Unit 158

spontaneous / simultaneous

spontaneous adj. 自然的 (done naturally, without being forced or practiced) / spɒnˈteɪnɪəs /

• The quarterback was so excited about winning the game that he gave a sudden and spontaneous kiss to the cheerleader standing closest to him.

simultaneous adj. 同时发生的 (happening or done at the same time as something else) /ˌsɪm(ə)lˈteɪnɪəs /

• It is fairly difficult to rhythmically pat one's head while simultaneously rubbing circles on one's stomach.

contemptuous / contemptible

contemptuous adj. 鄙视的，表示轻蔑的 (feeling or showing that you have no respect for somebody or something) / kənˈtɛm(p)tʃʊəs /

• Jesse's mouth curled into a contemptuous grin as he realized that he had easily bested his opponent in the chess tournament.

contemptible adj. 可鄙的，卑劣的 (not deserving any respect at all) / kənˈtɛm(p)tɪb(ə)l /

• Many people think South Africa's Jacob Zuma is a contemptible leader by virtue of his extreme corruption.

sliver / silver

sliver n. 小块，薄片 (a small or thin piece of something that is cut or broken off from a larger piece) / ˈslɪvə /

• Jodie was so concerned about maintaining her diet that she requested only the smallest sliver of cake.

silver n. 银 (a chemical element; a greyish-white precious metal used for making coins, jewellery, and decorative objects) / ˈsɪlvə /

• June preferred to wear silver jewelry because the cool tones complemented her skin, and because it was so much cheaper than platinum that if she lost a piece, she would not mind.

pliable / liable

pliable adj. 易受影响的 (easy to influence or control) / ˈplʌɪəb(ə)l /

• Anne was a pliable child who always behaved in an obedient manner.

liable adj. 可能受影响的 (likely to be affected by something) / ˈlʌɪəb(ə)l /

• The weather report suggested that the picnic was liable to be ruined by rain.