dearth n.缺乏
同lack, shortage, scarcity
There is a dearth of parking place in Taipei.
台北缺乏停车位。
derivative n./adj.衍生之物(的)
同development, outgrowth, byproduct (n.)
This type of dance is a derivative of the traditional dancing found in Chinese opera.
这种舞蹈是从中国传统戏剧的舞蹈中衍生而来的。
disdain v.轻蔑
同despise, scorn, spurn
Rebecca disdains the idea of having to arrive home by 10∶00 PM.
丽贝卡对晚上10点以前必须回家的想法嗤之以鼻。
elapse v.经过；消逝
同pass, slip away, glide by, lapse
Years elapsed before Tony and Paula saw each other again.
数年之后，托尼和波拉再度见面。
enigma n.谜
同puzzle, riddle, mystery
Philosophers enjoy thinking about enigmas that seem impossible to understand.
哲学家们喜欢思考那些似乎难以理解的谜。
etiquette n.礼节
同manners, formalities, decorum
Every culture has its own rules of table etiquette.
每种文化都有自己的餐桌礼仪。
faction n.党派
同clique, sect, party, denomination
Disputes between different factions of the party finally led to its fall.党内派系的纷争终于导致该党的瓦解。
Exercise: Fill in the blanks.
1. When our mothers met, they _____ on about all the embarrassing things we had done as children.
2. Some people oppose keeping animals in _____.
3. Pauline _____ working for such a corrupt company, so she quit her job.
4. During the dinner party, you will be expected to follow rules of proper _____.
5. A conservative _____ broke with the main party and formed a new political party.
解答1. bantered 2. captivity 3. disdained 4. etiquette 5. faction