standard; basis; criterion; norm; reference; datum
to be degraded; to come down in the world; to lose status; to be ruined; to fall low
wealth and poverty; rich and poor
to stop talking; to break off; to pause
clearly; plainly; distinctly; decisively; flatly; definitely
the teens (10-19); teenage; the tenth generation
to come true (of a wish, prayer, etc.); to be realized; to suit (e.g. a purpose); to meet (wishes, ideals, etc.); to match (implies competition); to rival
to study; to complete (a course); to order (one's life); to repair (a fault one has committed)
too much intellectual training; overemphasis on intellectual education
inquisitive mind; spirit of inquiry; spirit of enquiry
assertiveness; positiveness; initiative; spirit of enterprise
throwaway; disposable; single-use
waka; classic Japanese poem, esp. a tanka, often 31 morae
to discuss; to talk about; to argue; to dispute; to take into consideration; to make an issue of
to play an instrument (esp. string instruments); to dance
one or two; a few; small number
variegated; varicoloured; varicolored; multi-coloured; multi-colored; diverse
taking an examination (esp. school and university entrance)
mostly; ordinarily; probably; most; almost all; ordinary
a matter of course; what is to be expected; par for the course
memorization; memorisation; learning by heart
(practical) application; putting to practical use; applied
making use of; application; practical use; operation; handling; steering (esp. a boat)
satisfaction; pride; one's strong point; one's forte; regular customer; regular client
able; capable; competent; talented; efficient
custom; practice; said; aforementioned; instance; example
to be no match for; to not hold a candle to
to be preeminent; to be outstanding
human nature; human heart; public feeling; people's sentiments; consciousness; awareness
grasping; seizing; holding; commanding; having control over