Learning English Vocabulary through Reading
两分钟学习英语 - 8 July 2025
我正在尝试通过阅读小说《灿烂千阳》来提高我的英语水平和词汇量。以下是我从第16 章至第20 章挑选的一些单词表。如果您喜欢这份书单并想加入我的读书俱乐部，请在评论中输入“Yes”,我会尽力邀请您加入我的读书圈。
I’m working on improving my English and expanding my vocabulary by reading the novel A Thousand Splendid Suns. Below is a list of some interesting words and expressions I picked up from Chapters 16 to 20. If you enjoy this list and like to join my book club, please type 'Yes' in the comment and I try to invite you into my reading circle.
📚 Vocabulary Lis
Here's a clear and engaging breakdown of each word with its meaning and a sentence to help you see it in action:
1. Obliterate
·
Meaning: To destroy something completely,
leaving no trace. It can refer to physical destruction or, more abstractly, to
erasing memories, emotions, or identities.
·
Example Sentence: They had overshadowed her in
life. They would obliterate her in death. → This means that even in death,
Laila’s brothers' legacy would erase or completely overpower her existence in
their mother’s eyes.
2. Receptacle
·
Meaning: A container that is used to hold
something. In a figurative sense, it refers to a person who receives or holds
feelings, ideas, or memories.
·
Example
Sentence: She, Laila, a mere receptacle. A parchment on which Mammy meant to
ink their legends. → Here, “receptacle” implies that Laila is only seen as a
vessel for preserving her brothers’ memory—not as a person in her own right.
3. Giddy
·
Meaning: Feeling extremely happy and excited,
sometimes in a slightly dizzy or silly way.
·
Example Sentence: Laila sat on the edge of her
bed, giddy with relief, and watched that beautiful, yellow eye winking on and
off. → Here, “giddy” shows Laila’s overwhelming happiness and excitement when
she realizes Tariq is back.
4. Ruse
·
Meaning: A trick or action intended to deceive
someone.
·
Example Sentence: The trip to Ghazni had been a
ruse. An adult scheme to spare the two of them an upsetting farewell. → In this
context, Laila fears that the story about Tariq’s trip was just a cover to
avoid saying goodbye.
5. Indomitable
·
Meaning: Impossible to subdue or defeat; showing
great courage or determination that cannot be overcome.
·
Example Sentence: Mammy, ferocious, indomitable,
pacing and ranting… → Here, “indomitable” describes Mammy’s fierce and
unstoppable energy when she’s angry—someone who cannot be easily calmed or
overcome.
6. Befuddled
·
Meaning: Confused, perplexed, or unable to think
clearly.
·
Example Sentence: Ordinary tools befuddled Babi.
→ Babi is very intelligent in academic subjects, but when it comes to fixing
things, he's often confused, or unsure tools leave him puzzled.
Laila: “I still can’t believe you climbed that
mountain, Zara. You are absolutely indomitable!”
Zara: “It was brutal, honestly.
At one point, I was so tired I got befuddled and followed a goat thinking it
was my guide!” (Everyone laughs)
Hasina: “Okay, but tell me why I
fell for Amir’s so-called 'business trip' last month. Total ruse. Turns out he
was planning my surprise birthday.”
Giti: “Awww, that’s sweet! I’d be
too giddy to even pretend to be mad. I love surprises!” (She claps her hands
excitedly)
Nila: “Speaking of surprises,
could someone please hand me a napkin? This bag is turning into a receptacle
for used tissues and gum wrappers.”
Samira: “And could someone
obliterate the memory of me dancing at the office party last night? I saw the
video. I looked like a confused octopus.”
All: (laughing) “Never!”
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