Words and Expressions

I. Vocabulary

1.       inaugural (adj.): of an inauguration

2.       signify (v.): be a sign or indication of; mean

3.       almighty (adj.): having unlimited power

4.       forebear (n.): an ancestor

5.       ★prescribe (v.): set down as a rule or direction; order; ordain; direct

6.       ★generosity (n.): the quality of being generous

7.       heir (n.): person who appears to get some trait from apredecessor or seems to carry on in his tradition

8.       foe (n.): enemy; opponent

9.       ★undoing (n.): the act of bringing to ruin, disgrace, or destruction

10.   asunder (adv.): into parts or pieces

11.   prey (n.): a person or thing that falls victim to someone orsomething

12.   ★subversion (n.): a subverting or being subverted; ruin

13.   sovereign (adj.): independent of all others

14.   ★outpace (v.): surpass; exceed

15.   invective (n.): a violent verbal attack, strong criticism, insults,curses, etc.

16.   shield (n.): any person or thing that guards, protects, ordefends; protection

17.   writ (n.): a formal legal document ordering or prohibitingsome action

18.   ★adversary (n.): a person who opposes or fights against another; opponent;enemy

19.   anew (adv.): again

20.   ★unleash (v.): release from or as from a leash

21.   ★engulf (v.): swallow up; overwhelm

22.   civility (n.): politeness, esp. in a merely formal way

23.   belabor (v.): talk about at unnecessary length

24.   formulate (v.): put together and express (a theory, plan, etc.)in a systematic way

25.   ★tap (v.): draw upon; make use of

26.   ★heed (v): pay close attention to; take careful notice of

27.   beachhead (n.): a position established by invading troops onan enemy shore; a position gained as a secure starting point for any action; foothold

28.   ★endeavor (n.): an earnest attempt or effort

29.   testimony (n.): any form of evidence, indication, etc.; proof

30.   embattle (v.): prepare, array, or set in line for battle

31.   tribulation (n.): great misery or distress, as fromoppression; deep sorrow

32.   ★forge (v.): move forward steadily, as if against difficulties; form; produce

33.   ★alliance (n.): a close association for a common objective as of nations, politicalparties, etc.

II. Expressions

1. at issue: in dispute; to be decided; in disagreement意见不一致
例：What is at issue is theextent to which exam results reflect a student’s ability.

意见的分歧之处在于考试成绩在多大程度上反映了学生的能力。

2. at odds: in disagreement; quarrelling 意见不一致，有争执
例：He was at odds with hiscolleagues.

他与同事意见不合。

3. cast off: to discard; abandon; disown丢弃，摆脱
例：a haven of tranquilitywhere you can cast off the strains and stress of life

一个可以摆脱生活重负的宁静港湾

4. beyond doubt: certainly毫无疑问
例：She was beyond doubt oneof the finest swimmers in the school.

毫无疑问，她在学校里游泳游得最棒。