方法和设备，推行现代化方式

The business will lose money if it doesn’t modernize.

这家企业如果不实行现代化就要赔钱。


modest

[modestly](bold) adv. eg: ‘I was just lucky,’ he said modestly. eg: modestly priced meals

not wanting to talk about your abilities or achievements and to say that you are good at something, even when you are – used to show approval

Miller, a quiet, modest man, gave credit to Asher for the initial discovery.

She was surprisingly modest about her own achievements as a player.

not wanting to talk about yourself or to attract attention

Her husband was a quiet, self-effacing man who spent much of his time in his study.

not wanting to be noticed and not expecting to be treated in a special way

By now Chapman was famous, but he remained as unassuming as ever.

He then began, in typically unassuming fashion, to establish the first modern dance company.

believing that you are not more important, better, or cleverer than other people, and therefore not expecting to be treated in a special way

A good leader is humble enough to get advice from experts.

not trying to seem better than other people, even if you are rich, famous, clever etc

President Eisenhower was a friendly and unpretentious man who seemed to embody American virtues.

It's his unpretentious boyish charm that ensures Jackie Chan's position as one of the giants of international cinema.

behaving or talking about your own abilities or achievements in a way that makes them seem unimportant

Despite his intellect, he had an appealing self-deprecating humour.

The nice thing about him is his self-deprecating manner. His intellectual ability was never pushed at you, yet he obviously had great potential.

someone who is modest does not want to talk about their abilities or achievements

He was always modest about his role in the Everest expedition.

You’re too modest! You’ve been a huge help to us.

你太谦虚了！你帮了我们大忙呢。

She had saved a [modest amount](bold) of money.

The new service proved a [modest success](bold).

新服务项目取得了一定的成功。

带有小花园的一座不很大的房子

shy about showing your body or attracting sexual interest, because you are easily embarrassed

She was a modest girl, always keeping covered, even in summer.

她是个保守的姑娘，总是穿得严严实实，即使在夏天也是如此。

modest clothing covers the body in a way that does not attract sexual interest


modification

ˌmɒdɪfɪˈkeɪʃən

I made some modifications to the filing system.

Some of the older power stations urgently needed modification.

The policy has undergone considerable modification since it was first introduced.

I've incorporated a few modifications into the program.

The document needed a few slight modifications.

They made major modifications to the house to allow him to use his wheelchair.

They had made extensive modifications to the script.

The existing system needed substantial modification.

(=when the DNA of a living thing is changed)

the genetic modification of plants and animals

A star chart, in which you give a star to a child as a reward, is a simple behaviour modification technique.

(=when someone changes the way they live)

Lifestyle modification is the best way of dealing with moderately high blood pressure.

a small change made in something such as a design, plan, or system

We’ve [made](bold) one or two [modifications](bold) to the original design.

我们对原先的设计做了一两处修改。

They have used the same process for almost 50 years with only [minor modifications](bold).

同样的工序他们用了将近50年，其间只做过很小的改动。

the act of modifying something, or the process of being modified

修改，改进〔指行为或过程〕

The review resulted in the modification of our security procedures.

这次检查使得我们的安全措施得到了改进。

Knowledge of the ill effects of tobacco has led to a modification in smoking behaviour.

对烟草不良影响的认识改变了人们的吸烟行为。


modify

[past tense and past participle](italic) [modified](bold) [present participle](italic) [modifying](bold) [third person singular](italic) [modifies](bold)

to make small changes to something in order to improve it and make it more suitable or effective

〔略微地〕修改，更改，改进，改造

The feedback will be used to modify the course for next year.

这些反馈意见将用于修改明年的课程。

The regulations can only be modified by a special committee.

这些法规只能由特别委员会来修改。

The seats can be modified to fit other types of vehicle.

这些座椅略做改动后可用在其他类型的车辆上。

if an adjective, adverb etc modifies another word, it describes something or limits the word’s meaning. In the phrase ‘walk slowly’, the adverb ‘slowly’ modifies the verb ‘walk’.

〔形容词、副词等〕修饰〔另一词〕


module

one of the separate units that a course of study has been divided into. Usually students choose a number of modules to study

You choose five modules in the first year.

第一年你要选择五个单元。

one of several parts of a piece of computer software that does a particular job

〔计算机软件的〕模块，功能块，程序块

a part of a spacecraft that can be separated from the main part and used for a particular purpose

one of several separate parts that can be combined to form a larger object, such as a machine or building

〔机器、建筑物等的〕组件，模件，模块


moist

slightly wet, especially in a way that is pleasant or suitable

→see THESAURUS at [damp](->damp) 1   →see THESAURUS at [wet](->wet) 1

Make sure the soil is moist before planting the seeds.

播种之前要确保土壤湿润。

Her eyes were moist (=she was almost crying).


moisture

small amounts of water that are present in the air, in a substance, or on a surface

Plants use their roots to absorb moisture from the soil.

植物利用根从土壤中吸收水分。

Your skin’s moisture content varies according to weather conditions.

皮肤的水分含量随着天气状况而变化。


mole

a small dark furry animal which is almost blind. Moles usually live under the ground.

a small dark brown mark on the skin that is slightly higher than the skin around it

someone who works for an organization while secretly giving information to its enemies


molecule

[molecular](bold) /məˈlekjələ/ US /-ər/  adj. eg: molecular structure

the smallest unit into which any substance can be divided without losing its own chemical nature, usually consisting of two or more atoms

The molecules of oxygen gas contain just two atoms.


mom

[n](bold) <[C](bold)> ([AmE](special)) [informal](special)

妈妈，我能到莉萨家去吗？

My mom says I have to stay home tonight.

我妈说我今晚得待在家里。


moment

I’m just waiting for the right moment to tell her.

I was waiting for an opportune moment to leave.

(=a moment that is important in history)

The fall of the Berlin wall was a historic moment.

There have been many memorable moments in this year’s Olympics.

Her stomach chose that precise moment to make a loud noise.

(=used for emphasizing that something happened at a particular time)

I could tell something was wrong from the very moment I walked in through the front door.

At the present moment, there are 500 students at the school.

This was probably the most important moment in his life.

This was a critical moment in the country’s history.

(=something that shows the real character or purpose of something)

The win was a defining moment in the boxer’s career.

(=when someone was most successful or admired)

The performance was one of the band’s finest moments.

(=when someone did the thing they are most proud of)

My proudest moment was when my daughter was born.

Standing on the edge waiting to do your bungee jump is the worst moment.

(=to take a picture, describe something etc that will remind you of a particular time)

She found herself laughing with him, enjoying the moment.

He seemed to savour every moment of their conversation.

(=experience something again by thinking about it, talking about it etc)

In court she had to relive the moment her son was murdered.

She always seemed to choose the worst moment to interrupt his thoughts.

(=feel anxious or worried about something that will happen)

She was dreading the moment when she would have to fire him.

At this moment in time we cannot proceed with the proposal.

From that moment on I saw very little of Dean.

(=used for emphasizing that something changes quickly)

The colours of the sunset changed moment to moment.

He spent every waking moment in the lab.

There was no variety at all - you knew exactly what you would be doing at any given moment of the week.

Can you come and see me when you have a moment?

(=stop speaking or doing something for a short time)

(=not speak or do something for a short time because you are unsure of what to say or do)

Paul hesitated a moment then followed her.

(=used when asking someone if they have a short time available to spend with you)

Can you spare a moment to go through some figures with me?

Fire fighters need to be able to get ready at a moment’s notice.

(=something is always exciting or full of activity)

There’s never a dull moment with Chris around!

For a brief moment, he looked directly at her.

For a fleeting moment she wanted to run away.

He was silent for a long moment before replying.

(=short period of time when you are not doing other things)

She spent every spare moment in the library.

It was one of the most exciting moments in his life.

这是他一生中最激动人心的时刻之一。

at this/that moment (=used for emphasis)

Just at that moment there was a knock on the door.

She may be in trouble [at this very moment](bold) and trying to call you.

此时此刻她可能遇到了麻烦，正想方设法给你打电话。

I remember [the moment when](bold) I first saw him after the operation.

我还记得手术后第一次见到他的那一刻。

Quinn always seems to be in the right place at the crucial moment.

奎因似乎总能在关键时刻把握时机。

I [just this moment](bold)(=only a very short time ago) arrived and already Dan wants to know when I’m leaving.

我才刚到，丹就想知道我什么时候走。

[At this moment in time](bold) it would be inappropriate to comment on the situation.

这个时候恐怕不宜对局势作出评论。

[From that moment on](bold)(=after that time) we were the best of friends.

从那以后我们就成了最好的朋友。

→ Don’t say ‘in that moment’ when you mean ‘at that particular time’. Say [at that moment](bold)[At that moment, everything stopped.](italic)

Can you spare [a few moments](bold) to answer some questions?

你能抽点时间回答几个问题吗？

I’ll come back to that point in a moment.

我马上还会回过来谈那一点。

It was quiet for a moment, then Rae spoke.

沉寂了片刻，然后雷开始说话了。

‘I don’t understand,’ said Louise after a moment.

“我不懂。”过了一会儿，路易丝说道。

过了一会儿，我们听到哗啦一声。

[wait/just a moment](bold)(=used when you want someone to wait a short time while you do or say something)

Just a moment; let me put these away first.

等一下，让我先把这些东西收起来。

We have to be ready to leave [at a moment’s notice](bold)(=very quickly).

我们必须准备好随时就走。

Julia’s on holiday in Spain at the moment.

朱莉娅目前在西班牙度假。

At the moment, the situation in Haiti is very tense.

眼下，海地局势十分紧张。

used to say that something is happening or is true now but will probably change in the future

Well, for the moment we’re just friends.

嗯，我们目前只是朋友而已。

He said he’d phone you the moment he got home.

他说他一到家就给你打电话。

if you do something at the last moment or if something happens at the last moment, it happens at the last possible time

The operation was cancelled at the last moment.

这次行动在最后一刻被取消了。

She always [leaves](bold) everything [to the last moment](bold).

她总是什么事情都要拖到最后一刻才做。

The plumber should be here [any moment now](bold).

a particular time when you have a chance to do something

His wife Denise was there to share his [big moment](bold)(=opportunity to do something great).

他的妻子丹尼丝也到场和他一起分享他的这个重要时刻。

[choose/pick your moment](bold)(=try to choose the best time to do something)

He picked his moment carefully to tell them the news.

他小心地找了个机会告诉他们这个消息。

This was her moment and she knew she had to take it.

她的机会来了，她知道必须抓住它。

a short period of time when you do not feel or behave as normal and often do or say something which you later wish you had not done or said

In a moment of madness I agreed to go with him.

我一时糊涂，同意和他一起去。

one moment ... the next/from one moment to the next

used to say that a situation changes very suddenly, often in a way which you do not expect or cannot explain

一会儿 …过一会儿/紧接着〔表示形势变化之快出乎意料或无法解释〕

One moment she’s kissing me, the next she doesn’t want to see me again.

她一会儿亲我，一会儿又不想再见到我了。

You never know what’s going to happen from one moment to the next.

你永远不知道接下来还会发生什么事。

not believe/think/do sth for a/one moment

used to say that you did not believe, expect etc something at all

根本不相信/没想到/没做某事

She had never for one moment imagined that it could happen to her.

她压根儿没想到这事会发生在自己身上。

the person, idea, word etc of the moment is the one that is most important or popular at the present time

〔人、观念、词语等〕当前最重要[时兴]的

They interview personalities on a topic of the moment.

他们就时下的一个热门话题采访一些名人。

to have periods of being good or interesting

有好的时候，有有趣的时候

to be having a time of success or popularity – used especially in magazines

风头正劲，正流行〔尤用于杂志〕

The ambulance finally arrived, and not a moment too soon.

救护车终于到了，险些误事。

the time when you will find out if something will work properly, be successful etc

〔接受检验、成败见分晓等的〕关键时刻，紧要关头

to give your full attention to the situation you are in, and not think about the past or the future


momentarily

Mr Johnson will be with you momentarily.


momentum

The show gathered momentum over the next few months and became a huge hit.

(=make something become more successful)

The agreement was small, but it gave new momentum to the talks.

(=make something continue at the same pace)

The party was determined to maintain the momentum of reform.

The team seems to have lost its momentum.

Hopefully we can keep the momentum going and win the next game as well.

The social changes began to gather irresistible momentum.

the ability to keep increasing, developing, or being more successful

The campaign for reform should start to gather momentum in the new year.

要求进行改革的运动在新的一年里声势应该会壮大。

incentives to [maintain](bold) the [momentum](bold) of European integration

保持欧洲一体化发展势头的激励措施

Governments often [lose momentum](bold) in their second term of office.

the force that makes a moving object keep moving

〔使运动物体继续运动的〕冲力，推力，动力

The wheel was allowed to roll down the slope, gathering momentum as it went.

那轮子沿着斜坡向下滚动，速度越来越快。

Pratt, without [losing](bold) any [momentum](bold) at all, passed them both and won the race.

普拉特劲头丝毫不减，超过他们两个赢得了比赛。

the force or power that is contained in a moving object and is calculated by multiplying its weight by its speed


monarch

[monarchic](bold) /məˈnɑːkɪk/ US /-ɑːr-/  [monarchical](bold) adj. eg: the old monarchical system


monarchy

the system in which a country is ruled by a king or queen

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

a country that is ruled by a king or queen

the king or queen of a country, and his or her family

People are going to be questioning the role of the monarchy more and more.

人们会越来越质疑君主和王室的作用。


Monday

[n](bold) <[C,U](bold)> written abbreviation: Mon.

The president announced Monday that he would cancel the debt.

Let’s go out for a meal on Monday night.

The UK office will open for business this Monday.

[next Monday](bold)(=Monday of next week)

a Monday (=one of the Mondays in the year)


money

→ [monies](->monies) → [blood money](->blood money) → [hush money](->hush money) [give sb a (good) run for their money](bold) at → [run](->run) 2 sense 12 [have a (good) run for your money](bold) at → [run](->run) 2 sense 13 [throw money at sth](bold) at → [throw](->throw) 1 sense 19

what you use to buy things, in the form of notes or coins

He spent all his money on computer equipment.

The dollar gained in value against other currencies.

a flat round piece of metal used as money

She put some coins in the parking meter.

I didn’t have enough money to pay for it.

She makes a little money by babysitting.

Good food doesn’t have to cost a lot of money.

The farm was beginning to make money at last.

(=not make a profit, so that you then have less money)

The movie didn’t attract audiences and lost money for the studio.

They arranged to borrow money from the bank to buy a house.

Don’t waste your money on a computer that doesn’t have enough memory.

(=do something to get money for a charity, school etc)

The Christmas fair raises money for the school.

She had saved up enough money to buy a car.

We regret that we are unable to refund money on tickets.

Rob wasn’t working for a while, so we had less money coming in.

(=used to say how someone makes their money)

For many, selling drugs seems like easy money.

(=an amount of money that you can spend on anything you want)

We had £500 spending money saved for our holiday.

(=a small amount of money that parents regularly give their children)

More  taxpayer’s money should be spent on the railways.

£10,000 seemed a huge sum of money to me.

Fancy clothes for a baby are a waste of money.

(=used when saying that something is worth the amount of money you pay for it)

The holiday was excellent value for money.

what you earn by working and can use to buy things. Money can be in the form of notes and coins or cheques, and can be kept in a bank

Don’t spend all your money on the first day of your holiday!

别在度假的第一天就把钱都花完了！

The repairs will cost quite a lot of money.

money in the form of coins or notes that you can carry around with you

你会在我的钱包里找到点钱。

I didn’t [have](bold) any [money on me](bold)(=I was not carrying any money).

Don’t forget to get some Swiss money before you leave.

你走之前别忘了弄点瑞士法郎。

We can [change](bold) some [money](bold) at the airport (=change it into the money of another country).

someone’s wealth, including all the property and other things they own

The family [made](bold) their [money](bold) in the woollen trade.

这家人做毛纺生意赚了钱。

He had [lost](bold) all his [money](bold) gambling.

the amount of money that you earn for doing a job

It sounds quite an interesting job, but I don’t know what the money’s like yet.

这份工作听起来很有意思，但我还不知道工资怎样。

You have to work long hours and the money’s terrible!

你得工作很长时间，而钱却少得可怜！

Don’t let the children jump around on the sofa. I paid good money for that.

不要让孩子们在沙发上跳来跳去，我可是花了大价钱买的。

to give money to a company or business so that it will become successful and you will earn money from it in the future

把钱投入某事物，投资于某事物

No one’s going to put money into the company while the market is so unstable.

市场这么不稳定，没人会把钱投到这家公司的。

used to say that you can earn a lot of money from doing a particular job or type of business

在某事物中有钱可赚，在某事物中有利可图

There’s a lot of money in sport these days.

Teaching can be very rewarding, but there’s no money in it.

教书很有意义，但是赚不到钱。

used to say that you cannot afford something when someone asks you to pay for it.

to have more money than you need, so that you spend it on unnecessary things

钱多得烫手，有用不完的钱

Unless you’ve got money to burn, these expensive guitars are probably not for you.

除非你钱多得烫手，否则这些昂贵的吉他可能不是你该买的。

to get something worth the price that you paid

At that price, you want to make sure you get your money’s worth.

价钱那么贵，你要确保自己的钱花得值。

to have a lot of money suddenly, or when you did not expect to

used to say that someone can spend as much money as they want to on something

used when giving your opinion about something to emphasize that you believe it strongly

依我看〔用于强调对自己的观点非常有把握〕

For my money, he’s one of the best TV comedians ever.

依我看，他绝对是史上最好的电视喜剧演员之一。

to risk money on the result of a race or competition

used to say that you feel sure that something will happen

我敢对某事物打赌；我对某事物深信不疑

(also: [the smart money’s on sb/sth](bold) )

used to say that you feel sure someone will win a race or competition, or that something will happen

（我）打赌某人会赢；（我）打赌某事会发生

money that you earn very easily by doing a job that is not difficult

to show by your actions that you really believe what you say

used to say that people with money have power and can get what they want

有钱能使鬼推磨，金钱万能

You were right on the money when you said that he would have to resign.

你说得很对，他后来不得不辞职。


monitor

to carefully watch and check a situation in order to see how it changes over a period of time

→see THESAURUS at [check](->check) 1   →see THESAURUS at [watch](->watch) 1

Patients who are given the new drug will be asked to monitor their progress.

使用这种新药的病人将被要求监测病情进展。

The government is [monitoring](bold) the situation [closely](bold).

The temperature is [carefully monitored](bold).

We need a better system for monitoring what is going on.

我们需要一个更好的系统来监控情况。

to secretly listen to other people’s telephone calls, foreign radio broadcasts etc

He suspected that his phone calls were being monitored.

他怀疑他的电话被人监听。


monitor

a television or part of a computer with a screen, on which you can see pictures or information

She was staring at her computer monitor.

We could watch what was happening on the TV monitor.

我们可在电视监视器上观察所发生的情况。

a piece of equipment that measures and shows the level, speed, temperature etc of something

噪声监测器检测到声音强度为98分贝。

someone whose job is to watch an activity or a situation to see how it changes or develops, or to make sure that it is fair and legal

UN monitors will remain in the country to supervise the elections.

The UN is sending peace monitors to the area.

联合国将派遣和平监督员到该地区。

a child who has been chosen to help a teacher in some way in class

someone whose job is to listen to news or messages on a radio and report on them


monkey

a small brown animal with a long tail, which uses its hands to climb trees and lives in hot countries

a small child who is very active and likes to play tricks

顽皮儿童，淘气鬼，捣蛋鬼

别这样，你这个小淘气鬼！

恶作剧；骗人把戏，不轨行为

To be honest I don’t give a monkey’s what they do.

说实话，我一点都不在乎他们做什么。

使某人出丑，戏弄[愚弄]某人

a serious problem that makes your life very difficult, especially being dependent on drugs

使生活艰难的沉重负担〔尤指对毒品的依赖〕


monopoly

if a company or government has a monopoly of a business or political activity, it has complete control of it so that other organizations cannot compete with it

They are demanding an end to the Communist Party’s [monopoly of power](bold).

the [state monopoly](bold) of television

For years Bell Telephone [had](bold) a [monopoly](bold) on telephone services in the US.

贝尔电话公司曾多年垄断美国的电话业务。

a large company that controls all or most of a business activity

垄断者；垄断企业；专卖者

该公司是一家国有垄断企业。

if someone has a monopoly on something, that thing belongs to them, and no one else can share it

Teachers do not [have](bold) a [monopoly on](bold) educational debate.

有关教育问题的辩论并不是老师的专利。


monster

an imaginary or ancient creature that is large, ugly, and frightening

Only a monster could kill all those women.

a small child, especially one who is behaving badly – used humorously

小恶棍，捣蛋鬼〔幽默用法〕

I’ve got to get home and feed this little monster.

我得回家喂这个小捣蛋了。

an object, animal etc that is unusually large

Did you see the fish Dad caught? It was a monster!

你看到爸爸钓到的鱼了吗？真大！

There’s a [monster of a](bold) spider in the bath!

浴缸里有一只硕大的蜘蛛！

a dangerous or threatening problem, especially one that develops gradually and is difficult to manage

〔尤指逐渐恶化、难以处理的〕危险[可怕]的问题


month

You say [last month](bold) : Sales fell sharply last month.
Don’t say: [Sales fell sharply in last month.](strike)

You say [this month](bold) : We’ve been very busy this month.
Don’t say: [We’ve been very busy in this month.](strike)

You say [next month](bold) : It’s my birthday next month.
Don’t say: [It’s my birthday in next month.](strike)

You say [that month](bold) : That month I started a new job.
Don’t say: [In that month I started a new job.](strike)

You use [a month](bold)  when saying how many times in a month something happens: We eat in restaurants several times a month.
Don’t say: [We eat in restaurants several times in a month.](strike)

You use [in the month of](bold)  when saying the month when something happens: The trees usually flower in the month of May.

You use [all month](bold)  when talking about something that happens during every part of a month: It’s been raining all month.
Don’t say: [It’s been raining all the month.](strike)

They had come to know and like each other in the past month.

Sales were lower than in the previous month.

Further work is planned for the coming months.

By the following month he had raised over £400.

It’s very cold here during the winter months.

We get paid on the last day of the calendar month.

He had started to drink heavily in recent months.

You’ll receive your wages at the end of the month.

We’re learning the months of the year in German.

Seven months went by before he returned.

one of the 12 named periods of time that a year is divided into

Phil is coming home for a visit next month.

菲尔下个月要回家来看看。

I hope I’ll have finished the work by [the end of the month](bold).

我希望我这个月底能完成工作。

She earns about £350 [a month](bold)(=each month).

We update the schedule at least once a month.

我们至少每月更新一次日程表。

It snowed heavily during the month of January.

她有一个八个月大的女儿。

The symptoms she suffered varied [from month to month](bold)(=every few weeks she had different medical problems).

历时一个月的交通运输系统罢工

重新装修厨房花了好几个月。

used to emphasize that something happens regularly or continuously for a period of time

I felt I was doing the same old thing week after week, month after month.

我觉得自己周复一周、月复一月地干着同样的事。

used when you are talking about a situation that develops slowly and steadily over a period of time

Unemployment figures are rising month by month.

失业人数每个月都在增加。

used to emphasize that something will definitely never happen

You won’t find anyone to do that job in a month of Sundays.

你是不可能找到人来干那个活儿的。


monthly

[monthly](bold) adv. eg: They meet monthly to discuss progress.

The mortgage is payable in monthly instalments.

used to talk about the total amount of something that is received, paid, measured, or calculated in a month

按月结算的；按月计算的；每月的

a monthly ticket,pass etc can be used for a period of one month

〔票券、通行证等〕有效期为一个月的


monument

→ [national monument](->national monument)

a building,statue, or other large structure that is built to remind people of an important event or famous person

He erected a monument on the spot where his daughter was killed.

他在女儿遇难的地方立了块纪念碑。

a fitting monument to the men who died in the battle

适时建立的战争阵亡将士纪念碑

a very old building or place that is important historically

[Ancient monuments](bold) are protected by law.

to show clearly the result of someone’s qualities, beliefs, or actions

是某人/某事物的见证，是见证某人/某事物的丰碑

The company is a monument to Sir Peter’s energy and vision.

这家公司是见证彼得爵士旺盛精力和远见卓识的一座丰碑。


mood

He was in a good mood when he got home from work.

At the beginning of the negotiations, he was in a confident mood.

(=a happy mood in which you want to enjoy a holiday or party)

The fans were in a festive mood after their team won the championship.

Watch what you say; he's in a foul mood.

His earlier black mood seemed to have gone.

His death has put the country in a sombre mood.

One soldier expressed the general mood of fear and failure in a letter home.

The public mood was one of anger and frustration.

a mood of optimism/despair/excitement etc

Michael underwent one of his sudden changes of mood.

(=the way people in general feel at a particular time)

The movie captured the mood of the moment.

Sudden mood swings can be a sign of mental illness.

His comments reflected the national mood.

The sun was streaming in the window, but it did nothing to lighten his mood.

He looked at her for a moment, trying to gauge her mood.

By the next morning, her mood had improved.

the general mood of depression in the office

to feel unhappy, impatient, or angry and to refuse to speak normally to other people

Don’t talk to her. She’s [in one of](bold) her [moods](bold)(=used about someone who is often unhappy, angry etc).

别跟她说话，她又闹情绪了。

to feel that you would like to do something

I don’t want to talk about it now. I’m not in the mood.

我现在不想谈论此事，我没心情。

to not want to do something, or be determined not to do something

没心情做某事，无意做某事

at times that are not regular or planned, when you feel that you want to do something

He used to visit them when the mood took him.

以前心血来潮的时候他也会去看望他们。

the way that a place, event, book, film etc seems or makes you feel

The opening shot of dark, rainy streets sets the mood for the whole film.

片首的镜头——黑漆漆、下着雨的街道——为整部影片定下了基调。

one of the sets of verb forms in grammar: the indicativeexpressing a fact or action, the imperativeexpressing a command, the interrogativeexpressing a question, or the subjunctiveexpressing a doubt or wish

语气〔包括陈述、祈使、疑问和虚拟语气〕


moon

[once in a blue moon](bold) at → [once](->once) 1 sense 15 [promise sb the moon](bold) at → [promise](->promise) 1 sense 3

The stars and thin crescent moon gave just enough light to see the path.

(=a very thin moon which is just starting to get bigger)

It was twilight and a new moon was rising.

It was a frosty night, with a cold silver moon.

Her face glowed in the light of the pale moon.

(=the full moon that appears in late September or early October)

Over the potato fields a harvest moon was rising.

He watched the full moon come up over the trees.

A brilliant moon appeared over the mountains.

(=appears as it gets dark or a cloud moves)

The moon came out from behind the clouds.

The moon had set, but the sky was clear.

The moon waxed larger over the next few days.

The clouds blocked out the light of the moon.

There was no moon, and the fields were completely dark.

the round object that you can see shining in the sky at night, and that moves around the Earth every 28 days

The Americans landed on the Moon in 1969.

美国人于1969年登上月球。

The [moon](bold) was [shining](bold) in the sky.

the appearance or shape of the moon at a particular time

It was the night of the [full moon](bold).

a round object that moves around a planet other than Earth

to ask for something that is difficult or impossible to obtain

要求得到难以[无法]得到的东西；妄想，异想天开

There’s no point in crying for the moon.


moon

to bend over and show your buttocks as a joke or a way of insulting someone

〔开玩笑或侮辱性地〕（对 …）躬身露出光屁股


moral

Has there been a decline in moral standards in our society?

(=behaviour that a society believes is right and good)

Schools teach moral values both by example and in lessons.

(=something you must do for moral reasons)

If you have a pet, you have a moral obligation to take care of it.

We shouldn't make moral judgements about the way other people live their lives.

(=something that must be done for moral reasons)

He felt that rescuing the hostages was a moral imperative.

(=a set of beliefs about right and wrong that influences your behaviour)

His own moral code is based on his religious beliefs.

(=influence that someone has because people believe their principles are right)

Corruption in government destroys its moral authority.

(=the emotional strength to do what is right)

Single parents are sometimes treated as though they lack moral fibre.

a debate on the moral issues surrounding the use of animals in medical research

(=a difficult decision for moral reasons)

Doctors face a moral dilemma when a patient can be kept alive but has no chance of real recovery.

(=a feeling for what is right and what is wrong)

Children’s moral sense develops over a number of years.

(=the idea that you are morally right and other people are not)

He connects high social class with moral superiority.

(=the study of moral principles and rules)

(=the way societies are organized according to moral standards)

Hitler posed the greatest threat to the moral order of the world that history has ever seen.

relating to the principles of what is right and wrong behaviour, and with the difference between good and evil

It is easy to have an opinion on a moral issue like the death penalty for murder.

对于判谋杀犯死刑这种涉及伦理道德的问题，有个观点并非难事。

I think you can run a business to the highest moral standards.

我想你可以用最高的道德标准来经营公司。

If we accept that certain babies should be allowed to die, we place doctors in a [moral dilemma](bold).

如果我们同意应该允许某些婴儿死去，那就是让医生在道德上处于两难境地了。

Man is gifted with a [moral sense](bold) by which he distinguishes good from evil.

人类天生有道德意识，能区分善与恶。

based on your ideas about what is right, rather than on what is legal or practical

The book places a high [moral value](bold) on marriage and the family unit.

这本书认为婚姻和家庭具有很高的道德价值。

The UN feels that it has the [moral authority](bold)(=influence because people accept that its beliefs are right) to send troops to the area.

联合国认为它在道义上有权向该地区派遣部队。

每个人在道德上都有遵守法律的义务。

It isn’t just [lack of moral fibre](bold)(=lack of the emotional strength to do what you believe is right) which leads to a rising divorce rate.

encouragement that you give by expressing approval or interest, rather than by giving practical help

Dad came along to give me some moral support.

爸爸过来给我一些精神支持。

a situation in which you show that your beliefs are right and fair, even if you do not win

Through Joan of Arc, France won a great moral victory.

因为圣女贞德，法国在道义上赢得了重大的胜利。

always behaving in a way that is based on strong principles about what is right and wrong

一个为人正直、道德高尚的人

to claim that you are the only person who does what is morally right in a situation, with the intention of being noticed and considered to be good by the public

a way of recognizing what kind of behaviour is right or wrong

Has the government lost its moral compass?


moral

all of the basic ideas that a person or group of people has about what is morally good and right

He felt that society's morals were declining, as shown by increases in public drunkenness and violence.

ideas about what is right and wrong, and what is acceptable behaviour – used when talking about whether it is right to do a particular thing, or when talking about moral standards generally

Several advisers had very different views on the morality of the action on whether it was morally right.

They wanted to ban the film, on the grounds of protecting public morality.

moral rules for deciding what is right and wrong – often used about this as a subject that people study and discuss

Doctors must follow a strict code of ethics.

I'm not sure about the ethics of using human embryos for research I'm not sure that it is morally right.

moral rules or beliefs about what is right and wrong, which make you decide what you should and should not do

He stuck to his principles and spoke out against injustice, despite the risks.

It's against their principles to kill any living thing.

your ideas about what is important in life

During the 1960s, many young people rejected their parents' values.

He stressed the importance of spiritual values.

beliefs about what is right and wrong that prevent you from doing bad things

She had no scruples about listening to their private conversation.

My scruples would not allow me to interfere in their relationship.

principles or standards of good behaviour, especially in matters of sex

〔尤指男女问题上的〕道德准则[标准]

the morals and customs of the Victorian period

维多利亚时期的道德标准和风俗习惯

Values and morals are independent of religious faith.

价值观和道德观是独立于宗教信仰之外的。

the corruption of [public morals](bold)(=the standards of behaviour, especially sexual behaviour, expected by society)

a young woman of [loose morals](bold)(=low standards of sexual behaviour – often used humorously)

水性杨花的年轻女子〔常为幽默用法〕

a practical lesson about what to do or how to behave, which you learn from a story or from something that happens to you

寓意，道德上的教训；教育意义

The moral of the film was that crime does not pay.

这部电影的寓意是犯罪没有好下场。


morale

The special meetings were intended to raise morale.

It was becoming difficult to keep up the morale of the troops.

(=have an effect on morale, usually to make it worse)

The uncertainty has badly affected morale.

We need to avoid damaging people's morale.

Knowing it was all pointless sapped my morale.

The possibility of big job cuts was destroying morale.

(=make people confident and positive again)

The new manager realized that his first job would be to restore morale.

Well-deserved praise is always good for morale.

The pay levels have resulted in low morale within the company.

The team's morale is shaky after their series of losses.

(=when people are getting less confident and positive)

He did his best to boost the sagging morale of the civil service.

Positive feedback is good for staff morale.

A letter from home was always a morale booster.

A lack of information can cause morale problems.

Rising sickness levels among your employees may show a loss of morale.

the level of confidence and positive feelings that people have, especially people who work together, who belong to the same team etc

The failed coup caused a loss of morale within the army.

政变未遂挫伤了军队的士气。

There is a need to raise morale in the teaching profession.

the prince’s [morale-boosting](bold)(=intended to raise morale) mission to the war-torn country

王子去这个饱受战争磨难的国家鼓舞士气的使命

The media feels pressure to keep the morale of the country up in war time.

媒体感到必须要保持国人在战时的士气。


morality

beliefs or ideas about what is right and wrong and about how people should behave

the decline in standards of personal morality

The authorities are protectors of public morality.

当权者是公众道德的捍卫者。

a lack of concern for conventional morality

the degree to which something is right or acceptable

a discussion on the morality of abortion


morally

according to moral principles about what is right and wrong

What you did wasn’t illegal, but it was [morally wrong](bold).

你做的事并不违法，但从道义上讲是不对的。

There is a belief that village life is somehow morally superior to city life.

有些人认为从某种程度上说乡村生活比城市生活有道德。

这样的虚伪在道德上是说不过去的。

The Constitution is not morally neutral but is based on certain central values.

宪法不是道德上中立，而是以某些中心价值观为基础。

certain about something that cannot be proved

〔对无法证实的事物〕确定的，确信的

I am morally certain that he is incapable of deliberately harming anyone.

我可以肯定他是不会故意伤害他人的。


more

[more often than not](bold) at → [often](->often) sense 5 [more fool you/him etc](bold) at → [fool](->fool) 1 sense 7 [that’s more like it/this is more like it](bold) at → [like](->like) 1 sense 11

used before an adjective or adverb to form the comparative

having a particular quality to a greater degree

You’ll have to be more careful next time.

Children generally feel much more confident working in groups.

儿童在小组中活动一般会自信得多。

It was a lot more expensive than I had expected.

Your health is more important than anything else.

Children can often do these puzzles more easily than adults.

儿童往往比成年人更会做这些益智游戏。

Selling goods abroad is [no more](bold) difficult (=not more difficult) than selling to the home market.

[More](bold)  is not used before the [-er](bold)  form of an adjective or adverb. You say: The train is quicker than the bus.
Don’t say: [The train is more quicker.](strike)

used to say that something happens a greater number of times or for longer

I promised Mum that I’d help more with the housework.

我答应妈妈我会多帮忙做家务。

Children are using the library more than they used to.

儿童对图书馆的使用比以前要多。

He travels around [a lot more](bold) now that he has a car.

他现在有了车，出去跑的时间就多得多了。

used to say that something happens to a greater degree

She cares [a lot more](bold) for her dogs than she does for me.

她关心她的狗远远超过关心我。

It’s his manner I dislike, more than anything else.

我最讨厌的就是他的态度。

used to say that a quality, situation etc gradually increases

More and more, we are finding that people want to continue working beyond 60.

我们越来越多地发现，人们希望工作到60岁以后。

As the disease worsened, he found walking more and more difficult.

随着病情的加重，他发现走路越来越困难。

a place where the ground was more or less flat

They’ve settled here more or less permanently.

他们差不多永久定居在这儿了。

May I thank you all once more for making this occasion such a big success.

我再次感谢大家把这次活动办得如此成功。

Once more the soldiers attacked and once more they were defeated.

士兵们再一次进攻，再一次被击败。

used to say that someone or something returns to the situation they were in before

再一次〔指回到从前的局面〕

England was once more at war with France.

英格兰再一次和法国交战。

if something does not happen anymore, it used to happen but does not happen now

very happy, welcome, likely etc – used to emphasize what you are saying

非常乐意/欢迎/可能等〔用于强调所说的话〕

The store is more than happy to deliver goods to your home.

商店很乐意把货物送到你的家里。

The police are more than likely to ban the match.

警方很可能会禁止这场比赛。

used to say that if a particular activity increases, another change happens as a result

The more I thought about it, the less I liked the idea.

我越想就越觉得这个主意不好。

与其说 …，倒不如说 …

这事与其说让人高兴，倒不如说让人担心。

The lectures were more than a little disappointing.

used to say that a negative statement is also true about someone else

‘She didn’t know the reason for his leaving.’ ‘No more do I (=neither do I).’

“她不知道他离开的原因。”“我也不知道。”

used to emphasize that someone or something does not have a particular quality or would not do something

He’s no more fit to be a priest than I am!

他和我一样根本就不适合当牧师！


more

[more’s the pity](bold) at → [pity](->pity) 1 sense 4

as well as the ones that you have already mentioned

She will remain in hospital for further tests.

in addition to the main part of something

Supplementary information is available on request.

in addition to the usual or standard cost, time, amount etc

They let the kids stay up an extra hour.

more than the basic amount or the amount that you expected or agreed. [Additional ](bold) is more formal than [extra](bold)

An evening job would provide additional income.

There may be an additional charge for paying bills by credit card.

[determiner](bold) [pron](bold) <[comparative of ‘many’ and ‘much’](bold)>

We should spend more on health and education.

我们应该在医疗卫生和教育方面投入更多的钱。

More people are buying new cars than ever before.

现在买新汽车的人比以前多了。

Our plane took off more than two hours late.

我们的飞机晚了两个多小时才起飞。

More than a quarter of the students never finished their courses.

超过四分之一的学生没有学完他们的课程。

Viewers want better television, and more of it.

观众希望看到更多更好的电视节目。

Perhaps next year more of us will be able to afford holidays abroad.

也许到明年，我们中会有更多的人有钱出国度假。

我真的很感兴趣，再告诉我一些吧。

Can I have a little more time to finish?

能再给我点时间让我做完吗？

You’d better take some more of your medicine.

More and more people are moving to the cities.

越来越多的人移居到城市。

used to emphasize that a particular number, amount, distance etc is not large

It’s a beautiful cottage not more than five minutes from the nearest beach.

那是一座漂亮的小房子，离最近的海滩至多五分钟路。

Opinion polls show that no more than 30% of people trust the government.

used to say that if an amount of something increases, another change happens as a result

…越多 …也越多/就越少

It always seems like the more I earn, the more I spend.

我好像总是挣得越多花得也越多。

与其说 …，倒不如说 …

It was more of a holiday than a training exercise.

与其说是培训活动，还不如说是度假。

used to say that something is not too much, but exactly right or suitable

Eline felt it was no more than her duty to look after her husband.

埃利纳觉得照顾丈夫就是她的责任。

used to say that someone or something is not very great or important

He’s no more than a glorified accountant.

说他是个会计师，不过是个美称而已。

He left school with little more than a basic education.

他只受了点基本的教育就辍学了。

used to add more information that emphasizes what you are saying

I’ve been fortunate to find a career that I love and, what's more, I get well paid for it.

我很幸运找到一个我喜欢的职业，而且薪水也很高。

used to say that something will or should no longer happen

不会再有某事；不要再有某事

No more dreary winters – we’re moving to Florida.

不会再有可怕的冬天了——我们就要搬到佛罗里达去了。


moreover

[adv](bold) <[sentence adverb](bold)> [formal](special)

in addition – used to introduce information that adds to or supports what has previously been said

The rent is reasonable and, moreover, the location is perfect.

租金合理，而且位置绝佳。

The source of the information is irrelevant. Moreover, the information need not be confidential.

信息来源无关紧要，而且也不一定必须是机密信息 。

[Moreover](bold)  is very formal. In everyday English, people use [what’s more](bold)  or [also](bold)  instead:

The rent is reasonable and, [what’s more](bold), the location is perfect.


morning

You do something [in the morning](bold) : What time do you get up in the morning?
Don’t say: [What time do you get up on the morning?](strike)

You do something [on Monday/Tuesday etc morning](bold) : I was late for work on Thursday morning.

Something happens [ on the morning of ](bold) a particular date or event: On the morning of March 15, 2008, he was involved in a car accident. Make sure you arrive in plenty of time on the morning of the exam.

You use [all morning](bold)  to say that something happens during a whole morning, from beginning to end: I’ve been working hard all morning.
Don’t say: [I’ve been working hard all the morning.](strike)

Can you have the report ready by tomorrow morning?

I haven’t seen her since yesterday morning.

His meeting was not until the next morning.

By the time he woke, it was late morning.

A light frost covered the fields in the early morning.

They set off on a beautiful spring morning.

(=that someone does, drinks etc in the morning)

She read the paper while drinking her morning coffee.

(=that is published or broadcast in the morning)

The story was in all the morning papers.

She took the morning flight back to London.

He has to get up very early in the morning.

I was woken up in the small hours of the morning by a strange sound.

the early part of the day, from when the sun rises until 12 o’clock in the middle of the day

我讨厌冬天里寒冷的早晨。

今天早上我觉得不大舒服。

He stayed in bed late on Sunday morning.

the part of the day from 12 o’clock at night until 12 o’clock in the middle of the day

电话在凌晨三点响了起来。

if something will happen in the morning, it will happen during the morning of the following day

我明天上午会处理那件事。

她每天上午在当地的学校工作。

used to emphasize that something happens a lot or continuously

白天黑夜地，夜以继日地；持续不断地


morning

早上好，早〔早上见面时的问候语〕


mortality

(also: [mor=tality #rate](bold) /.ˈ.../ )

the number of deaths during a particular period of time among a particular type or group of people

Mortality from heart disease varies widely across the world.

心脏病死亡率世界各地差异很大。

an appallingly high [infant mortality rate](bold)(=number of babies who die)

the condition of being human and having to die

My mother’s death forced me to face the fact of my [own mortality](bold).

母亲的去世迫使我面对自己也终将死去的事实。


mortgage

They have a mortgage on a small house in North London.

If I lose my job, we won't be able to pay the mortgage.

They paid off their mortgage five years early.

(=be unable to pay enough money each month)

He fell behind with the mortgage when he lost his job.

They both need to work full-time because their mortgage is so big.

Homebuyers are eager to take advantage of the cheap mortgages on offer.

If interest rates go down, your mortgage payments will fall.

(=the rate of interest you will pay on a mortgage)

You need to shop around for a good mortgage rate.

Nearly all mortgage lenders plan to raise their interest rates.

a legal arrangement by which you borrow money from a bank or similar organization in order to buy a house, and pay back the money over a period of years

Your building society or bank will help arrange a mortgage.

你所在的住房协会或银行将会给你安排抵押贷款。

They’ve [taken out](bold) a 30-year [ mortgage](bold)(=they will pay for their house over a period of 30 years).

他们办理了一笔30年期的抵押贷款。

We decided to use Fred’s redundancy money to [pay off](bold) the [mortgage](bold)(=pay back all the money we borrowed for a mortgage).

我们决定用弗雷德的遣散费来偿清抵押贷款。

[Mortgage rates](bold) are set to rise again in the spring.

抵押贷款利率到春季很可能还要上涨。

She was having trouble meeting her [mortgage payments](bold).

the amount of money you borrow in the form of a mortgage

If you earn £20,000 per year, then you may be able to get a mortgage of £60,000.

如果年收入是2万英镑，就有可能贷到6万英镑的抵押贷款。


mortgage

if you mortgage your home, land, or property, you borrow money, usually from a bank, and if you cannot pay back the money within a particular period of time, the bank has the right to sell your property in order to get the money you owe it

We mortgaged our house to start Paul’s business.

为了让保罗创业，我们把房子抵押出去了。

to borrow money or do something that is likely to cause problems in the future, that other people will have to deal with

以将来/某人的前途作为代价[赌注]

The report explains how governments are mortgaging their nations’ futures.


mosaic

a pattern or picture made by fitting together small pieces of coloured stone, glass etc

rooms decorated with wall paintings and mosaics

用壁画和马赛克装饰的房间

a group of different things that exist next to each other or together

镶嵌画般的东西；拼嵌物；组合体

The forest floor was a mosaic of autumn colours.

森林的地面上秋色斑斓，犹如一幅马赛克拼图。


mosquito

[plural](italic) mosquitoes or [plural](italic) mosquitos

a small flying insect that sucks the blood of people and animals, sometimes spreading the disease malaria


moss

[mossy](bold) adj. eg: a high, mossy wall

a very small green plant that grows in a thick soft furry mass on wet soil, trees, or rocks


most

You use [the most ](bold)  when you are comparing one person or thing with all others: It was the most terrifying experience of my life.

In spoken English, you can also use [the most ](bold)  when comparing just two people or things: Which is the most enjoyable – tennis or squash?  However, some people think that this is incorrect and use [(the) more](bold)  to compare two people or things: Which is the more enjoyable – tennis or squash?

used before an adjective or adverb to form the superlative

having the greatest amount of a particular quality

最〔指具有最多的某种品质〕

She’s one of the most experienced teachers in the district.

她是该地区最有经验的教师之一。

The most important thing is to stay calm.

A recent study showed that gardening is [easily the most](bold) popular activity among the over 50s.

We shall find out which system works most effectively.

我们要找出哪个系统效率最高。

It is the kind of tea most often served in Chinese restaurants.

这是中国餐馆里最常见的茶。

[Most](bold)  is not used before the [-est](bold)  form of an adjective or adverb. You say: This exercise is one of the hardest.
Don’t say: [This exercise is one of the most hardest.](strike)

to a greater degree or more times than anything else

What annoyed him most was the way she wouldn’t even listen.

最使他恼怒的是她甚至不愿意听。

我想我吃得最多的食物是意大利面。

[Most of all](bold), I just felt sad that it was over.

最主要的是我觉得伤心，因为一切都结束了。

Thank you for a most interesting evening.

谢谢你让我度过了一个非常有意思的夜晚。

I was most surprised to hear of your engagement.

听说你订婚了，我非常吃惊。

He plays poker [most every](bold) evening.

他几乎天天晚上打扑克牌。


most

You use [most](bold)  before plural nouns to talk about people or things in general: Most people disagree.
Don’t say: [The most people disagree.](strike)

You say [most of the](bold) : Most of the shops are closed.
Don’t say: [most of shops](strike)

You say[ most of my/her/his etc](bold)  or [many of them/us/you](bold) : Most of my friends are at university. Most of them are women.

[determiner](bold) [pron](bold) <[the superlative of ‘many’ and ‘much’](bold)>

nearly all of the people or things in a group, or nearly all of something

大多数，大部分，几乎全部

Like most people, I try to take a vacation every year.

和大多数人一样，我争取每年休一次假。

Most research in this field has been carried out by the Russians.

这个领域的研究工作大多是俄罗斯人做的。

It was Sunday and most of the shops were shut.

那天是星期天，大多数商店都关门了。

Most of what Hannah told me wasn’t true.

汉娜告诉我的大部分事情都不属实。

有些人光着脚，大多数人都衣衫褴褛。

[most of the time/most days etc](bold)(=usually)

这里大多数时间都很安静。

Most evenings we just stay in and watch TV.

大多数夜晚我们就待在家里看看电视。

a larger amount or number than anyone or anything else

The team that scores the most points wins.

Which class has the most children in it?

It’s unfair that you should have to pay the most when you earn so little.

你挣那么一点点，出钱却要最多，这不公平。

The animal that caused most trouble was a little black puppy.

The aim is to help patients to obtain most benefit from their treatment.

目的是要帮助病人取得最大疗效。

The most you can hope to achieve is just to get him to listen to your ideas.

你能指望做到的最多也就是让他听听你的想法。

used to say that you think an amount cannot be larger than the amount you are mentioning

There were at most 50 people in the audience.

The boy looked nine [at the very most](bold)(=he was probably younger).

used to say that something is generally true but not completely true

就绝大部分而言；基本上，大体上

For the most part, people seemed pretty friendly.

make the most of sth/get the most out of sth

to gain the greatest possible advantage from something

Charming and friendly, she will help you make the most of your visit.

她可爱又友好，会让你的这次访问非常开心。

advice on how to get the most out of your computer

如何最大限度利用电脑的建议


mostly

used to talk about most members of a group, most occasions, most parts of something etc

大部分；主要地；多半；通常

Green teas are mostly from China or Japan.

绿茶主要来自中国或日本。

There were about fifteen people in the lounge, mostly women.

大厅里大约有15人，大部分是女性。

He blamed his parents. Mostly he blamed his dad.

他责怪他的父母，主要是责怪他爸爸。

In written English, people often prefer to use [generally](bold)  or [for the most part](bold)  rather than [mostly](bold) , because they sound more formal:

Many tourists visit the region, [generally](bold) for skiing.

The inhabitants of the village are [for the most part](bold) elderly.


motel

a hotel for people who are travelling by car, where you can park your car outside your room


moth

an insect related to the butterfly that flies mainly at night and is attracted to lights. Some moths eat holes in cloth.


mother

used when talking to your father, or about someone’s father

My mum and dad won’t mind if you want to stay the night.

a name for mother, which is used especially by young children or when you are talking to young children

used when talking to your mother, or about someone’s mother

(also: stepmum (BrE) (informal) stepmom (AmE) (informal) )

a woman who is married to your father, who is not your mother but often acts as your parent

母亲，妈妈；母兽，母畜，母禽

[mother of two/three etc](bold)(=mother of two/three etc children)

Janet is a full-time teacher and a mother of two.

珍妮特是全职教师，还是两个孩子的母亲。

the relationship between [mother and child](bold)

母亲说他们是在大学里认识的。

If food is scarce, the mother will feed the smaller, weaker chicks.

如果食物稀少，母禽就喂较小、较弱的幼禽。

[mother cat/bird/hen etc](bold)(=an animal that is a mother)

to care for someone as if you were their mother

She’s like a mother to them. If they need anything she always helps out.

她就像他们的母亲一样，他们需要什么她总是帮忙解决。

if someone behaves like a mother hen, they try to protect their children too much and worry about them all the time

像只老母鸡〔指过分保护子女并时时为他们操心〕

learn/be taught sth at your mother’s knee

to learn something when you are a very young child

年幼时就学习/被教会某事

the prayers which he had been taught at his mother’s knee

…之母， …的根由[根源]

Westminster is known as ‘the mother of parliaments’.

威斯敏斯特以“议会之母”闻名。

Necessity is the mother of invention (=people have good ideas when the situation makes it necessary).

a very severe or extreme type of something, usually something bad

I woke up with [the mother of all](bold) hangovers.

我醒来时宿醉反应很严重。

something very large and usually very good

大家伙〔一般指很好的东西〕

used to address the woman who is in charge of a convent

院长嬤嬤〔对女修道院院长的称呼〕


mother

to look after and protect someone as if you were their mother, especially by being too kind and doing everything for them

像母亲般照管；〔尤指〕溺爱

我不喜欢有人像妈妈一样管着我！


motif

an idea, subject, or image that is regularly repeated and developed in a book, film, work of art etc

〔书、电影、美术作品等的〕主题，主旨，中心思想

The theme of creation is a recurrent motif in Celtic mythology.

天地万物的创造是凯尔特神话中反复出现的主题。

a small picture or pattern used to decorate something plain

〔装饰等的〕基调，基本图案

印有蓝色鱼图案的白色T恤衫

an arrangement of notes that is often repeated in a musical work


motion

→ [slow motion](->slow motion) → [time and motion study](->time and motion study)

the process of moving or the way that someone or something moves

The rocking motion of the boat made Sylvia feel sick.

小船晃来晃去，使西尔维娅感到恶心。

a single movement of your head or hand, especially one made in order to communicate something

He summoned the waiter with a motion of his hand.

他做了个手势，召唤侍者过来。

Doyle glanced back at Bodie, and [made](bold) a slight [motion with](bold) his head.

多伊尔回头看了看博迪，微微动了动头示意。

a proposal that is made formally at a meeting, and then is usually decided on by voting

The [motion](bold) was [defeated](bold) by 201 votes to 159.

提议以159票对201票被否决。

We will now vote on the motion that membership charges should rise by 15%.

我们现在将对会费提高15%这一动议进行投票表决。

[pass/carry/approve a motion](bold)(=accept it by voting)

I urge you to [support](bold) this [motion](bold).

[propose/put forward/table a motion](bold)(=make a proposal)

I’d like to propose a motion to move the weekly meetings to Thursdays.

我提议把每周的例会改到星期四。

The [motion](bold) was [seconded](bold)(=formally supported) by Mr Levin.

该提议得到了莱文先生的附议。

The attorneys [filed a motion](bold)(=made a proposal in a court) for a temporary restraining order.

律师提出动议要求下达临时禁止令。

moving from one place or position to another

The end doors are not to be used when the train is in motion.

火车运行时，车厢端门不得使用。

to start a process or series of events that will continue for some time

The Church voted to set in motion the process allowing women to be priests.

Once the house had been sold, Jane [set the wheels in motion](bold)(=started the process) to find somewhere smaller to live.

房子一卖掉，简就开始行动起来，找一个小一点的住处。

to do something because you have to do it, without being very interested in it

做姿态（做某事）；走过场（做某事）

I feel so bored at work, like I’m just going through the motions.

我对工作感到很厌烦，觉得自己就像是在走过场。

solid waste material that comes out when you empty your bowels – used especially by doctors and nurses

大便〔尤为医护人员用语〕


motion

to give someone directions or instructions by moving your hand or head

The police officer motioned for me to pull over.

He motioned to the barman to refill their glasses.

他示意酒吧男招待把他们的酒杯续满。


motivate

to be the reason why someone does something

Was he motivated solely by a desire for power?

他只是受到权欲的驱使吗？

We may never know what motivated him to kill his wife.

to make someone want to achieve something and make them willing to work hard in order to do this

A good teacher has to be able to motivate her students.

好教师必须能够激发学生的积极性。

The profit-sharing plan is designed to motivate the staff to work hard.

利润分红计划旨在激励员工努力工作。


motivation

ˌməʊtəˈveɪʃən

[motivational](bold) adj. eg: motivational speeches

eagerness and willingness to do something without needing to be told or forced to do it

efforts to improve employees’ motivation

Jack is an intelligent pupil, but he lacks motivation.

杰克是一个很聪明的学生，但学习不够主动。

What was your motivation for becoming a teacher?

Escape can be a strong motivation for travel.

逃避现实有时是旅游的主要原因。

There is suspicion about the motivation behind the changes we are debating.

有人怀疑我们正在争论的这些变革背后的动机。


motive

[motiveless](bold) adj. eg: an apparently motiveless killing

Barbara had a strong motive for disliking Ben.

The main motive for the killings seemed to be revenge.

Concern was her prime motive in visiting Mrs Green.

The police are still thinking about possible motives for the murders.

She wondered if there was a hidden motive for his departure.

Did you think I had an ulterior motive for coming here?

What were his true motives for offering her the job?

The treaty’s underlying motive was to make Japan a strong ally of the US.

The murders might have a political motive.

Many people believed that there were economic motives to the decision to go to war.

He had mixed motives for joining the army: a desire to prove himself, but also the desire to get away from his family.

Who might have had a motive for killing him?

(=think that someone might have selfish or dishonest reasons for doing something)

They began to question the motives of the people who held positions of power.

So far the police have been unable to establish a motive for the murder.

the reason that makes someone do something, especially when this reason is kept hidden

〔尤指隐藏的〕动机，原因，目的

What do you suppose the killer’s motive was?

你认为凶手的动机是什么？

The police believe the motive for this murder was jealousy.

警方认为这宗谋杀案的动机是嫉妒。

The motives behind the decision remain obscure.

这个决定背后的动机依然不明。

The violence was clearly prompted by political motives.

这次暴力事件显然是由政治动机引发的。

It’s not the kind of thing he’d do unless he had an [ulterior motive](bold)(=a reason he kept hidden).

他不会做这种事的，除非他另有隐情。

〔文艺作品的〕主题；〔装饰等的〕基调，基本图案；〔音乐作品的〕主旋律


motive

the motive power or force for a machine, vehicle etc makes it move

引起运动的；起推动作用的；提供动力的

Water provided the motive power for the mill.


motor

the part of a machine that makes it work or move, by changing power, especially electrical power, into movement

→
        [Motor](bold) is not generally used to refer to the part of a vehicle which produces the power for it to move. Use [engine](bold)[My car needs a new engine.](italic)


motor

relating to cars or other vehicles with engines

relating to nerves that make muscles move


motor

伯蒂要从伦敦开车南下旅行。


motorcycle

ˈməʊtəˌsaɪkəl

a fast two-wheeled vehicle with an engine


motorist

12,000 motorists were stopped for speeding in the police crackdown.

在警方的这次整治行动中，有1.2万名汽车司机因超速被拦下。


motorway

He was driving along the motorway at a steady sixty miles an hour.

Traffic will be diverted through Hamilton before joining the motorway.

A few miles further on they left the motorway.

We forgot to turn off the motorway and ended up in London.

The motorway is always busy around Birmingham.

Two of Britain's major motorways pass through Nottingham.

There are plans to build a new six-lane motorway through the area.

Is motorway driving included in the driving test?

Six people were killed in a motorway crash.

(=when several cars on a motorway crash into each other)

a news report of a motorway pileup on the M25

(=a place where you can join or leave the motorway)

Their stores are all situated near major motorway junctions.

This stretch of motorway is always very busy.

a very wide road for travelling fast over long distances, especially between cities


mould

The program broke the mould of the traditional TV chat show.

(=be like other things of the same type)

She doesn't fit the mould of the stereotypical mother.

As an actor he is in the mould of Bruce Lee.

He didn't want to be cast in the mould of being an academic.

(=be different from or similar to other things of the same type)

He clearly comes from a different mould than his brother.

He was not a conservative in the traditional mould.

a hollow container that you pour a liquid or soft substance into, so that when it becomes solid, it takes the shape of the container

Another method, used especially for figures, was to pour the clay into a mould.

另一个方法是把黏土倒入模具中，尤其用于铸造人像。

if someone is in a particular mould, or fits into a particular mould, they have all the attitudes and qualities typical of a type of person

〔人的性格、气质等的〕类型

She didn’t quite fit into the standard ‘high-flying businesswoman’ mould.

她并不完全属于商场女强人的类型。

[in the same mould (as sb/sth)/in the mould of sb/sth](bold)

a socialist intellectual in the mould of Anthony Crosland

一名安东尼•克罗斯兰式的社会主义知识分子

to change a situation completely, by doing something that has not been done before

an attempt to break the mould of British politics

a soft green, grey, or black substance that grows on food which has been kept too long, and on objects that are in warm wet air

The chemical was used to kill a mold that grows on peanuts.

这种化学品被用来杀灭花生上生长的霉菌。


mould

to shape a soft substance by pressing or rolling it or by putting it into a mould

使 …成形；用模子制作；浇铸

Mould the sausage meat into little balls.

把灌香肠用的碎肉团成小丸子。

to influence the way someone’s character or attitudes develop

影响〔性格或态度〕的形成，塑造

I try to take young athletes and mold them into team players.

我尽量招收年纪小的运动员，把他们塑造成有团队精神的选手。

to fit closely to the shape of something, or to make something fit closely

The lining of the boot molds itself to the shape of your foot.

靴子的衬里会逐渐和脚形吻合。

她湿透的连衣裙紧贴在身上。


mound

a pile of earth or stones that looks like a small hill

The waiter appeared with a huge mound of spaghetti.

服务生端着满满一大盘意大利面出现了。

the small hill that the pitcher stands on in the game of baseball


mount

to plan, organize, and begin an event or a course of action

The National Gallery [mounted](bold) an [exhibition](bold) of Danish painting.

国家美术馆举办了丹麦画展。

[mount a campaign/challenge/search etc](bold)

Friends of the Earth are mounting a campaign to monitor the illegal logging of trees.

“地球之友”组织正在发起监控非法伐木的运动。

Guerrillas have mounted an attack on the capital.

游击队向首都发起了攻击。

to increase gradually in amount or degree

[Tension](bold) here is [mounting](bold), as we await the final result.

我们等待着最终结果，这里的气氛也越来越紧张。

Casualties on both sides of the battle have continued to mount.

交战双方的伤亡人数继续增加。

走上，爬上，登上〔台阶或楼梯〕

He mounted the stairs and looked around him slowly.

他登上楼梯，慢慢环顾四周。

A car suddenly mounted the pavement to avoid a vehicle coming in the opposite direction.

有辆汽车为了躲避迎面驶来的一辆车，突然冲上了人行道。

to fix a picture to a larger piece of stiff paper so that it looks more attractive

Entries to the photography competition should be mounted on white paper.

摄影比赛的参赛作品应裱贴在白纸上。

if a male animal mounts a female animal, he gets up onto her back to have sex

〔雄性动物〕爬上〔雌性动物〕的背进行交配


mount

〔用作山名的一部分〕 …山， …峰

stiff paper that is put behind or around a picture or photograph so that it looks more attractive


mountain

You use [in the mountains](bold)  to refer to an area with several mountains: They went climbing in the mountains. We stayed in a little village in the mountains.
Don’t say: [on the mountains](strike)  [in the mountain](strike)

You use [on the mountain](bold)  when referring to one particular mountain: They lost their way and had to spend a night on the mountain.
Don’t say: [in the mountain](strike)

an area of land that is higher than the land around it, which is like a mountain but smaller and usually has a rounded top

The house is surrounded by woods, farmland and gentle hills.

used in the names of mountains. Don’t say ‘Fuji Mountain’ – say [‘Mount Fuji’](bold)

the steep side of an area of land, often next to the sea

They were standing on the edge of a precipice.

a long narrow area of high ground, especially at the top of a mountain

I could see a group of climbers high up on a ridge.

a mountain with a large hole at the top, through which hot liquid rock is sometimes forced out

a group of mountains or hills arranged in a line

the mountain range that is part of the border between Norway and Sweden

a group of smaller hills below a range of high mountains

These mountains are much higher than any in Europe.

the spectacular scenery of rugged mountains

beautiful views of snow-capped mountains

The sun was setting over the distant mountains.

Carrie and Albert went up the mountain, neither of them speaking as they climbed.

(=walk and/or climb to the top of a mountain)

Hillary had climbed all the big mountains in New Zealand.

She lost her way as she went down the mountain.

We crossed the mountains between Spain and France.

The distant mountains soar abruptly towards the sky.

The Alps are the largest mountain range in Europe.

Until the end of June you may find snow on the mountain tops.

Their journey took them through river valleys and over mountain passes.

The water was as clear and cold as a mountain stream.

(=people who help people who are in difficulty on a mountain)

Mountain rescue teams were called out to search for the missing climbers.

We’ll take the car to the foot of the mountain and walk from there.

The path wound up the side of the mountain.

magnificent [mountain ranges](bold)(=lines of mountains)

snow-capped [mountain peaks](bold)(=tops of mountains)

a mountain rescue team (=a group of experienced climbers who help people to safety from a mountain)

She was the first British woman to [climb](bold) the [mountain](bold).

她是第一位攀登这座山的英国女子。

a very large pile or amount of something

I’ve got mountains of paperwork to deal with.

Her husband went off with another woman and left her facing [a mountain of debt](bold).

她丈夫和别的女人走了，留下一大堆债务让她去还。

a very large amount of food, butter etc that has been produced but is not needed or used

to treat a problem as if it was very serious when in fact it is not

used to say that someone has a lot of work to do to achieve their aim, especially when you believe it will be difficult

I have great faith in the power of love to move mountains.

我深信爱的力量可以创造奇迹。


mountainous

a mountainous area has a lot of mountains

They were struggling with mountainous debts.

他们背负着沉重的债务艰难打拼。


mourn

to feel very sad and to miss someone after they have died

Hundreds of people gathered to mourn the slain president.

成百上千人聚集在一起悼念遇刺的总统。

They mourned for their children, killed in the war.

他们悼念在战争中死去的孩子。

She still mourns the death of her husband.

她仍然为丈夫的死而哀伤。

to feel very sad because something no longer exists or is no longer as good as it used to be

The old steam trains were much loved, and we all [mourn](bold) their [passing](bold).

老式的蒸汽火车曾经备受喜爱，我们都为它们的淘汰感到惋惜。


mouse

[play cat and mouse](bold) at → [cat](->cat) sense 4 [quiet as a mouse](bold) at → [quiet](->quiet) 1 sense 1

a small furry animal with a pointed nose and a long tail that lives in people’s houses or in fields

猫把一只死老鼠放在我的脚边。

a small object that you move with your hand to give instructions to a computer

Select the printer icon and then click the left mouse button.

选择打印机图标，然后点击鼠标左键。


moustache

AmE also: mustache  [n](bold) <[C](bold)>


mouth

[be born with a silver spoon in your mouth](bold) at → [born](->born) 1 sense 8 [by word of mouth](bold) at → [word](->word) 1 sense 14 [be foaming at the mouth](bold) at → [foam](->foam) 2 sense 2 [put your foot in your mouth](bold) at → [foot](->foot) 1 sense 15 [put your money where your mouth is](bold) at → [money](->money) sense 18 [put words into sb’s mouth](bold) at → [word](->word) 1 sense 22 [shut your mouth](bold) at → [shut](->shut) 1 sense 2 [shoot your mouth off](bold) at → [shoot](->shoot) 1 sense 12 → [foul-mouthed](->foul-mouthed) → [mealy-mouthed](->mealy-mouthed)

He opened his mouth wide so the doctor could examine his throat.

She laughed, covering her mouth with her hand.

He laid down his fork and wiped his mouth.

(=bring your lips tightly together, especially to show disapproval or worry)

She walked boldly up to him and kissed him on the mouth.

‘Me?’ she said, her mouth dropping open.

(=their lips are pressed tightly together, usually in anger)

‘You mean you knew about this?’ His mouth tightened.

(=moves into an unhappy or angry expression)

(=especially because someone is nervous or ill)

My mouth was dry and my hands were shaking.

Billy’s wide mouth stretched into a grin.

She had heavy-lidded eyes and a full mouth.

a woman with a sharp nose and a thin mouth

The girl had huge brown eyes and a rosebud mouth.

A smile lifted the corners of her mouth.

He made a clicking sound with his tongue on the roof of his mouth.

the part of your face which you put food into, or which you use for speaking

Liam was fast asleep with his mouth wide open.

利亚姆大张着嘴，睡得很熟。

He demanded £2,000 to keep his mouth shut.

他要求给他2,000英镑封口费。

to not say something even if you think it

我真希望自己什么也没说。

‘I’ll go,’ Travis said quickly before she could open her mouth.

“我去。”特拉维斯没等她开口就赶紧说道。

[open your mouth to say/speak/protest etc](bold)

Julia opened her mouth to reply, but they were interrupted.

朱莉娅张开嘴巴想回答，但是有人打断了他们。

used to tell someone not to speak in such a rude way

As the train entered the mouth of the tunnel, the lights came on.

火车进入隧道入口时，灯亮了起来。

the part of a river where it joins the sea

the open part at the top of a bottle or container

if someone has a big mouth, they say too much or tell another person’s secrets

me and my big mouth/you and your big mouth etc

used to criticize yourself or another person for saying something that should not have been said

Oops, I shouldn’t have said that. Me and my big mouth.

哎呀，我不应该说那些的，都怪我多嘴。

someone who you must provide food for, especially one of your children

需要养活的人〔尤指子女〕

To these parents, a new baby is just another hungry mouth.

对这些父母来说，再生一个孩子就等于又多了一张吃饭的嘴。

if food makes your mouth water, it smells or looks so good you want to eat it immediately

The smell of the cooked fish made her mouth water.

烧好的鱼的味道把她馋得直流口水。

蒂姆一副垂头丧气的模样。

out of the mouths of babes (and sucklings)

used humorously when a small child has just said something clever or interesting

竟然出自一个孩子之口〔幽默用法，表示一个小孩子刚说了一句机智或有趣的话〕

if someone is all mouth, they talk a lot about what they will do but are not brave enough to actually do it


mouth

to move your lips in the same way you do when you are saying words, but without making any sound

She silently mouthed the words ‘Good luck’.

她用口型不出声地说了句“祝你好运”。

Philip mouthed something through the glass which she did not hear.

菲利普隔着玻璃说了些什么，可是她没有听见。

to say things that you do not really believe or that you do not understand

言不由衷地说；〔自己并不明白却〕信口开河地说

The players mouthed clichés about what they hoped to do at the World Cup.

球员们说了些套话，希望在世界杯赛上如何如何。

他们又说了些老生常谈的话。