08年7.29第69期托福英语学习：托福词汇69

　　Lesson 69 A Multi-dimensional Personality 多面性格

　　Words:

　　dignified adj. 有尊严的，庄严的，高贵的

　　dignify vt. 使尊荣，使显贵

　　dignity n. 尊严，高贵

　　digression n. 离题，扯到枝节上

　　dilate vt. 使膨胀，使扩大

　　dilemma n. 困境，进退两难

　　dilettante n. 业余爱好者

　　diligent adj. 勤勉的，勤奋的

　　diligently adv. 勤勉地，尽职地，小心翼翼地

　　dilute vt. 稀释，淡化

　　dim adj. 暗淡的，模糊的

　　dime n. (美)一角硬币

　　dimension n. 尺寸，长度，宽度，深度；面积，大小；范围，重要性

　　dimensional adj. 尺寸的；（用以构成复合词）。。。维

　　diminish v. (使)减少，（使）变小；减低（某人/物）重要性，贬低

　　dingy adj. 肮脏的；颜色发暗的，无光泽的

　　dioxide n. 二氧化碳

　　diplomacy n. 外交，交际手腕

　　diplomatic adj. 外交的；老练的

　　“He looks very dignified in that business suit,” said Mary, as her eyes wandered in the man’s direction. “In fact, he would dignify just about anything he chooses to wear. Dignity like that can only come from a good background and superior training.”

“What are you talking about?” said John. “We were having an important discussion about diplomacy and the next thing I know, you’re talking about that diplomatic courier in the dingy suit over there.”

　　“Please pardon my digression,” said Mary. “I didn’t mean to diminish the importance of our conversation. I usually become digressive when I am exhausted or bored. Sometimes, I feel I need to dilate my pupils to remain attentive. Could it be the carbon dioxide in my respiratory system?”

　　“No,” John said, “but perhaps you should dilute your alcoholic drinks with water. It’s hard to be a diligent listener when you’re drunk.”

　　“I try to listen diligently,” replied Mary. “Don’t you see? That is my dilemma. If I don’t think alcohol, I tend to wander off the subject. Sometimes, I feel I’m wandering off into another dimension, especially with the dim lights in this place.”

　　“If I had a dime for every time you’ve wandered off the subject, I’d be a wealthy man!” said John. “Perhaps you’d be more serious about this job if you weren’t such a dilettante. It’s a good thing for you that you have a multi-dimensional personality.”