TOEFL WORDS Flashcards
Definition and examples (267 cards)
To give up completely, to leave usually forever example: the company had to abandon its plans to build a new factory
Abandon
To not do something, especially something enjoyable that you think might be bad or unhealthy.
abstain
Different from what is usual or average, especially in a way that is bad.
Example: “The scientists noted that the test results showed abnormal levels of certain enzymes, indicating a potential health issue that required further investigation.”
Abnormal
Definition: Stupid and unreasonable, or silly in a humorous way.
Example: “The claim that the ancient civilization built the pyramids with the help of aliens was dismissed as absurd by mainstream archaeologists, who pointed to extensive evidence of human ingenuity and labor.”
Absurd (adjective)
Definition: Very bad or unpleasant.
Example: “The report condemned the abominable working conditions in the factory, calling for immediate reforms to protect workers’ rights and well-being.”
Abominable (adjective)
Definition: To respect and approve of someone or their behavior.
Example: “Many students admire Dr. Thompson for her groundbreaking research in environmental science and her dedication to mentoring young scientists.”
Admire (verb)
Definition: To change something to suit different conditions or uses.
Example: “The ability of certain species to adapt quickly to changing environmental conditions has been a crucial factor in their survival.”
Adapt (verb)
Definition: Very near, next to, or touching.
Example: “The university plans to build a new research facility adjacent to the existing library to foster greater collaboration between departments.”
Adjacent (adjective)
Definition: To tell someone that they have done something wrong.
Example: “The professor admonished the student for not citing sources properly, emphasizing the importance of academic integrity.”
Admonish (verb)
Definition: An enemy.
Example: “In the field of international relations, countries must carefully navigate their policies to balance cooperation and competition with their adversaries.”
Adversary (noun)
Definition: To avoid something, especially cleverly or illegally.
Example: “The company attempted to circumvent the new environmental regulations by relocating its factories to countries with less stringent laws.”
Circumvent (verb)
Definition: A fact or event that makes a situation the way it is.
Example: “Given the unique circumstances of the pandemic, universities had to adapt their teaching methods to include more online and hybrid courses.”
Circumstance (noun)
Definition: (Of evidence or a legal case) pointing indirectly toward someone’s guilt but not conclusively proving it.
Example: “The prosecution’s case was largely based on circumstantial evidence, which raised questions about the reliability of the charges brought against the defendant.”
Circumstantial (adjective)
Definition: The distance around a circle.
Example: “In geometry, students learn to calculate the circumference of a circle using the formula C = 2πr, where ‘r’ is the radius.”
Circumference (noun)
Definition: To cut off the foreskin of a boy or man for religious or medical reasons.
Example: “The cultural anthropology course explored various rituals and traditions, including the practice of circumcising male infants in certain religious communities.”
Circumcise (verb)
Definition: To bring or gather together.
Example: “The researchers aim to collect data from various sources to analyze the impact of climate change on biodiversity.”
Collect (verb)
Definition: An organization that sells goods or services in order to make money.
Example: “The case study focused on a tech company that rapidly expanded its market share through innovative product development and strategic acquisitions.
Company (noun)
Definition: To direct your attention or your efforts towards a particular activity, subject, or problem.
Example: “The study aims to concentrate on the effects of social media usage on teenagers’ mental health.”
Concentrate (verb)
Definition: If lines, roads, or paths converge, they move towards the same point where they join or meet.
Example: “The theories of different scientific disciplines often converge when addressing complex global issues such as climate change.”
Converge (verb)
Definition: To live or exist together at the same time or in the same place.
Example: “The research explores how various species in the ecosystem coexist, sharing resources and maintaining a balance.”
Coexist (verb)
Definition: A conversation between two or more people as a feature of a book, play, or movie.
Example: “The seminar focused on the role of dialogue in resolving conflicts and fostering mutual understanding between different cultural groups.”
Dialogue (noun)
Definition: Relating to the changes in something, especially a language, that happen over time.
Example: “The diachronic study of the English language revealed how its vocabulary and grammar have evolved from Old English to Modern English.”
Diachronic (adjective)
Definition: A straight line going from one side of a circle or any other round object to the other side, passing through the center of the circle.
Example: “In the geometry class, students learned how to calculate the diameter of a circle by doubling the length of its radius.”
Diameter (noun)
Definition: An angry speech or piece of writing that severely criticizes something or someone.
Example: “The professor’s lecture turned into a diatribe against the current education system, highlighting its numerous flaws and inefficiencies.”
Diatribe (noun)