Science Vocabulary

Definition: a proposed explanation that can be tested

Example: “The experiment supported the original hypothesis.”

Forms: hypothesis (n.), hypotheses (pl.), hypothesize (v.)

Synonyms: theory, proposition

Definition: Having power and influence over others; most prominent.

Example: “English has become the dominant language of global business.”

Definition: To develop or present in detail; to add more information.

Example: “Could you elaborate on the key points of your proposal?”

Definition: Becoming prominent or well-known for the first time.

Example: “Artificial intelligence is an emerging field with vast potential.”

Definition: Based on observation or experience rather than theory.

Example: “Empirical evidence is essential for scientific research.”

Definition: To intensify, increase, or further improve the quality of something.

Example: “Regular reading can significantly enhance your vocabulary.”

Definition: To destroy or remove completely.

Example: “Global efforts to eradicate polio have been largely successful.”

Definition: Relating to moral principles; morally right.

Example: “Researchers must follow strict ethical guidelines when working with human subjects.”

Definition: To form an opinion about the value or quality of something.

Example: “Students are required to evaluate the reliability of their sources.”

Definition: Clearly seen or understood; obvious.

Example: “The improvement in students' scores was evident after the new program.”

Definition: To develop gradually over time.

Example: “Language continues to evolve as new words enter common use.”

Definition: Stated clearly and in detail, leaving no room for confusion.

Example: “The contract included explicit terms regarding payment.”

Definition: To rise and fall irregularly in number or amount.

Example: “Currency values fluctuate according to market conditions.”

Definition: To create or devise a plan, policy, or method systematically.

Example: “Scientists formulate hypotheses before conducting experiments.”

Definition: Of central importance; forming a necessary base.

Example: “Access to clean water is a fundamental human right.”

Definition: To produce or create something.

Example: “Renewable energy sources generate electricity without carbon emissions.”

Definition: To explain or make something clear by using examples or comparisons.

Example: “The graph illustrates the rise in global temperatures over the past century.”

Definition: Implied but not directly expressed.

Example: “There was an implicit agreement that no one would speak about the matter.”

Definition: Something that motivates or encourages someone to do something.

Example: “Tax reductions serve as an incentive for businesses to invest locally.”

Definition: Certain to happen; unable to be avoided.

Example: “Globalisation made cultural exchange inevitable.”

Definition: To conclude from evidence and reasoning.

Example: “From the data, we can infer that the trend will continue.”

Definition: Introducing new ideas; original and creative.

Example: “The company is known for its innovative approach to product design.”

Definition: Necessary to make a whole complete; essential.

Example: “Critical thinking is integral to academic success.”

Definition: To explain the meaning of something.

Example: “Results can be interpreted in different ways depending on the framework used.”

Definition: To show or prove to be right or reasonable.

Example: “You must justify your argument with evidence from reliable sources.”

Definition: Responsible by law; likely to do or suffer something.

Example: “Companies are liable for the environmental damage they cause.”

Definition: Conforming to the law or rules; justifiable.

Example: “The workers had legitimate concerns about their working conditions.”

Definition: To reduce something to the smallest possible amount.

Example: “The company took steps to minimize its environmental impact.”

Definition: To make something less severe or less serious.

Example: “Planting trees can help mitigate the effects of climate change.”

Definition: A concept or belief about something.

Example: “The notion that success depends solely on intelligence is outdated.”

Definition: Not influenced by personal feelings; considering only facts.

Example: “A good academic essay should present an objective analysis of the topic.”

Definition: A thing that blocks or hinders progress.

Example: “Lack of funding remains the biggest obstacle to research.”

Definition: To get, acquire, or secure something.

Example: “You must obtain permission before using copyrighted material.”

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

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

Definition: To become aware of or understand something.

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

Definition: To continue firmly despite obstacles or opposition.

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

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.”

Definition: Dealing with things practically rather than theoretically.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Definition: Having great depth or intensity; very great.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Definition: Unwilling and hesitant.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Definition: At the same time.

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

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

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

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

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

Definition: Of considerable size, value, or importance.

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

Definition: Enough; adequate for the purpose.

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

Definition: To maintain or support over a long period.

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

Definition: An inclination towards a particular way of behaving.

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

Definition: Concerned with theory rather than practice.

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

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

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

Definition: To weaken or damage something, especially gradually.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Definition: Capable of working successfully; feasible.

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

Definition: A tendency to change rapidly and unpredictably.

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

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

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

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

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

Definition: Having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something.

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

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

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

Definition: Causing or likely to cause argument.

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

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

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

Definition: Causing harm or damage.

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