1.virtually ['vɜ:tjʊəli]

adj. 几乎,差不多
adv. 几乎,实际上

例句与用法:
Two independent investigators have reached virtually the same conclusions.
两个调查人员各自做出的结论简直完全一致.
Musical Instrument Digital Interface, or MIDI, is a communication interface provided on virtually every synthesizer made today.
音乐设备数字接口，或称MIDI，实际上是为目前制造的各种合成器提供的一种通信接口。
She is so solicitous and persistent that she virtually kills you with kindness.
她非常关心而固执，以致她的善意实际上反而使人感到尴尬。

2.shut down

vt. 关闭(降临,关闭)

例句与用法:
Some coal-mines had to shut down.
有些煤矿不得不关闭。
I was in harness at the factory for over twenty years before it shut down.
我在那家工厂关闭前在那儿工作了20多年了。

3.assume [ə'sju:m]

vt. 假定,设想,承担

例句与用法:
She was in arrogance to assume she would win every time.
她认为每次都能赢，未免太自大了。
I made a mistake and I will assume responsibility for it.
我错了，我愿为此承担责任。
I assumed you can speak French fluently.
我以为你能讲流利的法语。

4.sort of

adv. 有几分地(稍稍,到某种程度)

例句与用法:
It's sort of embarrassing.
这有点叫人难为情。
That sort of music is rubbish.
那种音乐毫无价值。
What sort of book do you want?
你要哪一类的书？

5.vanity fair

n. 浮华世界, 虚荣无聊的社会,名利场

6.shear [ʃiə]

n. 修剪,剪下的东西,羊的一岁
v. 修剪,割,剥夺

例句与用法:
With a few quick snips of the shears he pruned the bush.
他用大剪刀几下子就把灌木给修剪好了.
I start shearing the sheep at the beginning of July.
我一般在7月初开始剪羊毛。
All her curls have been shorn off.
她的一头卷发被剪得精光。