大学英语精读册单元讲义.docVIP

Unit 3 I. Words and Expressions 1. unparalleled: adj. having no parallel or equal; unmatched With the soar of energy costs, this country is confronted with an economic crisis unparalleled in its history. 2. depression: n. (1) being depressed; low spirits 他一时想不开, 自杀了。(=He committed suicide during a fit of depression.) *Peter fell into a deep depression on hearing the news. period when there is little economic activity, and high unemployment *Lots of people were deprived of all these property in the Great Depression. 3. priority: n. (1) (a) (state of) being more important (in rank) *Japan enjoys priority over other countries in the field of microelectronics. 政府将改革法制列为工作的重点。(=The Government gave top priority to reforming the legal system.) thing that is (regarded as) more important than others (=You must decide what your priorities are.) *Housework is low on her list of priorities. 4. breadline: n. a very low level of income which allows people to eat but not have any extra things *For those people who exist near the breadline, this policy really crushes them. Collocations: be/live on the breadline非常穷，勉强维持生活be near/below the breadline 接近/低于最低生活标准 5. banish: v. (1) to send sb. away, especially out of the country, as a punishment *She was convicted of heresy and banished from the kingdom. *He was banished from his homeland for life. (2) to drive (thoughts, etc) out (of the mind) 她从心里打消了过一个宁静假日的想法(=She banished all thoughts of a restful holiday from her mind.) 6. pursuit: n. (1) the action of pursuing *The pursuit of profit was the main reason for the changes. (=She devoted her life to the pursuit of pleasure.) (2) an activity such as a sport or hobby, which you spend a lot of time doing 她一生献身于有意义的活动。(=She was engaged in worthwhile pursuits for her whole life.) *The world-famous scientist immersed himself in academic pursuits. Collocations: in pursuit of 在追求时*I’m always amazed at the things people do in pursuit of authentic love. in hot pursuit