shabby adj.破旧的

同run-down, frayed¹, ragged², tattered³, poor

The poor old woman only had a shabby sweater to keep her warm.这名贫穷的老妇人只有一件破旧的毛衣御寒。

sneak⁴ v.溜走

同slink, slip

The three boys tried to sneak into the principal’s office that night.这三个男孩试图在那晚溜进校长办公室。

squeeze v.压榨；紧握

同compress, wring⁵, grip, crush, clutch

The little boy was frightened and squeezed his father’s hand tightly.小男孩吓得紧握着父亲的手。

tardy⁶ adj.缓慢的

同overdue⁷, late, slow

If you are tardy in paying your electric bill, there may be a late fee added to your bill.

如果你迟缴电费，可能你的账单上又会增加迟缴的罚款。

torment⁸ v.使痛苦

同afflict⁹, torture, agonize¹⁰, distress¹¹, rack

Mathew was tormented¹² by the thought that he would not pass the exam.马修为通不过考试的念头所苦。

vaporize v.蒸发

同mistify

The water vaporized very quickly because of the heat of the sun.

太阳的热气使水迅速地蒸发了。

warrant n.令状；授权书

同assurance, authority, sanction, commission, guarantee

The police officers who came to the house had a warrant for John’s arrest.

警官带来了拘捕令要逮捕约翰。

zigzag¹³ adj.锯齿状的；曲折的

同winding¹⁴, devious¹⁵

Take care when driving on this zigzag mountain road.

在这曲折的山路上开车要当心。

Exercise: Fill in the blanks.

1. Our department has surpassed our _____ of required sales for the third month in a row.

2. We bought some carpet _____ to cover the floor in our dorm room.

3. I hope you aren’t going to wear that _____ pair of pants to the party!

4. Students who are _____ for class will be given demerits.

5. The artist had painted many colorful, _____ lines on the canvas.

解答?1. quota¹⁶ 2. remnants 3. shabby 4. tardy 5. zigzag