gradually; by degrees; little by little; steps; stairs; staircase
technical; technological; practical
huge rock; firmness; solidity
national; founded and run by the central government
engaging in (work); pursuing (e.g. studies); following (a profession); being involved in
keen; eager; enthusiastic; motivated; determined; positive
several years; a few years
astounding; startling; world-shaking; amazing; earth-shattering
important matter; matter of great importance; serious affair; major incident; emergency
outsider's perspective; as seen by an observer
to be bloodcurdling; to be ghastly
self-esteem; self-respect; self-importance; conceit; pride
vessel; ship; shipping; seacraft
transport ship; troop ship
tendency; trend; inclination
reinforcement; augmentation; strengthening; increase; buildup
leap; jump; stepping out into the wider world; becoming active on a wider stage; rapid progress; dramatic development
to dream (i.e. while asleep); to have a dream; to dream (of the future); to have a fleeting experience
opportunity; chance; good time (to do); trend; tendency; momentum
to be lifted; to be raised; to happen suddenly; to occur; to be homeroom teacher for the same class multiple years in a row; to move up with one's class