Unit 1 Living well
Word usage
1. ambition n. 1) strong desire to be
2) object of such a desire
Her son was filled with ambition to become a great inventor.
Her ambition was to become a film star.
2. adapt vi: 1) make sb get used to sth; adjust
2) rewrite
He tried hard to adapt himself to the new conditions.
The author is going to adapt his play for television.
The boys adapted the old barn for use by the club.
3. breath n. 1) single act of taking air in and sending air out
2) smell
After all that running, he was short of breath.
When he walked out of the room, he drew a deep breath.
There was not a breath of air in the hot auditorium.
4. annoy vt. irritate, make rather angry
His mother was annoyed with him for being so rude to their neighbors.
These flies are annoying me.
5. ignore vt. Take no notice of; refuse to notice of
His letters were ignored.
Even the best of men ignored that simple rule.
6. suitable adj. fit
He was just not suitable for the job.
These story books are suitable for children to read.
7. impress: impress sb with sth: have a favorable effect on sb
Impress sth on/upon sb: fix sth in sb’s mind
I was very impressed by his story.
The woman impressed me most unfavorably.
My father impressed on me the importance of hard work.
Our teacher impressed us with the importance of industry and economy.
8. assistance n: help v. assist
Your technical assistance in the project is greatly appreciated.
I can’t move this piano without assistance.
9. access n. 1) means of approaching or entering a place; way in
2) opportunity or right to use sth or approach sb
Only a few people have access to the full facts of the case.
The only access to their house is along that narrow road.
10. dignity n. 1) quality that earns or deserves respect; true worth
2) calm or serious manner or style
3) high or honourable rank, post.
He maintained his dignity throughout the trial.
A man's dignity depends not upon his wealth but upon his character.
The Queen conferred the dignity of a peerage on him.
11. inspire vt. 1) fill sb with the ability or urge to do
2) fill sb with thoughts, feelings or aims
His speech inspired us to try again.
The beautiful scenery inspired the composer.
His encouraging remarks inspired confidence in me.
The riot was inspired by extremists.
12. overcome v. 1) succeed in a struggle against sth, defeat
2) be victorious, triumph
3) find a way of dealing with or solving a problem ect.
The learner of a second language has many obstacles to overcome.
He was overcome by the heat.
He was overcome with astonishment
I believe truth will overcome.
13. overhear v. hear sb by chance/ by accident
Do not talk so loud; you may be overheard.
I happened to overhear what he said.
14. resign v. 1) give up a post, a job, claim etc
2) hand over
3) be ready to accept or endure
The general resigned his commission.
She resigned her children to the care of her sister.
He is resigned to his fate. 或 He resigned himself to his fate.
The simplest thing is for him to resign at once.
15. independent adj. 1) not controlled by others or things
2) self governing
Many colonies in Africa became independent nations in the 1950's.
My elder sisters and brothers have moved away from home and are now independent.
One third of votes went to the independent candidate.
Useful phrases
1. set up: put up, build
A new government was set up after the war.
They wanted to set up a state of their own.
Police set up road-blocks on routes leading out of the city.
2. take on 1) undertake
2) become popular
3) put on a quality, appearance
The insect can take on the color of its surroundings.
He is unwilling to take on heavy responsibilities.
The lake has taken on a new look after being protected.
3. in particular: especially or specially, particularly
She stressed that point in particular.
I noticed his eyes in particular.
4. neither…nor…
Neither I nor he knows more about it.
The weather today is neither hot nor cold.
4. rather than 用于平行结构
I’d call her hair chestnut rather than brown.
I’d rather to go in summer rather than in winter.
I always prefer getting up early, rather than going to school without breakfast.
5. have trouble (in) doing sth: have difficulties (in) doing sth
He has trouble in making himself understood.
China has great trouble in solving the problem of population.
6. as well as
She is clever as well as beautiful.
Many students as well as Tom were present at the meeting.
She sings as well as playing the piano.
7. sit around: sit about
The guys have nothing to do but sit around chatting.
In the yard children are everywhere sitting around.
8. all in all
They were all in all to each other.
All in all, he admitted his mistake.
All in all, it had been a great success.
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