origin; genesis; opening; start; beginning
advantage; upside; plus side; positive aspect; benefit
tolerable; passable; adequate; so-so
reaction; response; reaction
light and shade; shade (of colour, color); depth (of flavor); complexity; strength and weakness (of flavor)
spots; speckles; mottles; speckled; spotted
unity; consolidation; uniformity; unification; compatible
calamity; disaster; misfortune
crucible; melting pot; melting pot (of cultures, ideas, etc.); state of ecstasy; state of fevered excitement
the same generation; coeval
number (on its own, without considering its proportion to the whole); overall number
to attract interest; to get attention to appeal
dwarf (esp. in folklore or fantasy literature)
well-matched (esp. of a couple); becoming; suitable
with bright almond eyes; eyes wide open; nonchalantly
woman; lady; adult female
handsome young man; Adonis
standing comparison with; comparing favorably with; by no means inferior to; equal to
voice quality; type of voice
unable to understand (reason, motive, etc.)
finely chiseled (features)
(around the) neck; nape; collar (at the front)
(for) self-defense; (for) self-protection
to assume an air of importance; to be self-important; to put on airs
elegance; refinement; grace; aroma
regular customer; valued client
to let slip a secret; to let the cat out of the bag
aimlessly; unexpectedly (showing up); slowly swaying; staggering; moving feebly
even so (expressing frustration, etc.); still
kingfisher (esp. the common kingfisher, Alcedo atthis); jade (gem); beautiful lustrous colour similar to that of the kingfisher's feathers
(verbal) abuse; abusive language
to row (a boat) to (a pier, shore, etc.); to reach (a goal after considerable effort); to arrive at; to (finally) manage to do
influential; powerful; popular; prosperous; doing well
odious; hateful; awful; horrid; revolting
to side with (someone); to support (someone)