现代大学英语Lesson 1 Word study.doc

Lesson 1 Word study 1.clutch vt. to hold sth. or sb. tightly, esp. because you are frightened, in pain, or do not want to lose something Synonyms hold /seize/grip/grasp/grab/snatch Examples: Tom fell to the ground, clutching hisstomach. A woman clutching a baby stole an elderly woman’s purse. Clutch at to try hard to hold sth., esp. when you’re in a dangerous situation Example: A drowning man will clutch at a straw. (to try hard to find a sign of hope or a solution, even when they are not likely to exist in a difficult or dangerous situation) 2. convince vt. to make sb. feel certain that sth.is true Examples: I couldn’t convince him of his mistake. How can I convince you of my sincerity? I managed to convince them that the story was true. a convincing argument convincing evidence 3.vast extremely large; spreading a great distance Synonyms Huge/immense/enormous/gigantic/massive/ giant/tremendous examples: 1). The vast plains of this country spread for hundreds of miles. 2). He is very valuable to his employer because of his vast experience in the business 3). The group of actors was brought from NewYork to London at vast expense. 4). The refugees came across the border in vast numbers. 5). The vast majority of young people don’t take drugs. 4.intricate adj. containing many detailed parts which make it difficult to understand Example: It is an intricate idea and would need a lot of intricate work. 5. overlook vt. a. to have a view of sth. from above Our room overlooks the ocean. My garden is overlooked by the neighbours b. to fail to see or notice; pay no attention to I’m afraid I overlooked your name; I’ll addit to the list immediately. I’ll overlook your mistake this time. 6.variety (1) n. number or range of different things a variety of Examples: The T-shirts are available in a wide variety of colors. The students come from a variety of different backgrounds. n. quality of not being the same, or not being t