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TOEFL iBT Academic English

Academic Foundations: Education & campus

High-utility language for lectures, readings, and classroom ideas. Focus: education & campus.

Independent TOEFL iBT study resource — not official exam material.

  • Teens and up
  • Academic English
  • Confident · B2
  • 250 words
Play word detective with these words All 6 ways to practise

The words

Every word in this set, with what it means. Tap a word to hear it.

education
the process of teaching and learning, usually at school, college, or university
“The university study report includes a section on the word “education.””
academic
relating to education, especially at college or university level
“During the university study discussion, “academic” signals a particular quality.”
graduation
the time when you complete a university degree course or your education at an American high school
“Learners saw the word “graduation” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
seminar
a class at a university or college for a small group of students and a teacher to study or discuss a particular subject
“A clear definition of the word “seminar” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
educate
to teach a child at a school, college, or university
“A clear example helps learners use “educate” in a sentence about the university study.”
teach
to give lessons in a school, college, or university, or to help someone learn about something by giving them information
“The speaker explains how “teach” is used in a report about the university study.”
diploma
a document showing that a student has successfully completed their high school or university education
“Learners saw the word “diploma” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
syllabus
a plan that states exactly what students at a school or college should learn in a particular subject
“A clear definition of the word “syllabus” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
campus
the land and buildings of a university or college, including the buildings where students live
“The speaker used the word “campus” while explaining the university study problem.”
undergraduate
a student at college or university, who is working for their first degree
“A clear definition of the word “undergraduate” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
lecture
a long talk on a particular subject that someone gives to a group of people, especially to students in a university
“The university study report includes a section on the word “lecture.””
commencement
a ceremony at which university, college, or high school students receive their diplomas
“A clear definition of the word “commencement” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
extracurricular
extracurricular activities are not part of the course that a student is doing at a school or college
“The report describes the university study issue as extracurricular.”
university
an educational institution at the highest level, where you study for a degree
“In this university study, the word “university” helps express a precise idea.”
degree
a unit for measuring temperature. It can be shown as a symbol after a number. For example, 70° means 70 degrees.
“The university study report includes a section on the word “degree.””
student
someone who is studying at a university, school etc
“A clear definition of the word “student” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
thesis
a long piece of writing about a particular subject that you do as part of an advanced university degree such as an MA or a PhD
“The university study report includes a section on the word “thesis.””
comparative
the comparative form of an adjective or adverb shows an increase in size, quality, degree etc when it is considered in relation to something else. For example, ‘bigger’ is the comparative form of ‘big’, and ‘more slowly’ is the comparative form of ‘slowly’.
“During the university study discussion, “comparative” signals a particular quality.”
qualification
if you have a qualification, you have passed an examination or course to show you have a particular level of skill or knowledge in a subject
“The speaker used the word “qualification” while explaining the university study problem.”
secondary
the education, teaching etc of children between the ages of 11 and 16 or 18
“The report describes the university study issue as secondary.”
methodology
A methodology is a system of methods and principles for doing something, for example for teaching or for carrying out research
“A clear definition of the word “methodology” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
academician
a member of an official organization which encourages the development of literature, art, science etc
“A clear definition of the word “academician” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
enrolment
the process of arranging to join a school, university, course etc
“The university study report includes a section on the word “enrolment.””
scheme
an official plan that is intended to help people in some way, for example by providing education or training
“The speaker used the word “scheme” while explaining the university study problem.”
drill
a method of teaching students, sports players etc something by making them repeat the same lesson, exercise etc many times
“A clear definition of the word “drill” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
freshman
a student in the first year of high school or university
“The university study report includes a section on the word “freshman.””
study
to learn about a subject at school, university etc
“The speaker explains how “study” is used in a report about the university study.”
essay
a short piece of writing about a particular subject by a student as part of a course of study
“The speaker used the word “essay” while explaining the university study problem.”
graduate
to obtain a degree, especially a first degree, from a college or university
“The speaker explains how “graduate” is used in a report about the university study.”
enter
to start working in a particular profession or organization, or to start studying at a school or university
“Learners hear “enter” while following the university study explanation.”
recitation
an act of saying a poem, piece of literature etc that you have learned, for people to listen to
“Learners saw the word “recitation” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
alumnus
a former student of a school, college etc
“The speaker used the word “alumnus” while explaining the university study problem.”
discipline
a way of training someone so that they learn to control their behaviour and obey rules
“The university study report includes a section on the word “discipline.””
specimen
a small amount or piece that is taken from something, so that it can be tested or examined
“The university study report includes a section on the word “specimen.””
scholastic
relating to schools or teaching
“The speaker uses “scholastic” to characterize the university study situation.”
principal
someone who is in charge of a school
“Learners saw the word “principal” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
proctor
someone who watches students in an examination to make sure that they do not cheat
“The speaker used the word “proctor” while explaining the university study problem.”
college
a school for advanced education, especially in a particular profession or skill
“A clear definition of the word “college” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
instinct
a natural tendency to behave in a particular way or a natural ability to know something, which is not learned
“The university study report includes a section on the word “instinct.””
solemn
very serious and not happy, for example because something bad has happened or because you are at an important occasion
“Researchers describe the university study evidence as solemn.”
classroom
a room that you have lessons in at a school or college
“A clear definition of the word “classroom” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
vital
the signs that show someone is alive, for example breathing and body temperature
“The report describes the university study issue as vital.”
liquid
a substance that is not a solid or a gas, for example water or milk
“The university study report includes a section on the word “liquid.””
acquisition
the process by which you gain knowledge or learn a skill
“The speaker used the word “acquisition” while explaining the university study problem.”
Mount
to increase gradually in amount or degree
“A clear example helps learners use “mount” in a sentence about the university study.”
school
to train or teach someone to have a certain skill, type of behaviour, or way of thinking
“In the university study discussion, the verb “school” describes an action or change.”
postgraduate
someone who is studying at a university to get a master’s degree or a phd
“A clear definition of the word “postgraduate” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
cite
to mention something as an example, especially one that supports, proves, or explains an idea or situation
“The speaker explains how “cite” is used in a report about the university study.”
dormitory
a large building at a college or university where students live
“The speaker used the word “dormitory” while explaining the university study problem.”
educator
a teacher or someone involved in the process of educating people
“A clear definition of the word “educator” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
homework
work that a student at school is asked to do at home
“The university study report includes a section on the word “homework.””
teacher
someone whose job is to teach, especially in a school
“The university study report includes a section on the word “teacher.””
academy
an official organization which encourages the development of literature, art, science etc
“The university study report includes a section on the word “academy.””
angle
the space between two straight lines or surfaces that join each other, measured in degrees
“A clear definition of the word “angle” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
levy
A levy is a sum of money that you have to pay, for example, as a tax to the government
“The university study report includes a section on the word “levy.””
nickel
a hard silver-white metal that is often combined with other metals, for example to make steel. It is a chemical element: symbol Ni
“Learners saw the word “nickel” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
probe
a long thin metal instrument that doctors and scientists use to examine parts of the body
“The university study report includes a section on the word “probe.””
cognitive
related to the process of knowing, understanding, and learning something
“The report describes the university study issue as cognitive.”
receptive
willing to consider new ideas or listen to someone else’s opinions
“During the university study discussion, “receptive” signals a particular quality.”
intelligence
the ability to learn, understand, and think about things
“A clear definition of the word “intelligence” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
profession
a job that needs a high level of education and training
“The university study report includes a section on the word “profession.””
embody
to be a very good example of an idea or quality
“In the university study discussion, the verb “embody” describes an action or change.”
paradigm
a very clear or typical example of something
“The speaker used the word “paradigm” while explaining the university study problem.”
extensive
large in size, amount, or degree
“During the university study discussion, “extensive” signals a particular quality.”
catalogue
a complete list of things that you can look at, buy, or use, for example in a library or at an art show
“The speaker used the word “catalogue” while explaining the university study problem.”
genre
a particular type of art, writing, music etc, which has certain features that all examples of this type share
“The speaker used the word “genre” while explaining the university study problem.”
archaeology
the study of ancient societies by examining what remains of their buildings, grave s , tools etc
“Learners saw the word “archaeology” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
fresher
a student who has just started at a college or university
“A clear definition of the word “fresher” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
generalize
to form a general principle or opinion after considering only a small number of facts or examples
“Learners hear “generalize” while following the university study explanation.”
peripheral
a piece of equipment that is connected to a computer and used with it, for example a printer
“The university study report includes a section on the word “peripheral.””
disciple
someone who believes in the ideas of a great teacher or leader, especially a religious one
“The speaker used the word “disciple” while explaining the university study problem.”
schoolroom
a room used for teaching in a small school
“The speaker used the word “schoolroom” while explaining the university study problem.”
unschooled
An unschooled person has had no formal education
“The report describes the university study issue as unschooled.”
narrate
to tell a story by describing all the events in order, for example in a book
“The speaker explains how “narrate” is used in a report about the university study.”
educable
able to learn or be educated
“The speaker uses “educable” to characterize the university study situation.”
contact
to communicate with sb, for example by telephone or letter
“In the university study discussion, the verb “contact” describes an action or change.”
discourse
a serious speech or piece of writing on a particular subject
“The speaker used the word “discourse” while explaining the university study problem.”
linguist
someone who studies or teaches linguistics
“A clear definition of the word “linguist” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
dissertation
a long piece of writing on a particular subject, especially one written for a university degree
“The speaker used the word “dissertation” while explaining the university study problem.”
recite
to say a poem, piece of literature etc that you have learned, for people to listen to
“In the university study discussion, the verb “recite” describes an action or change.”
classmate
a member of the same class in a school, college or – in the US – a university
“The speaker used the word “classmate” while explaining the university study problem.”
aptitude
Someone's aptitude for a particular kind of work or activity is their ability to learn it quickly and to do it well
“The university study report includes a section on the word “aptitude.””
rate
the number of times something happens, or the number of examples of something within a certain period
“The university study report includes a section on the word “rate.””
truant
a student who stays away from school without permission
“Learners saw the word “truant” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
headmaster
a male teacher who is in charge of a school
“Learners saw the word “headmaster” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
coed
a woman student at a university
“A clear definition of the word “coed” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
likelihood
the degree to which something can reasonably be expected to happen
“The university study report includes a section on the word “likelihood.””
stature
the degree to which someone is admired or regarded as important
“The university study report includes a section on the word “stature.””
density
the degree to which an area is filled with people or things
“The university study report includes a section on the word “density.””
illiterate
someone who is illiterate has not learned to read or write
“During the university study discussion, “illiterate” signals a particular quality.”
memorize
to learn words, music etc so that you know them perfectly
“In the university study discussion, the verb “memorize” describes an action or change.”
pedagogy
the practice of teaching or the study of teaching
“The university study report includes a section on the word “pedagogy.””
typify
to be a typical example of something
“The speaker explains how “typify” is used in a report about the university study.”
housemaster
a male teacher who is in charge of one of the houses (= groups of children of different ages ) in a school
“The university study report includes a section on the word “housemaster.””
don
a university teacher, especially one who teaches at the universities of Oxford or Cambridge
“The speaker used the word “don” while explaining the university study problem.”
schoolmaster
a male teacher, especially in a private school (= one that parents pay to send their children to )
“The university study report includes a section on the word “schoolmaster.””
schoolmistress
a female teacher, especially in a private school (= one that parents pay to send their children to )
“Learners saw the word “schoolmistress” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
matriculate
to officially begin studying at a university or, in the US, at a school or college
“A clear example helps learners use “matriculate” in a sentence about the university study.”
tutorial
a period of teaching and discussion with a tutor, especially in a British university
“The university study report includes a section on the word “tutorial.””
honorary
an honorary title, rank, or university degree is given to someone as an honour
“Researchers describe the university study evidence as honorary.”
sophomore
a student who is in their second year of study at a college or high school
“The university study report includes a section on the word “sophomore.””
coeducation
a system in which students of both sexes are educated together
“Learners saw the word “coeducation” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
communicative
Someone who is communicative talks to people, for example about their feelings, and tells people things
“The report describes the university study issue as communicative.”
dunce
If you say that someone is a dunce, you think they are stupid because they find it difficult or impossible to learn what someone is trying to teach them
“A clear definition of the word “dunce” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
substitute
someone who does someone else’s job for a limited period of time, especially in a sports team or school
“The university study report includes a section on the word “substitute.””
vocabulary
a list of words with explanations of their meanings, especially in a book for learning a foreign language
“The university study report includes a section on the word “vocabulary.””
allegory
a story, painting etc in which the events and characters represent ideas or teach a moral lesson
“A clear definition of the word “allegory” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
apply
to make a formal request, usually written, for something such as a job, a place at a university, or permission to do something
“Learners hear “apply” while following the university study explanation.”
lecturer
someone who gives lectures, especially in a university
“Learners saw the word “lecturer” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
audience
a group of people who come to watch and listen to someone speaking or performing in public
“Learners saw the word “audience” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
censor
to examine books, films, letters etc to remove anything that is considered offensive, morally harmful, or politically dangerous etc
“Learners hear “censor” while following the university study explanation.”
display
a part of a piece of equipment that shows information, for example a computer screen
“Learners saw the word “display” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
fable
a traditional short story that teaches a moral lesson, especially a story about animals
“Learners saw the word “fable” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
headmistress
a female teacher who is in charge of a school
“The university study report includes a section on the word “headmistress.””
motto
a short sentence or phrase giving a rule on how to behave, which expresses the aims or beliefs of a person, school, or institution
“A clear definition of the word “motto” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
somewhat
You use somewhat to indicate that something is the case to a limited extent or degree
“The speaker explained the university study change somewhat.”
doctorate
a university degree of the highest level
“The speaker used the word “doctorate” while explaining the university study problem.”
intonation
the way in which the level of your voice changes in order to add meaning to what you are saying, for example by going up at the end of a question
“A clear definition of the word “intonation” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
spare
an additional thing, for example a key, that you keep so that it is available
“A clear definition of the word “spare” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
choir
a group of people who sing together for other people to listen to
“The speaker used the word “choir” while explaining the university study problem.”
keen
someone who is keen is eager to work or learn, and enjoys doing it
“During the university study discussion, “keen” signals a particular quality.”
illustrate
to make the meaning of something clearer by giving examples
“The speaker explains how “illustrate” is used in a report about the university study.”
review
a careful examination of a situation or process
“Learners hear “review” while following the university study explanation.”
application
a formal, usually written, request for something such as a job, place at university, or permission to do something
“The university study report includes a section on the word “application.””
curriculum
the subjects that are taught by a school, college etc, or the things that are studied in a particular subject
“A clear definition of the word “curriculum” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
fountain
a structure from which water is pushed up into the air, used for example as decoration in a garden or park
“The university study report includes a section on the word “fountain.””
inspect
to examine something carefully in order to find out more about it or to find out what is wrong with it
“Learners hear “inspect” while following the university study explanation.”
retrospective
a show of the work of an artist , actor, film-maker etc that includes examples of all the kinds of work they have done
“A clear definition of the word “retrospective” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
ribbon
a narrow piece of attractive cloth that you use, for example, to tie your hair or hold things together
“The university study report includes a section on the word “ribbon.””
scan
to examine an area carefully but quickly, often because you are looking for a particular person or thing
“The speaker explains how “scan” is used in a report about the university study.”
distract
to take someone’s attention away from something by making them look at or listen to something else
“Learners hear “distract” while following the university study explanation.”
expertise
special skills or knowledge in a particular subject, that you learn by experience or training
“The speaker used the word “expertise” while explaining the university study problem.”
recognize
to know who someone is or what something is, because you have seen, heard, experienced, or learned about them in the past
“Learners hear “recognize” while following the university study explanation.”
plate
a flat piece of metal with words or numbers on it, for example on a door or a car
“Learners saw the word “plate” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
simile
an expression that describes something by comparing it with something else, using the words ‘as’ or ‘like’, for example ‘as white as snow’
“A clear definition of the word “simile” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
verbal
a word that has been formed from a verb, for example a gerund, infinitive, or participle
“The university study report includes a section on the word “verbal.””
attention
when you carefully listen to, look at, or think about someone or something
“Learners saw the word “attention” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
demolition
The demolition of a structure, for example, a building, is the act of deliberately destroying it, often in order to build something else in its place
“The university study report includes a section on the word “demolition.””
odd
a number that cannot be divided exactly by two, for example 1, 3, 5, 7 etc
“During the university study discussion, “odd” signals a particular quality.”
faculty
a department or group of related departments within a university
“The university study report includes a section on the word “faculty.””
primary
relating to the education of children between 5 and 11 years old
“The report describes the university study issue as primary.”
course
a period of time or process during which something happens
“The speaker used the word “course” while explaining the university study problem.”
court
the place where a trial is held, or the people there, especially the judge and the jury who examine the evidence and decide whether someone is guilty or not guilty
“The speaker used the word “court” while explaining the university study problem.”
primer
a school book that contains very basic facts about a subject
“A clear definition of the word “primer” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
idiom
a group of words that has a special meaning that is different from the ordinary meaning of each separate word. For example, ‘under the weather’ is an idiom meaning ‘ill’.
“Learners saw the word “idiom” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
propose
to suggest something as a plan or course of action
“In the university study discussion, the verb “propose” describes an action or change.”
scrutinize
to examine someone or something very carefully
“In the university study discussion, the verb “scrutinize” describes an action or change.”
severely
very badly or to a great degree
“The result was described severely in the final university study paragraph.”
pension
an amount of money paid regularly by the government or company to someone who does not work any more, for example because they have reached the age when people stop working or because they are ill
“The university study report includes a section on the word “pension.””
harass
to make someone’s life unpleasant, for example by frequently saying offensive things to them or threatening them
“Learners hear “harass” while following the university study explanation.”
mosquito
a small flying insect that sucks the blood of people and animals, sometimes spreading the disease malaria
“The speaker used the word “mosquito” while explaining the university study problem.”
pulse
the regular beat that can be felt, for example at your wrist, as your heart pumps blood around your body
“The speaker used the word “pulse” while explaining the university study problem.”
centigrade
a scale for measuring temperature, in which water freezes at 0 degrees and boils at 100 degrees
“Researchers describe the university study evidence as centigrade.”
plural
a plural word or form shows you are talking about more than one thing, person etc. For example, ‘we’ is a plural pronoun .
“The report describes the university study issue as plural.”
infrastructure
the basic systems and structures that a country or organization needs in order to work properly, for example roads, railways, banks etc
“The speaker used the word “infrastructure” while explaining the university study problem.”
patron
someone who supports the activities of an organization, for example by giving money
“The university study report includes a section on the word “patron.””
steer
to control the direction a vehicle is going, for example by turning a wheel
“A clear example helps learners use “steer” in a sentence about the university study.”
attentive
listening to or watching someone carefully because you are interested
“The report describes the university study issue as attentive.”
lower
to reduce something in amount, degree, strength etc, or to become less
“The speaker explains how “lower” is used in a report about the university study.”
parody
something that is not a correct or acceptable example of something
“A clear definition of the word “parody” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
saturation
the degree to which something has been mixed into something else
“Learners saw the word “saturation” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
absenteeism
Absenteeism is the fact or habit of frequently being away from work or school, usually without a good reason
“The university study report includes a section on the word “absenteeism.””
archetype
a perfect example of something, because it has all the most important qualities of things that belong to that type
“The speaker used the word “archetype” while explaining the university study problem.”
diagnosis
the process of discovering exactly what is wrong with someone or something, by examining them closely
“The speaker used the word “diagnosis” while explaining the university study problem.”
extremity
The extremity of a situation or of someone's behaviour is the degree to which it is severe, unusual, or unacceptable
“A clear definition of the word “extremity” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
filament
A filament is a very thin piece or thread of something, for example, the piece of wire inside a light bulb
“The university study report includes a section on the word “filament.””
hoarse
if you are hoarse, or if your voice is hoarse, you speak in a low rough voice, for example because your throat is sore
“Researchers describe the university study evidence as hoarse.”
humbug
someone who behaves in a dishonest or insincere way, for example by pretending to be someone they are not
“The university study report includes a section on the word “humbug.””
jury
a group of 12 ordinary people who listen to the details of a case in court and decide whether someone is guilty or not
“Learners saw the word “jury” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
list
a set of names, numbers etc, usually written one below the other, for example so that you can remember or check them
“The university study report includes a section on the word “list.””
radio
a piece of electronic equipment which you use to listen to programmes that are broadcast, such as music and news
“A clear definition of the word “radio” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
reunion
a social meeting of people who have not met for a long time, especially people who were at school or college together
“The university study report includes a section on the word “reunion.””
shellfish
an animal that lives in water, has a shell, and can be eaten as food, for example crab s , lobster s , and oyster s
“Learners saw the word “shellfish” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
bug
a small piece of electronic equipment for listening secretly to other people’s conversations
“Learners saw the word “bug” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
crowd
a large group of people who have gathered together to do something, for example to watch something or protest about something
“A clear definition of the word “crowd” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
inordinate
If you describe something as inordinate, you are emphasizing that it is unusually or excessively great in amount or degree
“The speaker uses “inordinate” to characterize the university study situation.”
knowledge
the information, skills, and understanding that you have gained through learning or experience
“The university study report includes a section on the word “knowledge.””
recourse
something that you do to achieve something or deal with a situation, or the act of doing it
“The university study report includes a section on the word “recourse.””
spite
a feeling of wanting to hurt or upset people, for example because you are jealous or think you have been unfairly treated
“The speaker used the word “spite” while explaining the university study problem.”
cent
1/100th of the standard unit of money in some countries. For example, there are 100 cents in one dollar or in one euro : symbol ¢.
“Learners saw the word “cent” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
examine
to look at something carefully and thoroughly because you want to find out more about it
“A clear example helps learners use “examine” in a sentence about the university study.”
guidance
help and advice that is given to someone about their work, education, or personal life
“The university study report includes a section on the word “guidance.””
minimal
very small in degree or amount, especially the smallest degree or amount possible
“During the university study discussion, “minimal” signals a particular quality.”
pick
to choose a person or thing, for example because they are the best or most suitable
“A clear example helps learners use “pick” in a sentence about the university study.”
signature
your name written in the way you usually write it, for example at the end of a letter, or on a cheque etc, to show that you have written it
“Learners saw the word “signature” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
department
one of the groups of people who work together in a particular part of a large organization such as a hospital, university, company, or government
“The university study report includes a section on the word “department.””
didactic
speech or writing that is didactic is intended to teach people a moral lesson
“The speaker uses “didactic” to characterize the university study situation.”
flush
to become red in the face, for example when you are angry or embarrassed
“Learners hear “flush” while following the university study explanation.”
master
to learn a skill or a language so well that you have no difficulty with it
“In the university study discussion, the verb “master” describes an action or change.”
sodium
a common silver-white metal that usually exists in combination with other substances, for example in salt. It is a chemical element: symbol Na
“The speaker used the word “sodium” while explaining the university study problem.”
tap
to hit your fingers lightly on something, for example to get someone’s attention
“The speaker explains how “tap” is used in a report about the university study.”
tune
a series of musical notes that are played or sung and are nice to listen to
“The university study report includes a section on the word “tune.””
unqualified
not having the right knowledge, experience, or education to do something
“During the university study discussion, “unqualified” signals a particular quality.”
accelerate
if a process accelerates or if something accelerates it, it happens faster than usual or sooner than you expect
“The speaker explains how “accelerate” is used in a report about the university study.”
card
a small piece of plastic or paper containing information about a person or showing, for example, that they belong to a particular organization, club etc
“Learners saw the word “card” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
Christian
A Christian is someone who follows the teachings of Jesus Christ
“The speaker used the word “christian” while explaining the university study problem.”
commission
a group of people who have been given the official job of finding out about something or controlling something
“The speaker used the word “commission” while explaining the university study problem.”
excursion
a short journey arranged so that a group of people can visit a place, especially while they are on holiday
“The university study report includes a section on the word “excursion.””
proverb
a short well-known statement that gives advice or expresses something that is generally true. ‘A penny saved is a penny earned’ is an example of a proverb.
“The university study report includes a section on the word “proverb.””
salutary
a salutary experience is unpleasant but teaches you something
“The speaker uses “salutary” to characterize the university study situation.”
uniform
a particular type of clothing worn by all the members of a group or organization such as the police, the army etc
“The university study report includes a section on the word “uniform.””
abstract
a short written statement containing only the most important ideas in a speech, article etc
“The university study report includes a section on the word “abstract.””
acronym
a word made up from the first letters of the name of something such as an organization. For example, NATO is an acronym for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
“The speaker used the word “acronym” while explaining the university study problem.”
advocacy
public support for a course of action or way of doing things
“Learners saw the word “advocacy” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
appreciate
to understand how serious or important a situation or problem is or what someone’s feelings are
“Learners hear “appreciate” while following the university study explanation.”
autopsy
an examination of a dead body to discover the cause of death
“The speaker used the word “autopsy” while explaining the university study problem.”
chart
to record information about a situation or set of events over a period of time, in order to see how it changes or develops
“Learners hear “chart” while following the university study explanation.”
compromise
to reach an agreement in which everyone involved accepts less than what they wanted at first
“Learners hear “compromise” while following the university study explanation.”
dissect
to examine something carefully in order to understand it
“A clear example helps learners use “dissect” in a sentence about the university study.”
evolution
the scientific idea that plants and animals develop and change gradually over a long period of time
“The speaker used the word “evolution” while explaining the university study problem.”
exploit
to treat someone unfairly by asking them to do things for you, but giving them very little in return – used to show disapproval
“The speaker explains how “exploit” is used in a report about the university study.”
flexible
a person, plan etc that is flexible can change or be changed easily to suit any new situation
“During the university study discussion, “flexible” signals a particular quality.”
forecast
a description of what is likely to happen in the future, based on the information that you have now
“A clear definition of the word “forecast” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
modify
to make small changes to something in order to improve it and make it more suitable or effective
“In the university study discussion, the verb “modify” describes an action or change.”
outcome
the final result of a meeting, discussion, war etc – used especially when no one knows what it will be until it actually happens
“The university study report includes a section on the word “outcome.””
potential
the possibility that something will develop in a particular way, or have a particular effect
“The university study report includes a section on the word “potential.””
radar
a piece of equipment that uses radio waves to find the position of things and watch their movement
“Learners saw the word “radar” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
ratio
a relationship between two amounts, represented by a pair of numbers showing how much bigger one amount is than the other
“A clear definition of the word “ratio” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
reluctant
hesitating before doing sth because you do not want to do it or because you are not sure that it is the right thing to do
“Researchers describe the university study evidence as reluctant.”
section
a very thin flat piece that is cut from skin, a plant etc to be looked at under a microscope
“The speaker used the word “section” while explaining the university study problem.”
submit
to give a plan, piece of writing etc to someone in authority for them to consider or approve
“In the university study discussion, the verb “submit” describes an action or change.”
synthetic
produced by combining different artificial substances, rather than being naturally produced
“During the university study discussion, “synthetic” signals a particular quality.”
variable
something that may be different in different situations, so that you cannot be sure what will happen
“Learners saw the word “variable” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
withdraw
to stop taking part in an activity, belonging to an organization etc, or to make someone do this
“Learners hear “withdraw” while following the university study explanation.”
abnormal
very different from usual in a way that seems strange, worrying, wrong, or dangerous
“The report describes the university study issue as abnormal.”
absorb
to take in liquid, gas, or another substance from the surface or space around something
“The speaker explains how “absorb” is used in a report about the university study.”
characteristic
a quality or feature of something or someone that is typical of them and easy to recognize
“The speaker used the word “characteristic” while explaining the university study problem.”
complex
a group of buildings, or a large building with many parts, used for a particular purpose
“The university study report includes a section on the word “complex.””
divisible
able to be divided, for example by a number
“During the university study discussion, “divisible” signals a particular quality.”
domestic
relating to or happening in one particular country and not involving any other countries
“The report describes the university study issue as domestic.”
huge
extremely large in size, amount, or degree
“The speaker uses “huge” to characterize the university study situation.”
instructor
someone who teaches a sport or practical skill
“The speaker used the word “instructor” while explaining the university study problem.”
justify
to give an acceptable explanation for something that other people think is unreasonable
“Learners hear “justify” while following the university study explanation.”
lodge
a small house on the land of a large country house, usually at the main entrance gate
“A clear definition of the word “lodge” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
medium
a way of communicating information and news to people, such as newspapers, television etc
“The speaker used the word “medium” while explaining the university study problem.”
objective
something that you are trying hard to achieve, especially in business or politics
“A clear definition of the word “objective” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
phenomenon
something that happens or exists in society, science, or nature, especially something that is studied because it is difficult to understand
“A clear definition of the word “phenomenon” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
scatter
to throw or drop things in different directions so that they cover an area of ground
“Learners hear “scatter” while following the university study explanation.”
surrender
to say officially that you want to stop fighting, because you realize that you cannot win
“Learners hear “surrender” while following the university study explanation.”
withstand
to defend yourself successfully against people who attack, criticize, or oppose you
“Learners hear “withstand” while following the university study explanation.”
accuse
to say that you believe someone is guilty of a crime or of doing something bad
“In the university study discussion, the verb “accuse” describes an action or change.”
appropriate
to take something for yourself when you do not have the right to do this
“A clear example helps learners use “appropriate” in a sentence about the university study.”
assess
to make a judgment about a person or situation after thinking carefully about it
“Learners hear “assess” while following the university study explanation.”
attribute
a quality or feature, especially one that is considered to be good or useful
“The university study report includes a section on the word “attribute.””
candidate
someone who is being considered for a job or is competing in an election
“The speaker used the word “candidate” while explaining the university study problem.”
circuit
a path that forms a circle around an area, or a journey along this path
“A clear definition of the word “circuit” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
collapse
a sudden failure in the way something works, so that it cannot continue
“A clear definition of the word “collapse” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
conservative
someone who supports or is a member of the Conservative Party in Britain
“The speaker used the word “conservative” while explaining the university study problem.”
contemporary
someone who lived or was in a particular place at the same time as someone else
“A clear definition of the word “contemporary” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
contract
an official agreement between two or more people, stating what each will do
“Learners saw the word “contract” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”