IELTS vocabulary
IELTS academic vocabulary
General academic words that appear across Reading passages and lift the register of your writing.
Each entry has the typical band it's useful for, a plain meaning, an example sentence and the words it most often goes with. Learn the collocations along with the word: that's what makes vocabulary sound natural.
Band 6 words
achieve verb
To succeed in doing or gaining something through effort.
With consistent practice, learners can achieve a higher level of fluency.
Collocations: achieve a goal · achieve success · achieve a balance
adequate adjective · formal
Good enough or sufficient for a particular purpose.
Adequate funding is essential if local services are to meet rising demand.
Collocations: adequate funding · adequate access · adequate preparation
affect verb · academic
To influence or cause a change in someone or something.
Poor air quality can affect people’s health and their ability to concentrate.
Collocations: affect mental health · adversely affect · affect the quality of
alternative noun · academic
Another possibility that can be chosen instead.
Cycling is a practical alternative to driving for short journeys.
Collocations: viable alternative · alternative to · consider an alternative
approach noun · academic
A particular way of dealing with or thinking about something.
A balanced approach to education should combine academic study with practical skills.
Collocations: adopt an approach · a practical approach · approach to a problem
assume verb · academic
To believe something is true without having definite proof.
Researchers should not assume that higher spending automatically leads to better educational outcomes.
Collocations: assume responsibility · assume that · generally assume
concentrate verb · academic
To give most of your attention or effort to one thing.
Governments should concentrate on improving access to education in disadvantaged communities.
Collocations: concentrate on · concentrate resources · concentrate efforts
concept noun · academic
An idea or principle used to understand or explain something.
The concept of sustainable development is central to many discussions about urban planning.
Collocations: basic concept · understand the concept · the concept of
consist of phrase · academic
To be made up of particular parts or elements.
A balanced diet should consist of a variety of nutritious foods.
Collocations: consist of several parts · consist of a mixture · largely consist of
contribute verb · academic
To help cause something or give something towards a shared aim.
Regular exercise can contribute to better physical and mental health.
Collocations: contribute to · contribute significantly · contribute resources
convert verb · academic
To change something into a different form, use or system.
Some cities have converted unused railway lines into public walking and cycling paths.
Collocations: convert into · convert to · convert resources
criteria noun · academic
Standards used to judge or decide something.
The most important criteria for evaluating a university course are its quality and relevance.
Collocations: meet the criteria · selection criteria · criteria for success
define verb · academic
To explain the exact meaning or nature of something.
It is difficult to define success solely in terms of academic achievement.
Collocations: clearly define · define a term · define the boundaries
demonstrate verb · academic
To show clearly that something is true or how something works.
The findings demonstrate that early support can improve students’ confidence.
Collocations: demonstrate that · clearly demonstrate · demonstrate the effectiveness
design verb · academic
To plan how something will look, work or be organised.
The researchers designed a questionnaire to examine how people use public spaces.
Collocations: design a study · design a questionnaire · design a system
diverse adjective · academic
Including people or things that are different from one another.
A diverse workforce can bring a wider range of ideas to an organisation.
Collocations: diverse population · diverse range · culturally diverse
element noun · academic
One part or feature of something larger.
Access to reliable childcare is an important element of a successful employment strategy.
Collocations: key element · essential element · element of
eliminate verb · academic
To remove or get rid of something completely.
Improved insulation can help eliminate unnecessary energy use in homes.
Collocations: eliminate the need · eliminate waste · eliminate a problem
ensure verb · formal
To make certain that something happens or is done.
Governments should ensure that all residents can access essential health services.
Collocations: ensure that · ensure access to · help ensure
estimate verb · academic
To make an approximate calculation or judgement about something.
Experts estimate that demand for public transport will rise over the next decade.
Collocations: estimate the cost · estimate that · roughly estimate
factor noun · academic
One of the things that influences a result or situation.
The cost of housing is a major factor influencing where young people choose to live.
Collocations: major factor · key factor · factor in
feature noun · academic
A noticeable or important part or quality of something.
A notable feature of the new design is its accessibility for older users.
Collocations: key feature · distinctive feature · feature of
focus verb · academic
To give most of your attention to a particular subject or activity.
Schools should focus on developing students' critical thinking as well as subject knowledge.
Collocations: focus on · focus attention on · focus efforts on
foundation noun · academic
The basic ideas, skills or structures on which something is built.
Literacy and numeracy provide a foundation for further learning throughout life.
Collocations: lay the foundation · strong foundation · foundation for success
generate verb · academic
To produce or create something, especially energy, ideas or income.
Investment in renewable energy can generate employment as well as reduce emissions.
Collocations: generate income · generate electricity · generate ideas
highlight verb · academic
To draw attention to something important.
The findings highlight the need for more affordable housing in urban areas.
Collocations: highlight the importance · highlight an issue · highlight the need
identify verb · academic
To recognise or name someone or something correctly.
The survey helped identify the main reasons people avoid using public transport.
Collocations: identify a problem · identify the cause · identify with
impact noun · academic
A strong effect that one thing has on another.
The widespread use of smartphones has had a considerable impact on social interaction.
Collocations: significant impact · impact on · long-term impact
indicate verb · academic
To show that something is likely to be true or exists.
The results indicate that flexible working arrangements can improve employee satisfaction.
Collocations: indicate that · clearly indicate · indicate a trend
initial adjective · academic
Happening at the beginning of a process or period.
The initial cost of installing solar panels can be high, but savings may follow.
Collocations: initial stage · initial investment · initial response
interact verb · academic
To communicate or work with someone or something.
Children learn important social skills when they interact with their peers.
Collocations: interact with · interact closely · interact effectively
involve verb · academic
To include something as a necessary part or activity.
Reducing traffic congestion may involve improving public transport and encouraging cycling.
Collocations: involve changes · involve a process · involve doing
issue noun · formal
An important subject or problem that people discuss or deal with.
The growing amount of plastic waste is an issue that requires urgent attention.
Collocations: address an issue · a serious issue · the issue of
link noun · academic
A connection between two people, things or ideas.
There is a strong link between regular exercise and improved mental wellbeing.
Collocations: a link between · establish a link · direct link
locate verb · formal
To find the position or place of someone or something.
New services should be located near public transport to make them easier to reach.
Collocations: locate in · locate near · difficult to locate
method noun · academic
A particular way of doing something, especially in an organised manner.
This method of teaching encourages students to apply knowledge to practical problems.
Collocations: research method · effective method · method of analysis
minor adjective · formal
Not very important, serious or large.
Although the changes caused minor disruption, they improved the building’s energy efficiency.
Collocations: minor changes · minor problem · relatively minor
neutral adjective · formal
Not supporting either side or showing strong feelings or opinions.
Teachers should remain neutral when students discuss controversial social issues.
Collocations: remain neutral · neutral position · neutral tone
occur verb · academic
To happen or exist, often as part of a process.
Delays often occur when public transport systems are poorly coordinated.
Collocations: occur frequently · occur naturally · occur when
outcome noun · academic
The result of an action, event or process.
The long-term outcome of this policy will depend on how consistently it is applied.
Collocations: positive outcome · possible outcome · outcome of the study
participate verb · academic
To take part in an activity or event.
Students who participate in group projects often develop stronger communication skills.
Collocations: participate in · participate actively · participate fully
physical adjective
Relating to the body or to things that can be seen or touched.
Regular physical activity can improve both mental wellbeing and overall health.
Collocations: physical activity · physical health · physical environment
previous adjective · academic
Happening or existing before the present time or event.
Previous studies have found a link between regular exercise and improved mental health.
Collocations: previous experience · previous research · previous studies
publish verb · formal
To make information or research available to the public.
Universities should publish research findings in ways that the general public can understand.
Collocations: publish research · publish findings · publish a report
purchase verb · formal
To buy something.
Consumers are more likely to purchase products that are durable and energy-efficient.
Collocations: purchase a product · purchase goods · purchase online
react verb
To respond to something that happens or is said.
People may react differently to the same public health message.
Collocations: react to change · react to feedback · react quickly
region noun · academic
A large area of a country or the world, often with shared features.
The region has experienced rapid population growth, placing pressure on local services.
Collocations: rural region · coastal region · region of the country
relevant adjective · academic
Closely connected to the subject or situation being discussed.
A relevant example can make an argument clearer and more convincing.
Collocations: relevant evidence · relevant to · highly relevant
reluctant adjective · formal
Unwilling or hesitant to do something.
Some employees may be reluctant to adopt new technology if they have not received adequate training.
Collocations: reluctant to accept · reluctant to change · remain reluctant
rely on phrasal verb
To need or trust someone or something for support or information.
Many students rely on online resources to support their independent learning.
Collocations: rely on evidence · rely on technology · rely on support
remove verb
To take something away or make it no longer present.
Schools could remove barriers to participation by offering activities at different times.
Collocations: remove barriers · remove a source · remove the need
require verb · academic
To need something or make it necessary for someone to do something.
Addressing traffic congestion will require long-term planning and investment.
Collocations: require careful consideration · require evidence · require someone to do something
resource noun · academic
A useful supply, source or asset that can be used to achieve something.
Public libraries remain an important resource for people who cannot afford internet access at home.
Collocations: natural resource · valuable resource · resource allocation
respond verb
To react or answer to something that has happened or been said.
Schools should respond to students’ different learning needs.
Collocations: respond to a challenge · respond positively · respond to feedback
role noun · academic
The purpose or function of a person or thing in a particular situation.
Parents play an important role in shaping children’s attitudes towards reading.
Collocations: play a role · important role · role in society
scheme noun · formal
An organised plan or system designed to achieve a particular aim.
A well-designed recycling scheme can encourage residents to reduce household waste.
Collocations: scheme to improve · government scheme · training scheme
seek verb · formal
To try to find or obtain something.
People often seek reliable information online before making major purchases.
Collocations: seek advice · seek employment · seek to improve
select verb · academic
To choose someone or something from a group.
Researchers should select participants from a range of age groups.
Collocations: select participants · select from · carefully select
source noun · academic
A person, document, or place from which information or something else comes.
Online articles can be useful, but readers should check whether the source is reliable.
Collocations: reliable source · source of information · primary source
specific adjective · academic
Clearly defined or relating to one particular thing rather than others.
The report makes specific recommendations for improving public transport.
Collocations: specific purpose · specific example · specific to a group
strategy noun · academic
A planned approach for achieving a particular aim.
A long-term strategy is needed to reduce household waste.
Collocations: effective strategy · development strategy · strategy for
structure noun · academic
The way in which parts of something are arranged or organised.
A clear essay structure helps readers follow the development of an argument.
Collocations: sentence structure · social structure · structure of an argument
survey noun · academic
A set of questions used to collect information from people.
A recent survey found that many workers value flexible hours.
Collocations: conduct a survey · survey findings · survey respondents
technique noun · academic
A particular way of doing something, especially one that requires skill.
The technique is useful because it enables researchers to compare responses consistently.
Collocations: research technique · effective technique · technique for measuring
vary verb · academic
To change or differ according to the situation, person, or time.
The cost of childcare can vary considerably between providers.
Collocations: vary considerably · vary according to · vary from person to person
via preposition
By way of, or using a particular method or route.
Residents can access the service via a mobile application or a local library.
Collocations: via email · via public transport · via an online platform
Band 7 words
abstract adjective · academic
Based on ideas rather than on real things that can be seen or touched.
Abstract concepts can be difficult for young learners to understand without practical examples.
Collocations: abstract idea · abstract concept · abstract thinking
accumulate verb · academic
To gradually collect or increase over time.
Small amounts of daily exercise can accumulate into substantial health benefits.
Collocations: accumulate evidence · accumulate wealth · accumulate over time
acquire verb · academic
To gain or obtain something, especially through learning or experience.
Children acquire many language skills through everyday interaction.
Collocations: acquire knowledge · acquire a skill · acquire experience
ambiguous adjective · academic
Having more than one possible meaning, so that it is unclear.
The survey question was ambiguous, which may have affected the accuracy of the results.
Collocations: ambiguous wording · ambiguous meaning · remain ambiguous
analyse verb · academic
Examine something carefully to understand its parts or meaning.
Researchers should analyse the survey results before drawing conclusions about public opinion.
Collocations: analyse data · analyse the results · analyse a problem
anticipate verb · formal
To expect something to happen and prepare for it.
City planners should anticipate population growth when designing new transport systems.
Collocations: anticipate demand · anticipate problems · anticipate change
appropriate adjective · formal
Suitable or right for a particular situation or purpose.
Governments should provide appropriate support for people seeking employment.
Collocations: appropriate measures · appropriate for a purpose · appropriate level
aspect noun · academic
One part or feature of a situation, subject, or problem.
Cost is an important aspect of any decision about higher education.
Collocations: important aspect · aspect of a problem · consider every aspect
assess verb · academic
To judge or measure the quality, importance or amount of something.
Governments should assess the long-term effects of major infrastructure projects.
Collocations: assess the impact · assess performance · assess the effectiveness
assist verb · formal
To help someone do something or make a task easier.
Digital tools can assist teachers in providing feedback more quickly.
Collocations: assist with a task · assist someone in doing something · provide assistance
category noun · academic
A group of people or things with similar features.
The survey placed participants into a category based on their age group.
Collocations: broad category · fall into a category · category of people
circumstance noun · formal
A fact or condition that affects a situation.
People's career choices are often shaped by their personal circumstances.
Collocations: under these circumstances · personal circumstances · changing circumstances
coherent adjective · academic
Clear, logical and easy to understand as a whole.
A coherent argument should connect the evidence to the conclusion without unnecessary digressions.
Collocations: coherent argument · coherent explanation · remain coherent
coincide verb · academic
To happen at the same time or match exactly.
The rise in public transport use coincided with an increase in fuel prices.
Collocations: coincide with · coincide exactly · dates coincide
commence verb · formal
To begin or start, especially in a formal context.
Construction should commence once the environmental assessment has been completed.
Collocations: commence work · commence operations · commence proceedings
compatible adjective · academic
Able to exist or work together without causing problems.
Economic growth is compatible with environmental protection when resources are managed responsibly.
Collocations: compatible with · fully compatible · compatible systems
compensate verb · formal
To make up for a loss, disadvantage or harmful effect.
Improved public transport could compensate for the lack of parking in city centres.
Collocations: compensate for · compensate workers · financially compensate
complex adjective · academic
Made up of many connected parts and therefore difficult to understand or deal with.
Housing affordability is a complex issue with economic and social causes.
Collocations: complex issue · complex system · increasingly complex
component noun · academic
One of the parts that make up a larger whole.
Practical experience is an essential component of professional training.
Collocations: essential component · key component · component of
comprehensive adjective · academic
Including all or nearly all relevant details or aspects.
A comprehensive public health strategy should address both prevention and access to treatment.
Collocations: comprehensive approach · comprehensive study · comprehensive range
conclude verb · academic
To decide something after considering the evidence, or to bring something to an end.
The researchers conclude that access to green spaces improves residents’ wellbeing.
Collocations: conclude that · conclude a study · conclude with a summary
conduct verb · academic
To organise and carry out an activity, study or investigation.
Researchers should conduct further studies before drawing firm conclusions about the policy's long-term effects.
Collocations: conduct research · conduct a survey · conduct an investigation
conform verb · formal
To behave or act according to a rule, standard or expectation.
Building designs must conform to safety standards before construction can begin.
Collocations: conform to · conform with · conform to standards
consent noun · formal
Permission given for something to happen or be done.
Researchers must obtain participants' consent before collecting personal information.
Collocations: give consent · obtain consent · consent to
constant adjective · academic
Happening continuously or remaining unchanged.
Constant exposure to online advertising may influence people's spending habits.
Collocations: constant pressure · constant change · remain constant
construct verb · academic
To build something or form an idea, argument or explanation.
The report constructs a convincing argument for investing in public transport.
Collocations: construct an argument · construct a model · construct a building
consume verb · academic
To use up a resource, or to eat or drink something.
Households that consume less energy can reduce both their bills and their environmental impact.
Collocations: consume energy · consume resources · consume a product
context noun · academic
The circumstances or information that help explain the meaning of something.
The findings should be considered in the context of the study's limited sample size.
Collocations: in context · historical context · the context of
coordinate verb · formal
To organise people or activities so they work together effectively.
Local authorities need to coordinate their efforts to improve road safety.
Collocations: coordinate activities · coordinate with · coordinate a response
core adjective · academic
Most important or central to something.
Communication is a core skill for success in many professions.
Collocations: core values · core issue · core curriculum
corporate adjective · formal
Relating to a large company or business organisation.
Corporate investment in staff training can improve productivity over time.
Collocations: corporate responsibility · corporate sector · corporate investment
correspond verb · academic
To be similar or equivalent to something, or to communicate with someone regularly.
The increase in public transport use corresponded with a reduction in traffic congestion.
Collocations: correspond to · correspond with · closely correspond
derive verb · academic
To obtain something from a particular source or process.
The researchers derive their conclusions from a detailed analysis of survey responses.
Collocations: derive from · derive benefit · derive meaning
diminish verb · academic
To become or make something smaller, weaker or less important.
Better access to preventive care could diminish the long-term burden on hospitals.
Collocations: diminish the impact · diminish in importance · diminish the risk
distinct adjective · academic
Clearly different from something else.
The survey identified two distinct groups with contrasting views on the issue.
Collocations: distinct difference · distinct group · distinct advantage
distort verb · academic
To change or present something in a way that makes it inaccurate.
Relying on a small survey may distort the public's understanding of the issue.
Collocations: distort the facts · distort the results · distort the image
distribute verb · academic
To give or deliver something to a number of people or places.
Local authorities could distribute information about recycling through schools and community centres.
Collocations: distribute resources · distribute information · widely distribute
dominate verb · academic
To be the most important, powerful or noticeable feature of something.
In many cities, private cars continue to dominate the daily commute.
Collocations: dominate the market · dominate public debate · largely dominate
emerge verb · academic
To appear or become known, especially gradually.
New evidence may emerge as researchers examine the effects of the policy over time.
Collocations: emerge from · emerge as · evidence emerges
emphasis noun · academic
Special importance given to a particular idea or activity.
Schools should place greater emphasis on practical skills as well as academic knowledge.
Collocations: place emphasis on · greater emphasis · emphasis on education
enhance verb · academic
To improve the quality, value or effectiveness of something.
Well-designed public spaces can enhance residents' quality of life.
Collocations: enhance the quality · enhance performance · enhance learning
establish verb · academic
To create something or show that it is true or exists.
Further research is needed to establish whether the new approach is effective.
Collocations: establish a relationship · establish the cause · establish a system
evaluate verb · academic
To judge the quality, importance or effectiveness of something.
Governments should evaluate the long-term effects of policies before expanding them nationwide.
Collocations: evaluate the impact · evaluate effectiveness · evaluate the results
evident adjective · academic
Clear and easy to notice or understand.
The benefits of regular exercise are evident in both physical and mental health.
Collocations: clearly evident · become evident · evident from
exclude verb · academic
To leave someone or something out or prevent them from taking part.
A high entry fee may exclude people from lower-income households from cultural events.
Collocations: exclude from · exclude the possibility · deliberately exclude
exploit verb · academic
To use something fully and effectively, sometimes unfairly.
Local businesses can exploit digital platforms to reach a wider audience.
Collocations: exploit resources · exploit an opportunity · exploit a weakness
facilitate verb · academic
To make an action or process easier.
Reliable internet access can facilitate collaboration between students and teachers.
Collocations: facilitate access · facilitate communication · facilitate learning
fluctuation noun · academic
A change in the level, amount or value of something, often repeatedly.
Frequent fluctuation in energy prices makes it difficult for households to plan their spending.
Collocations: fluctuation in prices · seasonal fluctuation · price fluctuation
formula noun · academic
A set method or rule used to achieve or calculate something.
There is no single formula for improving student motivation across all schools.
Collocations: mathematical formula · a formula for success · use a formula
framework noun · academic
A basic structure or set of ideas used to organise or guide something.
A clear legal framework can help protect workers’ rights.
Collocations: legal framework · within a framework · framework for development
function noun · academic
The purpose or role of something, or the way it works.
One important function of public libraries is to provide free access to information.
Collocations: main function · perform a function · function of
hypothetical adjective · academic
Imagined for discussion or explanation, rather than known to be real.
In a hypothetical situation where tuition fees doubled, many students might decide not to attend university.
Collocations: hypothetical scenario · hypothetical example · hypothetical situation
illustrate verb · academic
To explain or make something clear by giving examples or showing evidence.
The graph illustrates how household spending changes as income rises.
Collocations: illustrate a point · clearly illustrate · illustrate the difference
inherent adjective · academic
Existing as a natural or essential part of something.
There are inherent risks in relying on a single source of energy.
Collocations: inherent risk · inherent problem · inherent characteristic
institute noun · formal
An organisation established for education, research or a particular purpose.
The institute published a report examining the relationship between exercise and wellbeing.
Collocations: research institute · educational institute · institute for research
integrate verb · academic
To combine things so that they work together as a whole.
Schools should integrate digital tools into lessons without allowing technology to distract students.
Collocations: integrate into · integrate with · fully integrate
interpret verb · academic
To explain the meaning of information, an event or a situation.
Readers may interpret the findings differently depending on their own experiences.
Collocations: interpret data · interpret the results · interpret as
layer noun · academic
A level or amount of material, information or activity covering or added to another.
A further layer of regulation may be needed to ensure online safety.
Collocations: a layer of protection · a thin layer · additional layer
maintain verb · academic
To keep something at the same level or in good condition.
Regular investment is needed to maintain the quality of public infrastructure.
Collocations: maintain standards · maintain a balance · maintain quality
manipulate verb · academic
To control or influence someone or something, often skilfully or unfairly.
Some advertisers manipulate consumer behaviour by presenting products as essential for a happy life.
Collocations: manipulate data · manipulate public opinion · manipulate someone into
maximise verb · academic
To increase something as much as possible.
Cities can maximise the benefits of public transport by improving connections between routes.
Collocations: maximise efficiency · maximise the benefits · maximise opportunities
mechanism noun · academic
A process or system through which something happens or works.
Public transport is an important mechanism for reducing traffic congestion in urban areas.
Collocations: mechanism for · control mechanism · underlying mechanism
modify verb · academic
To change something slightly, usually to make it more suitable.
Universities may need to modify their courses to reflect changes in the labour market.
Collocations: modify behaviour · modify a policy · modify slightly
notion noun · academic
An idea, belief, or understanding of something.
The notion that economic growth always improves quality of life is open to question.
Collocations: the notion that · common notion · traditional notion
obtain verb · formal
To get or achieve something, especially through effort or a process.
Participants were asked to obtain permission before collecting data from local residents.
Collocations: obtain permission · obtain information · obtain a degree
persist verb · academic
To continue to exist or happen, especially despite difficulty or opposition.
If social inequalities persist, access to high-quality education may remain unequal.
Collocations: persist over time · problems persist · persist despite
phenomena noun · academic
Plural of phenomenon; observable events, facts, or situations.
Climate change and urbanisation are complex phenomena that require long-term research.
Collocations: social phenomena · natural phenomena · complex phenomena
philosophy noun · academic
A set of beliefs or ideas that guides how someone lives or works.
The school’s teaching philosophy places considerable value on independent thinking.
Collocations: teaching philosophy · underlying philosophy · philosophy of education
potential adjective · academic
Possible or likely to develop or happen in the future.
Improved public transport has the potential to reduce traffic congestion in urban areas.
Collocations: potential benefits · potential risk · potential solution
precise adjective · academic
Exact and clearly expressed, with little room for misunderstanding.
Researchers need precise data to assess whether a public health policy is effective.
Collocations: precise measurements · precise definition · precise information
predominantly adverb · academic
Mostly or mainly, with only a smaller amount coming from other sources.
The neighbourhood is predominantly residential, although several shops have opened nearby.
Collocations: predominantly used · predominantly rural · predominantly composed of
primary adjective · academic
Most important, or relating to the first stage of something.
The primary aim of the scheme is to improve access to affordable housing.
Collocations: primary aim · primary source · primary cause
principle noun · academic
A basic rule or belief that guides how something is done or understood.
The principle of equal access should guide decisions about public education.
Collocations: fundamental principle · principle of equality · apply a principle
prior adjective · formal
Happening or existing before something else.
Students should receive prior guidance before beginning an independent research project.
Collocations: prior experience · prior knowledge · prior to
proceed verb · formal
To continue or begin an action, often after preparation or permission.
Once the initial survey is complete, researchers can proceed with the interviews.
Collocations: proceed with a study · proceed to the next stage · proceed as planned
radical adjective · academic
Involving a major change from the usual way of doing something.
Some experts argue that radical changes to the transport system are needed to reduce emissions.
Collocations: radical change · radical reform · radical approach
rational adjective · academic
Based on reason and clear thinking rather than emotion.
A rational discussion of energy policy should consider both costs and environmental effects.
Collocations: rational decision · rational argument · rational approach
reinforce verb · academic
To strengthen an idea, feeling, or structure.
Schools can reinforce healthy habits by providing nutritious meals and regular physical activity.
Collocations: reinforce the idea · reinforce a message · reinforce learning
reside verb · formal
To live in a particular place.
Many students reside near their university to reduce commuting time.
Collocations: reside in · reside within · reside permanently
retain verb · formal
To continue to have or keep something.
Cities should retain historic buildings when renovating their centres, as these structures preserve a sense of identity.
Collocations: retain control · retain information · retain its value
reverse verb · formal
To change something so that it becomes the opposite of what it was.
Investing in public transport could reverse the trend towards increasing car use.
Collocations: reverse a trend · reverse a decision · reverse the decline
rigid adjective · formal
Unwilling or unable to change; fixed and strict.
A rigid timetable can make it difficult for students to balance study with other responsibilities.
Collocations: rigid rules · rigid structure · rigid approach
scope noun · academic
The range or extent of something.
The study was limited in scope, so its findings should be treated with caution.
Collocations: scope of research · scope for improvement · wide scope
sector noun · academic
A distinct part of an economy, society, or activity.
The private sector can contribute to the development of affordable housing.
Collocations: public sector · private sector · education sector
secure verb · formal
To obtain or achieve something, often after effort.
Governments should secure sufficient funding for preventative healthcare.
Collocations: secure funding · secure support · secure a place
sequence noun · academic
A set of events or actions arranged in a particular order.
The sequence of lessons allows learners to build on their knowledge gradually.
Collocations: sequence of events · in sequence · a sequence of steps
shift verb · academic
To change or move from one position, opinion or situation to another.
Public attitudes may shift when people have access to reliable information.
Collocations: shift towards · shift focus · shift away from
significant adjective · academic
Important or large enough to have a noticeable effect.
Regular exercise can bring significant benefits to both physical and mental health.
Collocations: significant impact · significant increase · statistically significant
sole adjective · formal
Being the only one of its kind or the only person involved.
Economic growth should not be the sole measure of a society’s wellbeing.
Collocations: sole purpose · sole responsibility · sole source
specify verb · formal
To state something clearly and exactly.
Applicants should specify which skills they hope to develop during the course.
Collocations: specify the purpose · specify requirements · specify a time
sufficient adjective · formal
As much as is needed for a particular purpose.
Providing sufficient public transport can reduce dependence on private cars.
Collocations: sufficient evidence · sufficient resources · sufficient time
supplement verb · formal
To add something extra to improve or complete something.
Online lessons can supplement classroom teaching, although they should not replace it entirely.
Collocations: supplement income · supplement a diet · supplement existing services
sustain verb · academic
To keep something going or maintain it over time.
Long-term investment is needed to sustain improvements in public health.
Collocations: sustain growth · sustain an effort · sustain economic development
transfer verb · academic
To move something or someone from one place, person or organisation to another.
Online courses can transfer specialist knowledge to people in remote areas.
Collocations: transfer knowledge · transfer to · transfer funds
trigger verb · formal
To cause something to happen or begin.
A sudden rise in housing costs could trigger greater demand for affordable accommodation.
Collocations: trigger a response · trigger a debate · trigger a decline
ultimate adjective · formal
Happening at the end of a process; final.
The ultimate aim of education should be to help people think independently.
Collocations: ultimate goal · ultimate outcome · ultimate responsibility
underlying adjective · academic
Existing beneath the surface and helping to explain something.
Policies addressing the underlying causes of poverty are more effective than short-term assistance alone.
Collocations: underlying cause · underlying problem · underlying assumption
undertake verb · formal
To begin and take responsibility for a task or project.
Universities should undertake more research into the effects of screen use on young people.
Collocations: undertake research · undertake a study · undertake a project
uniform adjective · formal
The same in all parts or among all members of a group.
A uniform policy may be unfair because schools have different needs and resources.
Collocations: uniform standard · uniform approach · uniform system
utilise verb · academic
To use something for a particular purpose.
Schools can utilise digital resources to provide students with more varied learning materials.
Collocations: utilise resources · utilise technology · utilise available space
versatile adjective · formal
Able to be used for many different purposes or tasks.
A versatile public transport system can serve commuters, tourists and people with limited mobility.
Collocations: versatile tool · versatile skill · highly versatile
volume noun · academic
The amount of something, especially a substance, sound or information.
The volume of traffic entering the city could be reduced through better planning.
Collocations: volume of traffic · volume of data · increase in volume
widespread adjective · academic
Existing or happening in many places or among many people.
The widespread use of online learning has made education more accessible to adults with busy schedules.
Collocations: widespread use · widespread concern · widespread support
Band 8+ words
arbitrary adjective · formal
Based on personal choice rather than a clear reason or system.
An arbitrary age limit may exclude people who are capable of doing the work.
Collocations: arbitrary decision · arbitrary rule · seem arbitrary
attribute verb · academic
To say that something is caused by a particular person, thing or factor.
Researchers often attribute the improvement to a combination of practice and feedback.
Collocations: attribute something to · attribute success to · attribute a change to
constrain verb · academic
To limit what someone or something can do.
Limited funding can constrain the range of services available to local communities.
Collocations: constrain growth · constrain choices · be constrained by
deduce verb · academic
To reach a conclusion by using the available facts or evidence.
From the survey results, we can deduce that cost is a major barrier to exercise.
Collocations: deduce from · deduce that · logically deduce
imply verb · academic
To suggest something without stating it directly.
The results imply that flexible working hours may improve employee satisfaction.
Collocations: imply that · seem to imply · strongly imply
intrinsic adjective · academic
Belonging naturally to something and not dependent on external factors.
For many people, the intrinsic value of learning matters more than the qualifications it provides.
Collocations: intrinsic value · intrinsic motivation · intrinsic quality
orientation noun · academic
A person's general attitude, interests, or direction in a particular area.
A stronger vocational orientation in education could help students prepare for employment.
Collocations: career orientation · political orientation · orientation towards
paradigm noun · academic
A typical example or model of how something is understood or done.
Remote working has created a new paradigm for balancing professional and personal responsibilities.
Collocations: new paradigm · paradigm shift · dominant paradigm
perceive verb · academic
To understand or interpret something in a particular way.
Many residents perceive the proposed development as a threat to the area's character.
Collocations: perceive as · perceive a threat · perceive a difference
simulate verb · academic
To imitate the conditions or behaviour of something.
Computer programs can simulate the effects of different climate policies before they are introduced.
Collocations: simulate conditions · simulate a process · simulate real-life situations
subsidiary adjective · academic
Less important than, or supporting, something else.
The report treats environmental protection as a subsidiary concern rather than a central objective.
Collocations: subsidiary role · subsidiary issue · subsidiary aim
terminate verb · formal
To bring something to an end.
The authorities may terminate the contract if the service provider repeatedly fails to meet its obligations.
Collocations: terminate a contract · terminate employment · terminate a service
thereby adverb · academic
As a result of that action or fact.
Improving insulation reduces energy consumption, thereby lowering household bills.
Collocations: thereby reducing · thereby increasing · thereby improving
whereby conjunction · academic
By which, or through which something happens.
The programme introduced a system whereby residents could exchange unused goods with their neighbours.
Collocations: system whereby · process whereby · agreement whereby
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