胡敏读故事记托福词汇069：多面性格 A Multi-dimensional Personality
“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.”
“穿着那套西装，他看上去很高贵。”玛丽说着，她迷离的目光转向了那个男人。“事实上，他无论穿什么，都能显出高贵。这种高贵只能来自良好的出身和高级的培养。”
“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.”
“你在说什么?”约翰问，“我们刚刚还在进行一个有关外交工作的重要讨论，可你现在又在谈论那边衣着邋遢的外交信使了。”
“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?”
“请原谅我离题了，”玛丽说，“我并不想贬低我们谈话的重要性。通常我疲惫厌倦时，就会离题。有时，我觉得需要扩大瞳孔才能精神集中。是不是因为我呼吸系统中的二氧化碳在作怪?”
“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.”
“不会，”约翰说，“但也许你该在你含酒精的饮料中加水稀释后再喝，喝醉了酒就很难再当尽职的听众了。”
“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.”
“我在努力尽职地听，”玛丽回答，“你没看见吗?这就是我的困境。如果我不喝酒，我会难以忍受此类无聊的讨论。如果我喝了酒，我往往会走神跑题。有时，尤其是置身于这里暗淡的灯光中，我感觉我在游离主题进入另一个范围。”
“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.”
“如果你每次思想开小差，我提醒你都能挣一角钱的话，我很快会成为富翁的。”约翰说，“如果你不是个业余爱好者，也许对此工作你会更认真些。你的性格具有多面性，真是太好了。”
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
