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SAT Academic English

Academic Context: Education & campus

High-utility academic language across common SAT reading domains. Focus: education & campus.

Independent SAT study resource — not official exam material.

  • Teens and up
  • Academic English
  • Confident · B2
  • 250 words

The words

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

scrutinize
to examine someone or something very carefully
“In the university study discussion, the verb “scrutinize” describes an action or change.”
audit
to officially examine a company’s financial records in order to check that they are correct
“A clear example helps learners use “audit” in a sentence about the university study.”
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.”
expel
to officially force someone to leave a school or organization
“Learners hear “expel” while following the university study explanation.”
divisible
able to be divided, for example by a number
“During the university study discussion, “divisible” signals a particular quality.”
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.”
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.””
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
applicant
someone who has formally asked, usually in writing, for a job, university place etc
“The university study report includes a section on the word “applicant.””
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.”
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.”
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.””
pedagogue
a teacher, especially one who thinks they know a lot and is strict in the way they teach
“The speaker used the word “pedagogue” while explaining the university study problem.”
level
the amount or degree of something, compared to another amount or degree
“The university study report includes a section on the word “level.””
miserable
extremely unhappy, for example because you feel lonely, cold, or badly treated
“The report describes the university study issue as miserable.”
numerator
the number above the line in a fraction, for example 5 is the numerator in 5/6
“The speaker used the word “numerator” while explaining the university study problem.”
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.”
homonym
a word that is spelled the same and sounds the same as another, but is different in meaning or origin. For example, the noun ‘bear’ and the verb ‘bear’ are homonyms.
“A clear definition of the word “homonym” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
introspect
to examine and analyse one's own thoughts and feelings
“A clear example helps learners use “introspect” in a sentence about the university study.”
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.””
diagnose
to find out what illness someone has, or what the cause of a fault is, after doing tests, examinations etc
“Learners hear “diagnose” while following the university study explanation.”
oblong
an oblong shape has four straight sides at 90 degrees to each other, two of which are longer than the other two
“The speaker uses “oblong” to characterize the university study situation.”
scholarship
an amount of money that is given to someone by an educational organization to help pay for their education
“The university study report includes a section on the word “scholarship.””
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.””
tutor
someone who gives private lessons to one student or a small group, and is paid directly by them
“Learners saw the word “tutor” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
minimal
very small in degree or amount, especially the smallest degree or amount possible
“During the university study discussion, “minimal” signals a particular quality.”
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.”
closure
when a factory, school, hospital etc has to close permanently
“The speaker used the word “closure” while explaining the university study problem.”
janitor
someone whose job is to look after a school or other large building
“A clear definition of the word “janitor” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
huge
extremely large in size, amount, or degree
“The speaker uses “huge” to characterize the university study situation.”
instance
an example of a particular kind of situation
“The speaker used the word “instance” while explaining the university study problem.”
instructor
someone who teaches a sport or practical skill
“The speaker used the word “instructor” while explaining the university study problem.”
lot
A lot means to a great extent or degree
“The result was described lot in the final university study paragraph.”
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.””
cheat
to behave in a dishonest way in order to win or to get an advantage, especially in a competition, game, or examination
“The speaker explains how “cheat” is used in a report about the university study.”
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.”
fitness
the degree to which someone or something is suitable or good enough for a particular situation or purpose
“The university study report includes a section on the word “fitness.””
follower
someone who believes in a particular system of ideas, or who supports a leader who teaches these ideas
“Learners saw the word “follower” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
found
to start something such as an organization, company, school, or city, often by providing the necessary money
“In the university study discussion, the verb “found” describes an action or change.”
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.”
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.”
ministry
a government department that is responsible for one of the areas of government work, such as education or health
“A clear definition of the word “ministry” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
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.”
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.”
parable
a short simple story that teaches a moral or religious lesson, especially one of the stories told by Jesus in the Bible
“A clear definition of the word “parable” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
rote
when you learn something by repeating it many times, without thinking about it carefully or without understanding it
“Learners saw the word “rote” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
satchel
a leather bag that you carry over your shoulder, used especially in the past by children for carrying books to school
“The university study report includes a section on the word “satchel.””
semester
one of the two periods of time that a year at high schools and universities is divided into, especially in the US
“The university study report includes a section on the word “semester.””
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.”
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.”
idea
a plan or suggestion for a possible course of action, especially one that you think of suddenly
“A clear definition of the word “idea” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
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.””
rationale
The rationale for a course of action, practice, or belief is the set of reasons on which it is based
“A clear definition of the word “rationale” 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.””
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.”
learn
to gain knowledge of a subject or skill, by experience, by studying it, or by being taught
“Learners hear “learn” while following the university study explanation.”
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.”
playground
an area for children to play, especially at a school or in a park, that often has special equipment for climbing on, riding on etc
“The speaker used the word “playground” while explaining the university study problem.”
prophet
a man who people in the Christian, Jewish, or Muslim religion believe has been sent by God to lead them and teach them their religion
“Learners saw the word “prophet” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
quadrangle
a square open area with buildings all around it, especially at a school or college
“The university study report includes a section on the word “quadrangle.””
skill
an ability to do something well, especially because you have learned and practised it
“A clear definition of the word “skill” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
analyse
to examine or think about something carefully, in order to understand it
“The speaker explains how “analyse” is used in a report about the university study.”
bursar
someone at a school or college who deals with the accounts and office work
“A clear definition of the word “bursar” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
canteen
a place in a factory, school etc where meals are provided, usually quite cheaply
“Learners saw the word “canteen” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
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.”
assignment
a piece of work that is given to someone as part of their job
“The speaker used the word “assignment” while explaining the university study problem.”
cognition
the process of knowing, understanding, and learning something
“Learners saw the word “cognition” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
exam
a spoken or written test of knowledge, especially an important one
“A clear definition of the word “exam” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
examination
a spoken or written test of knowledge, especially an important one
“The speaker used the word “examination” while explaining the university study problem.”
fraternity
a club at an American college or university that has only male members
“The university study report includes a section on the word “fraternity.””
gash
a large deep cut or hole in something, for example in a person’s skin
“A clear definition of the word “gash” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
gradient
a slope or a degree of slope, especially in a road or railway
“Learners saw the word “gradient” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
intensify
to increase in degree or strength, or to make something do this
“The speaker explains how “intensify” is used in a report about the university study.”
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.”
shape
the form that something has, for example round, square, triangular etc
“The speaker used the word “shape” while explaining the university study problem.”
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.”
beginner
someone who has just started to do or learn something
“Learners saw the word “beginner” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
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.”
scrutiny
careful and thorough examination of someone or something
“The speaker used the word “scrutiny” while explaining the university study problem.”
syringe
to clean something with a syringe, for example your ears
“The speaker explains how “syringe” is used in a report about the university study.”
background
someone’s family, education, previous work etc
“The university study report includes a section on the word “background.””
clever
able to learn and understand things quickly
“The speaker uses “clever” to characterize the university study situation.”
demography
the study of human populations and the ways in which they change, for example the study of how many births, marriages and deaths happen in a particular place at a particular time
“The university study report includes a section on the word “demography.””
exemplify
to be a very typical example of something
“A clear example helps learners use “exemplify” in a sentence about the university study.”
holiday
a time of rest from work, school etc
“Learners saw the word “holiday” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
increase
a rise in amount, number, or degree
“Learners saw the word “increase” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
partly
to some degree, but not completely
“The speaker explained the university study change partly.”
badly
to a great or serious degree
“The speaker explained the university study change badly.”
analytical
thinking about things in a detailed and intelligent way, so that you can examine and understand things
“Researchers describe the university study evidence as analytical.”
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.”
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.””
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
textbook
a book that contains information about a subject that people study, especially at school or college
“The university study report includes a section on the word “textbook.””
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.”
locker
a small cupboard with a lock in a school, sports building, office etc, where you can leave clothes or possessions while you do something
“The university study report includes a section on the word “locker.””
Preschool
relating to the time in a child’s life before they are old enough to go to school
“During the university study discussion, “preschool” signals a particular quality.”
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.”
train
to teach someone the skills of a particular job or activity, or to be taught these skills
“Learners hear “train” while following the university study explanation.”
blackboard
a board with a dark smooth surface, used in schools for writing on with chalk
“The speaker used the word “blackboard” while explaining the university study problem.”
mathematician
someone who studies or teaches mathematics, or is a specialist in mathematics
“The speaker used the word “mathematician” 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.”
uneducated
not educated to the usual level, or showing that someone is not well educated
“Researchers describe the university study evidence as uneducated.”
barrel
a large curved container with a flat top and bottom, made of wood or metal, and used for storing beer, wine etc
“The university study report includes a section on the word “barrel.””
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.”
contradictory
two statements, beliefs etc that are contradictory are different and therefore cannot both be true or correct
“The speaker uses “contradictory” to characterize the university study situation.”
eclipse
to become more important, powerful, famous etc than someone or something else, so that they are no longer noticed
“The speaker explains how “eclipse” is used in a report about the university study.”
electron
a very small piece of matter with a negative electrical charge that moves around the nucleus of an atom
“The university study report includes a section on the word “electron.””
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.”
grievance
a belief that you have been treated unfairly, or an unfair situation or event that affects and upsets you
“The university study report includes a section on the word “grievance.””
grievous
If you describe something such as a loss as grievous, you mean that it is extremely serious or worrying in its effects
“The report describes the university study issue as grievous.”
labourer
someone whose work needs physical strength, for example building work
“The university study report includes a section on the word “labourer.””
landmark
something that is easy to recognize, such as a tall tree or building, and that helps you know where you are
“Learners saw the word “landmark” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
prospectus
a small book that advertises a school, college, new business etc
“The university study report includes a section on the word “prospectus.””
salvage
to save something from an accident or bad situation in which other things have already been damaged, destroyed, or lost
“A clear example helps learners use “salvage” in a sentence about the university study.”
sardonic
showing that you do not have a good opinion of someone or something, and feel that you are better than them
“During the university study discussion, “sardonic” signals a particular quality.”
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.”
slogan
a short phrase that is easy to remember and is used in advertisements, or by politicians, organizations etc
“The university study report includes a section on the word “slogan.””
submission
the state of being completely controlled by a person or group, and accepting that you have to obey them
“The university study report includes a section on the word “submission.””
tortuous
a tortuous path, stream, road etc has a lot of bends in it and is therefore difficult to travel along
“The speaker uses “tortuous” to characterize the university study situation.”
vain
someone who is vain is too proud of their good looks, abilities, or position – used to show disapproval
“Researchers describe the university study evidence as vain.”
validate
to prove that something is true or correct, or to make a document or agreement officially and legally acceptable
“Learners hear “validate” while following the university study explanation.”
abut
if one piece of land or a building abuts another, it is next to it or touches one side of it
“In the university study discussion, the verb “abut” describes an action or change.”
antique
a piece of furniture, jewellery etc that was made a very long time ago and is therefore valuable
“A clear definition of the word “antique” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
astute
able to understand situations or behaviour very well and very quickly, especially so that you can get an advantage for yourself
“Researchers describe the university study evidence as astute.”
geometry
the study in mathematics of the angles and shapes formed by the relationships of lines, surfaces, and solid objects in space
“The university study report includes a section on the word “geometry.””
intriguing
something that is intriguing is very interesting because it is strange, mysterious, or unexpected
“The report describes the university study issue as intriguing.”
invasion
when the army of one country enters another country by force, in order to take control of it
“A clear definition of the word “invasion” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
magnet
a piece of iron or steel that can stick to metal or make other metal objects move towards itself
“The university study report includes a section on the word “magnet.””
malicious
very unkind and cruel, and deliberately behaving in a way that is likely to upset or hurt someone
“Researchers describe the university study evidence as malicious.”
pancreas
a gland inside your body, near your stomach, that produces insulin and a liquid that helps your body to use the food that you eat
“The speaker used the word “pancreas” while explaining the university study problem.”
pique
to make someone feel annoyed or upset, especially by ignoring them or making them look stupid
“In the university study discussion, the verb “pique” describes an action or change.”
predicament
a difficult or unpleasant situation in which you do not know what to do, or in which you have to make a difficult choice
“The university study report includes a section on the word “predicament.””
residue
a substance that remains on a surface, in a container etc and cannot be removed easily, or that remains after a chemical process
“The speaker used the word “residue” while explaining the university study problem.”
slightly
Slightly means to some degree but not to a very large degree
“The speaker explained the university study change slightly.”
telescope
a piece of equipment shaped like a tube, used for making distant objects look larger and closer
“The university study report includes a section on the word “telescope.””
wane
If something wanes, it becomes gradually weaker or less, often so that it eventually disappears
“A clear example helps learners use “wane” in a sentence about the university study.”
adroit
Someone who is adroit is quick and skilful in their thoughts, behaviour, or actions
“During the university study discussion, “adroit” signals a particular quality.”
apology
something that you say or write to show that you are sorry for doing something wrong
“A clear definition of the word “apology” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
appease
to make someone less angry or stop them from attacking you by giving them what they want
“A clear example helps learners use “appease” in a sentence about the university study.”
battery
an object that provides a supply of electricity for something such as a radio, car, or toy
“A clear definition of the word “battery” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
celebrate
to show that an event or occasion is important by doing something special or enjoyable
“A clear example helps learners use “celebrate” in a sentence about the university study.”
criticize
to express your disapproval of someone or something, or to talk about their faults
“Learners hear “criticize” while following the university study explanation.”
enough
to the degree that is necessary or wanted
“The team responded enough when the university study plan changed.”
facilitate
To facilitate an action or process, especially one that you would like to happen, means to make it easier or more likely to happen
“Learners hear “facilitate” while following the university study explanation.”
infest
if insects, rats etc infest a place, there are a lot of them and they usually cause damage
“The speaker explains how “infest” is used in a report about the university study.”
lapse
A lapse of something such as concentration or judgment is a temporary lack of that thing, which can often cause you to make a mistake
“The speaker used the word “lapse” while explaining the university study problem.”
negotiate
to discuss something in order to reach an agreement, especially in business or politics
“In the university study discussion, the verb “negotiate” describes an action or change.”
pinnacle
a pointed stone decoration, like a small tower, on a building such as a church or castle
“Learners saw the word “pinnacle” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
poise
to put or hold something in a carefully balanced position, especially above something else
“In the university study discussion, the verb “poise” describes an action or change.”
precursor
something that happened or existed before something else and influenced its development
“The speaker used the word “precursor” while explaining the university study problem.”
proliferate
if something proliferates, it increases quickly and spreads to many different places
“The speaker explains how “proliferate” is used in a report about the university study.”
pursue
to continue doing an activity or trying to achieve something over a long period of time
“In the university study discussion, the verb “pursue” describes an action or change.”
recoil
to move back suddenly and quickly from something you do not like or are afraid of
“Learners hear “recoil” while following the university study explanation.”
retract
if you retract something that you said or agreed, you say that you did not mean it
“The speaker explains how “retract” is used in a report about the university study.”
stir
to move a liquid or substance around with a spoon or stick in order to mix it together
“Learners hear “stir” while following the university study explanation.”
tempt
to make someone want to have or do something, even though they know they really should not
“Learners hear “tempt” while following the university study explanation.”
amend
to correct or make small changes to something that is written or spoken
“The speaker explains how “amend” is used in a report about the university study.”
annex
to take control of a country or area next to your own, especially by using force
“Learners hear “annex” while following the university study explanation.”
completely
to the greatest degree possible
“The team responded completely when the university study plan changed.”
dignity
the ability to behave in a calm controlled way even in a difficult situation
“The university study report includes a section on the word “dignity.””
disrupt
to prevent something from continuing in its usual way by causing problems
“A clear example helps learners use “disrupt” in a sentence about the university study.”
elasticity
the ability of something to stretch and go back to its usual length or size
“A clear definition of the word “elasticity” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
endanger
to put someone or something in danger of being hurt, damaged, or destroyed
“In the university study discussion, the verb “endanger” describes an action or change.”
endure
to be in a difficult or painful situation for a long time without complaining
“A clear example helps learners use “endure” in a sentence about the university study.”
homage
something you do to show respect for someone or something you think is important
“The speaker used the word “homage” while explaining the university study problem.”
intrepid
willing to do dangerous things or go to dangerous places – often used humorously
“During the university study discussion, “intrepid” signals a particular quality.”
ironic
an ironic situation is one that is unusual or amusing because something strange happens, or the opposite of what is expected happens or is true
“The report describes the university study issue as ironic.”
Kindergarten
a school for children aged two to five
“Learners saw the word “kindergarten” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
logical
using a thinking process in which facts and ideas are connected in a correct way
“During the university study discussion, “logical” signals a particular quality.”
minus
something that is a disadvantage because it makes a situation unpleasant
“The university study report includes a section on the word “minus.””
oppressive
a situation that is oppressive makes you unhappy, worried, or uncomfortable
“The report describes the university study issue as oppressive.”
philosophy
the study of the nature and meaning of existence, truth, good and evil, etc
“A clear definition of the word “philosophy” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
quiescent
not developing or doing anything, especially when this is only a temporary state
“The speaker uses “quiescent” to characterize the university study situation.”
reform
a change or changes made to a system or organization in order to improve it
“A clear definition of the word “reform” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
sedentary
spending a lot of time sitting down, and not moving or exercising very much
“During the university study discussion, “sedentary” signals a particular quality.”
shuffle
to mix playing card s into a different order before playing a game with them
“The speaker explains how “shuffle” is used in a report about the university study.”
surmise
to guess that something is true, using the information you know already
“In the university study discussion, the verb “surmise” describes an action or change.”
tertiary
third in place, degree, or order
“The report describes the university study issue as tertiary.”
vocation
a strong belief that you have been chosen by God to be a priest or a nun
“A clear definition of the word “vocation” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
adamant
determined not to change your opinion or a decision that you have made
“Researchers describe the university study evidence as adamant.”
aurora
an atmospheric phenomenon consisting of bands, curtains, or streamers of light, usually green, red, or yellow, that move across the sky in polar regions
“Learners saw the word “aurora” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
closely
to a very great degree
“The result was described closely in the final university study paragraph.”
cortex
the outer layer of an organ in your body, especially your brain
“The speaker used the word “cortex” while explaining the university study problem.”
dissent
to say that you disagree with an official decision or accepted opinion
“Learners hear “dissent” while following the university study explanation.”
diversify
to change something or to make it change so that there is more variety
“The speaker explains how “diversify” is used in a report about the university study.”
educational
relating to education
“The speaker uses “educational” to characterize the university study situation.”
endorse
to express formal support or approval for someone or something
“In the university study discussion, the verb “endorse” describes an action or change.”
ensconce
to settle yourself in a place where you feel comfortable and safe
“Learners hear “ensconce” while following the university study explanation.”
extremely
to a very great degree
“The result was described extremely in the final university study paragraph.”
incident
an event, especially one that is unusual, important, or violent
“Learners saw the word “incident” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
liberate
to free prisoners, a city, a country etc from someone’s control
“In the university study discussion, the verb “liberate” describes an action or change.”
mate
someone you work with, do an activity with, or share something with
“A clear definition of the word “mate” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
multiple
a number that contains a smaller number an exact number of times
“The university study report includes a section on the word “multiple.””
pernicious
very harmful or evil, often in a way that you do not notice easily
“The speaker uses “pernicious” to characterize the university study situation.”
plane
a vehicle that flies in the air and has wings and at least one engine
“The university study report includes a section on the word “plane.””
portfolio
a large flat case used especially for carrying pictures, documents etc
“Learners saw the word “portfolio” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
precipitate
a solid substance that has been chemically separated from a liquid
“Learners saw the word “precipitate” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
premise
the buildings and land that a shop, restaurant, company etc uses
“The speaker used the word “premise” while explaining the university study problem.”
prudent
sensible and careful, especially by trying to avoid unnecessary risks
“Researchers describe the university study evidence as prudent.”
radioactive
a radioactive substance is dangerous because it contains radiation
“During the university study discussion, “radioactive” signals a particular quality.”
reimburse
to pay money back to someone when their money has been spent or lost
“Learners hear “reimburse” while following the university study explanation.”
rejuvenate
to make something work much better or become much better again
“The speaker explains how “rejuvenate” is used in a report about the university study.”
scope
the range of things that a subject, activity, book etc deals with
“Learners saw the word “scope” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
sheer
A sheer cliff or drop is extremely steep or completely vertical
“During the university study discussion, “sheer” signals a particular quality.”
swindle
a situation in which someone gets money by deceiving someone else
“Learners saw the word “swindle” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
token
a round piece of metal that you use instead of money in some machines
“The speaker used the word “token” while explaining the university study problem.”
voracious
having an extremely strong desire to do or have a lot of something
“During the university study discussion, “voracious” signals a particular quality.”
acumen
the ability to think quickly and make good judgments
“The speaker used the word “acumen” while explaining the university study problem.”
affluent
having plenty of money, nice houses, expensive things etc
“The speaker uses “affluent” to characterize the university study situation.”
amusement
the process of getting or providing pleasure and enjoyment
“A clear definition of the word “amusement” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
blaze
a big dangerous fire – used especially in news reports
“Learners saw the word “blaze” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
depot
a place where goods are stored until they are needed
“The university study report includes a section on the word “depot.””
elongate
to become longer, or make something longer than normal
“A clear example helps learners use “elongate” in a sentence about the university study.”
empiricism
the belief in basing your ideas on practical experience
“Learners saw the word “empiricism” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
espouse
to support an idea, belief etc, especially a political one
“In the university study discussion, the verb “espouse” describes an action or change.”
forsake
to stop doing, using, or having something that you enjoy
“A clear example helps learners use “forsake” in a sentence about the university study.”
glamorous
attractive, exciting, and related to wealth and success
“The speaker uses “glamorous” to characterize the university study situation.”
herald
someone who carried messages from a ruler in the past
“The university study report includes a section on the word “herald.””
laser
a piece of equipment that produces a powerful narrow beam of light that can be used in medical operations, to cut metals, or to make patterns of light for entertainment
“A clear definition of the word “laser” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
laudable
deserving praise, even if not completely successful
“Researchers describe the university study evidence as laudable.”
limitation
the act or process of controlling or reducing something
“Learners saw the word “limitation” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
literate
well educated
“Researchers describe the university study evidence as literate.”
monogamy
the custom of being married to only one husband or wife
“A clear definition of the word “monogamy” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
nude
a painting, statue etc of someone not wearing clothes
“The university study report includes a section on the word “nude.””
photosynthesis
the production by a green plant of special substances like sugar that it uses as food, caused by the action of sunlight on chlorophyll (= the green substance in leaves )
“The university study report includes a section on the word “photosynthesis.””
preface
an introduction at the beginning of a book or speech
“Learners saw the word “preface” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
productive
relating to the production of goods, crops, or wealth
“The speaker uses “productive” to characterize the university study situation.”
restrict
to limit or control the size, amount, or range of something
“In the university study discussion, the verb “restrict” describes an action or change.”
rotary
turning in a circle around a fixed point, like a wheel
“The speaker uses “rotary” to characterize the university study situation.”
subliminal
affecting your mind in a way that you are not conscious of
“The report describes the university study issue as subliminal.”
table
a piece of furniture with a flat top supported by legs
“The university study report includes a section on the word “table.””
utter
to make a sound with your voice, especially with difficulty
“In the university study discussion, the verb “utter” describes an action or change.”
ambivalent
not sure whether you want or like something or not
“During the university study discussion, “ambivalent” signals a particular quality.”
bolster
a long firm pillow , usually shaped like a tube
“A clear definition of the word “bolster” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
decimal
a decimal system is based on the number 10
“During the university study discussion, “decimal” signals a particular quality.”
discount
a reduction in the usual price of something
“The speaker used the word “discount” while explaining the university study problem.”
eschew
to deliberately avoid doing or using something
“A clear example helps learners use “eschew” in a sentence about the university study.”
jeopardize
to risk losing or spoiling something important
“The speaker explains how “jeopardize” is used in a report about the university study.”
legible
written or printed clearly enough for you to read
“The report describes the university study issue as legible.”
menace
a threatening quality, feeling, or way of behaving
“The speaker used the word “menace” while explaining the university study problem.”
necessity
something that you need to have in order to live
“A clear definition of the word “necessity” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
outrage
to make someone feel very angry and shocked
“A clear example helps learners use “outrage” in a sentence about the university study.”
principle
the basic idea that a plan or system is based on
“Learners saw the word “principle” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”