研究生英语Unit 2 Scripts.doc

Unit 2 The Gift of Gift-giving Vocabulary perspicacious betoken nicety ritualistic one-up reciprocity benefactor proclivity frivolous wont prone cliché fabulous pamper altruism dispense  perspicacious: able to understand sb./ sth. quickly (fml) 敏锐的，聪明的 It offers quite a few facts to the perspicacious reporter. betoken: v. to be a sign of A clear blue sky betokens fine weather. Her deep frown betokened her feeling of sadness. It is out of proportion to send gift that betokens an intimacy that doesn’t exist. nicety: n.（usu. pl）a minor aspect of polite social behavior; a detail of etiquette 精妙，微妙之处 We were brought up to observe the niceties. ritualistic: a. of fondness for ritual 遵守仪式的；仪式化的 It is purely ritualistic to send expensive gifts on wedding ceremony. Each evening, she bursts into her apartment with a ritualistic shout of “Honey, I’m home.” ritual n./a. 仪式（的），典礼（的） ritualize v. 使仪式化 reciprocity: n. the practice of exchanging things with others for mutual benefit a reciprocity treaty Reciprocity includes more than gifts and favors; it also applies to concessions that people make to one another. reciprocal: mutual, giving and receiving in return交互的，互惠的 benefactor: n. a person who gives money or other help to a person or cause we collected ￡478, but a very generous benefactor made it up to ￡500. The chieftain of that country is disguised as a benefactor this time. benefactress Proclivity: (to/towards/for) a tendency to choose or do something regularly; an inclination or predisposition 癖性，倾向 For example: a proclivity for hard work/ for dancing/ laziness His son has a proclivity towards laziness. Our teacher has a proclivity to faultfinding. frivolous: a. not having any serious purpose or value 轻薄的，轻浮的；琐碎的，无意义的 For example: There should be rules to stop frivolous law suits. This is a frivolous way of attacking the problem. wont: a./n. habit; accustomed to; in the habit of be wont to do sth.: be used (accustomed) to sth./doing sth. For Example： Both ha