Vocabulary

• in the first place: To begin with; as the first point or consideration.
• end up with: To have something as a result.
• instead of: When one thing is replaced by another
• have to: Must do
• in ruins: Reduced to a state of destruction or disrepair.
• evidence of: Facts, objects, or signs that make you believe that something is true.
• think of: To look on as (being something specific); consider
• at that time: During a specific point in the past.
• to do with: To be about something; concern
• cut into: To divide something into pieces with a sharp tool.
• of old: From a long time ago; in the past.
• over time: Gradually; as time passes.
• stay in: To remain inside one's home.
• rather than: More exactly; more correctly
• in the hand: Physically held or grasped in one's hand.
• for example: As an illustration or instance.
• symbol of: Something that represents or stands for something else, especially an object representing an abstract idea.
• in use: Being used at the present time.
• think about: To consider something carefully.
• check out
• literally: In a literal manner or sense; exactly as stated.
• fascinating: To attract or interest greatly
• matter: To be of great importance; to count
• ancient: Very old; having lived a very long time ago
• common: Area in a city or town that is open to everyone
• philosophy: Study of ideas about the basic nature of life
• influence: To affect or change something indirectly
• align: To arrange (e.g. objects) in line with one another
• reflect: To indicate or be a sign of something
• slang: Words or phrases used in a very informal way
• etiquette: Rules regarding manners or good behavior
• myth: Popular belief that is false, unsupported by fact
• mean: Average of a set of numbers
• reach: To come to or arrive at a goal or destination
• wonder: Surprise caused by experiencing something amazing
• adapt: To change something for a different function
• blend: To combine different elements or substances
• respect: To follow the established rules
• taboo: Not being accepted by customs or society
• trade: A specific industry, e.g. shoe making
• harmony: Pleasing, attractive combination of parts, things
• resemble: To be similar to in looks or manner
• quirky: Odd or unusual; strange
• communal: Shared or used in common by members of a group
• culture: Beliefs and customs of a particular group
• scarcity: Very small or limited amount of something
• chop: To cut into pieces with an up and down motion
• remind: To cause someone to remember what they forgot
• simple: Not hard to understand or do; not complex
• extension: Addition to something, e.g. a house
• necessity: Something that you must have or do
• flatter: To praise in a rather false way, to get something
• densely: Thickly (filled or covered)
• weave: To make a cloth or baskets by crossing threads
• pick: Sharp tool used for breaking the ground
• symbol: Image that means or represents something
• quick: Using very little time; moving far in little time
• invent: To create something such as a story or excuse
• derive: To come from another thing
• deep: Complex and important
• fast: In a way that is difficult to move or change
• charming: Being very likable; attractive
• metal: Usually hard shiny material mined from rock
• hold: To agree to keep something for someone
• cross: Angry and upset
• dynasty: Family that controls a country for a long time
• incense: To cause to feel great anger; to infuriate
• pigeon: Gray bird that is common in cities
• practicality: State of being useful or realistically possible
• silver: Person's name
• perfectly: In a faultless manner; without mistakes
• design: To plan in a particular way to fulfill a purpose
• time: Speed at which music is played; tempo
• stay: To keep trying without giving up
• people: Persons sharing culture, country, background, etc.
• suffix: Part of a word after the root, e.g. -ment, -ly
• long: Person's name
• bamboo: Long light Asian plant with strong, empty stems
• traditionally: Something done in a customary, traditional manner
• tong: Chinese secret society or fraternal organization