今日英语词汇: infodemic, webinar, sit an exam, invigilator, zoonotic, renege

儒琴英语词汇选自欧美报刊文章以及英语原文小说。坚持学习英语今日词汇,有助于阅读和理解当今欧美主流媒体的新闻时事报道和英语文学作品。

儒琴英语词汇(English Words and Phrases of the Day)

infodemic 信息疫情
/ˌinfəˈdemik/ adj.
a surfeit of information about a problem that is viewed as being a detriment to its solution.
是指过多的信息(有的正确,有的错误)导致人们难于发现值得信任的信息来源、可靠的指导,这些信息甚至可能对人们的健康产生危害。认识、理解和控制“信息疫情”,有助于人们对疾病疫情的响应。

An “infodemic” of misinformation and disinformation has helped cripple the response to the novel coronavirus.Why it matters: High-powered social media accelerates the spread of lies and political polarization that motivates people to believe them. Unless the public health sphere can effectively counter misinformation, not even an effective vaccine may be enough to end the pandemic.

webinar
noun [ C ] /ˈweb.ə.nɑːr/
an occasion when a group of people go on the internet at the same time to study and discuss something
网上研讨会

Ambassador Anatoly Antonov participated in a Webinar with National Interest editor Jacob Heilbrunn. They discussed a variety of issues including the current controversy over Russia’s role in Afghanistan and alleged bounties. (National Interest)

sit an exam / sit for an exam 参加考试
Of course we can also use “take an exam” (or even just “have an exam”), but for me the connotations are somewhat different. “Sit an exam” suggests a formal situation, with strict procedures in place (invigilators, etc.) whereas “take an exam” sounds more informal with less ominous outcomes if you fail. (quora)

At least 21 people have been killed after a bus carrying students preparing to sit their university entrance exam plunged into a lake in south-west China. (The Guardian)

invigilator 监考人 (n)/ invigilate 监考(v)
/ɪnˈvɪdʒ.ə.leɪ.t̬ɚ/ /ɪnˈvɪdʒ.ə.leɪt/

There will be more than 7,000 examination sites and 400,000 examination rooms used nationwide this year. A total of 945,000 test staff, including invigilators, will serve the event, according to the authority. (Globaltimes)

zoonotic
adjective /ˌzuː.əˈnɑː.t̬ɪk/
used to refer to a disease that can spread from animals to humans
指一种能从动物传染给人类的疾病

Zoonotic diseases – which jump from animals to humans – are increasing and will continue to do so without action to protect wildlife and preserve the environment, UN experts have warned. (BBC)

renege
verb [ I ] formal /rɪˈneɪɡ/
to fail to keep a promise or an agreement, etc.
违背(诺言);违约;背信

Feb 16, 2020 – And yet that’s exactly what President Trump is proposing to do in his latest budget: renege on the agreement he struck with congressional …

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