Unit 99

etch / itch

etch v. 蚀刻 (to produce a pattern or design in the surface of a hard material (such as metal or glass) by using a powerful liquid) /ɛtʃ/

• The artist used acid to etch an image onto the metal plates.

itch v. 发痒 (an uneasy irritating sensation in the upper surface of the skin that makes you want to scratch) /ɪtʃ/

• Lorna's Chickenpox rash itched so much that she could not help but scratch it.

meld / molder / mold / modulate

meld v.混合 (merge; blend) /mɛld/

• Grace made bread dough by melding flour, water, salt, and yeast.

molder v.腐烂，退化 (to decay slowly) /ˈməʊldə/

• The leaking air conditioner caused the surrounding ceiling to molder, eventually ringing the unit with black spores of fungus.

mold n.模具，模子 (distinctive nature or character; type) /məʊld/

• Johnny Depp is such a unique character that it seems fair to say they broke the mold after he was born.

modulate v.调节，调整 (to adjust to or keep in proper measure or proportion) /ˈmɒdjʊleɪt/

• The soprano modulated her pitch in order to harmonize with tenor.

imitate / intimate

imitate v. 模仿 (to do the same thing as) /ˈɪmɪteɪt/

• Allison's little sister worshipped her so much that she imitated everything she did in order to appear more like her.

intimate adj. 亲密无间的 (characterized by close personal acquaintance or familiarity) /ˈɪntɪmət/

• John has been our intimate acquaintance for so many years that he often seems like one of the family.

presumptuous / sumptuous

presumptuous adj.自以为是的 (too confident, especially in a way that is rude) /prɪˈzʌm(p)tʃʊəs/

• Jane's presumptuous use of our math teacher's first name shocked the class and made him give her a detention.

sumptuous adj.奢华的 (extremely costly, rich, luxurious ) /ˈsʌm(p)tjʊəs/

• The wealthiest one percent of the world enjoy sumptuous lifestyles of unimaginable privilege.