TOEFL Academic Reading

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Academic Reading Listening Comprehension Speaking & Writing Scientific Vocabulary

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W

A

abolishto formally put an end to something; to eliminate or eradicateSAT · TOEFL · IELTS abolitionThe formal putting an end to a system or practiceTOEFL abstainTo deliberately choose not to do or have something; to refrain.GRE · SAT · TOEFL abstractExisting in thought or as an idea but not having a concrete physical existenceGRE · SAT · TOEFL · IELTS abstractionThe quality of existing apart from concrete realityTOEFL accounta record of financial transactions; a report or explanationSAT · TOEFL accumulateTo gather together or acquire an increasing number or quantity of something.TOEFL · IELTS accuracythe quality of being correct or exact; precisionSAT · TOEFL achieveTo successfully bring about or reach a desired objective or result.SAT · TOEFL · IELTS acknowledgeto admit or recognize something as true; to show appreciationSAT · TOEFL · IELTS acquireTo come to possess something through effort or experienceSAT · TOEFL additionA basic arithmetic operation that combines two or more numbers to find their tot…GRE · TOEFL adequateSatisfactory or acceptable in quality or quantity; sufficient.SAT · TOEFL · IELTS administrationthe management of affairs; the group managing an organizationSAT · TOEFL advantagea favorable circumstance or benefit; superioritySAT · TOEFL advocateTo publicly recommend or support a particular cause or policy.SAT · TOEFL · IELTS aggregateA whole formed by combining several separate elements.SAT · TOEFL · IELTS agriculturalRelating to agricultureTOEFL allocateTo distribute resources or duties for a particular purpose.TOEFL · IELTS alterationThe process of making changesTOEFL ambiguousOpen to more than one interpretation; having a double meaning.GRE · SAT · TOEFL · IELTS analogouscomparable in certain respects; having similar featuresGRE · SAT · TOEFL analyzeTo examine something in detail in order to understand itTOEFL anticipateTo regard as probable and make preparations for; to expect.TOEFL · IELTS apparentclearly visible or understood; seeming or appearing to be trueSAT · TOEFL · IELTS approximateClose to the actual but not completely accurateSAT · TOEFL approximationA value or quantity that is nearly but not exactly correctTOEFL arrangementThe way in which parts of something are organizedTOEFL assertTo state a fact or belief confidently and forcefully.TOEFL · IELTS assessTo evaluate or estimate the nature, ability, or quality of something.TOEFL · IELTS assumeTo suppose something to be the case without proof.TOEFL · IELTS attributeA quality or characteristic belonging to something; to regard as caused byTOEFL · IELTS authorityThe power or right to give orders or make decisionsTOEFL autonomousHaving the freedom to govern itself or control its own affairs; independent.GRE · TOEFL · IELTS avenueA way or means of achieving somethingTOEFL

B

biasInclination or prejudice for or against one person or group; unfair preference.TOEFL · IELTS broadWide; covering a large number and wide scope of subjects.TOEFL · IELTS

C

calculationA mathematical computationTOEFL categoryA class or division of people or things regarded as having particular shared cha…TOEFL · IELTS causalRelating to or acting as a causeTOEFL cautiousBeing careful to avoid potential problems or dangersTOEFL ceaseTo stop doing something or bring something to an endTOEFL challengeTo question or dispute the truth or validity of something; a difficult task.TOEFL · IELTS circumstanceA fact or condition connected with or relevant to an event or action.TOEFL · IELTS citeTo quote or refer to as evidence or justification.TOEFL · IELTS clarifyTo make a statement or situation less confused and more comprehensible.TOEFL · IELTS cognitiveRelating to cognition or the mental processes of thinking, knowing, and perceivi…TOEFL · IELTS coherentLogical, consistent, and forming a unified wholeTOEFL · IELTS collapseA sudden fall or failure of something; to fall down suddenly.TOEFL · IELTS collectiveDone by or belonging to all the members of a group; joint.TOEFL · IELTS columna vertical arrangement of elements in a matrix or tableSAT · TOEFL commissionAn instruction or order given to produce somethingTOEFL competitionThe activity of striving to gain an advantage over rivals.TOEFL · IELTS compileTo produce by assembling information from sourcesTOEFL compositionThe nature of something's ingredients or constituents; the way it is made up.TOEFL · IELTS comprehensiveIncluding or dealing with all or nearly all elements or aspects of something.TOEFL · IELTS conceptAn abstract idea or general notion representing something.TOEFL · IELTS concludeTo arrive at a judgement or opinion by reasoning.TOEFL · IELTS confirmTo establish the truth or correctness of something previously believed or suspec…TOEFL · IELTS conflictA serious disagreement or argument; a prolonged armed struggle.TOEFL · IELTS conformTo behave in accordance with social standards or rulesTOEFL consistentActing or done in the same way over time; compatible or in agreement with.TOEFL · IELTS constituteTo be a part of a whole; to formally establishTOEFL · IELTS constrainTo restrict or limit somethingTOEFL contemporaryLiving or occurring at the same time; relating to the present.TOEFL · IELTS contextThe circumstances that form the setting for an event or statement.TOEFL · IELTS continueTo persist without change; to resumeTOEFL continuousForming an unbroken whole; without interruptionTOEFL contrastThe state of being strikingly different from something else in comparison.TOEFL · IELTS contributeTo give something in order to help achieve a resultTOEFL · IELTS controversialGiving rise to disagreement or public debateTOEFL conventionalBased on or in accordance with what is generally done or believed; conforming to…GRE · TOEFL · IELTS convertTo change a quantity from one unit, form, or system of measurement to another eq…GRE · TOEFL convictionan unshakable belief in something without need for proofGRE · TOEFL cooperativeInvolving mutual assistance in working toward a common goalTOEFL correlateTo have a mutual relationship; to establish such a relationshipTOEFL counterpartA person or thing that fulfils the same function in a different context.TOEFL · IELTS criteriaPrinciples or standards by which something may be judged or decided.TOEFL · IELTS crucialDecisive or critical, especially in the success or failure of something.TOEFL · IELTS currencyA system of money in general use in a country; the quality of being current.TOEFL · IELTS cycleA series of events that are regularly repeated in the same order.TOEFL · IELTS

D

dataFacts and statistics collected together for analysis; information used to make d…TOEFL · IELTS debateA formal discussion on a topic; an argument about a contested subject.TOEFL · IELTS declineA gradual and continuous decrease in strength, numbers, or quality.TOEFL · IELTS deduceTo arrive at a conclusion by reasoning from evidenceTOEFL · IELTS defineTo state or describe exactly the nature, scope, or meaning of something.TOEFL · IELTS delineatedescribed or portrayed precisely and in detailGRE · TOEFL demonstrateTo clearly show the existence or truth of something by evidence or argument.TOEFL · IELTS depressionA period of economic decline; a mental health conditionTOEFL deriveTo obtain something from a source; to trace back to an originTOEFL · IELTS designateTo officially assign a role or name to somethingTOEFL despiteIn spite of; without being affected byTOEFL differenceThe result obtained by subtracting one number from another.GRE · TOEFL dimensionAn aspect or feature of a situation; a measurable extent of some kind.TOEFL · IELTS directGoing straight to the point; to manageTOEFL disciplineThe practice of training people to obey rules and follow a code of behaviour; a …TOEFL · IELTS discriminateTo distinguish between; to treat unfairly based on group membershipTOEFL disparityA great difference between things; a lack of equality.TOEFL · IELTS displaceTo take the place of something; to force someone to leave their home.TOEFL · IELTS distinctRecognizably different in nature; clearly separateTOEFL documenta representation of a person's thinking with contentGRE · TOEFL domainAn area of knowledge or activityTOEFL dominantHaving power and influence over others; most important or influential.TOEFL · IELTS durationThe time during which something continuesTOEFL dynamicsThe forces operating in a systemTOEFL

E

economicRelating to economics or the economy; justified in terms of profitability.TOEFL · IELTS efficientAchieving maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or expense.TOEFL · IELTS effortA vigorous or determined attemptTOEFL eliminateTo completely remove or get rid of somethingTOEFL · IELTS emergeTo come out from a concealed or difficult position; to become apparent.TOEFL · IELTS empiricalBased on observation or experience rather than theory or pure logic.GRE · TOEFL · IELTS empiricallyBased on observation and experiment rather than theoryTOEFL enableTo give someone the authority or means to do something; to make possible.TOEFL · IELTS endureTo remain in existence; to suffer patiently.TOEFL · IELTS enforceTo compel observance of or compliance with a law, rule, or obligation.TOEFL · IELTS enhanceTo intensify, increase, or further improve the quality, value, or extent of some…GRE · SAT · TOEFL · IELTS enrichTo improve or enhance the quality or value of something.TOEFL · IELTS environmentThe surroundings in which a person, animal, or plant lives; the natural world.TOEFL · IELTS equalHaving the same quantity, value, or measure as another; identical in mathematica…GRE · TOEFL · IELTS equitableFair and impartialTOEFL equivalentEqual in value, function, or meaning; having the same mathematical value express…GRE · TOEFL establishTo set up or lay the groundwork for; to show something to be true.TOEFL · IELTS estimateTo roughly calculate or judge the value, number, or extent of something.TOEFL · IELTS ethicalRelating to moral principlesTOEFL evaluateTo form an idea of the amount, number, or value of; to assess.TOEFL · IELTS evidentPlain, obvious, and easily seen or understoodTOEFL evolveTo develop gradually; to change over time.TOEFL · IELTS examineTo inspect carefully and in detailTOEFL exceedTo be greater than or surpass something.TOEFL · IELTS excludeTo deliberately leave out or deny entry toTOEFL explicitStated clearly and in detail, leaving no room for confusion or doubt.TOEFL · IELTS exposureThe state of being subjected to something; contact with and experience of someth…TOEFL · IELTS

F

facilitateTo make an action or process easier; to enable.GRE · TOEFL · IELTS factorA number or algebraic expression that divides another number or expression evenl…GRE · TOEFL · IELTS failureLack of success; a person or thing that failsTOEFL feasiblePossible and practical to do easily or conveniently.SAT · TOEFL · IELTS featureA distinctive characteristic or aspect of somethingTOEFL finiteHaving a definite limit or fixed size; not infinite.GRE · TOEFL fluctuateTo rise and fall irregularly in number or amount.TOEFL · IELTS formationThe action of forming something; a structure or arrangement of something.TOEFL · IELTS formulateTo create or prepare something carefully, expressing it in precise terms.TOEFL · IELTS forumA meeting for open discussionTOEFL frameworkA basic structure underlying a system, concept, or text.TOEFL · IELTS fundamentalForming a necessary base or core; of central importance.TOEFL · IELTS

G

generateTo produce or create something; to cause something to arise.TOEFL · IELTS geographicRelating to geography or a regionTOEFL globalRelating to the whole world; worldwide.TOEFL · IELTS governTo control or direct the behavior of somethingTOEFL gradeA level of rank or quality; a score on a testTOEFL guidelineA general rule or piece of adviceTOEFL

H

hypothesisA supposition or proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence, ser…GRE · TOEFL · IELTS

I

identifyTo recognize and name something or someoneTOEFL implyTo suggest or indicate something without saying it directly.TOEFL · IELTS imposeTo force something unwelcome to be accepted or put in place.TOEFL · IELTS incentiveA thing that motivates or encourages someone to do something.TOEFL · IELTS incomeMoney received, especially on a regular basis, for work or through investments.TOEFL · IELTS indicateTo point out or show; to be a sign of something.TOEFL · IELTS inevitablecertain to happen; unable to be avoided or escapedSAT · TOEFL · IELTS inferTo deduce or conclude from evidenceTOEFL inherentExisting in something as a permanent, essential, or characteristic attribute.GRE · TOEFL · IELTS innovativeIntroducing new ideas or methodsTOEFL institutionalRelating to institutions or established organizationsTOEFL interpretTo explain the meaning of information or an action.TOEFL · IELTS investigateTo carry out a systematic or formal inquiry into; to research.TOEFL · IELTS involveTo include as a necessary part or result; to require participation.TOEFL · IELTS isolateTo separate from others; to identify separatelyTOEFL

J

justifyTo show sufficient reason for an action or decisionTOEFL · IELTS

K

knowledgeFacts, information, and skills acquired through experienceTOEFL

L

lackA deficiency or absence of somethingTOEFL layerA sheet or thickness of material covering a surfaceTOEFL likelyProbable; having a high probability of occurringTOEFL · IELTS limitationA restriction; a point or condition that restricts what can be achieved.TOEFL · IELTS literatureWritten works collectively; the body of written works on a subject.TOEFL · IELTS longitudinal studyA research study following participants over an extended periodTOEFL

M

maintainTo cause or enable a condition or situation to continue; to assert confidently.TOEFL · IELTS manifestTo become apparent through signs; clear and obviousTOEFL marginalizeTo treat a person or group as unimportant or powerlessTOEFL mechanismA system of parts working together; a natural or established process.TOEFL · IELTS methodological rigorThe quality of being thorough and precise in research methodsTOEFL methodologyA system of methods used in a particular area of study or activity.TOEFL · IELTS migrateTo move from one area or country to anotherTOEFL minimizeTo reduce something to the smallest possible amountTOEFL modifyTo make partial changes to somethingTOEFL motivationA reason for acting in a particular way; the general desire to do something.TOEFL · IELTS

N

neutralNot supporting either side in a conflictTOEFL normSomething that is usual, typical, or standard; an expected standard of behaviour…TOEFL · IELTS notablyIn a way that is particularly noticeableTOEFL notionA conception or belief; a vague or imperfect understanding.TOEFL · IELTS

O

objectiveNot influenced by personal feelings; based on observable facts.SAT · TOEFL · IELTS observeTo notice or perceive something; to watch carefullyTOEFL obtainTo get or acquire something by effort.TOEFL · IELTS omitTo leave out or excludeTOEFL overlapTo cover part of the same area; to share characteristicsTOEFL

P

parameterA limit or boundary which defines the scope of a process or activity.TOEFL · IELTS peer-reviewedEvaluated by experts in the same field before publicationTOEFL perceiveTo become aware of through the senses or intellectTOEFL persistTo continue to exist despite oppositionTOEFL phenomenonA fact or situation that is observed to exist or happen, especially one whose ca…TOEFL · IELTS phenomenon of interestThe specific event or behavior being studied in researchTOEFL polarizeTo cause to divide into two contrasting groupsTOEFL potentialHaving the capacity to develop into something in the future; latent ability.TOEFL · IELTS preciseMarked by exactness and accuracyTOEFL predominantPresent or exerting control as the strongest or main elementTOEFL · IELTS preliminaryPreceding and preparing for main work or findingsTOEFL presupposeTo require as a prior condition; to assume beforehandTOEFL primaryOf chief importance; the earliest or originalTOEFL principleA fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for reasoning.TOEFL · IELTS probeTo inquire closely into something; a tool for investigationTOEFL processA series of actions or steps taken in order to achieve a particular end.TOEFL · IELTS proportionAn equation stating that two ratios are equal; a relationship between quantities…GRE · TOEFL · IELTS proposeTo put forward an idea or plan for consideration or discussion.TOEFL · IELTS pursueTo continue or proceed with somethingTOEFL

Q

qualitativeRelating to quality rather than quantityTOEFL quantitativeRelating to quantity rather than qualityTOEFL

R

rangeThe difference between the largest and smallest values in a data set; also, the …GRE · TOEFL · IELTS rationaleA set of reasons or a logical basis for a decisionTOEFL recurTo occur again periodically or repeatedlyTOEFL reformTo make changes in order to improve something; a change made for improvement.TOEFL · IELTS reinforceTo strengthen or support, especially with additional material or people.TOEFL · IELTS relationshipThe way in which two or more concepts, objects, or people are connected.TOEFL · IELTS relevantClosely connected or appropriate to what is being done or considered.TOEFL · IELTS replicationThe process of repeating an experiment to verify resultsTOEFL requireTo need or depend on something for a purpose; to make something necessary.TOEFL · IELTS researchThe systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources.TOEFL · IELTS resolutionA firm decision to do or not do something; the quality of being determined or re…GRE · SAT · TOEFL respondTo say or act in reply to somethingTOEFL restrictTo put a limit on; to keep under control.TOEFL · IELTS retainTo continue to have or to keep possession of something.TOEFL · IELTS revealTo make previously unknown or secret information known.TOEFL · IELTS review articleA scholarly article summarizing existing research on a topicTOEFL

S

scopeThe extent of the area or subject matter that something deals with.TOEFL · IELTS selectiveCareful in choosing; favouring only certain thingsTOEFL significantSufficiently great or important to be worthy of attention; noteworthy.TOEFL · IELTS simulateTo imitate the appearance or character of somethingTOEFL sourceA place, person, or thing from which something originates or is obtained.TOEFL · IELTS specificClearly defined or identified; precise and exact.TOEFL · IELTS statistical significanceThe probability that a result did not occur by chanceTOEFL stratifyTo arrange in layers or strata; to sort by categoriesTOEFL structureThe arrangement of and relations between the parts of something complex.TOEFL · IELTS subjectA person or thing being studied; a branch of knowledgeTOEFL subsequentComing after or following in time or order.TOEFL · IELTS sufficientEnough; adequate for the purpose.TOEFL · IELTS summarizeTo give a brief statement of the main pointsTOEFL supplementSomething added to complete or strengthen something elseTOEFL suppressTo prevent from being known or felt; to inhibitTOEFL sustainTo keep something going over timeTOEFL synthesizeTo combine elements to form a new wholeTOEFL

T

theoretical frameworkA structure of concepts and assumptions guiding researchTOEFL theoryA supposition or system of ideas intended to explain something.TOEFL · IELTS topicThe subject of a piece of writing or discussionTOEFL traceTo find or discover by investigation; to follow the course ofTOEFL · IELTS transitionThe process or a period of changing from one state to another.TOEFL · IELTS trendA general direction in which something is developing or changing.TOEFL · IELTS

U

underlyingLying under or beneath something; significant but not stated directly.TOEFL · IELTS uniformNot changing in form or character; remaining the same in all cases.GRE · TOEFL · IELTS utilizeTo make practical and effective use of somethingTOEFL

V

validActually supporting the intended point or claim; logically sound.TOEFL · IELTS variableA symbol, usually a letter, that represents an unknown or changeable quantity in…GRE · TOEFL · IELTS verifyTo make sure or demonstrate that something is trueTOEFL

W

widespreadFound or distributed over a large area or number of people.TOEFL · IELTS