topic vocabulary

Communication Vocabulary

This topic guide gives you practical communication vocabulary for speaking, writing, reading, and listening.

Featured word or expression

clarify

Definition: to make an idea or statement easier to understand

Example: “Could you clarify the final requirement?”

Word forms and grammar

clarify (v.), clarification (n.), clear (adj.)

Synonyms and close meanings

explain, make clear

Related vocabulary

Learn these words as a connected set, then write one original sentence with each item.

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Complete learning list

75 words and expressions

Definitions, examples, and audio pronunciation

01 · featured vocabulary

clarify

Definition: to make an idea or statement easier to understand

Example: “Could you clarify the final requirement?”

Forms: clarify (v.), clarification (n.), clear (adj.)

Synonyms: explain, make clear

02 · noun

Paradigm

Definition: A typical example or pattern; a model or framework.

Example: “The discovery led to a paradigm shift in scientific thinking.”

03 · verb

Perceive

Definition: To become aware of or understand something.

Example: “Many people perceive social media as a threat to privacy.”

04 · verb

Persist

Definition: To continue firmly despite obstacles or opposition.

Example: “Inequality tends to persist without targeted government intervention.”

05 · noun

Phenomenon

Definition: A fact or situation that is observed to exist, especially one whose cause is in question.

Example: “Urban migration is a global phenomenon driven by economic factors.”

06 · adjective

Pragmatic

Definition: Dealing with things practically rather than theoretically.

Example: “The manager took a pragmatic approach to solving the budget crisis.”

07 · noun

Premise

Definition: A statement assumed to be true as the basis for an argument.

Example: “The argument rests on the premise that education reduces poverty.”

08 · adjective

Prevalent

Definition: Widespread in a particular area at a particular time.

Example: “Obesity is increasingly prevalent in developed countries.”

09 · noun

Principle

Definition: A fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for a system.

Example: “The principle of equality underpins democratic governance.”

10 · adjective

Profound

Definition: Having great depth or intensity; very great.

Example: “The industrial revolution had a profound effect on society.”

11 · verb

Promote

Definition: To support or actively encourage a cause, venture, or aim.

Example: “The campaign aims to promote healthy lifestyle choices.”

12 · noun

Proportion

Definition: A part, share, or number considered in comparison with a whole.

Example: “A large proportion of the population lives in urban areas.”

13 · noun

Rationale

Definition: A set of reasons or logical basis for a course of action.

Example: “The report explained the rationale behind the new policy.”

14 · verb

Reinforce

Definition: To strengthen or support, especially with additional evidence.

Example: “These findings reinforce the importance of early childhood education.”

15 · adjective

Relevant

Definition: Closely connected or appropriate to the matter in hand.

Example: “Only relevant evidence should be included in an academic argument.”

16 · adjective

Reluctant

Definition: Unwilling and hesitant.

Example: “Many people are reluctant to change long-established habits.”

17 · noun

Repercussion

Definition: An unintended consequence occurring later as a result of an event.

Example: “The financial crisis had serious repercussions for global trade.”

18 · verb

Resolve

Definition: To find a solution to a problem or dispute.

Example: “Negotiations were held to resolve the conflict peacefully.”

19 · verb

Restrict

Definition: To put a limit on; keep under control.

Example: “New laws restrict the use of single-use plastics.”

20 · verb

Retain

Definition: To continue to have something; keep possession of.

Example: “It is important to retain key staff during times of transition.”

21 · adjective

Significant

Definition: Important, notable, or large enough to have an effect.

Example: “There was a significant increase in unemployment last year.”

22 · adverb

Simultaneously

Definition: At the same time.

Example: “The two processes occur simultaneously in the cell.”

23 · adjective

Sophisticated

Definition: Developed to a high degree of complexity or refinement.

Example: “Modern technology provides increasingly sophisticated tools for learning.”

24 · adjective

Subjective

Definition: Based on personal feelings or opinions rather than facts.

Example: “Art appreciation is often considered a subjective experience.”

25 · adjective

Substantial

Definition: Of considerable size, value, or importance.

Example: “The project required a substantial investment of time and resources.”

26 · adjective

Sufficient

Definition: Enough; adequate for the purpose.

Example: “There is not sufficient evidence to draw a definitive conclusion.”

27 · verb

Sustain

Definition: To maintain or support over a long period.

Example: “Sustainable agriculture helps sustain food supplies for future generations.”

28 · noun

Tendency

Definition: An inclination towards a particular way of behaving.

Example: “There is a tendency to overlook the social causes of crime.”

29 · adjective

Theoretical

Definition: Concerned with theory rather than practice.

Example: “The paper presents a theoretical framework for understanding behaviour.”

30 · verb

Transform

Definition: To make a thorough or dramatic change in form, appearance, or character.

Example: “Digital technology has transformed the way people communicate.”

31 · verb

Undermine

Definition: To weaken or damage something, especially gradually.

Example: “Corruption can undermine trust in public institutions.”

32 · adjective

Universal

Definition: Applicable to all cases; relating to all people.

Example: “Education is widely considered to be a universal right.”

33 · verb

Validate

Definition: To demonstrate or confirm the truth or validity of something.

Example: “Further research is needed to validate these preliminary findings.”

34 · noun

Variable

Definition: An element that can change or be changed in an experiment.

Example: “Temperature was controlled as a variable in the experiment.”

35 · adjective

Viable

Definition: Capable of working successfully; feasible.

Example: “Solar power is a viable alternative to fossil fuels.”

36 · noun

Volatility

Definition: A tendency to change rapidly and unpredictably.

Example: “Market volatility makes long-term investment planning difficult.”

37 · adjective

Widespread

Definition: Distributed or occurring over a wide area or among many people.

Example: “Misinformation has become widespread due to social media.”

38 · verb

Yield

Definition: To produce or provide a natural, agricultural, or industrial product.

Example: “The experiment yielded unexpected but significant results.”

39 · adjective

Ambivalent

Definition: Having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something.

Example: “Many voters felt ambivalent about the proposed reforms.”

40 · adjective

Concise

Definition: Giving a lot of information clearly in few words.

Example: “A concise summary is more effective than a lengthy explanation.”

41 · adjective

Contentious

Definition: Causing or likely to cause argument.

Example: “Immigration remains a contentious issue in many democracies.”

42 · verb

Deplete

Definition: To use up the supply or resources of something.

Example: “Overfishing has depleted fish stocks in many of the world's oceans.”

43 · adjective

Detrimental

Definition: Causing harm or damage.

Example: “Excessive screen time can be detrimental to children's development.”

44 · noun

Disparity

Definition: A great difference between things; inequality.

Example: “The disparity in income between rich and poor has widened.”

45 · noun

Discourse

Definition: Written or spoken communication or debate.

Example: “Academic discourse requires precision and clarity of expression.”

46 · verb

Encompass

Definition: To include a wide range of things.

Example: “The course encompasses a broad range of topics in linguistics.”

47 · adjective

Equitable

Definition: Fair and impartial; treating everyone equally.

Example: “The goal is to create a more equitable distribution of wealth.”

48 · verb

Facilitate

Definition: To make an action or process easier.

Example: “Technology can facilitate communication across long distances.”

49 · adjective

Feasible

Definition: Possible to do easily or conveniently.

Example: “The committee assessed whether the plan was economically feasible.”

50 · noun

Fluctuation

Definition: An irregular rising and falling in number or amount.

Example: “Fluctuations in oil prices affect the global economy.”

51 · noun

Hierarchy

Definition: A system in which members are ranked one above another.

Example: “Most large organisations operate within a clear hierarchy.”

52 · noun

Implication

Definition: A conclusion that can be drawn from something, though not directly stated.

Example: “The findings have important implications for healthcare policy.”

53 · adjective

Inconsistent

Definition: Not staying the same; contradictory or irregular.

Example: “The data from the two studies were inconsistent with each other.”

54 · adjective

Inherent

Definition: Existing naturally as a part of something.

Example: “There are inherent risks in any form of investment.”

55 · verb

Marginalise

Definition: To treat as unimportant or to exclude from the centre of society.

Example: “Certain groups are systematically marginalised by the education system.”

56 · noun

Methodology

Definition: A system of methods used in a particular field.

Example: “The study's methodology was transparent and well-documented.”

57 · noun

Nuance

Definition: A subtle difference in meaning, expression, or sound.

Example: “Good writers are sensitive to the nuance of language.”

58 · verb

Abolish

Definition: To formally put an end to a system, practice, or institution.

Example: “Many countries have moved to abolish the death penalty.”

59 · adjective

Abstract

Definition: Existing in thought or as an idea rather than having a physical existence.

Example: “Justice is an abstract concept that varies across cultures.”

60 · verb

Accommodate

Definition: To provide space or adjust to fit the needs of something or someone.

Example: “The new policy was designed to accommodate students with disabilities.”

61 · verb

Accumulate

Definition: To gradually gather or collect an increasing amount of something.

Example: “Evidence has accumulated to suggest that the treatment is effective.”

62 · verb

Acknowledge

Definition: To recognize or admit the existence or truth of something.

Example: “The researcher acknowledged the limitations of the study.”

63 · verb

Acquire

Definition: To come to have or obtain something, especially over time.

Example: “Children acquire language naturally through immersion.”

64 · adjective

Adequate

Definition: Satisfactory or acceptable in quality or quantity.

Example: “The study did not provide adequate evidence to support its conclusions.”

65 · adjective

Adjacent

Definition: Next to or adjoining something else.

Example: “The two countries are adjacent, sharing a border of over 2,000 kilometres.”

66 · conjunction

Albeit

Definition: Although; even though.

Example: “The results were positive, albeit inconclusive.”

67 · verb

Allocate

Definition: To distribute resources or duties for a particular purpose.

Example: “The government plans to allocate more funding to public health.”

68 · adjective

Ambiguous

Definition: Open to more than one interpretation; not clear.

Example: “The law was ambiguous and open to different readings.”

69 · adjective

Analogous

Definition: Comparable in certain respects; similar in function.

Example: “The human eye is analogous to a camera in many ways.”

70 · verb

Anticipate

Definition: To expect or predict a future event and prepare for it.

Example: “Economists anticipate a rise in inflation over the next quarter.”

71 · adjective

Apparent

Definition: Clearly visible or understood; obvious.

Example: “It was apparent that the experiment had failed.”

72 · adjective

Apprehensive

Definition: Anxious or fearful about a future event.

Example: “Many students feel apprehensive before important exams.”

73 · adjective

Arbitrary

Definition: Based on random choice rather than reason or system.

Example: “The selection process seemed arbitrary and unfair.”

74 · verb

Articulate

Definition: To express an idea clearly and effectively.

Example: “She was able to articulate her argument with great precision.”

75 · verb

Assert

Definition: To state a fact or belief confidently and forcefully.

Example: “The author asserts that climate change is the defining issue of our time.”

Quick vocabulary quiz

Which option is closest in meaning to clarify?

How to remember and use this vocabulary

Say the featured word aloud, read its definition, and notice its role in the example sentence. Next, connect it to one synonym and one related word. Finally, write a sentence about your own experience. This sequence creates several retrieval paths and makes the vocabulary easier to use spontaneously.

Usage and accuracy

Check the word form before placing vocabulary in a sentence. Nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs occupy different grammatical positions. For phrasal verbs and idioms, learn the entire expression and its typical object pattern. Accurate, natural use is more valuable than forcing advanced vocabulary into every sentence.

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