【趣谈英语】星号，小星星？-An Asterisk Is A Little Star

 

Pre-Listening Vocabulary

 

typography: the look or style of typed material

condition: a requirement

fine print: small type

swear word: a curse word; usually used to show anger or excitement

bullet point: an item in a list

 

An Asterisk¹ Is A Little Star

An asterisk is a star-shaped symbol used in typography. It comes from a Greek word meaning “little star”. The word “asterisk” is a commonly mispronounced word. Many people incorrectly say “as-tuh-riks” instead of “as-tuh-risk”. Learning the proper spelling of this symbol can help you remember the pronunciation. There are a few different uses for the asterisk. Most commonly, the asterisk is used to indicate to the reader that there will be a note or extra information at the bottom of a piece of text. Two or more asterisks² are used to show that there is a second or additional note to review. In an advertisement or contest, an asterisk is often used to state conditions or rules. This extra information is also referred to as the “small print” or “fine print” because it is usually written in a smaller sized type. The asterisk is occasionally used in place of a vowel³ in a swear word. It can also be used as an actual star in a rating. The best rating is typically 5*. Some people also use the asterisk as a bullet point.

1 asterisk   

n.星号，星标

参考例句：

• The asterisk refers the reader to a footnote.星号是让读者参看脚注。
• He added an asterisk to the first page.他在第一页上加了个星号。

2 asterisks   

n.星号，星状物( asterisk的名词复数 )v.加星号于( asterisk的第三人称单数 )

参考例句：

• He skips asterisks and gives you the gamy details. 他曲解事实，给你一些下流的细节内容。 来自互联网
• Make lists with dashes, asterisks, or bullets if you use HTML email. 如果你写的是HTML格式的邮件，用破折号、星号和子弹号立出清单。 来自互联网

3 vowel   

n.元音；元音字母

参考例句：

• A long vowel is a long sound as in the word"shoe ".长元音即如“shoe” 一词中的长音。
• The vowel in words like 'my' and 'thigh' is not very difficult.单词my和thigh中的元音并不难发。