English

As simply as the eye can discern, it is a hard plastic strip, about the size of a ruler, which fits comfortably into a woman's handbag or a man's suit jacket.

1. discern [dɪˋzɝn] (v.) [ formal ] to notice something, especially after thinking about it carefully or studying it

    Example: discern a difference/ pattern/ reason

    (v.) to see or hear something, especially something that is far away or not very clear

    Example: We could just about discern a small figure walking towards us.

    discernible (adj.) able to be seen, noticed, or understood

    Example: a discernible improvement in the patient's condition

    Example: A small boat was clearly discernible in the middle of the lake.

    discerning (adj.) showing good judgement about things such as art, music, and books and able to tell whether something is valuable or well made

    Example: The discerning reader will appreciate the subtleties Boyd's humor.

    discernment (n.) the ability to make good judgements about things such as art, music, and books and to tell whether something is valuable ot well made

2. strip (n.) a piece of something such as cloth, paper, or grass that is much longer than it is wide

    Example: a strip of tape

    Example: Cut the turkey into strips.

    (v.) to take off all your clothes or another person's clothes

    Example: They all stripped and ran into the water.

    Example: Josh was stripped to the waist. ( = naked above the waist ) 喬許被剝光了上身的衣服

    strip naked

    Example: The soldiers were forced to strip naked in freezing temperatures. 

    (v.) to take off your clothes as entertainment

    Example: She made money stripping in bars.

    (v.) to remove something that covers something 

    Example: We spent the weekend stripping wallpaper.

    (v.) to remove everything useful from a room or vehicle

    Example: Thieves had stripped the car when police find it.

To the consternation of the umbrella manufacturers, it has been enjoying a brisk sale, especially among commuters.

3. consternation (n.) [ formal ] a shocked or worried feeling, often caused when something unexpected happens: dismay

    Example: His comments caused sonsternation among environmentalists.

4. brisk (adj.) if business is brisk, a lot of things are being sold quickly

    (adj.) moving or acting quickly

    Example: We went for a brisk walk.

    Example: The committee got off to a brisk start at its first meeting.

    (adj.) speaking quickly and only saying what is necessary. This word is sometimes used for saying that someone seems unfriendly.

    Example: He nodded to me with a brisk ‘ Morning, Sir’.

    (adj.) if it is brisk, the weather is fairly cold and a fairly strong wind is blowing

    Example: a brisk wind

    briskly (adv.), briskness (n.)

5. among (preposition) included in a larger group

    Example: His family connections helped ensure his position among the elite.

    (preposition) happening or existing within a group

    Example: The suicide rate among young male prisoners is high.

    (preposition) in the middle of other people or things

    Example: Robin's house was hidden among the trees.

    (preposition) with a group of people of a particular type

    Example: I was never happier that when I was among these familiar faces.

    among friends

    Example: Oh come on, Arthur, you can speak freely ─ you're among friends.