Speaking & Writing: Education & campus

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.””

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

academic

relating to education, especially at college or university level

“During the university study discussion, “academic” signals a particular quality.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.””

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.””

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.”

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.”

enrolment

the process of arranging to join a school, university, course etc

“The university study report includes a section on the word “enrolment.””

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

vital

the signs that show someone is alive, for example breathing and body temperature

“The report describes the university study issue as vital.”

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.”

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.”

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.””

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.”

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.””

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.”

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.””

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

example

a specific fact, idea, person, or thing that is used to explain or support a general idea, or to show what is typical of a larger group

“The university study report includes a section on the word “example.””

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.”

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.”

contact

to communicate with sb, for example by telephone or letter

“In the university study discussion, the verb “contact” describes an action or change.”

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.”

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.””

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.””

flush

to become red in the face, for example when you are angry or embarrassed

“Learners hear “flush” while following the university study explanation.”

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.”

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.”

insurance

an arrangement with a company in which you pay them money, especially regularly, and they pay the costs if something bad happens, for example if you become ill or your car is damaged

“The university study report includes a section on the word “insurance.””

dizzy

feeling unable to stand steadily, for example because you are looking down from a high place or because you are ill

“Researchers describe the university study evidence as dizzy.”

freshman

a student in the first year of high school or university

“The university study report includes a section on the word “freshman.””

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.””

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.””

study

to learn about a subject at school, university etc

“The speaker explains how “study” is used in a report about the university study.”

miserable

extremely unhappy, for example because you feel lonely, cold, or badly treated

“The report describes the university study issue as miserable.”

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.”

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.””

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.”

statement

something you say or write, especially publicly or officially, to let people know your intentions or opinions, or to record facts

“The speaker used the word “statement” while explaining the university study problem.”

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.”

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.”

given

any particular time, situation, amount etc that is being used as an example

“The speaker uses “given” to characterize the university study situation.”

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.”

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.”

illiterate

someone who is illiterate has not learned to read or write

“During the university study discussion, “illiterate” signals a particular quality.”

paradigm

a very clear or typical example of something

“The speaker used the word “paradigm” while explaining the university study problem.”

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.””

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.”

pant

to breathe quickly with short noisy breaths, for example because you have been running or because it is very hot

“A clear example helps learners use “pant” in a sentence about the university study.”

process

to make food, materials, or goods ready to be used or sold, for example by preserving or improving them in some way

“A clear example helps learners use “process” in a sentence about the university study.”

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.”

slot

A slot is a narrow opening in a machine or container, for example, a hole that you put coins in to make a machine work

“Learners saw the word “slot” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”

bargain

to discuss the conditions of a sale, agreement etc, for example to try and get a lower price

“In the university study discussion, the verb “bargain” describes an action or change.”

misery

great suffering that is caused for example by being very poor or very sick

“The speaker used the word “misery” while explaining the university study problem.”

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.”

exemplify

to be a very typical example of something

“A clear example helps learners use “exemplify” in a sentence about the university study.”

dweller

A city dweller or slum dweller, for example, is a person who lives in the kind of place or house indicated

“A clear definition of the word “dweller” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”

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.”

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.””

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.””

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.””

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.””

make

to produce something, for example by putting the different parts of it together

“Learners hear “make” while following the university study explanation.”

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.”

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.”

dormitory

a large building at a college or university where students live

“The speaker used the word “dormitory” while explaining the university study problem.”

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.”

truant

a student who stays away from school without permission

“Learners saw the word “truant” 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.””

typify

to be a typical example of something

“The speaker explains how “typify” is used in a report about the university study.”

principal

someone who is in charge of a school

“Learners saw the word “principal” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”

active

the active form of a verb, for example ‘destroyed’ in the sentence ‘Enemy planes destroyed the village.’

“The university study report includes a section on the word “active.””

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.”

gift

something that you give someone, for example to thank them or because you like them, especially on a special occasion

“Learners saw the word “gift” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”

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.”

meal

an occasion when you eat food, for example breakfast or dinner, or the food that you eat on that occasion

“A clear definition of the word “meal” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”

happy

having feelings of pleasure, for example because something good has happened to you or you are very satisfied with your life

“Researchers describe the university study evidence as happy.”

lesson

a period of time in which someone is taught a particular skill, for example how to play a musical instrument or drive a car

“The university study report includes a section on the word “lesson.””

pamper

to look after someone very kindly, for example by giving them the things that they want and making them feel warm and comfortable

“The speaker explains how “pamper” is used in a report about the university study.”

ask

to speak or write to someone in order to get an answer, information, or a solution

“A clear example helps learners use “ask” in a sentence about the university study.”

lore

knowledge or information about a subject, for example nature or magic, that is not written down but is passed from person to person

“Learners saw the word “lore” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”

map

a drawing of a particular area, for example a city or country, which shows its main features, such as its roads, rivers, mountains etc

“Learners saw the word “map” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”

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.”

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.”

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.””

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.”

potassium

a common soft silver-white metal that usually exists in combination with other substances, used for example in farming. It is a chemical element: symbol K

“The speaker used the word “potassium” while explaining the university study problem.”

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.””

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.”

baby

a very young child who has not yet learned to speak or walk

“Learners saw the word “baby” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”

draft

to write a plan, letter, report etc that will need to be changed before it is in its finished form

“The speaker explains how “draft” is used in a report about the university study.”

imitate

to copy the way someone behaves, speaks, moves etc, especially in order to make people laugh

“The speaker explains how “imitate” is used in a report about the university study.”

initial

to write your initials on a document to make it official or to show that you agree with something

“Learners hear “initial” while following the university study explanation.”

reputation

the opinion that people have about someone or something because of what has happened in the past

“A clear definition of the word “reputation” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”

spectrum

a complete range of opinions, people, situations etc, going from one extreme to its opposite

“A clear definition of the word “spectrum” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”

grant

to admit that something is true although it does not make much difference to your opinion

“In the university study discussion, the verb “grant” describes an action or change.”

survey

to ask a large number of people questions in order to find out their attitudes or opinions

“Learners hear “survey” while following the university study explanation.”

represent

to officially speak or take action for another person or group of people

“In the university study discussion, the verb “represent” describes an action or change.”

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.”

reinforce

to give support to an opinion, idea, or feeling, and make it stronger

“The speaker explains how “reinforce” is used in a report about the university study.”

acquisition

the process by which you gain knowledge or learn a skill

“The speaker used the word “acquisition” while explaining the university study problem.”

consensus

an opinion that everyone in a group agrees with or accepts

“The speaker used the word “consensus” 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.”

review

a careful examination of a situation or process

“Learners hear “review” while following the university study explanation.”

blister

a swelling on your skin containing clear liquid, caused, for example, by a burn or continuous rubbing

“The speaker used the word “blister” while explaining the university study problem.”

dictation

a piece of writing that a teacher reads out to test your ability to hear and write the words correctly

“A clear definition of the word “dictation” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”

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.”

imperfect

the form of a verb which is used when talking about an action in the past that is not complete. For example, ‘I was eating’.

“A clear definition of the word “imperfect” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”

numb

a part of your body that is numb is unable to feel anything, for example because you are very cold

“Researchers describe the university study evidence as numb.”

horrible

very bad - used, for example, about things you see, taste, or smell, or about the weather

“During the university study discussion, “horrible” signals a particular quality.”

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.”

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.”

sneeze

to have air come suddenly and noisily out through your nose and mouth in a way that you cannot control, for example because you have a cold

“Learners hear “sneeze” while following the university study explanation.”

booth

A booth is a small area separated from a larger public area by screens or thin walls where, for example, people can make a telephone call or vote in private

“The university study report includes a section on the word “booth.””

challenger

A challenger is someone who competes with you for a position or title that you already have, for example being a sports champion or a political leader

“The speaker used the word “challenger” while explaining the university study problem.”

controversial

causing a lot of disagreement, because many people have strong opinions about the subject being discussed

“During the university study discussion, “controversial” signals a particular quality.”

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.”

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.”

flowerbed

an area of ground, for example in a garden, in which flowers are grown

“Learners saw the word “flowerbed” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”

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.”

seafood

animals from the sea that you can eat, for example fish and shellfish

“The speaker used the word “seafood” while explaining the university study problem.”

subjective

a state-ment, report, attitude etc that is subjective is influenced by personal opinion and can therefore be unfair

“The report describes the university study issue as subjective.”

homework

work that a student at school is asked to do at home

“The university study report includes a section on the word “homework.””

original

a work of art or a document that is not a copy, but is the one produced by the writer or artist

“The speaker used the word “original” while explaining the university study problem.”

teacher

someone whose job is to teach, especially in a school

“The university study report includes a section on the word “teacher.””

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.”

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.””

slander

to say false things about someone in order to damage other people’s good opinion of them

“The speaker explains how “slander” is used in a report about the university study.”

coed

a woman student at a university

“A clear definition of the word “coed” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”

presentation

the way in which something is said, offered, shown, or explained to others

“The university study report includes a section on the word “presentation.””

vanish

to disappear suddenly, especially in a way that cannot be easily explained

“The speaker explains how “vanish” is used in a report about the university study.”

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.”

demolish

to prove that an idea or opinion is completely wrong

“The speaker explains how “demolish” is used in a report about the university study.”

illusion

an idea or opinion that is wrong, especially about yourself

“A clear definition of the word “illusion” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”

comment

to express an opinion about someone or something

“A clear example helps learners use “comment” in a sentence about the university study.”

propose

to suggest something as a plan or course of action

“In the university study discussion, the verb “propose” describes an action or change.”

housewares

small things used in the home, for example plates, lamps etc, or the department of a large shop that sells these things

“Learners saw the word “housewares” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”

counterexample

an example or fact that is inconsistent with a hypothesis and may be used in argument against it

“The university study report includes a section on the word “counterexample.””

dissolute

having an immoral way of life, for example drinking too much alcohol or having sex with many people

“The report describes the university study issue as dissolute.”

idiomatic

typical of the natural way in which someone speaks or writes when they are using their own language

“During the university study discussion, “idiomatic” signals a particular quality.”

necrosis

Necrosis is the death of part of someone's body, for example because it is not getting enough blood

“Learners saw the word “necrosis” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”

place

a space or area, for example a particular point on a surface or in a room, building, town, city etc

“The speaker used the word “place” while explaining the university study problem.”

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.”

preservative

a chemical substance that is used to prevent things from decaying, for example food or wood

“The university study report includes a section on the word “preservative.””

stare

to look at something or someone for a long time without moving your eyes, for example because you are surprised, angry, or bored

“A clear example helps learners use “stare” in a sentence about the university study.”

relational

indicating or expressing syntactic relation, as for example the case endings in Latin

“During the university study discussion, “relational” signals a particular quality.”

stabilizer

a chemical that helps something such as a food to stay in the same state, for example to prevent it from separating into different liquids

“The speaker used the word “stabilizer” while explaining the university study problem.”

topographical

A topographical survey or map relates to or shows the physical features of an area of land, for example, its hills, valleys, and rivers

“The speaker uses “topographical” to characterize the university study situation.”

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.””

artiste

An artiste is a professional entertainer, for example, a singer or a dancer

“The university study report includes a section on the word “artiste.””

handout

money or goods that are given to someone, for example because they are poor

“A clear definition of the word “handout” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”

tine

a pointed part of something that has several points, for example a fork

“The university study report includes a section on the word “tine.””

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.”

interrupt

to stop someone from continuing what they are saying or doing by suddenly speaking to them, making a noise etc

“The speaker explains how “interrupt” is used in a report about the university study.”

shape

the form that something has, for example round, square, triangular etc

“The speaker used the word “shape” while explaining the university study problem.”

blower

a machine that blows out air, for example inside a car

“A clear definition of the word “blower” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”

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.”

outbuilding

a building near a main building, for example a barn or shed

“Learners saw the word “outbuilding” 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.”

schoolroom

a room used for teaching in a small school

“The speaker used the word “schoolroom” while explaining the university study problem.”

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.”

unschooled

An unschooled person has had no formal education

“The report describes the university study issue as unschooled.”

doctorate

a university degree of the highest level

“The speaker used the word “doctorate” while explaining the university study problem.”

gloss

a note in a piece of writing that explains a difficult word, phrase, or idea

“The university study report includes a section on the word “gloss.””

educable

able to learn or be educated

“The speaker uses “educable” to characterize the university study situation.”

dictate

to say words for someone else to write down

“Learners hear “dictate” while following the university study explanation.”

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.”

debit

a decrease in the amount of money in a bank account, for example because you have taken money out of it

“The university study report includes a section on the word “debit.””

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.””

notion

an idea, belief, or opinion

“A clear definition of the word “notion” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”

vapour

a mass of very small drops of a liquid which float in the air, for example because the liquid has been heated

“The speaker used the word “vapour” while explaining the university study problem.”

superlative

the superlative form of an adjective or adverb. For example, ‘biggest’ is the superlative of ‘big’.

“The university study report includes a section on the word “superlative.””

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.”

present

to give something to someone, for example at a formal or official occasion

“The speaker explains how “present” is used in a report about the university study.”

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.””

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.””

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.”

labourer

someone whose work needs physical strength, for example building work

“The university study report includes a section on the word “labourer.””

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.””

errant

Errant is used to describe someone whose actions are considered unacceptable or wrong by other people. For example, an errant husband is unfaithful to his wife.

“The report describes the university study issue as errant.”

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.”

inspiration

a good idea about what you should do, write, say etc, especially one which you get suddenly

“The university study report includes a section on the word “inspiration.””

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.”

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.”

delegate

someone who has been elected or chosen to speak, vote, or take decisions for a group

“A clear definition of the word “delegate” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”

divisible

able to be divided, for example by a number

“During the university study discussion, “divisible” signals a particular quality.”

instance

an example of a particular kind of situation

“The speaker used the word “instance” while explaining the university study problem.”

minimal

very small in degree or amount, especially the smallest degree or amount possible

“During the university study discussion, “minimal” signals a particular quality.”

singular

a singular noun, verb, form etc is used when writing or speaking about one person or thing

“The speaker uses “singular” to characterize the university study situation.”

appraisal

a statement or opinion judging the worth, value, or condition of something

“The speaker used the word “appraisal” while explaining the university study problem.”

cognitive

related to the process of knowing, understanding, and learning something

“The report describes the university study issue as cognitive.”

drift

a slow change or development from one situation, opinion etc to another

“The speaker used the word “drift” while explaining the university study problem.”

journalist

someone who writes news reports for newspapers, magazines, television, or radio

“A clear definition of the word “journalist” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”

representative

someone who has been chosen to speak, vote, or make decisions for someone else

“The speaker used the word “representative” while explaining the university study problem.”

response

something that is done as a reaction to something that has happened or been said

“A clear definition of the word “response” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”

scholastic

relating to schools or teaching

“The speaker uses “scholastic” to characterize the university study situation.”

label

to attach a label onto something or write information on something

“In the university study discussion, the verb “label” describes an action or change.”

likelihood

the degree to which something can reasonably be expected to happen

“The university study report includes a section on the word “likelihood.””

prolific

a prolific artist, writer etc produces many works of art, books etc

“The report describes the university study issue as prolific.”

quintessence

a perfect example of something

“A clear definition of the word “quintessence” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”

script

The person who scripts a movie or a radio or television play writes it

“The speaker explains how “script” is used in a report about the university study.”

course

a period of time or process during which something happens

“The speaker used the word “course” while explaining the university study problem.”

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.””

extensive

large in size, amount, or degree

“During the university study discussion, “extensive” signals a particular quality.”

assonance

similarity in the vowel sounds of words that are close together in a poem, for example between ‘born’ and ‘warm’

“A clear definition of the word “assonance” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”

defame

to write or say bad or untrue things about someone or something, so that people will have a bad opinion of them

“Learners hear “defame” while following the university study explanation.”

gerund

a noun in the form of the present participle of a verb, for example ‘shopping’ in the sentence ‘I like shopping’

“The speaker used the word “gerund” while explaining the university study problem.”

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.””

mortuary

a building or room, for example in a hospital, where dead bodies are kept before they are buried or cremate d

“A clear definition of the word “mortuary” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”

argumentation

Argumentation is the process of arguing in an organized or logical way, for example, in philosophy

“Learners saw the word “argumentation” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”

defuse

to improve a difficult or dangerous situation, for example by making people less angry or by dealing with the causes of a problem

“In the university study discussion, the verb “defuse” describes an action or change.”

diphthong

a vowel sound made by pronouncing two vowels quickly one after the other. For example, the vowel sound in ‘main’ is a diphthong.

“The speaker used the word “diphthong” while explaining the university study problem.”

disjunctive

a disjunctive conjunction expresses a choice or opposition between two ideas. For example, ‘or’ is a disjunctive conjunction.

“The report describes the university study issue as disjunctive.”

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.”

markup

A markup is an increase in the price of something, for example the difference between its cost and the price that it is sold for

“The university study report includes a section on the word “markup.””

reappraise

to examine something again in order to consider whether you should change it or your opinion of it

“In the university study discussion, the verb “reappraise” describes an action or change.”

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.”

footloose

free to do exactly what you want because you have no responsibilities, for example when you are not married or do not have children

“Researchers describe the university study evidence as footloose.”

gambler

A gambler is someone who gambles regularly, for example in card games or on horse racing

“Learners saw the word “gambler” 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.”

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.”