Academic Vocabulary Toolkit 1, Words 31-40

The Academic Vocabulary Toolkit focuses on words used across different subject areas and careers in spoken and written communication. Learn these lists to help you succeed in school and work: Words 1-10, Words 11-20, Words 21-30, Words 31-40, Words 41-50, Words 51-60, Words 61-70, Words 71-80, Words 81-90, Words 91-100
10 words 11546 learners

Learn words with Flashcards and other activities

Definition First
Print Flashcards

Other learning activities

Answer a few questions about each word. Use this to prep for your next quiz! Compete with other teams in real time to see who answers the most questions correctly! Test your spelling acumen. Read the definition, listen to the word and try spelling it!

Teaching tools

Create and assign quizzes to your students to test their vocabulary. Assign learning activities including Practice, Vocabulary Jams and Spelling Bees to your students, and monitor their progress in real-time.

Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. convincing
    causing one to believe the truth of something
    Lovato explains that she saw a “really convincing documentary” about mermaids. Salon (Jun 5, 2014)
  2. define
    determine the nature of
    "This will not define us. While it is a temporary challenge, this will not break us. We will recover and we will be stronger." The Guardian (Jun 5, 2014)
    The definition in your workbook focuses on explaining the meanings of words or ideas. This is usually a fine thing to do. But in Latin, "finis" means "end, limit" (seen in "final" and "finish"). This is why people do not want to be defined.
  3. demonstrate
    show the validity of something, as by example or explanation
    "Study after study demonstrates that when you put money into the pockets of consumers, they spend it," Munoz said. Reuters (May 28, 2014)
  4. demonstration
    a visual presentation showing how something works
    During a demonstration on stage, developers showed off the new abilities of the game’s protagonist, Sackboy, including flying and wall-jumping. Time (Jun 9, 2014)
    In Latin, "monstrare" means "to show"--this is the most important part of the verb "demonstrate" and the noun "demonstration." A demonstration can show that something is true, show how something works, show how a group feels, or show military force.
  5. describe
    give a statement representing something
    When asked to describe Chrome’s morning workout, Delgado said he “was like a monster.” Time (Jun 8, 2014)
  6. description
    a statement that represents something in words
    Based on her description, the police were able to come up with a sketch. New York Times (Jun 5, 2014)
  7. develop
    gain through experience
    Envision yourself a leader and seek opportunities to develop leadership skills. US News (Jun 10, 2014)
    The definition given here is similar to the one in your workbook about changing and growing. Almost everything that already exists can develop; this includes the changing and growing of people, animals, countries, situations, or ideas. But you could also develop something completely new, such as technology or an essay. The most important thing to remember about development is that it is a process that takes time and energy.
  8. development
    a process in which something passes to a different stage
    The balance work benefits kids’ brain and muscle development, Birnes said, and helps with coordination. Washington Post
  9. elaborate
    add details to clarify an idea
    He told her to be more polite and not to elaborate on questions that could be answered with one word. Washington Post
    When the last syllable "ate" is pronounced with a long "a" sound, "elaborate" is a verb. When the last syllable is pronounced to sound like "it" then "elaborate" is an adjective. An elaborate idea or thing has been carefully developed with lots of rich and complex details.
  10. emphasis
    special importance or significance
    There will be international film, for instance, but the emphasis will be domestic, perhaps leaning toward Los Angeles. New York Times (Jun 9, 2014)
Created on Fri Jun 06 14:33:53 EDT 2014 (updated Sat Jun 14 08:02:06 EDT 2014)

Sign up now (it’s free!)

Whether you’re a teacher or a learner, Vocabulary.com can put you or your class on the path to systematic vocabulary improvement.