ring; band; ring; circum-
how; in what way; how about
although; despite; whereas; while; if only; I wish
meaning; significance; sense
statement; remark; observation; utterance; speech; proposal
serious look (on one's face); straight face
occasionally; once in a while; seldom; casually; unexpectedly; accidentally
near; close; close (in time); soon; close (relationship); friendly
to raise; to elevate; to do up (one's hair); to fly (a kite, etc.); to launch (fireworks, etc.); to land (a boat); to deep-fry
annual (plant); first-year student
have no choice; there is nothing but; no more than
popular name; common name; given name
to fuss over; to be particular about; to be obsessive about; to be fixated on; to obstruct; to hinder
instant; moment; for an instant
doubt; suspicion; misgivings; scruples
to go by; to cross; to pass by; to flash across
careful; cautious; prudent; discreet; deliberate
to finger; to touch; to make changes to; to tinker with; to dabble in; to do as a hobby
negligence; carelessness; inattention; unpreparedness
year; age; years; past one's prime; old age
to be separated; to be apart; to leave; to go away; to leave (a job, etc.); to quit
older brother; elder brother; young man; buddy; fella
older brother; elder brother
excuse me; pardon me; I'm sorry; thank you
strange; odd; unexpected; change; incident; disturbance
surname; family name; last name
and; besides; because; since; the thing is; for one thing
be supposed or expected to (do); be sure to (do); ought to (do)
child from previous marriage; child of a former spouse; stepchild
even if; no matter (what); if; though; although; supposing
even if ...; even supposing that ...; also as ...; also for ...; also from the position of ...
circuitous; roundabout; indirect
way (of doing); manner; method; means
getting closer; drawing nearer; being not much different; being near (age, skill, etc.); becoming close (i.e. friendly); becoming intimate
something's wrong (with someone); not right (in the head); not oneself; crazy; nuts
environment; circumstance
change; variation; variety; diversity; inflection; declension
eh?; what?; yes; that's correct; (arch.) strengthens a question, assertion, etc.; (arch.) hey
preparation; arrangements; getting ready; provision; setup; reserving