8.28
stem
v.
- to stop sth that is flowing from spreading or increasing
stem from sth.
- to be the result of sth
speculate -> speculation
v.
- to form an opinion about sth. without knowing all the details or facts
- We all speculated about the reasons for her resignation.
- to buy goods, property, shares, etc., hoping to make a profit when you sell them but with the risk of losing money
- He likes to speculate on the stock market.
underpin -> underpinning
v.
- to support or form the basis of an argument, a claim, etc.
- The report is underpinned by extensive research.
- The act was an attempt to preserve the sound underpinnings that existed in the market.
- to support a wall by putting metal, concrete, etc. under it
interim
adj.
- intended to last for only a short time until sb/sth more permanent is found
- an interim government
- (finance) calculated before the final results of sth are known
outlook
n.
- the attitude of life and the world of a particular person, group or culture
- He had a practical outlook on life.
- the probable future for sb. or sth.; what is likely to happen
- The outlook for jobs is bleak(暗淡).
- the country’s economic outlook
- a view from a particular place
- The house has a pleasant outlook over the valley.
prudent
- sensible and careful when you make judgements or decisions; avoiding unnecessary risks
- It might be more prudent to get a second opinion before going ahead.
point up
- to bring attention to something, to highlight or emphasize something
- The speaker pointed up the importance of improving public education.
in that
- used to introduce a statement that explains or gives more specific information about what one has just said
- The book is good, in that it’s well written.
contend
- to say that sth is true, especially in an argument
preoccupied
- thinking or worrying continuously about sth so that you do not pay attention to other things
- He was too preoccupied with his own thoughts to notice anything wrong.
cumbersome
- large and heavy, difficult to carry
- cumbersome machinery
- slow and complicated
- (of words or phrases) long or complicated
strain
n.
- pressure on sb/sth because they have too much to do or manage, or sth very difficult to deal with; the problems, worry or anxiety that this produces
- Their marriage is under great strain at the moment.
- physical pressure
- an injury to a part of your body
- a particular type of plant or animal, or of a disease
post a great threat to
- Worse, the viruses that pose the greatest threat might be hardest to grow in eggs.
8.29
Listening Contest
Finished a set of 4 texts, with an accuracy of 13/15.
neck and neck with sb.
level with sb in a race or competition
break the mold -> break the stereotype
relentless
- not stopping or getting less strong
- her relentless pursuit of perfection
- refusing to give up or be less strict or severe
municipal
- connected with or belonging to a town, city or district that has its own local government
Reading Contest
Finished a set of 3 passages, with an accuracy of 26/30.
dispense
- to give out sth to people
- The machine dispenses a range of drinks and snacks.
- to provide sth, especially a service to people
- to prepare medicine and give it to people
dispense with sb/sth
- to stop using sb/sth because you no longer need them or it
- Debit cards dispense with the need for cash altogether.
render
v.
- to cause sb/sth to be in a particular state or condition
- to give sb sth, especially in return for sth or because it is expected
- They rendered assistance to the disaster victims.
- to present sth, especially when it is done officially
- to express or perform sth
agreeable
- pleasant and easy to like
- We spent a most agreeable day together.
- willing to do sth or allow sth
- Do you think they will be agreeable to our proposal?
- able to be accepted by sb (agreeable to sb)
assume
- to think of accept that sth is true without having proof of it
- to take or begin to have power or responsibility
- Rebel forces have assumed control of the capital.
- to begin to have a particular quality or appearance
- This matter has assumed considerable importance.
- to pretend to have a particular feeling or quality
- He assumed an air of concern.
confer
- to discuss with sb, in order to exchange opinions or get advice
- He wanted to confer with his colleagues before reaching a conclusion.
- to give sb an award, a university degree or a particular honor or right
8.30
Listening Contest
Finished a set of 4 listening materials, with an accuracy of 14/15.