【趣谈英语】两名美国总统死于独立日-Two US Presidents Died on Independence Day

 Pre-Listening Vocabulary

 

independence: freedom from another government’s control

significant: important; notable

draft: to write

rival: enemy

renew: to try again; to refresh something from the past

outlive: to live longer than

written in the stars: destined¹ to happen

 

Two US Presidents Died on Independence Day

On July 4th Americans around the world celebrate Independence Day. July 4th is a significant day in American history for two other reasons. The second US president, John Adams, and the third president, Thomas Jefferson, both died on July 4th. In fact, Adams and Jefferson both died on July 4th, 1826. This was the fiftieth anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Adams and Jefferson had worked together to draft the Declaration. In later years, the two became political rivals. It wasn’t until they were both retired² that they renewed their friendship and expressed their respect for each other. Adams who was 90 outlived Jefferson, 82, by five hours.

1 destined   

adj.命中注定的；(for)以…为目的地的

参考例句：

• It was destined that they would marry.他们结婚是缘分。
• The shipment is destined for America.这批货物将运往美国。

2 retired   

adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的

参考例句：

• The old man retired to the country for rest.这位老人下乡休息去了。
• Many retired people take up gardening as a hobby.许多退休的人都以从事园艺为嗜好。