No. 37 (Sep 16, 2011)
Apparent:
Seeming to be the case but in reality no; feigned(一見そのように見えるが実はそうでない、装いの)
→“Don’t jump to a conclusion. The apparent truth may turn out to be false.”
→“He knew who the culprit was, despite his apparent lack of knowledge.”
Buff
An enthusiastic fan; an expert(熱狂的なファン、愛好家)
→“I am a movie buff. You can ask me any question about actors and actresses, present and past.”
→“A crowd of classic car buffs turned out for the show.”
Crescendo
A peak or climax(頂上、クライマックス)
→“After working on the book for 5 years, he finally published it to wide acclaim. That was the crescendo of his life.”
→“The politician’s speech reached its crescendo as the crowd got to their feet in ovation.”
Double-dip
Getting money from two sources simultaneously; returning to a recession after a short period of growth(二重取り、短い景気回復の後で不景気に戻ること)
→“He can afford to lead a luxurious life because he is a double-dipper, earning both salary and pension.”
→“The US economy may plunge into a double-dip recession.”
Equilibrium
A balance of opposing forces, groups or factors(均衡)
→“The United Nations does not want to upset the political equilibrium in East Asia.”
→“The ability to sustain emotional equilibrium is considered a core competence.”
Hydra
A recurring problem(際限のない問題)
→“The police are struggling to put the hydra of drug trafficking under control.”
→“Bureaucracy, with increasing staff and budget, has grown into a hydra with problems and issues popping up constantly.”
Medicinal
For medical or health objectives(医療または健康の為の)
→“Scientists discovered that red wine has medicinal properties.”
→“That herb is used for medicinal purposes.”
Obvious
Clear; easy to notice or understand(明白な、判然とした)
→“It’s obvious you are tired.”
→“To state the obvious, a combination of a moderate diet and regular exercise is the best prescription for a healthy living.”
Palatable
Tasty; agreeable(美味である、受け入れることのできる)
→“Try this caviar. It is highly palatable.”
→“The proposal was palatable to both parties.”
Raze
To completely destroy(壊滅させる)
→“Most of central Tokyo was razed to the ground towards the end of the war.”
→“The invading army razed the buildings as it marched toward the capital.”
Scuttle
To undermine or ruin someone’s plans or hopes(誰かの計画や抱負を邪魔して失敗させる)
→“I don’t trust my coworker because she is always looking out for opportunities to scuttle my projects.”
→“The latest violence will scuttle the peace talks.”
Titular
In title only(名義上の、肩書きだけの)
→“In Japan the Emperor has a titular status.”
→“The British queen remains the titular head of state of Canada.”
Underbelly
The weakest spot; an unpleasant part that is usually hidden from view(最大の弱点、隠れた醜い点)
→“The surprise attack hit the unsuspecting nation’s underbelly.”
→“That politician’s career history has a dark, ugly underbelly.”
Veer
To change direction; to gradually go in a different direction(方向転換する、道をそれる)
→“The communist regime gradually veered toward a free market system.”
→“Parents tend to consider it a failure when their children veer off from the path that they had planned for them.”