standard; basis; criterion; norm; reference; datum
to support; to maintain; to bring up; to raise; to adopt (a child); to cultivate (a habit, a quality, etc.)
incessant; constant; continuous; perpetual; everlasting
attack; assault; raid; criticism; censure; denunciation
component; factor; item (e.g. in list); element (e.g. in array); member (e.g. data structure)
fortress; castle; citadel; enclosure; castle walls
fort; fortress; stronghold; fortification
mainly; chiefly; primarily; for the most part
public square; square; plaza; open space; clearing
peculiarity; uniqueness; characteristic
form (as opposed to substance); formality; method; system; format; mode
fortress; stronghold; citadel
outskirts; periphery; environs
moat; fosse; canal; ditch
elegance; grace; festal song (genre of the Shi Jing)
large number; innumerable; great many; immense; vast; abundant
to collect (debts); to dun; to appoint; to promote; to emphasize; to focus on
free city (of Germany); commune (of medieval Europe)
military force; military strength
to chip; to nick; to break; to lack
protection; safeguard; guardianship; preservation; conservation
poor (living); barely continuing; just scraping along; very narrow
several years standing; over several years
bonds (between people); (emotional) ties; relationship; tether; fetters
union; alliance; combination; RENGO (Japanese Trade Union Confederation)
selection; choice; option
(outward) appearance; (proper) format (e.g. of an essay); form; appearances; decency; lip-service
brave general; great soldier
anticipation; expectation; plan; preparation
to some extent; to a certain extent
to enlist as a supporter; to win over to one's side; to gain as one's ally
to carry to extremes; to go to the end of something; to investigate thoroughly; to master
loyalty; sincerity; allegiance; fidelity; integrity
proverb; saying; aphorism; maxim
sincere; honest; faithful
where ... is concerned; when it becomes; if it becomes
to disdain; to look down on; to make light of; to hold in contempt; to scorn; to despise