TOEFL: High-Frequency Academic Vocabulary

Analyze

(Verb) Definition: To examine something in detail to explain and interpret it. Collocations: analyze data, analyze results. Example: Scientists analyze the chemical composition of the soil to determine its fertility.

Approach

(Noun/Verb) Definition: A way of dealing with something; to come near. Collocations: systematic approach, alternative approach. Example: The researchers adopted a new approach to solving the climate crisis.

Assess

(Verb) Definition: To evaluate or estimate the nature, ability, or quality of something. Collocations: assess the impact, assess performance. Example: The professor will assess the students' progress through a final exam.

Concept

(Noun) Definition: An abstract idea or general notion. Collocations: basic concept, theoretical concept. Example: Gravity is a fundamental concept in the field of physics.

Constitute

(Verb) Definition: To be a part of a whole; to make up. Collocations: constitute a threat, constitute a majority. Example: Single-parent households constitute a significant portion of the population.

Context

(Noun) Definition: The circumstances that form the setting for an event, statement, or idea. Collocations: historical context, social context. Example: To understand the poem, one must consider the historical context in which it was written.

Contrast

(Noun/Verb) Definition: The state of being strikingly different from something else. Collocations: sharp contrast, in contrast to. Example: There is a sharp contrast between the two political ideologies.

Data

(Noun) Definition: Facts and statistics collected together for reference or analysis. Collocations: raw data, empirical data. Example: The study was based on data collected from over 1,000 participants.

Define

(Verb) Definition: To state or describe exactly the nature, scope, or meaning of something. Collocations: clearly define, define the parameters. Example: It is difficult to define the exact boundaries of the ecosystem.

Derive

(Verb) Definition: To obtain something from a specified source. Collocations: derive from, derive pleasure. Example: Many modern medicines are derived from natural plant extracts.