Academic word list for TOEFL and IELTS: 954 words
These are the words academic English keeps reusing, the vocabulary TOEFL and IELTS reading passages are built from. The list is alphabetical, each entry carries its CEFR level, and every word links to a page with a meaning and an example sentence.
954 words on this page
A
- abdominalrelating to the stomach area of the body
- absorbB1soak up, take in
- absorptionthe process of taking in a liquid, gas or energy
- accelerateto move faster or make something go faster
- accelerationan increase in speed or in rate of change
- accentB1distinctive way of pronouncing words
- accumulateB2to gather or increase gradually over time
- accumulationa gradual gathering or increase of something
- accuracyB1quality of being correct, precise
- accuratelyB1correctly, precisely
- acidB2a chemical substance that can dissolve metals
- acidicC1containing acid, sharp or sour
- activateto make something start working
- activelyB2in an energetic or involved way
- acuteB2very serious or severe, sharp
- adaptationa change made to fit a new use or situation
- adaptiveable to change to fit new conditions
- adjacentnext to or very near something
- admissionB1entry permission, or a confession
- adolescenta young person between child and adult
- adverseB2harmful or unfavorable to someone
- aerosola substance sprayed from a can as fine mist
- aestheticC1relating to beauty or artistic taste
- affirmto state firmly that something is true
- afterwardB1later, after that
- aggregatea total formed from many separate items
- agricultureB1the practice of farming
- airplaneA1a machine that flies in the sky
- algebrathe part of maths that uses letters for numbers
- algorithma set of steps a computer follows to solve a problem
- aliena creature from another planet, or a foreigner
- allianceB2a formal agreement between groups or countries
- allocateto give out part of something for a purpose
- allocationan amount of something given out for a purpose
- altitudeB2the height of something above sea level
- aluminumB2a lightweight silver colored metal
- aminorelating to a chemical group found in proteins
- amongstB2in the middle of a group, among
- amplitudethe size or height of a wave or vibration
- analogyB2a comparison between two similar things
- ancestorA2a family member from the past
- anthropologyC1the study of human societies and cultures
- antiB1opposed to something
- antibiotica medicine that kills bacteria
- antibodya blood protein that fights infection
- antiquityC1the ancient past, or great age
- appendixextra information added at the end of a book
- applauseB1approval shown by clapping
- appleA1a round fruit with red or green skin
- approximateB2close to a value but not exact
- approximationa figure that is close but not exact
- arbitrarychosen at random, not for a clear reason
- archaeologythe study of history through old objects and remains
- architectB1person who designs buildings
- arraya large group of things arranged together
- arrowB1pointed weapon shot from a bow, or symbol
- articulateB2to express an idea clearly in words
- artifactC2an object of historical or cultural interest
- artificialA2made by people, not natural
- artisticB1having natural skill in art
- artworkpictures or objects made by an artist
- aspectB1a particular part or feature
- assemblyB2a group of people gathered together, or putting parts together
- assertB2to state something firmly and confidently
- assignmentB1a task given to someone
- athleticB1physically strong and fit
- atomA2the smallest unit of a chemical element
- atomicB1relating to atoms or atomic energy
- auctionpublic sale where things go to the highest bidder
- audioA2relating to sound or hearing
- auditB2an official check of financial records
- authorityB1power to give orders, or official body
- autonomythe right or ability to decide things for oneself
- availabilityB2the state of being available or ready to use
- axiomC2a statement accepted as self-evidently true
- axisB2an imaginary line something rotates around
B
- backwardB2toward the back, or in reverse
- bacteriavery small living things that can cause disease
- bacterialcaused by or relating to bacteria
- bangB1a sudden loud noise
- bargainA2something bought for a low price
- barrelB1large cylindrical container
- basinB1wide bowl for water, or river area
- batA1sports stick, or a flying night animal
- beamB2a line of light, or a long piece of wood or metal
- behavioralrelating to how a person or animal acts
- bilingualB1able to speak two languages fluently
- binaryusing only two parts or two digits
- biodiversitythe variety of living things in a place
- biologista scientist who studies living things
- biologyB1the study of living organisms
- bizarreB2very strange or unusual
- blankA1with nothing written or filled in
- bleedB1lose blood from the body
- bodilyrelating to the human body
- bonusA2extra money or a reward given
- boundB1certain to happen, or heading toward
- bracketB2a support fixed to a wall, or a group category
- breakdownB2a failure of a machine or system, or a detailed analysis
- broadlyB2in a general way, without specific detail
- bubbleB1thin sphere of liquid enclosing air
- bucketA1a round container with a handle
- bulkC1the main part, or a large mass
- bulletB1small metal projectile fired from a gun
- bundlea group of things tied or wrapped together
C
- calciuma mineral that keeps bones and teeth strong
- calculationB1process of working out a number
- calculatorB1device used to do calculations
- calculusa branch of maths dealing with change and rates
- campusA2the land and buildings of a school
- capillarya very thin blood vessel
- capitalisman economic system based on private business and profit
- capitalistrelating to a system of private business and profit
- carrierC1a person or thing that carries or transmits something
- cattleB1cows kept for farming
- censorto remove parts of a text or film that are not allowed
- characterizationC1the way a character is created and described
- cheatB2to act dishonestly to gain an advantage
- cheerssaid before drinking together, or as thanks
- chemistryB1science of substances and reactions
- chemotherapyB2a drug treatment for cancer
- chessA2a board game for two players
- chloridea chemical compound containing chlorine
- chromosomea thread of DNA that carries genes
- chroniclasting a long time and hard to cure
- chunkB2a thick, solid piece of something
- cinemaA1a place where you watch movies
- circaabout, used before a date
- circulateC1move around continuously, or spread
- circulationC1the movement of something around a system
- civilizationB1advanced, organized human society
- clarifyB2to make something clearer or easier to understand
- classificationB2the arrangement of things into groups
- classifyB1arrange into groups by type
- classroomA1a room where lessons are taught
- clayheavy sticky earth used for pots and bricks
- cleverA1quick to learn and understand things
- clientB2a person who uses a professional's services
- clinicB1place for medical treatment
- clipB1short extract, or small fastener
- cloneA2to make an exact copy of something living
- closureB2the act of shutting something permanently
- clueA2a piece of information that helps solve something
- coefficienta number placed before a variable in maths
- cognitiveC2relating to mental processes of thinking
- coherentB2logical and consistent, easy to follow
- collectiveshared by or done by a group
- colonialB2relating to a colony or colonialism
- colonya country or area controlled by another country
- commaB1punctuation mark showing a pause
- commentarya spoken or written description of an event
- commodityC2a raw material or product that can be traded
- commonlyB1usually, in most cases
- communicativeB2willing or able to communicate easily
- communistrelating to a system in which the state owns property
- compactsmall and using little space
- comparablesimilar enough to be compared
- comparativeA2a grammar form comparing two things
- compensateB2to pay someone for loss or damage
- competenceB2the ability to do something well
- competentB2having the skill to do something well
- complementB1something that completes or improves
- complicationproblem that makes a situation harder
- complyC1act according to a rule or request
- composerA2a person who writes music
- compositemade of several different parts
- comprehensionB2the ability to understand something
- computationthe act of calculating a number
- conceiveB2to form an idea in the mind
- conceptionB2an idea or general understanding of something
- conceptualbased on ideas rather than on physical things
- conditionalC1depending on certain conditions being met
- conductionthe passing of heat or electricity through a material
- coneB2a shape that narrows to a point
- configurationthe way the parts of something are arranged or set up
- confineB2to keep within limits, or restrict
- confoundto confuse or surprise someone
- congruentmatching exactly, or in agreement
- connectora part that joins two things together
- connotationC2an implied meaning beyond the literal one
- consciousB1awake and aware
- consciousnessB2the state of being awake and aware
- consensusB2general agreement among a group
- consentB2permission for something to happen
- conservationB1protection of nature or resources
- conserveC1protect and use carefully to avoid waste
- consonantB1speech sound other than a vowel
- constitutionB1basic laws governing a country
- constrainto limit or restrict someone or something
- consultationC1a meeting to discuss or get advice
- consumptionB1act of using up resources
- containerA2a box or object for holding things
- continentA2one of the earth's large landmasses
- continuityC1the state of continuing without interruption
- contourthe outline or shape of a surface
- contradictB2to say the opposite of, disagree with
- contradictionB2a statement that opposes another
- contradictoryB2opposing or inconsistent with something else
- contraryB1opposite in nature or direction
- controversyB2a public disagreement about something
- convergeto come together at one point
- convergencethe act of coming together at one point
- coordinateto organize different parts so they work together
- coordinationthe organizing of people or actions to work together
- cordthick string, or an electrical cable
- coronaryrelating to the arteries of the heart
- corpusC2a collection of texts used for study
- correctionB1change that fixes a mistake
- correctlyA2in a right or accurate way
- correlateC2something related to another thing
- correlationC2a mutual relationship between things
- correspondenceB2communication by exchanging letters or messages
- corruptionB2dishonest or illegal behavior for gain
- cortexthe outer layer of an organ, especially the brain
- credibilityC1the quality of being trusted or believed
- criteriaC1standards used to judge or decide something
- criticallyB2in a way that judges carefully, or severely
- critiquea careful written or spoken judgement of something
- crudeC1rough and simple, or rudely offensive
- crystala solid piece of a substance with a regular shape
- cuea signal for someone to do something
- cureB1treatment that ends an illness
- curriculumB1subjects taught in a course
- cyclichappening in repeated cycles
- cylindera shape with straight sides and round flat ends
D
- dampB1slightly wet or moist
- deadlineB1time by which something must be done
- decayB2to rot or gradually decline
- deceiveB2to make someone believe something false
- defectfault that makes something not perfect
- deficiencyB1lack or shortage of something needed
- definiteB1clearly certain or decided
- deflectiona change of direction after hitting something
- degradeC1reduce the quality or dignity of
- deliberatelyB2on purpose, intentionally
- deltaflat land where a river splits and meets the sea
- demonstratora person who shows how something works, or a protester
- denominatorthe number below the line in a fraction
- denoteC2to indicate or signify something
- denseB2closely packed together, thick
- dependencestate of needing something or someone
- depictC1show or represent in a picture or words
- derivativesomething developed or made from another thing
- descendenta person related to someone who lived long ago
- descriptora word or label that describes something
- destinationB1place someone is traveling to
- detectionthe act of finding or noticing something
- developmentalrelating to growth or development
- deviationa difference from what is normal or expected
- diagnoseto say what illness or fault something has
- diagnosisthe identification of an illness or a problem
- diagnosticused to find the cause of a problem
- diagramB1drawing that explains how something works
- dialecta form of a language used in one area
- diameterB1distance straight across a circle
- diaryA2a book for recording daily events
- dictateto say words aloud to be written down, or to give orders
- dictionaryA1a book that explains word meanings
- differentiala difference in amount, rate, or level
- differentiateto see or show the difference between things
- differentiationthe act of showing or seeing a difference
- diffusionthe slow spreading of something through a space
- dilemmaB2a difficult choice between two options
- diluteto make a liquid weaker by adding water
- dimensionalrelating to measurements such as length, width or height
- dioxideB1chemical compound containing two oxygen atoms
- directivean official order or instruction
- disabilityB1physical or mental condition that limits activity
- disadvantageA2something that causes a problem or difficulty
- dischargeB2an official release, or emission of a substance
- discourseC1written or spoken communication on a topic
- discreteseparate and clearly different
- discriminationB1unfair treatment based on group membership
- displacementthe forced moving of people or things from a place
- dissectionC1the act of cutting apart for study
- dissertationa long piece of writing for a university degree
- dissolveB1mix completely into a liquid
- distributionB1act of giving something out or spreading it
- disturbanceB1interruption of peace or normal order
- diverseB1showing great variety, very different
- domainan area of activity, knowledge or control
- dominancepower or control over others
- dominantC1most powerful, influential, or common
- dominationC1control or power over others
- donora person who gives money, blood or an organ
- doseB2a measured amount of medicine
- drainB2a pipe that carries away waste liquid
- driftto move slowly with the wind or water
- durationC1the length of time something lasts
- dyeB2a substance used to change color
- dynamicB2energetic, constantly changing or active
E
- ecologicalB1relating to the environment and living things
- ecologyB1study of living things and their environment
- economicallyin a way that relates to money, or without waste
- economistB2an expert in economics
- effectivenessB2the quality of producing intended results
- elaborateC1very detailed and complicated
- elasticC1stretchy material used in clothing
- elasticityC2ability to stretch and recover shape
- electronB1tiny particle with a negative electric charge
- elementaryA1basic, at an early level
- elevateC1to raise to a higher position
- elevationC1height above sea level
- eliminationthe removal of something or someone completely
- eliteB2the most powerful or talented group
- embedC2fix firmly into a surrounding mass
- emergenceB2the process of coming into existence
- emissionthe sending out of gas, light or heat
- emitto send out light, heat, gas or sound
- emperorB1male ruler of an empire
- empiricalbased on observation and experiment, not on theory
- encodeto change information into a coded form
- enforcementthe act of making people obey a rule or law
- enormouslyC1to a very great extent
- entitya thing that exists on its own
- entranta person who enters a competition or exam
- enzymea substance in the body that speeds up chemical change
- epidemica disease that spreads quickly to many people
- epidemiologythe study of how diseases spread among people
- equalityB1state of being equal in rights or status
- equilibriumC2a state of balance
- equivalencethe state of being equal in value or meaning
- eraseto remove writing or information completely
- essenceB1most basic and important quality of something
- essentiallyB2fundamentally, in basic terms
- estimationC1a rough calculation or judgment
- ethicalC1relating to moral right and wrong
- ethicsrules about right and wrong behaviour
- evidentB1clearly seen or understood, obvious
- evolutionaryrelating to the gradual development of living things
- exa former husband, wife or partner
- executeB2to carry out a plan
- executionB2the carrying out of a plan
- exitB1way out of a building or vehicle
- expertisespecial skill or knowledge in a subject
- explicitstated clearly and leaving no doubt
- explicitlyin a clear and direct way
- exploitB2to use unfairly for one's benefit
- exponentialgrowing faster and faster over time
F
- fabricB2cloth made from woven material
- facetone part or side of something
- facilitateB2to make an action easier
- factorialthe result of multiplying a number by every whole number below it
- facultyB2mental ability, or university department
- fatigueC1extreme physical or mental tiredness
- feedbackB2opinions given about performance
- fertilitythe ability to produce crops or young
- fetalrelating to an unborn baby
- feverA1a body temperature higher than normal
- fiberB2thread-like strand, or dietary substance
- fina thin flat part a fish uses to swim
- finitehaving a limit or an end
- fleshB2soft substance of a body
- flexibilityB2ability to bend or adapt easily
- flipB2to turn over quickly
- fluidB2able to flow smoothly, changeable
- fluxcontinuous change or flow
- footnoteB2note printed at the bottom of a page
- formallyB1in an official or proper way
- formulationthe careful creation of a plan, rule or product
- foruma place or website for public discussion
- fossilC1preserved remains of an ancient organism
- fractionC1a small part of a whole
- fracturea break or crack, especially in a bone
- freelyB1without restriction or limit
- frictionthe force that slows things rubbing together
- fringethe outer edge of an area or a group
- fundamentallyin a basic and very important way
- fungusa living thing like a mushroom or mould
- fusionC1the joining of different things into one
G
- gaugeto judge or measure something roughly
- generalizationB2broad statement based on limited facts
- generalizeB2to make a broad statement from examples
- geneticallyB1in a way relating to genes
- geneticsB1science of heredity and genes
- ghostA1the spirit of a dead person
- globalizationthe growth of trade and culture across the world
- goatB2horned farm animal related to sheep
- goodnessB1expression of surprise
- goodsB1items bought and sold
- gradienthow steep a slope is
- gramA2a small unit of weight
- grammaticalrelating to grammar, or correct in grammar
- graphB1diagram showing relationships between numbers
- graspB2firm hold, or good understanding
- gravitythe force that pulls objects toward the earth
- grida pattern of lines that cross to make squares
- grossB2very unpleasant, or total (before deductions)
- gutthe tube in the body that digests food
H
- habitatB1natural home of a plant or animal
- halfwayat or to the middle point of a distance or a time
- handoutB2printed sheet given to a group
- harvestA2the gathering of crops when ripe
- hawka bird of prey with sharp eyes and claws
- headquarterto have a company main office in a place
- hedgeB2row of bushes forming a boundary
- helixa shape like a spiral or a twisted spring
- hepatitisa disease that causes swelling of the liver
- herbicidea chemical used to kill unwanted plants
- hierarchya system in which people are ranked above one another
- hipB1part of the body between waist and thigh
- historicallyin the past, or in terms of history
- homeworkA1school work done at home
- horizonB1line where the sky meets the land
- horizontalflat and going from side to side
- hormonea chemical in the body that controls how it works
- hydrogenthe lightest gas, found in water
I
- identicalB2exactly the same in every detail
- identificationB2official proof of who someone is
- ideologyB2a set of political or social beliefs
- illusionsomething that seems real but is not
- immuneprotected against an illness
- impactA2a strong effect or influence
- implicitsuggested but not stated directly
- importantlyA2in a way that matters most
- impulseB2a sudden strong urge to act
- incidencehow often something happens in a group
- inclinea slope going up or down
- inclusionC1the act of including someone or something
- incredibleB1impossible or hard to believe
- incrediblyB1to an extreme or surprising degree
- incumbentC2the current holder of an office
- independentlyB2without help or influence from others
- indicatora sign that shows what something is like
- indifferencea lack of interest or concern
- indigenousbelonging naturally to a place
- indirectB1not going straight to the point
- individuallyone at a time, separately
- induceC2bring about or cause, or persuade
- inductionC1a formal introduction into a role
- industrializationthe growth of factories and industry in a country
- industrializeB2to develop industry widely in a country
- inequalityan unfair difference between groups of people
- inevitablyin a way that cannot be avoided
- infectB2to pass a disease or germ to something
- infectiousB2able to spread easily to others
- inferenceB2a conclusion reached from evidence or reasoning
- inferiorlower in quality or rank
- infinitehaving no end or limit
- infinitya space or number without any end
- influentialB2having great power to affect people or events
- informalB2casual, not following strict rules or ceremony
- inhibitto slow or prevent something from happening
- inhibitiona feeling that stops you acting freely, or the slowing of a process
- initiateto start something or make it begin
- initiationthe act of starting something
- injectB1to put a liquid into something with a needle
- injectionB2a shot of liquid put into the body
- innateB2existing naturally from birth, not learned
- insectA2a small animal with six legs
- insertto put something inside something else
- instabilitythe state of being likely to change or fail
- instinctB2a natural tendency to act without thinking
- integralC1necessary to make something complete
- integrationC2combining parts into a unified whole
- intensitythe strength or force of something
- intensiveB1thorough and concentrated in a short time
- interactB1to communicate or react with each other
- interestinglyin a way that is surprising or worth noticing
- interfacethe part of a system where a user or two parts meet
- interfereB2to get involved in something without invitation
- intermediateB1between beginner and advanced level
- interruptB1to stop someone speaking or something happening
- intervalB1period of time between two events
- interveneto get involved in order to change a situation
- interviewerA1a person who asks the questions
- invadeA2to attack and enter a country
- invasionB1act of entering by force to attack
- inversionthe act of turning something the opposite way
- invertto turn something upside down
- ionan atom that carries an electric charge
- irrelevantnot connected with the subject
- irrigationsupplying water to land for growing crops
J
K
- kidneyan organ that cleans the blood and makes urine
- kilometerA2a unit of distance, 1000 meters
L
- labB1room for scientific work, short for laboratory
- lateralrelating to the side of something
- layoutthe way parts are arranged on a page or in a space
- leafA1a flat green part of a plant
- lecturerB2a person who teaches at a university
- legendB2an old traditional story, or a famous person
- legitimateB2allowed by law, or reasonable and fair
- leisureA2free time for relaxing or fun
- levera bar used to lift or move something
- lexicalrelating to the words of a language
- liablelegally responsible, or likely to do something
- lifestyleA2the way a person lives
- lifetimeB2the whole length of a person's life
- likelihoodC1the chance that something will happen
- likewiseB2in the same way, also
- limbB2an arm, leg, or large tree branch
- linearC1arranged in a straight line or sequence
- linguisticrelating to language or to its study
- linguisticsthe scientific study of language
- literA2a unit for measuring liquid
- liverB1organ that cleans the blood
- locallyin or near the area where you are
- locusthe exact place where something happens
- logicalA2following clear and sensible reasoning
- longitudinalfollowing the same people over a long time
- loopa shape or path that curves back to where it started
- lumpa small solid piece of something
- lungB1organ used for breathing
M
- machinerymachines as a group, especially large ones
- magneticC1having the pull of a magnet; strongly attractive
- magnitudethe great size or importance of something
- mallA2a large building with many shops
- manipulateB2to control or influence something cleverly
- manipulationC1unfair or skillful control of someone
- manualB2done by hand rather than machine
- manuscripta handwritten or unpublished book or document
- marbleB1hard stone used for building, a small glass ball toy
- marginalC1minor or small in importance
- markera thick pen, or a sign that shows a position
- marrowthe soft tissue inside bones
- maternalC1relating to a mother; motherly
- mathematicalB2relating to mathematics
- matrixa grid of numbers arranged in rows and columns
- maximizeto make something as large as possible
- meaningfulB1having purpose, importance, or value
- mechanicB1person who repairs machines, especially vehicles
- mechanicalB1relating to machines or moved by machinery
- mediaB2newspapers, television, and internet news outlets
- mediateC2help resolve a dispute between parties
- membranea thin layer of tissue or material
- memorizeB1to learn something so it can be recalled exactly
- mentorB2an experienced person who guides someone
- mercurya heavy silver liquid metal
- mergeB2to combine or join together
- messengerB2a person who carries messages
- metabolismthe way the body turns food into energy
- metaphorB2a figure of speech comparing two things
- methodologyC2a system of methods used in a field
- microB2a very small unit prefix, one millionth
- midin the middle part of a period or a place
- migrateto move from one place or country to another
- migrationB2movement of people or animals to a new place
- millimeterB2a unit of length, one thousandth of a meter
- mineralB1natural solid substance found in the earth
- minimalvery small in amount or degree
- minimizeB1to reduce something to the smallest amount possible
- minusB1reduced by, used to subtract a number
- missileB2a weapon that is fired at a target
- mobilityB2the ability to move freely
- modificationB2a change or alteration made to something
- molea small furry animal that digs underground
- molecularrelating to molecules
- moleculeB1smallest unit of a chemical substance
- momentumthe force that keeps something moving or growing
- monetaryrelating to money or currency
- monkeyA1a hairy animal that climbs trees
- monopolycomplete control of a market by one company
- moralityB2principles of right and wrong behavior
- morphologicalrelating to the form and structure of something
- morphologythe study of the form and structure of things
- mortalitythe number of deaths in a group, or the fact of dying
- motifa pattern or idea that repeats in art or music
- motiveB1reason for doing something, often a crime
- multinationaloperating in several countries
- multiplyB2to increase greatly, or times a number
- mutationa change in the genes of a living thing
- mythB1traditional story, a widely believed but false idea
N
- nakedB1not wearing any clothes
- namelyused to say exactly who or what you mean
- nastyB1very unpleasant or unkind
- nationalismgreat love and pride for your own country
- neatB2tidy and orderly, or clever
- necessityB2something that is essential or required
- nesta place where a bird lays its eggs
- neuralrelating to the nerves or the brain
- neurona cell that carries messages in the brain
- neutralB1not supporting either side
- nicelyB2in a pleasant or polite way
- nicheC1a specialized position or market segment
- nitrogena gas that makes up most of the air
- nobleB2having high moral qualities, or of high rank
- nodea point where lines or parts meet
- noisyA2making a lot of loud sound
- nominalvery small, or existing only in name
- nonethelessB1despite that; nevertheless
- nonlinearnot following a straight or simple order
- normwhat is usual or expected in a group
- notationa system of signs used to write something down
- novicea person who is new at something
- nucleusB1central part of a cell or atom
- nullhaving no value or effect
- numericalB2relating to or expressed as numbers
- nutrientB1substance that provides nourishment
O
- objectionB1expression of disapproval
- obscureC1to make unclear or hide from view
- observerB2a person who watches without taking part
- obtainB1get or acquire something
- occupationA2a person's job or profession
- occurrencesomething that happens, an event
- offspringC1a person's child or an animal's young
- onsetthe beginning of something, often something bad
- onwardscontinuing forward in time or space
- opticalrelating to light or to seeing
- optimalthe best possible
- optimumthe best or most favorable
- oralB1a spoken exam or test
- organB1body part with a function, or musical instrument
- organismB1a single living plant or animal
- orientto find your position or direction
- orientationa meeting that introduces people to a new place
- oscillationa regular movement back and forth
- outerB1on the outside; farther out
- outletB2a socket for electricity, or a way to release energy
- overheadthe regular costs of running a business
- overlapB2a part shared by two things
- overviewa short general description of something
- oxidizeto combine with oxygen, often causing rust
- oxygenB1gas needed for breathing
P
- painfulB1causing physical or emotional pain
- paran equal level or normal standard
- paradigma typical model or way of thinking
- paradoxB2a statement that seems contradictory but may be true
- parameterC2a factor that defines the limits of something
- parcelB1a wrapped package sent by mail
- pardonA1used to politely ask someone to repeat
- parentalB1relating to a parent or parents
- parenthesisone of the curved marks used to add extra information
- partialB1not complete; only in part
- partiallyonly in part, not completely
- particleB2a very small piece of matter
- partitiona wall or screen that divides a space
- pathwaya path, or a route toward a goal
- peasantC1a poor farmer or farm laborer
- periodichappening at regular times
- peripheralnot central or not very important
- pestan insect or animal that damages crops
- pesticidea chemical used to kill insects and pests
- phenomenalC1extraordinary, remarkable
- philosopherB1person who studies fundamental truths
- philosophicalB2relating to philosophy or calm acceptance of difficulty
- phonologicalrelating to the sound system of a language
- phosphatea chemical salt used in fertilizer and living cells
- photographicrelating to photographs or photography
- physicallyA2in a way related to the body
- physicianB2medical doctor
- physicsB1science of matter and energy
- physiologicalC2relating to the body's normal functions
- piB2mathematical constant, about 3.14159
- plannera notebook for plans, or a person who plans
- plantationa large farm growing one main crop
- plausibleC1seeming reasonable or believable
- plugB1device that connects to an electrical socket
- pluralA2more than one, a grammar form
- polarrelating to the areas near the North or South Pole
- poleB1long straight stick, or Earth's axis end
- politicallyB2in a way related to politics or government
- portfolioa collection of work that shows your skills
- portrayC1to depict or represent in a certain way
- portrayalC1a depiction of someone or something
- positivelyB1in a hopeful or definite way
- posterA1a large printed picture or notice
- postgraduaterelating to study after a first degree
- potassiuma soft metal element that the body needs
- powderB1dry substance of fine particles
- practitionerC2a person actively practicing a profession
- pragmaticdealing with things in a practical way
- precedeB2come before something in time or order
- precipitateto make something happen suddenly
- precipitationrain, snow, or hail that falls from the sky
- predatoran animal that hunts and eats other animals
- predictionA2a statement about the future
- predominantlymostly or mainly
- prejudiceB1unfair opinion formed without reason
- preliminaryB2coming before the main part, introductory
- presumeto think something is true without proof
- prevalencehow common or widespread something is
- preyan animal hunted by another animal for food
- primera first coat of paint, or a basic book on a subject
- primitiveB1simple; from an early stage
- probeB2thorough investigation, or a device for exploring
- problematiccausing difficulty or problems
- processorthe part of a computer that does the work
- productiveB1producing a lot; efficient
- productivitythe amount of work done in a period of time
- profoundC1very deep, intense, or insightful
- progressionthe process of moving forward step by step
- progressiveA2developing gradually, or favoring reform
- projectionB2an estimate of future amounts, or an image cast on a surface
- prominentB1important and well known
- pronounceA2to say a word's sounds correctly
- propositionC2a statement or proposal put forward for consideration
- protocolan official set of rules for doing something
- protona part of an atom with a positive charge
- psychiatricC1relating to mental illness treatment
- psychologistA2an expert in how the mind works
- psychologyB2scientific study of the mind and behavior
- publishA2to print and release a book
- pulseB2regular beating of blood through the body
- punchB2hit with a closed fist, or a fruit drink
- punishB1make someone suffer for an offense
- punishmentB1a penalty for doing something wrong
- purelyonly, and for no other reason
- puzzleB1a game or problem to solve
Q
- qualitativeC2relating to quality rather than quantity
- quantitativebased on numbers and amounts
- quantumthe smallest possible amount of energy
- questionnaireB1a set of written questions for research
- quizA2a short test of knowledge
- quotationB2words repeated from another source
R
- rackB2framework for holding or storing things
- radarB2system using radio waves to detect objects
- radiationB1energy given off as particles or waves
- radiusthe distance from the center of a circle to its edge
- rainfallB1the amount of rain that falls
- randomizeto put things in no fixed order
- randomlywithout any plan or pattern
- rationalB1based on reason, sensible
- rationalitythe quality of being based on clear reason
- rayA2a thin beam of light
- reactivequick to react to something
- reactora machine that produces nuclear energy
- readilyB2willingly and without hesitation, or easily
- realismC1depicting things as they truly are
- realisticB1seeing things as they really are
- realman area of activity or thought, or a kingdom
- receptora part of a cell that receives signals
- recipeB2set of instructions for cooking a dish
- reconstructto build something again, or to work out how it happened
- regimeB2a system of government or organized routine
- regressiona return to an earlier or worse state
- rehabilitationthe process of returning to health or to normal life
- reinforceB2make something stronger or more solid
- rejectionB2the act of refusing or turning down
- reliabilitythe quality of being able to be trusted
- renderC1to cause something to become a certain state
- repertoireB2the range of pieces a performer knows
- replacementB2a person or thing that takes another's place
- replicateto copy or repeat something exactly
- replicationan exact copy or repeat of something
- reproduceB1produce offspring, or copy something exactly
- reproductionthe process of producing young, or a copy of something
- republicB1a country led by elected representatives
- resembleB1look or seem like something else
- reservoira lake used for storing water
- residualC2remaining after most of something has gone
- residueC2a small quantity remaining after the main part is used
- resistantnot harmed or affected by something
- respiratoryB2relating to the act of breathing
- retrieveB2get or bring back something from somewhere
- revolutionaryB2involving a great, radical change
- rewriteB1write something again in a different way
- rhetoricC2persuasive language, often lacking real substance
- rhythmA2a regular pattern of sound
- ridiculousB1very silly or unreasonable
- ritualB2a series of actions performed regularly
- robotB1a machine that can do tasks automatically
- ropeA2a thick strong cord
- rotateC1to turn around a fixed point
- rotationthe act of turning around a central point
- rubB2move something back and forth against a surface
- rulerA1a tool for measuring, or a leader
S
- scatterB1throw or spread things in different directions
- scenarioC1a description of a possible sequence of events
- scholarshipB1money awarded to support a student's studies
- scripturethe holy writings of a religion
- scrollC2a roll of paper or parchment with writing
- secreteto produce and release a liquid from the body
- sedimentsolid material that sinks to the bottom of a liquid
- selectivecareful about choosing only certain things
- semanticrelating to the meaning of words
- semesterA2half of a school year
- semia large truck with a separate trailer
- seminarB2a class or meeting for discussion or training
- sensationB1a physical feeling, or great excitement
- sensibleB2showing good, practical judgment
- sensitivitythe ability to detect or react to small changes
- sensoryrelating to the senses like sight and touch
- separatelyB2apart from each other, not together
- separationB1the act of being kept apart
- sexualitya person's sexual feelings or identity
- shallowB1not very deep
- shortlyB1soon, in a short time
- shuttlea bus or train that travels back and forth
- similarityB1a way in which things are alike
- simplifyB1make something easier to understand or do
- simulateto copy the way something behaves or looks
- simulationa model that copies a real situation
- simultaneouslyB1at the same time
- sinan act that breaks a religious rule
- singularA2referring to just one, a grammar form
- sketchB2draw something roughly and quickly
- skipB2move with light jumps, or omit something
- slabC2a thick, flat piece of solid material
- slashB2a diagonal line mark, or a forceful cut
- slaveryB1the state of being owned as property
- slotB1narrow opening, scheduled time period
- snakeA1a long animal with no legs
- sneezeB1sudden burst of air from the nose
- sniffB2inhale audibly through the nose to smell
- socializeB2interact with others in a friendly, casual way
- sociallyB1in a way related to society or friends
- sodiuma mineral found in salt
- solubleable to dissolve in liquid
- solutethe substance that dissolves in a liquid
- solventB2a liquid that dissolves other substances
- sometimeB1at an unspecified point in time
- sophisticatea person with refined tastes and wide experience
- spanB2extend across a distance or period of time
- spatialC2relating to space, position, or area
- specialtyB2a particular skill, or a signature dish
- specificationC1a detailed description of requirements
- specimenC1a sample used for testing or study
- spectruma full range of things such as colors or opinions
- sperma male cell that can fertilize an egg
- sphereB1round three-dimensional shape, area of activity
- spliceto join two pieces end to end
- sponsorshipC1financial support for an event or person
- spontaneousC1done without planning, natural
- sprayB2fine drops of liquid, or a spraying device
- stabilizeC2to make or become steady and unchanging
- stackB2a neat pile of things
- stadiumA2a large place for sports events
- stancea person's opinion or position on an issue
- standardizeto make things follow one same rule or form
- staticnot moving or changing
- statisticalbased on the collection and analysis of numbers
- statisticallyaccording to statistics
- statisticsB2numerical data collected and analyzed
- stereotypeB2an oversimplified fixed idea about a group
- stimulussomething that causes a reaction or growth
- straightforwardB2simple and easy to understand
- strandB2a single thin length of thread or hair
- strategicB1carefully planned to achieve a goal
- strictlyB2in a strict manner, without exception
- stripeB1long narrow band of color
- suba substitute, or a submarine
- subjectivebased on personal feelings rather than on facts
- subseta smaller group that is part of a larger one
- substitutionthe act of using one thing or person in place of another
- substratethe surface or material something grows on
- subtleB2not obvious, delicate or slight
- subtractB2to take one number away from another
- sufficientlyB2to a degree that is enough
- suicideB1act of intentionally ending one's own life
- superA1excellent, very good
- superiorB1higher in quality, rank, or status
- supposedlyB1according to what is said, not certain
- surgeonB1doctor who performs surgical operations
- surgicalrelating to surgery
- surplusan amount left over after all needs are met
- susceptibleeasily affected or harmed by something
- sustainableC1able to continue without harming the environment
- swapC1to exchange one thing for another
- swellB1to increase in size, especially with fluid
- swordB1weapon with a long sharp blade
- syllableB2a unit of pronunciation within a word
- syllabusa list of topics for a course
- symbolicB2representing something else, having symbolic meaning
- syndromeB1group of symptoms occurring together
- syntacticrelating to sentence structure
- syntaxthe rules for arranging words in sentences
- synthesisC2combination of elements into a coherent whole
- syntheticC1made artificially, not by nature
- systematicB1done according to a fixed plan
T
- techtechnology, or the industry that makes it
- technicallyB2according to strict facts or rules
- temporalrelating to time
- temptB1to attract someone to do something wrong
- tenseB1feeling nervous or anxious
- terminalB1building where passengers depart or arrive
- terminologythe special words used in a subject
- terriblyB1very badly, or extremely
- textbookA2a book used for studying a subject
- theorema statement in maths that has been proved true
- theoristB2a person who develops theories about a subject
- therebyC1by that means, as a result
- thermalrelating to heat
- thesisB2a long research paper for a degree
- thicknessB2the extent of something from side to side
- threadB2a thin strand used for sewing
- thresholdthe entrance to a room, or the point where something begins
- thumbB1the short thick finger on the hand
- tolerancethe ability to accept or endure something
- tonB2a unit of weight equal to 1,000 kilograms
- toxicB2poisonous or harmful
- tractC1a wide area of land; a body system
- traditionallyB1according to custom or tradition
- traitB2a distinguishing quality of someone's character
- trajectorythe curved path of a moving object
- transrelating to a person whose gender is different from the one given at birth
- transactionan act of buying, selling or exchanging
- transcribeto write down spoken words
- transcriptiona written copy of spoken words
- transformationB1a complete change in form or appearance
- translationB2text converted from one language into another
- transmissionB2the sending of a signal or message
- transmitB2to send out a signal or message
- transparencyopenness, or the quality of being clear
- transplantan operation to move an organ into another body
- traumaC1a deeply distressing or disturbing experience
- treatyB2a formal agreement between countries
- tremendousB1very great in amount or degree
- triangleB2a shape with three sides and three angles
- tribeB2a social group united by shared ancestry or customs
- trickyB2difficult to handle or understand
- trivialB2of little value or importance
- tropicalB1relating to the hot regions near the equator
- tumorB2an abnormal growth of tissue in the body
- turbulentB2full of sudden change, disorder, or unrest
- tutorB2a private teacher for one student
U
- ultimateB2final, or the greatest possible
- undergraduateB2a college student without a degree yet
- undermineto weaken something gradually
- underneathB1below or under something
- unemployedB1without a paid job
- unifyB1bring together as one
- unintelligibleimpossible to understand
- unitythe state of being joined together as one
- unstablenot steady, or likely to change suddenly
- upliftto raise something, or to make someone feel happier
- upwardB1moving toward a higher place
- urineliquid waste passed from the body
- usageB1the way something is used
- utilityB2usefulness, or a public service like electricity
- utilizeB2to make practical use of
- utterancesomething that a person says
V
- vagueB1not clear or precise
- validB2legally acceptable, or based on sound reasoning
- validitythe state of being legally or logically acceptable
- valvea part that controls the flow of liquid or gas
- variabilitythe fact of changing often or being different
- variancea difference between two amounts or things
- varianta slightly different form or version of something
- vectora quantity with both size and direction
- vegetationC1plants in general, considered collectively
- veinB1blood vessel carrying blood to the heart
- velocitythe speed of something in one direction
- verbalB2spoken rather than written
- verticalC1upright, at a right angle to the ground
- viableable to work or to succeed
- virtueB2moral excellence, or a good quality
- vitaminB2a substance essential for healthy nutrition
- vocabularyA2the words known and used
- volitionthe power to choose or decide by yourself
- vowelB1a letter like a, e, i, o, u
W
- watershedan important turning point
- wavelengththe distance between two waves of light or sound
- weaveB2a particular style or pattern of weaving
- wheatB2a cereal plant used to make flour
- wherebyby which, or through which
- whicheverB1any one, no matter which
- whoeverB1any person, no matter who
- widespreadB1found over a large area
- wisdomA2good judgment gained from experience
- workshopB1a room for making things, or training
Y
- yeasta substance used to make bread rise or beer ferment
The full New Academic Word List holds 960 words and its authors measure it at 92% coverage of academic text.
The list comes from the New Academic Word List by Browne, Culligan and Phillips, published by newgeneralservicelist.com and used here under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 licence. Meanings and example sentences are ours.
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