TOEFL Vocabulary Builder

to examine something in detail to understand it

“The study analyzes how sleep affects memory.”

to judge the quality, value or importance of something

“Researchers assessed the impact of the new policy.”

to accept something as true without proof

“The author assumes the reader knows the background.”

to decide something after considering the facts

“We can conclude that the results are consistent.”

to state the opposite of something; to be in conflict with

“The new data contradict the earlier theory.”

to show clearly that something is true

“The experiment demonstrates the effect of heat.”

to judge how good or useful something is

“The essay evaluates two competing explanations.”

facts or information showing whether something is true

“There is strong evidence for this claim.”

an idea suggested as an explanation, to be tested

“The hypothesis was supported by the findings.”

to suggest something without stating it directly

“The passage implies that costs will rise.”

to explain the meaning of something

“Students interpret the data in the final section.”

to give a good reason for something

“The writer justifies the method used.”

important or large enough to have an effect

“There was a significant increase in temperature.”

based on sound reasoning or evidence

“That is a valid point supported by research.”

to change in order to fit a new situation

“Species adapt to their environment over time.”

to change something slightly

“The plan was altered after the review.”

to change from one form or use to another

“Plants convert sunlight into energy.”

to become smaller, weaker or less

“Bird populations declined sharply.”

to appear or become known

“A new pattern emerged from the data.”

to develop gradually

“The technology evolved over a decade.”

to become larger in size, number or amount

“The city expanded rapidly in the 1900s.”

to produce or create something

“The reaction generates a large amount of heat.”

to make small changes to improve something

“Engineers modified the original design.”

a change in position, direction or attitude

“There was a shift toward renewable energy.”

to change completely in form or nature

“The internet transformed communication.”

to experience a change or process

“The metal undergoes rapid cooling.”

to get or obtain something

“The lab acquired new equipment.”

to organize and carry out an activity

“They conducted a survey of 500 people.”

always behaving or happening in the same way

“The results were consistent across trials.”

to obtain something from a source

“The formula is derived from earlier work.”

to judge the approximate value or size

“Scientists estimate the age of the rock.”

one of the things that influences a result

“Diet is a key factor in health.”

a particular way of doing something

“The method was described in detail.”

to get something, especially with effort

“They obtained similar results twice.”

a fact or event that can be observed

“The phenomenon occurs only at night.”

the set of values between a lower and upper limit

“Prices vary across a wide range.”

able to be trusted to be accurate

“This is a reliable measurement.”

to be different or change depending on the situation

“Rainfall varies by region.”

one of the parts that make up a whole

“Each component serves a purpose.”

a result or effect of an action

“Pollution is a consequence of industry.”

to limit or restrict something

“A small budget constrained the project.”

to help cause or add to something

“Several causes contribute to the problem.”

clearly different or separate

“The two species are distinct.”

to improve the quality or value of something

“Practice enhances performance.”

a basic structure of ideas or rules

“The theory offers a useful framework.”

a strong effect on something

“The reform had a major impact.”

a basic rule or truth that explains how something works

“The design follows a simple principle.”

to make something known that was hidden

“The study reveals a clear trend.”

as much as is needed

“There was sufficient data to decide.”

hidden but important; forming the basis of something

“The underlying cause was economic.”