voa 基本单词 1500 words

a or an

[(1) one; (2) any; (3) each]

Would you give me a sheet of paper? (1) A triangle has three sides. (2)

He comes to see his grandmother once a week. (3)

able

[having the power to do something]

Are you able to speak English?

about

[(1) almost; (2) of or having a relation to]

He completed about half of his work. (1) We talk about the weather. (2)

above

[at a higher place]

His head was above the water.

accept

[to agree to receive]

Please accept my thanks.

accident

[(1) something that happens by chance or mistake; (2) an unplanned event]

She was injured in the accident. (1) We met again by accident after seventeen years had passed. (2)

accuse

[(1) to say a person is responsible for an act or crime; (2) to make a statement against someone]

Her friend accused her of breaking his heart. (1)

The lawyer accused the suspect of lying.

(2)

across

[(1) from side to side; (2) to the other side

The box was ten centimeters across. (1) The dog ran across the road. (2)

act

[to do something]

He acted immediately to stop the fight.

activist

[one who seeks change through action] The activist worked hard to change the law.

actor

[someone acting in a play or show] That actor frightened me.

add

[(1) to put (something) with another to make it larger; (2) to say more] Please add my name to the list. (1) She told him to leave, but added that she would like to see him again. (2)

administration

[the executive part of a government, usually headed by a president or prime minister]

The new administration starts work in January.

admit

[(1) to accept; (2) to express one's guilt or responsibility]

When was the country admitted to the United Nations? (1)

He admitted that what he did was wrong.

(2)

adult

[a grown person]

Only an adult can sign the document.

advise

1

[to help with information, knowledge or

ideas in making a decision]

Did you advise him to leave?

affect

[(1)to influence；(2)to produce an effect on]

A lack of sleep affected the singer's performance. (1)

Mr. Nutley's belief in my talent greatly affected my life. (2)

afraid

[feeling fear]

I am afraid of guns.

after

[(1)later; (2)behind]

She arrived after the lesson started.

(1)

In the alphabet, B is after A. (2)

again

[(1) another time; (2) as before]

Sam played the song again. (1)

I found my book in the same place again.

(2)

against

[(1) opposed to; (2) not agreeing with something]

They marched against the war. (1)

He agreed to most of the plan, but was against starting it now. (2)

age

[how old a person or thing is]

The legal age for voting is eighteen.

agency

[an organization that is part of a larger group]

UNICEF is an agency of the United Nations. aggression

[(1) an attack against a person or country; (2) the violation of a country's borders]

The surprise attack was an act of aggression. (1)

The country committed aggression when it crossed the border of the other country.

(2)

ago

[(1) of time past; (2) before now]

He was my friend long ago. (1)

I saw her two years ago. (2)

agree

[(1) to have the same belief as someone;

(2) to be willing to do something]

We agree about politics. (1)

Both sides agree to meet again next week.

(2)

agriculture

[farming]

John studied agriculture because he wanted to be a farmer.

aid

[(1) to help; (2) to support; (3) help, assistance]

He offered to aid the victims of the fire.

(1)

Did you give money to aid the Democratic or the Republican candidate? (2) Congress voted to provide aid to the flood victims. (3)

aim

[(1) to point a gun at; (2) a goal or purpose]

You cannot hit the target if you do not aim the gun. (1)

2

The aim of the reformers is to improve government. (2)

air

[the mixture of gases around the earth, mostly nitrogen and oxygen, that we breathe]

The air is clean in the mountains.

air force

[a military organization using airplanes]

The air force wants more airplanes and missiles.

airplane

[a vehicle with wings that flies]

I flew home on an airplane.

airport

[a place where airplanes take off and land]

The airplane landed at the airport in Washington.

album

[a collection of recorded music]

He recorded the song from an old record album.

alcohol

[a strong, colorless liquid, usually made from grain, used as a drug or in industrial products]

The man fell because he drank too much alcohol.

alive

[(1) having life; (2) not dead]

The flowers become alive in the spring.

(1)

The accident victim was seriously injured but is still alive. (2) all

[(1) everything; (2) everyone; (3) the complete amount]

She ate all that she wanted. (1)

All were invited to speak on the proposal.

(2)

She spent all her money for a new car.

(3)

ally

[a nation or person joined with another for a special purpose]

Britain is a military ally of the United States.

almost

[a little less than completely]

My dog is almost five years old.

alone

[separated from others]

Some people enjoy eating alone.

along

[near or on]

We walked along the road.

already

[(1) before now; (2) even now]

She was already there when we arrived.

(1)

It is already too late to take the train.

(2)

also

[(1) added to; (2) too]

Please bring me the fish dinner and coffee, and also some water. (1)

She said she also wanted to go home. (2)

although

[even if it is true that]

Although he was tired, he kept walking.

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always

[(1) at all times; (2) every time] This street is always busy. (1)

We always study together. (2)

ambassador

[a nation's highest diplomatic representative (to another government)] Foreign ambassadors live in the capital city.

amend

[to add to or to change (a proposal or law)]

The committee refused to amend its proposal.

ammunition

[the bullets or shells fired from guns] They could not fight without ammunition.

among

[in or part of (a group)]

She was among the students who left the school.

amount

[the number, size or weight of anything] The doctor gave him only a small amount of medicine.

anarchy

[(1) a lack of order; (2) lawlessness] The peaceful protests blocked the streets and produced anarchy. (1) Anarchy resulted when the city could not stop the riots. (2)

ancestor

[a family member from the past]

My ancestors came from Switzerland in 1742.

ancient [(1) very old; (2) long ago]

Scientists discovered the ancient knife in a cave. (1)

They read the Iliad while studying ancient Greece. (2)

and

[(1) also; (2) in addition to; (3) with] My dog likes to run and jump. (1)

Five and three equal eight. (2)

Do you like rice and black beans? (3)

anger

[a strong emotion against someone or something]

The protester's voice was full of anger.

animal

[a living creature that moves, such as a dog or cat]

The kangaroo is a strange animal.

anniversary

[a yearly celebration or observance of an event that happened in the past] When is your wedding anniversary?

announce

[(1) to make known publicly; (2) to declare officially]

Who announced the VOA news last night?

(1)

The president announced a tax cut. (2)

another

[(1) one more;（2）a different one] May I have another kiss? (1)

Let's do this another way. (2)

answer

[(1) a statement produced by a question;

(2) to make a statement after being asked

a question]

That was my final answer. (1)

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She answered the question with a smile.

(2)

any

[one or more of no special kind]

I do not have any plans to leave town.

apologize

[to express regret for a mistake or accident for which one accepts responsibility]

Do not apologize for someone else's mistake.

appeal

[(1) to take to a higher court, person or group for a decision; (2) to call on somebody for help]

I have appealed the decision to a higher court. (1)

The aid organization appealed for more food and water for flood victims. (2)

appear

[(1) to show oneself; (2) to come into sight; (3) to seem]

The actor appeared on television for the first time. (1)

The ship appeared as the fog lifted. (2) The farmer appeared to be very tired. (3)

appoint

[(1) to name; (2) to choose]

The owner appointed John to head the new business. (1)

The president can appoint a judge to the new court. (2)

approve

[(1) to agree with; (2) to agree to support]

The bank approved my loan. (1)

I approve of your proposal. (2) archeology

[the scientific study of past human life and activities]

He studied archeology in college.

area

[any place or part of it]

My friend lives in this area.

argue

[(1) to offer reasons for or against something; (2) to dispute; (3) to disagree]

The President argued for more aid to schools. (1)

They argued all day but could not find agreement. (2)

George and Al love to argue about politics. (3)

arms

[(1) military equipment; (2) weapons] The rebels got most of their arms by taking them from soldiers. (1)

We are very concerned about the spread of nuclear arms. (2)

army

[military ground forces]

The army fights on the ground.

around

[on every side (of)]

She drove around in her new car.

arrest

[(1) to seize a person for legal action;

(2) to take as a prisoner]

The judge ordered police to arrest him because he refused to come to court. (1) The police arrested the violent demonstrators. (2)

arrive

5

[to come to a place, especially at the

end of a trip]

The president arrived in Tokyo for an official visit.

art

[expressions or creations by humans, such as paintings, music, writing or statues]

Much of the art included paintings stolen during World War II.

artillery

[big guns]

Artillery destroyed most of the buildings in the town.

as

[(1) equally; (2) when; (3) while] The wild fire spread as fast as the wind behind it. (1)

As he heard the gunshot, he looked at his watch and saw it was almost five o'clock.

(2)

He watched the animal as it ran across the field. (3)

ash

[the part left after something burns] Only ashes were left when the fire passed.

ask

[(1) to question; (2) to say something is wanted]

We ask the teacher questions every day.

(1)

The candidate asked the people for their votes. (2)

assist

[to help]

The doctor asked the medical student to assist him. astronaut

[a person who travels in space] Astronaut Neil Armstrong was the first man to walk on the moon.

astronomy

[the scientific study of stars and the universe]

I study astronomy because I like to look at stars.

asylum

[political protection given by a government to a person from another country]

The refugee asked for political asylum.

at

[(1) in or near; (2) where; (3) when] She saw the bear at the edge of the forest.

(1)

Look at the bear. (2)

We must go home at noon. (3)

atmosphere

[the gases surrounding any star or planet]

The atmosphere of Venus is mostly water and carbon dioxide.

attach

[(1) to tie together; (2) to connect] Please attach this name card to your coat.

(1)

He attached himself to our group. (2)

attack

[(1) a violent attempt to damage, injure or kill; (2) to start a fight]

The war started with a rebel attack on government troops at Charleston, South Carolina. (1)

Several men attacked him on the street.

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(2)

attempt

[(1) to work toward something; (2) to try; (3) to make an effort]

He attempted to change his life one step at a time. (1)

Do not attempt to drive through the flood waters. (2)

You will never write your book if you do not attempt it. (3)

attend

[to be present at]

The president will attend the meeting.

automobile

[(1) a vehicle with wheels used to carry people; (2) a car]

Is a bus an automobile? (1)

Who invented the automobile? (2)

autumn

[the time of the year between summer and winter]

The trees of autumn are bright red and yellow.

average

[(1) something (a number) representing the middle; (2) common; (3) normal] The average of daily high temperatures in Washington in January is zero degrees, Celsius. (1)

The average amount spent for lunch was two dollars. (2)

John is an average student. (3)

avoid

[to stay away from]

Avoid meat and milk products to prevent a heart attack.

awake [not sleeping]

The storm kept everyone awake for hours.

award

[an honor or prize for an act or service] Last night, we saw the movie that won the best picture award.

away

[not near]

The old man came from far away, but his home is here now.

baby

[a newly born creature]

Mary had a baby last night.

back

[(1) the part behind the front; (2) the other way from forward]

The writer's picture is on the back of the book. (1)

She stopped walking away and looked back at me. (2)

bad

[(1) wrong; (2) acting against the law;

(3) not good]

Bill made a bad decision. (1)

The prisoner was a bad man for most of his life. (2)

The water was dirty and had a bad taste.

(3)

balance

[to make two sides or forces equal]

I balanced my budget by not spending more than I earned.

ball

[something round]

The earth is shaped like a ball.

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balloon

[a device of strong, light material that rises when filled with gas lighter than air]

Many hot air balloons race in New Mexico each year.

ballot

[a piece of paper used for voting]

I was asked to count the ballots and announce the winner.

ban

[(1) to not permit; (2) to stop; (3) an official restriction]

Running is banned at our swimming pool.

(1)

The curfew bans all night time travel.

(2)

The protestors called for a ban on smoking in public buildings. (3)

bank

[an organization that keeps and lends money]

The man said he robbed banks because that is where the money is.

bar

[to prevent or block]

He was barred from competing in the games because he used illegal drugs.

barrier

[anything that blocks or makes an action difficult]

The voting rights law removes most racial barriers to voting.

base

[(1) a military center; (2) to establish as a fact]

My brother is at a military training base. (1)

Her research was based on experiments.

(2)

battle

[a fight between opposing armed forces] Southern forces won the battle but lost the war.

be

[(1) to live; (2) to happen; (3) to exist]

The man is very sick and will not be here much longer. (1)

The wedding will be soon. (2) Washington, D.C., has been the capital for 200 years. (3)

beat

[to hit again and again]

The prison guards denied they beat the prisoner.

beauty

[that which pleases the eye, ear or spirit]

All fell silent at the beauty of the mountains.

because

[for the reason that]

He left because he was sick.

become

[to come to be]

When did he become sick?

bed

[a sleeping place]

The bed was so hard that I could not sleep.

before

[earlier]

8

Bill ate before he went to work.

begin

[(1) to do the first part of an action;

(2) to start]

He began to laugh when he saw me. (1) A long walk begins with one step. (2)

behind

[(1) at the back of; (2) in back of] Our fastest runner was far behind the leader. (1)

I live behind that hill. (2)

believe

[(1) to think; (2) to feel sure of; (3) to accept as true; (4) to trust]

I believe it may rain tonight. (1)

Jim believes his friend is a good writer.

(2)

The lawyer believed the suspect's statement. (3)

We believe in God. (4)

bell

[an instrument that makes a musical sound]

Jim says he likes the sound of a church bell.

belong

[(1) to be owned by; (2) to be a member of]

That book belongs to my sister. (1) My brother belongs to the Boy Scouts. (2)

below

[lower than]

The temperature outside is below freezing.

best

[the most good]

All of our singers are good but Lisa is best.

betray

[(1) to turn against; (2) to be false to] The spy betrayed his country. (1)

The boy betrayed his mother's trust in him. (2)

better

[more good than]

Zach is a better baseball player than Al.

between

[(1) in the space or time that separates;

(2) from one to the other]

I would like to meet with you between two and three o'clock. (1)

Secret talks between the two nations produced an agreement. (2)

big

[(1) of great size; (2) not small] Texas is a big state. (1)

Melissa was a big baby. (2)

bill

[a legislative proposal]

To become law, a bill must be approved by both houses of Congress and signed by the President.

biology

[the scientific study of life or living things in all their forms]

My school requires one year of study each of biology, physics and chemistry.

bird

[a creature that flies]

I watched the bird fly away until I could no longer see it.

bite

[to cut with the teeth]

9

My dog sounds aggressive but he will not bite you.

black

[(1) dark; (2) having the color like that of the night sky]

I first saw him on a black and stormy night. (1)

The doctor arrived in a big black car.

(2)

blame

[(1) to accuse; (2) to hold responsible] The police blamed him for the crime. (1) Don't blame me for your bad decision. (2)

blanket

[a cloth cover used to keep warm]

The flood refugees needed food and warm blankets.

bleed

[to lose blood]

Do you know how to stop your nose from bleeding?

blind

[not able to see]

Being blind did not keep him from becoming a famous singer.

block

[(1) to stop something from being done;

(2) to prevent movement]

He blocked any attempt to become friends.

(1)

A truck accident blocked the road for an hour. (2)

blood

[red fluid in the body]

A blood test is usually part of a yearly medical examination. blow

[to move with force, as in air]

The wind blows the autumn leaves.

blue

[having the color like that of a clear sky]

My son has blue eyes.

boat

[something built to travel on water that carries people or goods]

I like to fish from a boat.

body

[(1) all of a person or animal; (2) the remains of a person or animal] Exercise can improve anyone's body. (1) Police found five bodies buried beneath the house. (2)

boil

[to heat a liquid until it becomes very hot]

Boil one cup of water, add frozen vegetables and cook for five minutes.

bomb

[(1) a device that explodes with great force; (2) to attack or destroy with bombs]

The bomb exploded outside the building.

(1)

The warplanes bombed enemy missile launchers. (2)

bone

[the hard material in the body]

The girl broke a bone in her wrist when she fell.

book

[a long written work for reading]

The professor has written six books

10

about East Asia.

border

[a piding line between nations] Many new factories have been built across the border in Mexico.

(be) born

[(1) to come to life; (2) to come into existence]

When were you born? (1)

The American Revolution was born in Massachusetts. (2)

borrow

[to take as a loan]

The bank refused to let me borrow any more money.

both

[not just one of two, but the two together]

Both of us were educated at the University of Virginia.

bottle

[a container, usually made of glass, to hold liquid]

He drank the last bottle of water.

bottom

[the lowest part of something]

The damaged submarine is still at the bottom of the ocean.

box

[something to put things into]

Put the old books in that box.

boy

[a young male person]

The boys played together after school.

boycott [to refuse to take part in or deal with] The farm workers union called for a boycott of vegetables picked by foreign workers.

brain

[the control center of thought, emotions and body activity of all creatures] Scientists continue to discover new information about the chemistry of the brain.

brave

[having no fear]

Leaving home was a brave decision.

bread

[a food made from grain]

We have bread at every meal.

break

[(1) to pide into parts by force; (2) to destroy]

The glass broke into many pieces. (1) Years of hard work broke his health, but it did not break his spirit. (2)

breathe

[to take air into the body and let it out again]

Breathe deeply before you begin your speech.

bridge

[a structure built over a waterway, valley or road so people and vehicles can cross from one side to the other]

The city needs a new bridge across the river.

brief

[(1) short; (2) not long]

Many people wish to speak, so please keep your comments brief. (1)

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The car slowed down briefly, then speeded up. (2)

bright

[(1) giving much light; (2) strong and clear in color]

Bright sunlight hurts my eyes. (1) The new grass is bright green. (2)

bring

[to come with something]

Sam will bring Tracy to the party.

broadcast

[(1) to send information, stories or music by radio or television; (2) a radio or television program]

VOA broadcasts the news in Special English. (1)

The Special English broadcast can be heard almost everywhere. (2)

brother

[a male with the same father or mother as another person]

I have three brothers, but no sisters.

brown

[having the color like that of coffee] Richard has brown hair and brown eyes.

budget

[a spending plan]

Congress decided to add money to the education budget.

build

[to join materials together to make something]

Tim plans to build a house for his dog.

building

[anything built for use as a house, factory, office, school, store or place of entertainment]

My office is in that building next to the hotel.

bullet

[a small piece of metal shot from a gun] The bullet hit the exact center of the target.

burn

[(1) to be on fire; (2) to destroy or damage by fire]

The candles burned brightly enough for me to read the book. (1)

The wildfire burned much of the forest.

(2)

burst

[to break open suddenly]

The dam burst and sent a wall of water rushing down the valley.

bury

[to put into the ground and cover with earth]

Where do you think they buried the treasure?

bus

[a public vehicle to carry people] Ride the A-17 bus to 4th and Independence Avenue.

business

[(1) one's work; (2) buying and selling to earn money; (3) trade]

My business is writing radio programs.

(1)

The Internet is creating many new markets for business. (2)

I have done business with that company for many years. (3)

busy

12

[(1) doing something; (2) very active] Are you busy now? (1)

George was very busy this morning with an emergency case. (2)

but

[(1) however; (2) other than; (3) yet] She knew who called but I did not know.

(1)

The boy ate nothing but candy. (2) Jean was tired but she could not get to sleep. (3)

buy

[to get by paying something, usually money]

Where did Lila buy those great clothes?

by

[(1) near; at; (2) next to; (3) from ;

(4) not later than]

Please sit here by me. (1)

They walked by the river. (2)

They performed a play by William Shakespeare. (3)

Her mother said that she had to be home by midnight. (4)

cabinet

[a group of ministers that helps lead a government]

The President meets every week with his cabinet.

call

[(1) to give a name to ; (2) to ask for or request]

I call myself John. (1)

They called for an end to the fighting.

(2)

calm [(1) quiet; (2) peaceful; (3) opposite of tense]

The calm crowd waited for the president to speak.

The city was calm after two days of rioting.

Can you remain calm in a tense situation?

(3)

camera

[a device for taking pictures]

Your camera takes very good pictures.

camp

[a place with temporary housing]

The refugee camp provides temporary shelter, food and medical care.

campaign

[(1) a competition by opposing political candidates seeking support from voters;

(2) a connected series of military actions during a war]

Presidential campaigns are much too long and cost too much. (1)

The Allied campaigns won the war in Europe and Asia. (2)

can

[(1) to be able to; (2) to have the right to; (3) a container used to hold liquid or food, usually made of metal]

The two sides can meet on Tuesday. (1) I can live anywhere I wish in this country because that is my right. (2) I bought three cans of vegetables at the food store. (3)

cancel

[(1) to end; (2) to stop]

Who cancelled the agreement? (1)

Mary cancelled her plans to have a party next week. (2)

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cancer

[a disease in which dangerous cells grow quickly and destroy parts of the body] Scientists continue to find better ways to treat many kinds of cancer.

candidate

[a person who seeks or is nominated for an office or an honor]

Each political party has nominated a candidate for president.

capital

[(1) the official center of a government; (2) the city where a country's government is]

The capital of the government is in Washington. (1)

Washington is the capital of the United States. (2)

capitalism

[an economic system in which the production of most goods and services is owned and operated for profit by private citizens or companies]

In the United States, capitalism has produced the world's strongest economy.

capture

[(1) to make a person or animal a prisoner; (2) to seize or take by force;

(3) to get control of]

Police captured the terrorist before he could explode the bomb. (1)

Rebel forces captured the city. (2) Democrats won the election and captured control of Congress. (3)

car

[(1) a vehicle with wheels used to carry people; (2) an automobile; (3) a part of a train]

Electric street cars were replaced with buses many years ago. (1)

Fred's and Martha's new car will carry six people. (2)

That train has 57 flat cars and 12 box cars. (3)

care

[(1) to like; (2) to protect; (3) to feel worry or interest]

Jim told Laura that he cared for her and would like to see her again. (1)

His mother told him to take care of his younger brother. (2)

Would you care if I borrowed your car?

(3)

careful

[(1) acting safely; (2) with much thought]

Please be careful when you drive. (1) He was careful to choose exactly the right words. (2)

carry

[to take something or someone from one place to another]

Would you carry this bag for me, please?

case (court)

[a legal action]

The judge will call your case next.

case (medical)

[an incident of disease]

There was only one case of chicken pox at the school.

cat

[a small animal that often lives with humans]

My cat climbed that tree and is afraid to come down.

catch

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[(1) to seize after a chase; (2) to stop and seize with the hands]

He runs so fast that no one can catch him.

(1)

Catch the ball and throw it back to me.

(2)

cause

[(1) to make happen; (2) the thing or person that produces a result]

Too much rain caused the flood. (1) The cause of the flood was too much rain.

(2)

ceasefire

[a halt in fighting, usually by agreement]

The ceasefire stopped the fighting.

celebrate

[to honor a person or event with special activities]

I think we should have a party to celebrate your birthday.

center

[(1) the middle of something; (2) the place in the middle; (3) a place that is the main point of an activity]

There was a hole in the center of the target. (1)

The chair sat at the center of the room.

(2)

The experts checked the nuclear center for radiation leaks. (3)

century

[one hundred years]

This is the first year of the 21st century.

ceremony

[an act or series of acts done in a special way established by tradition] The new president took the oath of office at the inaugural ceremony in front of the capitol.

chairman

[a person leading a meeting or an organized group]

The party chairman led the meeting.

champion

[(1) the best; (2) the winner]

John is a champion swimmer. (1)

The New York Yankees were the champions of professional baseball in the first year of the new century. (2)

chance

[a possibility of winning or losing or that something will happen]

We have a good chance of getting home before dark.

change

[(1) to make different; (2) to become different]

Will you change your decision? (1)

His voice changed last year. (2)

charge

[(1) to accuse someone of something, usually a crime; (2) a statement in which someone is accused of something]

She was charged with stealing a car. (1) The charge was false. (2)

chase

[to run or go after someone or something] The dog chased the cat around the house.

cheat

[(1) to get by a trick; (2) to steal from] He cheated on the history examination.

(1)

The dishonest lawyer became rich by

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cheating the people that he represented.

(2)

cheer

[to shout approval or praise]

The crowd cheered every time their team scored.

chemicals

[(1) elements found in nature or made by people; (2) substances used in the science of chemistry]

Oxygen and hydrogen are the chemicals that form water. (1)

Do you read the list of chemicals listed in the foods you eat? (2)

chemistry

[the scientific study of substances, what they are made of, how they act under different conditions, and how they form other substances]

How many years did you study chemistry?

chief

[(1) the head or leader of a group; (2) leading; (3) most important]

Mr. Thompson is the new chief of our tax office. (1)

The chief cause of lung cancer is smoking.

(2)

The chief reason he got the job was his experience with tax issues. (3)

child

[(1) a baby; (2) a boy or girl]

The child was born with the disease. (1) Every child, boy or girl, should have an equal chance to succeed. (2)

children

[more than one child]

Sixty children were chosen to go to a camp in the mountains.

choose

[to decide between two or more]

You may choose one meat and three vegetables from the lunch list.

circle

[a closed shape that has all its points equally distant from the center, like an "O"]

The settlers put their wagons in a circle to defend against the attack.

citizen

[a person who is a member of a country by birth or by law]

Every citizen is expected to vote.

city

[any important large town]

I lived in a small town as a child, but now I live in a city.

civilian

[not military]

Many civilians were killed in the attack on the town.

civil rights

[the political, economic and social rights given equally to all people of a nation]

The law protects the civil rights of all citizens.

claim

[to say something as a fact]

He claimed that his opponent lied about his activities as a student leader.

clash

[(1) a battle; (2) to fight or oppose] Ten protesters were injured in the clash

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with police. (1)

Angry farmers blocked roads and clashed with soldiers. (2)

clean

[(1) to make pure; (2) free from dirt or harmful substances]

Please clean your room. (1)

Too many people around the world do not have clean water to drink. (2)

clear

[(1) easy to see or see through; (2) easily understood]

Clear water is not always safe to drink.

(1)

He won the debate because his arguments were clear to almost everyone. (2)

clergy

[a body of officials within a religious organization]

Many in the clergy supported the reforms proposed by the rebels.

climate

[the normal weather conditions of a place]

Many retired people like to spend the winter in the warm climate of Florida.

climb

[to go up or down something by using the feet and sometimes the hands]

The firemen climbed ladders to rescue people living above the ground floor.

clock

[a device that measures and shows time] I was late for work because my clock stopped.

close

[(1) to make something not open; (2) near to]

Please close the window before you come to bed. (1)

Stay close to me in this big crowd. (2)

cloth

[a material made from plants, chemicals, animal hair and other substances]

I feel cooler in summer when I wear shirts made of cotton cloth.

clothes

[what people wear]

Be sure to bring enough clothes for two weeks.

cloud

[a mass of fog high in the sky] Clouds like those usually mean rain will come soon.

coal

[a solid black substance used as fuel] Much of our electricity is produced by plants that burn coal as fuel.

coalition

[forces, groups or nations joined together]

The country is led by a coalition government of three parties.

coast

[land on the edge of the ocean]

The storm caused high waves and flooding along much of the Atlantic coast.

coffee

[a drink made from the plant of the same name]

People in Seattle drink lots of coffee.

cold

[(1) not warm; (2) having or feeling

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great coolness or a low temperature] The water is too cold for swimming. (1) This has been a cold winter, with much ice and snow. (2)

collect

[(1) to bring or gather together in one place; (2) to demand and receive] The driver collected the children after school and brought them home. (1)

Your employer collects taxes for the government every time you are paid. (2)

college

[a small university]

Have you decided where you will attend college?

colony

[land controlled by another country or government]

Hong Kong is no longer a British colony.

color

[the different effects of light on the eye, making blue, red, brown, black, yellow and others]

I love the bright colors of the autumn leaves.

combine

[to mix or bring together]

The new organization combines radio and television broadcasting.

come

[(1) to move toward; (2) to arrive] Jan is coming home for the holidays. (1) The two sides came together on a settlement after long and detailed negotiations. (2)

command

[(1) to order; (2) to have power over something]

The general commanded the army to move against the enemy. (1)

The President commands all the military forces. (2)

comment

[(1) to say something about; (2) to express an opinion about something] Mr. President, please comment about the increased number of terrorist attacks.

(1)

He commented about the writers who criticized his new book. (2)

committee

[a group of people given special work] The committee met three times to decide who should get the special award.

common

[(1) usual; (2) same for all]

He liked to call himself a common man.

(1)

The allies united for a common purpose: to win the war. (2)

communicate

[(1) to tell; (2) to give or exchange information]

The chairman communicated that he was not happy with the proposed agreement.

(1)

Because we communicate well, we understand each other's situation. (2)

community

[a group of people living together in one place or area]

Our community includes people from many other countries.

company

[a business organized for trade,

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industrial or other purposes]

My friend started an Internet company to repair and sell old musical instruments.

compare

[to examine what is different or similar]

We urge you to compare the price and quality of our products with those of our competitors.

compete

[to try to do as well as, or better than, another or others]

The Internet lets companies compete almost anywhere in the world.

complete

[(1) having all parts; (2) ended or finished]

I have a complete set of recordings by the Beatles. (1)

We completed all the work yesterday. (2)

complex

[(1) of or having many parts that are difficult to understand; (2) not simple] The trade agreement is the result of some very complex negotiations. (1)

It may seem simple, but it is really complex. (2)

compromise

[the settlement of an argument where each side agrees to accept less than first demanded]

Compromise may not be possible in that dispute.

computer

[an electronic machine for storing and organizing information, and for communicating with others]

Computers are a necessary tool for managing a business.

concern

[(1) interest, worry; (2) to fear] The president expressed concern about the continuing violence. (1)

He said he is especially concerned that the fighting will spread to other countries. (2)

condemn

[to say a person or action is wrong or bad]

The senators condemned the man for refusing to answer their questions.

condition

[(1) something declared necessary to complete an agreement; (2) a person's health]

The conditions for his resignation included a ten million dollar payment.

(1)

The doctor said the examination showed that Gary was in excellent condition.

(2)

conference

[a meeting]

I seemed to spend my days going from one conference to another.

confirm

[(1) to approve; (2) to say that something is true]

The senate confirmed the appointment of the new Agriculture Secretary. (1) The candidate confirmed the report that he was ending his campaign. (2)

conflict

[(1) a fight; (2) a battle, especially a long one]

We had a conflict about politics. (1)

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The long conflict finally ended with a

ceasefire, not a peace treaty. (2)

congratulate

[to praise a person or to express pleasure for success or good luck]

I congratulate you for getting the highest score on the history test.

Congress

[(1) the organization of people elected to make the laws of the United States (the House of Representatives and the Senate); (2) a similar organization in other countries]

The President's party did not win control of either house of Congress. (1) Five members of Mexico's Congress are in Washington to discuss trade issues. (2)

connect

[(1) to join one thing to another; (2) to unite; (3) to link]

If you connect this wire to the red one, the green light will turn on. (1)

The two streams connect to form a river that flows through Greenlow City. (2) The policeman said the two crimes are connected. (3)

conservative

[one who usually supports tradition and opposes great change]

William is a conservative about social issues.

consider

[(1) to give thought to; (2) to think about carefully]

Jack is considering what to give Amy for her birthday. (1)

The head of my office said he would consider my ideas for a more effective sales campaign. (2) constitution

[the written general laws and ideas that form a nation's system of government] How do the laws provide for making changes in the constitution?

contain

[(1) to hold; (2) to include]

The bottle contains one quart of milk.

(1)

＊one liquid quart = 0.9463 liter（米）The paint in that old house contains a dangerous amount of lead. (2)

container

[a box, bottle or can used to hold something]

More juice is sold in plastic containers than in glass bottles.

continent

[any of the seven great land areas of the world]

Did you know that long ago all the continents were joined together?

continue

[to go on doing or being]

The governor said he would continue to fight for justice.

control

[(1) to direct; (2) to have power over] Who controls the daily work of the company. (1)

The chairman of the transportation committee controls all the spending for transportation projects. (2)

convention

[a large meeting for a special purpose] Political parties hold conventions to choose presidential and vice

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presidential candidates.

cook

[to heat food before eating it]

Helen will cook spaghetti with meat sauce tonight.

cool

[almost cold]

My coffee is cool. Would you warm it for me, please?

cooperate

[to act or work together]

If we cooperate on this work, we will finish more quickly.

copy

[(1) to make something exactly like another; (2) something made to look exactly like another]

Joseph can copy that document for us. (1) This copy is so bad I cannot read it. (2)

corn

[a food grain]

Scientists are worried because genetically-changed corn got into food supplies for people.

correct

[(1) true; (2) free from mistakes; (3) to change to what is right]

That is the correct date of the election.

(1)

That sales agreement is correct. (2) Did you correct that script? (3)

cost

[(1) the price or value of something; (2) to be valued at]

The cost of the book is five dollars. (1) The book costs five dollars. (2) cotton

[a material made from a plant of the same name]

Most clothes are made of cotton.

count

[to speak or add numbers]

Her child learned to count by watching Sesame Street on television.

country

[(1) a nation; (2) the territory of a nation; (3) land away from cities] English is one of the languages of his country. (1)

Much of the country in the West is desert.

(2)

My family had a farmhouse in the country, not too far from the city. (3)

court

[(1) where trials take place; (2) where judges make decisions about law]

We have to give evidence in court today.

(1)

The appeals court is considering mistakes made in his trial. (2)

cover

[(1) to put something over a person or thing; (2) anything that is put over a person or thing]

Please cover the food left from dinner.

(1)

Put your name on the front cover of your book. (2)

cow

[a farm animal used for its milk]

He must pump the milk from his cows every morning and evening.

crash

[(1) to fall violently; (2) to hit with

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