No. 17 (April 28, 2011)
Accelerate
To expedite; to facilitate(速める、促進する)
→“This information will immensely accelerate my project.”
→“The Obama administration is resorting to all measures to accelerate job creation.”
Bankroll
To finance; to provide money(融資する、資金を提供する)
→“My financial sponsor regrets agreeing to bankroll my graduate education.”
→“A group of venture capitalists came together to help bankroll the project.”
Burgeon
To impressively increase in size, volume, etc(顕著に増加・増大する)
→“Facebook is burgeoning in membership.”
→“Democratic ideas are burgeoning in the Middle East.”
Checkered
Having a pattern of squares one after another in two contrasting colors; having an alternating pattern of successes and failures, ups and downs(2色の正方形が交互に入れ混じったデザイン、成功と失敗が交互する)
→“The restaurant is known for its checkered tablecloths imported from England.”
→“He is not what he appears to be at first sight. He has a checkered past.”
Dossier
A detailed document, often of a clandestine nature(詳細にわたる、機密情報を含む書類)
→“I am nervous because I have a batch of very important company dossiers in my attaché case.”
→“Newly disclosed dossiers shed light on the spy agency’s activities and plans.”
Flirt
To come close to; to consider something lightly(実現しそうになる、軽く考えてみる)
→“The pitcher flirted with a perfect game last night.”
→“With China, Brazil, India and other nations making strident economic progress, some observers say that Japan is flirting with irrelevance.”
→“My father is flirting with the idea of early retirement.”
Hamper
To obstruct; to frustrate; to render difficult(邪魔する、困難にする)
→“I tried to run faster but was hampered by a strong head wind.”
→“The government’s reform efforts were hampered by vehement criticism from the opposition parties.”
Proliferate
To increase or multiply rapidly(急激に増加・増大する)
→“In a nationwide environment of energy conservation, bicycle riders are proliferating.”
Proliferation:
A sudden increase(急増)
→“The major powers have finally reached an accord on a nuclear non-proliferation treaty.”
Stall
To come to a standstill; to stop; to be frustrated; to delay on purpose(停止する、滞る、意図的に遅らせる)
→“The reform measure stalled amid mounting protests.”
→“You are just stalling for time. Come on, give me a straight answer!”
Stellar
Excellent and impressive(目を見張るような素晴らしい)
→“He has a stellar professional history.”
→“The new actress gave a stellar performance on the stage.”
Trump
To overpower; to take precedence; to outperform; to be more important than(競合相手に勝る、他者より秀でる)
→“In the TOEFL test correct grammar trumps good pronunciation.”
→“The government announced that economic development trumps ecology.”
→“Her singing trumped all the competitors at the contest.”
Undertow
A theme or feeling that runs consistently although in a quiet and inconspicuous manner(顕著でないが一貫して流れているテーマ・感情)
→“The story has an undertow of nostalgia for days gone.”
→“A penchant for spirituality is an undertow that runs through my life.”
Vet
To carefully evaluate; to run a background check(慎重に評価・吟味する)
→“I suggest that you vet your essay before submitting it to the professor.”
→“The Republican Party is in the middle of vetting presidential candidates, determined to win back the White House.”
Window
An interval of time that is convenient(都合のいい時間帯)
→“I can see you today. I have a window of 2 hours this afternoon.”
A view; an access(眺め、アクセス)
→“The restaurant offers a nice window on Tokyo Bay.”
→“I love the morning paper as it gives me a quick window on the world.”
→“This medical test provides a window on your health.”