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GRE Academic English

Advanced Reading: Education & campus

Scholarly and professional language across common GRE content domains. Focus: education & campus.

Independent GRE study resource — not official exam material.

  • Teens and up
  • Academic English
  • Advanced · C1
  • 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.

abstraction
a general idea about a type of situation, thing, or person rather than a specific example from real life
“Learners saw the word “abstraction” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
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.”
errand
a short journey in order to do something for someone, for example delivering or collecting something for them
“The university study report includes a section on the word “errand.””
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.””
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.””
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.”
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.”
apotheosis
If something is the apotheosis of something else, it is an ideal or typical example of it
“A clear definition of the word “apotheosis” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
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.””
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.”
primary
relating to the education of children between 5 and 11 years old
“The report describes the university study issue as primary.”
profession
a job that needs a high level of education and training
“The university study report includes a section on the word “profession.””
boorish
Boorish behaviour is rough, uneducated, and rude
“Researchers describe the university study evidence as boorish.”
divisible
able to be divided, for example by a number
“During the university study discussion, “divisible” signals a particular quality.”
seminary
a college for training priests or ministers
“The university study report includes a section on the word “seminary.””
typify
to be a typical example of something
“The speaker explains how “typify” is used in a report about the university study.”
quintessence
a perfect example of something
“A clear definition of the word “quintessence” 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.”
syncretize
to combine or attempt to combine the characteristic teachings, beliefs, or practices of (differing systems of religion or philosophy)
“In the university study discussion, the verb “syncretize” describes an action or change.”
wheedle
to persuade someone to do or give you something, for example by saying nice things to them that you do not mean – used to show disapproval
“Learners hear “wheedle” while following the university study explanation.”
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.”
interrogative
an interrogative sentence, pronoun etc asks a question or has the form of a question. For example, ‘who’ and ‘what’ are interrogative pronouns.
“During the university study discussion, “interrogative” signals a particular quality.”
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.”
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.””
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.”
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.””
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.”
contact
to communicate with sb, for example by telephone or letter
“In the university study discussion, the verb “contact” describes an action or change.”
dissect
to examine something carefully in order to understand it
“A clear example helps learners use “dissect” in a sentence about the university study.”
singularity
an extremely small point in space that contains an extremely large amount of material and which does not obey the usual laws of nature, for example a black hole or the point at the beginning of the universe
“A clear definition of the word “singularity” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
erudition
Erudition is great academic knowledge
“A clear definition of the word “erudition” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
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.”
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.””
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.””
miserable
extremely unhappy, for example because you feel lonely, cold, or badly treated
“The report describes the university study issue as miserable.”
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.”
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.”
closure
when a factory, school, hospital etc has to close permanently
“The speaker used the word “closure” while explaining the university study problem.”
attendee
someone who is at an event such as a meeting or a course
“Learners saw the word “attendee” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
linguist
someone who studies or teaches linguistics
“A clear definition of the word “linguist” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
collate
to gather information together, examine it carefully, and compare it with other information to find any differences
“In the university study discussion, the verb “collate” describes an action or change.”
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.”
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.””
shuck
The shuck of something is its outer covering, for example, the leaves around an ear of corn, or the shell of a shellfish
“Learners saw the word “shuck” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.””
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.”
mordent
a melodic ornament consisting of the rapid alternation of a note with a note one degree lower than it
“The speaker used the word “mordent” while explaining the university study problem.”
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.”
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.””
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.”
chalice
a gold or silver decorated cup used, for example, to hold wine in Christian religious services
“The speaker used the word “chalice” while explaining the university study problem.”
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.”
fink
someone who tells the police, a teacher, or a parent when someone else breaks a rule or a law
“The university study report includes a section on the word “fink.””
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.”
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.”
probing
A probe is a long thin instrument that doctors and dentists use to examine parts of the body
“The speaker used the word “probing” while explaining the university study problem.”
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.”
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.””
homograph
a word that is spelled the same as another, but is different in meaning, origin, grammar, or pronunciation. For example, the noun ‘record’ is a homograph of the verb ‘record’.
“The speaker used the word “homograph” 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.”
offal
the inside parts of an animal, for example the heart, liver, and kidneys used as food
“The university study report includes a section on the word “offal.””
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.”
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.””
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.”
given
any particular time, situation, amount etc that is being used as an example
“The speaker uses “given” to characterize the university study situation.”
level
the amount or degree of something, compared to another amount or degree
“The university study report includes a section on the word “level.””
pang
A pang is a sudden strong feeling or emotion, for example, of sadness or pain
“Learners saw the word “pang” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
pennant
a long narrow pointed flag used on ships or by schools, sports teams etc
“The university study report includes a section on the word “pennant.””
personification
someone who is a perfect example of a quality because they have a lot of it
“The speaker used the word “personification” while explaining the university study problem.”
satiety
the condition of feeling that you have had enough of something, for example food
“A clear definition of the word “satiety” 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.”
abecedarian
a person who is learning the alphabet or the rudiments of a subject
“A clear definition of the word “abecedarian” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
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.”
dropout
someone who leaves school or college before they have finished
“The speaker used the word “dropout” while explaining the university study problem.”
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.”
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.”
refectory
a large room in a school, college etc where meals are served and eaten
“A clear definition of the word “refectory” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
vocational
teaching or relating to the skills you need to do a particular job
“The report describes the university study issue as vocational.”
course
a period of time or process during which something happens
“The speaker used the word “course” while explaining the university study problem.”
ellipsis
when words are deliberately left out of a sentence, though the meaning can still be understood. For example, you may say ‘He’s leaving but I’m not’ instead of saying ‘He’s leaving but I’m not leaving.’
“The speaker used the word “ellipsis” while explaining the university study problem.”
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.”
manikin
a model of the human body, used for teaching art or medicine
“A clear definition of the word “manikin” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
rudiments
the most basic parts of a subject, which you learn first
“A clear definition of the word “rudiments” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
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.”
epitomize
to be a very typical example of something
“Learners hear “epitomize” while following the university study explanation.”
oculist
a doctor who examines and treats people’s eyes
“A clear definition of the word “oculist” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
review
a careful examination of a situation or process
“Learners hear “review” while following the university study explanation.”
epitome
the best possible example of something
“A clear definition of the word “epitome” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
lot
A lot means to a great extent or degree
“The result was described lot in the final university study paragraph.”
severely
very badly or to a great degree
“The result was described severely in the final university study paragraph.”
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.”
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.””
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.”
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.”
intercourse
an exchange of ideas, feelings etc which make people or groups understand each other better
“A clear definition of the word “intercourse” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
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.””
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
cognition
the process of knowing, understanding, and learning something
“Learners saw the word “cognition” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
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.”
prospectus
a small book that advertises a school, college, new business etc
“The university study report includes a section on the word “prospectus.””
background
someone’s family, education, previous work etc
“The university study report includes a section on the word “background.””
instructor
someone who teaches a sport or practical skill
“The speaker used the word “instructor” while explaining the university study problem.”
propose
to suggest something as a plan or course of action
“In the university study discussion, the verb “propose” describes an action or change.”
increase
a rise in amount, number, or degree
“Learners saw the word “increase” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
recover
to get better after an illness, accident, shock etc
“Learners hear “recover” while following the university study explanation.”
regulate
to control an activity or process, especially by rules
“The speaker explains how “regulate” is used in a report about the university study.”
release
to let someone go free, after having kept them somewhere
“The speaker explains how “release” is used in a report about the university study.”
ridicule
to laugh at a person, idea etc and say that they are stupid
“The speaker explains how “ridicule” is used in a report about the university study.”
rural
happening in or relating to the countryside, not the city
“Researchers describe the university study evidence as rural.”
acquire
to obtain something by buying it or being given it
“Learners hear “acquire” while following the university study explanation.”
acrobatic
acrobatic movements involve moving your body in a very skilful way, for example by jumping through the air or balancing on a rope
“The report describes the university study issue as acrobatic.”
aspiration
a strong desire to have or achieve something
“Learners saw the word “aspiration” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
avert
to prevent something unpleasant from happening
“Learners hear “avert” while following the university study explanation.”
bounce
the action of moving up and down on a surface
“The university study report includes a section on the word “bounce.””
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.”
clarify
to make something clearer or easier to understand
“Learners hear “clarify” while following the university study explanation.”
decimal
a decimal system is based on the number 10
“During the university study discussion, “decimal” signals a particular quality.”
elusive
an elusive result is difficult to achieve
“The speaker uses “elusive” to characterize the university study situation.”
enlist
to persuade someone to help you to do something
“A clear example helps learners use “enlist” in a sentence about the university study.”
essence
the most basic and important quality of something
“Learners saw the word “essence” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
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.””
forage
to go around searching for food or other supplies
“In the university study discussion, the verb “forage” describes an action or change.”
inevitable
certain to happen and impossible to avoid
“During the university study discussion, “inevitable” signals a particular quality.”
liable
legally responsible for the cost of something
“The speaker uses “liable” to characterize the university study situation.”
libel
to write or print a libel against someone
“In the university study discussion, the verb “libel” describes an action or change.”
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.”
portray
to describe or represent something or someone
“The speaker explains how “portray” is used in a report about the university study.”
readily
quickly, willingly, and without complaining
“The team responded readily when the university study plan changed.”
realm
a general area of knowledge, activity, or thought
“The speaker used the word “realm” while explaining the university study problem.”
retort
to reply quickly, in an angry or humorous way
“In the university study discussion, the verb “retort” describes an action or change.”
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.”
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.”
subjugate
to defeat a person or group and make them obey you
“Learners hear “subjugate” while following the university study explanation.”
whitewash
a report or examination of events that hides the true facts about something so that the person who is responsible will not be punished
“The university study report includes a section on the word “whitewash.””
authenticate
to prove that something is true or real
“A clear example helps learners use “authenticate” in a sentence about the university study.”
binomial
a mathematical expression that has two parts connected by the sign + or the sign −, for example 3x + 4y or x − 7
“A clear definition of the word “binomial” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
dissuade
to persuade someone not to do something
“Learners hear “dissuade” while following the university study explanation.”
grove
a piece of land with trees growing on it
“A clear definition of the word “grove” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
identical
exactly the same, or very similar
“The speaker uses “identical” to characterize the university study situation.”
intimate
having an extremely close friendship
“During the university study discussion, “intimate” signals a particular quality.”
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.”
modulate
to change the sound of your voice
“A clear example helps learners use “modulate” in a sentence about the university study.”
mundane
ordinary and not interesting or exciting
“The report describes the university study issue as mundane.”
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.”
out-goings
Your outgoings are the regular amounts of money which you have to spend every week or every month, for example, in order to pay your rent or bills
“The university study report includes a section on the word “out-goings.””
proficient
able to do something well or skilfully
“During the university study discussion, “proficient” signals a particular quality.”
ramble
a walk in the countryside for pleasure
“A clear definition of the word “ramble” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
ruin
to spoil or destroy something completely
“Learners hear “ruin” while following the university study explanation.”
solvent
having enough money to pay your debts
“During the university study discussion, “solvent” signals a particular quality.”
tranquil
pleasantly calm, quiet, and peaceful
“The report describes the university study issue as tranquil.”
virtuous
behaving in a very honest and moral way
“The speaker uses “virtuous” to characterize the university study situation.”
brutal
very cruel and violent
“Researchers describe the university study evidence as brutal.”
bucolic
relating to the countryside
“The speaker uses “bucolic” to characterize the university study situation.”
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.”
carnivore
an animal that eats flesh
“The speaker used the word “carnivore” while explaining the university study problem.”
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.”
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.”
elliptical
having the shape of an ellipse
“During the university study discussion, “elliptical” signals a particular quality.”
extol
to praise something very much
“In the university study discussion, the verb “extol” describes an action or change.”
occurrence
something that happens
“The speaker used the word “occurrence” while explaining the university study problem.”
optimal
the best or most suitable
“Researchers describe the university study evidence as optimal.”
protrude
to stick out from somewhere
“The speaker explains how “protrude” is used in a report 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.”
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.””
benevolent
kind and generous
“Researchers describe the university study evidence as benevolent.”
conspicuous
very easy to notice
“During the university study discussion, “conspicuous” signals a particular quality.”
disorientate
If something disorientates you, you lose your sense of direction, or you generally feel lost and uncertain, for example, because you are in an unfamiliar environment
“A clear example helps learners use “disorientate” in a sentence about the university study.”
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.”
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.””
mythology
set of ancient myths
“The university study report includes a section on the word “mythology.””
pervasive
existing everywhere
“The speaker uses “pervasive” to characterize the university study situation.”
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.”
disdain
a complete lack of respect that you show for someone or something because you think they are not important or good enough
“In the university study discussion, the verb “disdain” describes an action or change.”
instil
to teach someone to think, behave, or feel in a particular way over a period of time
“A clear example helps learners use “instil” in a sentence about the university study.”
maple
a tree which grows mainly in northern countries such as Canada. Its leaves have five points and turn red or gold in autumn.
“A clear definition of the word “maple” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
molecule
the smallest unit into which any substance can be divided without losing its own chemical nature, usually consisting of two or more atoms
“Learners saw the word “molecule” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
nostalgia
a feeling that a time in the past was good, or the activity of remembering a good time in the past and wishing that things had not changed
“Learners saw the word “nostalgia” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
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.”
parallel
a relationship or similarity between two things, especially things that exist or happen in different places or at different times
“The speaker used the word “parallel” 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.”
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.”
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.”
rectangle
a shape that has four straight sides, two of which are usually longer than the other two, and four 90˚ angles at the corners
“The speaker used the word “rectangle” while explaining the university study problem.”
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.”
tarnish
if metals such as silver, copper , or brass tarnish, or if something tarnishes them, they become dull and lose their colour
“The speaker explains how “tarnish” is used in a report about the university study.”
undesirable
something or someone that is undesirable is not welcome or wanted because they may affect a situation or person in a bad way
“Researchers describe the university study evidence as undesirable.”
Buddhism
a religion of east and central Asia, based on the teaching of Gautama Buddha
“The university study report includes a section on the word “buddhism.””
creditworthy
A creditworthy person or organization is one who can safely be lent money or allowed to have goods on credit, for example, because in the past they have always paid back what they owe
“The report describes the university study issue as creditworthy.”
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.”
inspection
an official visit to a building or organization to check that everything is satisfactory and that rules are being obeyed
“The university study report includes a section on the word “inspection.””
make
to produce something, for example by putting the different parts of it together
“Learners hear “make” 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.”
persecute
to treat someone cruelly or unfairly over a period of time, especially because of their religious or political beliefs
“In the university study discussion, the verb “persecute” describes an action or change.”
persevere
to continue trying to do something in a very determined way in spite of difficulties – use this to show approval
“The speaker explains how “persevere” is used in a report about the university study.”
resit
to take an examination again, because you failed it or did not do well enough
“A clear example helps learners use “resit” in a sentence about the university study.”
sacrifice
to willingly stop having something you want or doing something you like in order to get something more important
“The speaker explains how “sacrifice” is used in a report about the university study.”
tremulous
If someone's voice, smile, or actions are tremulous, they are unsteady because the person is uncertain, afraid, or upset
“The report describes the university study issue as tremulous.”
trimester
one of three periods of equal length that the school year is divided into
“A clear definition of the word “trimester” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
truce
an agreement between enemies to stop fighting or arguing for a short time, or the period for which this is arranged
“A clear definition of the word “truce” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
abundant
something that is abundant exists or is available in large quantities so that there is more than enough
“The speaker uses “abundant” to characterize the university study situation.”
Christian
A Christian is someone who follows the teachings of Jesus Christ
“The speaker used the word “christian” while explaining the university study problem.”
code
to put a set of numbers, letters, or symbols on something to show what it is or give information about it
“A clear example helps learners use “code” in a sentence about the university study.”
curvature
the state of being curved, or the degree to which something is curved
“The speaker used the word “curvature” while explaining the university study problem.”
defiant
If you say that someone is defiant, you mean they show aggression or independence by refusing to obey someone
“During the university study discussion, “defiant” signals a particular quality.”
derelict
a derelict building or piece of land is in very bad condition because it has not been used for a long time
“The report describes the university study issue as derelict.”
entice
to persuade someone to do something or go somewhere, usually by offering them something that they want
“In the university study discussion, the verb “entice” describes an action or change.”
inscrutable
someone who is inscrutable shows no emotion or reaction in the expression on their face so that it is impossible to know what they are feeling or thinking
“The report describes the university study issue as inscrutable.”
interim
intended to be used or accepted for a short time only, until something or someone final can be made or found
“The report describes the university study issue as interim.”
interrogate
to ask someone a lot of questions for a long time in order to get information, sometimes using threats
“In the university study discussion, the verb “interrogate” describes an action or change.”
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.”
intuition
the ability to understand or know something because of a feeling rather than by considering the facts
“A clear definition of the word “intuition” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
labourer
someone whose work needs physical strength, for example building work
“The university study report includes a section on the word “labourer.””
momentous
a momentous event, change, or decision is very important because it will have a great influence on the future
“During the university study discussion, “momentous” signals a particular quality.”
mutation
a change in the genetic structure of an animal or plant that makes it different from others of the same kind
“The speaker used the word “mutation” while explaining the university study problem.”
platitude
a statement that has been made many times before and is not interesting or clever – used to show disapproval
“The university study report includes a section on the word “platitude.””
post-mortem
an examination of a dead body to discover why the person died
“A clear definition of the word “post-mortem” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
reptile
a type of animal, such as a snake or lizard , whose body temperature changes according to the temperature around it, and that usually lays eggs to have babies
“The speaker used the word “reptile” while explaining the university study problem.”
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.”
sensational
A sensational result, event, or situation is so remarkable that it causes great excitement and interest
“The speaker uses “sensational” to characterize the university study situation.”
shape
the form that something has, for example round, square, triangular etc
“The speaker used the word “shape” while explaining the university study problem.”
stipend
an amount of money paid regularly to someone, especially a priest, as a salary or as money to live on
“A clear definition of the word “stipend” helped the group discuss the university study topic.”
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.””
supplant
to take the place of a person or thing so that they are no longer used, no longer in a position of power etc
“A clear example helps learners use “supplant” in a sentence about the university study.”
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.”
vacuum
a space that is completely empty of all gas, especially one from which all the air has been taken away
“The speaker used the word “vacuum” while explaining the university study problem.”
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.”
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.”
feat
something that is an impressive achievement, because it needs a lot of skill, strength etc to do
“The university study report includes a section on the word “feat.””
kudos
the state of being admired and respected for being important or for doing something important
“Learners saw the word “kudos” while comparing two sides of the university study issue.”
liquidate
to close a business or company and sell the things that belong to it, in order to pay its debts
“Learners hear “liquidate” while following the university study explanation.”