16 生词
The Arbiter of Fashion and Society
In the vibrant world of high fashion, there was one arbiter whose opinions held the power to make or break careers. This Briton, known for his sharp critiques and deep insights, was not just a fashion pundit but also a self-appointed matchmaker for the creative and business sides of the industry. He would often sit front row at fashion shows, his gaze fixed on the runway, waiting to deliver his verdict.
His judgments were sometimes perceived as arbitrary, but those who knew him well understood that he could see both the intangible artistry and the tangible craft behind each creation. His ability to discern the hidden meaning behind every adornment and how it would adorn a garment was unmatched, and the designers who received his praise felt as though they had been given an enviable gift.
One day, he delivered a scathing review of a young designer's collection, calling it a tremendous failure and accusing the designer of creative malpractice. It was a mistake—an unintentional blunder—as the collection had actually been a tribute to the designer’s cultural roots, something the arbiter had completely overlooked. The designer felt defamed, and the public reaction was fierce. Some called for the arbiter to face sanctions, while others argued that his opinions were part of his role as an industry watchdog.
The arbiter, however, was not easily shaken. He gave a public apology, though it was more lenient than some expected. "I spoke too soon," he admitted, "but in time, I hope my words will be seen as part of the industry's growing pains." Despite the lenient sentence he gave himself, the incident lingered like a faint cloud over his once impeccable reputation.
While the designer dealt with the nostalgia of past successes and the pain of the present, the arbiter sought to understand what had gone wrong. His reflection led him to a quiet meadow where city dwellers seldom went. Here, he found solace in nature and began to envy the simplicity of a world where mistakes were not judged so harshly.
With time, he regained his confidence, but the incident had left an intangible mark on him. He became more mindful of the weight his words carried and less prone to the blunders that had once been an occasional byproduct of his tremendous influence. He now sought to offer a balance between harsh critique and thoughtful guidance, recognizing that while the fashion industry is often unforgiving, there was a need for more leniency and understanding.
单词及其中英文释义
- matchmaker (n.) - a person who arranges marriages or initiates relationships; 媒人
- Briton (n.) - a native or inhabitant of Britain; 英国人
- pundit (n.) - an expert in a particular subject or field who is frequently called upon to give opinions to the public; 专家
- sermon (n.) - a talk on a religious or moral subject; 布道
- in time (phr.) - eventually; 迟早
- runway (n.) - a platform where models walk to display clothing in fashion shows; T台，飞机跑道
- arbiter (n.) - a person who settles a dispute or has ultimate authority in a matter; 仲裁者，决定着
- arbitrary (adj.) - based on random choice or personal whim; 任意的，随便的
- faint (adj.) - barely perceptible; 微弱的，昏厥
- intangible (adj.) - unable to be touched or grasped; 不可触摸的，无形的
- tangible (adj.) - perceptible by touch; 有形的，实际的
- adornment (n.) - something that adds decoration or beauty; 装饰品
- adorn (v.) - to decorate or add beauty to; 装饰
- sanction (n./v.) - official permission or approval; 制裁/批准
- dweller (n.) - a person or animal that lives in a particular place; 居民
- meadow (n.) - a field with grass and often wildflowers; 草地
- envy (v./n.) - to desire something possessed by another; 嫉妒
- enviable (adj.) - arousing or likely to arouse envy; 令人羡慕的
- lenient (adj.) - permissive, merciful, or tolerant; 宽容的，仁慈的
- lenient sentence (phr.) - a less severe punishment or judgment; 宽松的判决
- malpractice (n.) - improper or unethical conduct by a professional; 渎职，玩忽职守
- defame (v.) - to damage someone's reputation through false statements; 诽谤，污蔑
- nostalgia (n.) - a sentimental longing for the past; 怀旧
- blunder (n.) - a stupid or careless mistake; 愚蠢的错误
- tremendous (adj.) - very great in amount, scale, or intensity; 巨大的，极好的，非常