Preparing for your TOEFL exam involves building up your vocabulary for the exam. A robust grasp of English words is crucial for the test and academic success in English-speaking environments. In this blog post you will find a list of TOEFL vocabulary words you must know for your exam. The list includes definitions and sample sentences to make studying the vocabulary easier. Use this list as part of your test prep.
The Importance of Vocabulary in the TOEFL Test
The TOEFL exam tests your ability to understand and use the English language academically. A strong vocabulary enhances your ability to understand test questions, write essays, and comprehend reading materials.
How to Use This TOEFL Vocabulary List
Before diving into the vocabulary list, knowing how to use it effectively to study is important. Using online tools and resources such as flashcards can make learning vocabulary easier. Other ways to master these words and learn them effectively include practice exercises and writing your own sentences.
Comprehensive TOEFL Vocabulary List
Below you will find a detailed TOEFL vocabulary list presented in a table format. This list covers commonly tested words particularly useful for TOEFL test-takers. Each entry includes the word, its definition, and a sample sentence to illustrate its use in context.
Word | Part of Speech | Definition | Sample Sentence |
---|---|---|---|
Analysis | Noun | Detailed examination of the elements or structure of something | The analysis of the data revealed some surprising trends. |
Approach | Noun/Verb | A way of dealing with something; to come near or nearer to something in distance or time | His approach to solving complex problems is both innovative and effective. |
Area | Noun | A particular part of a place, piece of land, or country | The research focused on a small area of the rainforest. |
Assessment | Noun | The evaluation or estimation of the nature, quality, or ability of someone or something | The teacher’s assessment of the students’ work was fair and helpful. |
Assume | Verb | Suppose to be the case, without proof | We assume that the market will continue to grow. |
Authority | Noun | The power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience | She has the authority to make changes to the curriculum. |
Available | Adjective | Able to be used or obtained; at someone’s disposal | The book you need is available at the library. |
Benefit | Noun/Verb | An advantage or profit gained from something; to gain or receive good results from something | Regular exercise has many health benefits. |
Consistent | Adjective | Acting or done in the same way over time, especially so as to be fair or accurate | The company has been consistent in its quality and service. |
Constitutional | Adjective | Relating to an established set of principles governing a state | The constitutional rights of the accused must be protected. |
Context | Noun | The circumstances that form the setting for an event, statement, or idea, and in terms of which it can be fully understood and assessed | The historical context of the speech is important to understand its impact. |
Contract | Noun/Verb | A written or spoken agreement, especially one concerning employment, sales, or tenancy, that is intended to be enforceable by law | The contract between the two companies was signed yesterday. |
Create | Verb | Bring (something) into existence | The artist uses recycled materials to create her sculptures. |
Data | Noun | Facts and statistics collected together for reference or analysis | The data from the experiment were inconclusive. |
Definition | Noun | A statement of the exact meaning of a word, especially in a dictionary | The definition of ‘quasar’ is still subject to debate among astronomers. |
Derived | Adjective | Obtain something from (a specified source) | The medication is derived from a natural plant extract. |
Distribution | Noun | The action of sharing something out among a number of recipients | The distribution of resources must be equitable to ensure fairness. |
Economic | Adjective | Relating to economics or the economy | The economic impact of the pandemic has been severe. |
Environment | Noun | The surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates | Protecting our natural environment is crucial for future generations. |
Established | Adjective | Having been in existence for a long time and therefore recognized and generally accepted | The festival is an established part of the city’s cultural scene. |
Estimate | Verb/Noun | Roughly calculate or judge the value, number, quantity, or extent of | The contractor provided an estimate for the renovation costs. |
Evidence | Noun | The available body of facts or information indicating whether a belief or proposition is true or valid | The evidence strongly suggests that the suspect was not at the scene of the crime. |
Export | Verb/Noun | Send (goods or services) to another country for sale; the goods or services sent | The country is planning to increase its export of manufactured goods. |
Factors | Noun | One of the elements contributing to a particular result or situation | Several factors influenced our decision to move. |
Financial | Adjective | Relating to finance | They were seeking financial advice to better manage their investments. |
Formula | Noun | A mathematical relationship or rule expressed in symbols | The formula for calculating the area of a circle is πr². |
Function | Noun/Verb | An activity or purpose natural to or intended for a person or thing; work or operate in a proper or particular way | The main function of the brakes is to stop the car. |
Identified | Verb | Establish or indicate who or what (someone or something) is | The species was identified using DNA analysis. |
Income | Noun | Money received, especially on a regular basis, for work or through investments | His main source of income is from his job as a consultant. |
Indicate | Verb | Point out; show | The signs indicate the way to the nearest hospital. |
Individual | Noun/Adjective | A single human being as distinct from a group, class, or family; single; particular; personal | Each individual has rights that must be respected. |
Interpretation | Noun | The action of explaining the meaning of something | His interpretation of the poem was compelling. |
Involved | Adjective | Connected or concerned with someone or something, typically on an emotional or personal level | She was deeply involved in the community service program. |
Issues | Noun | An important topic or problem for debate or discussion | Environmental issues are becoming more urgent. |
Labour | Noun/Verb | Work, especially physical work; work hard | The construction project required a lot of manual labour. |
Legal | Adjective | Relating to the law | She consulted her legal advisor before signing the document. |
Legislation | Noun | Laws, considered collectively | New legislation will affect how businesses operate. |
Major | Adjective/Noun | Very large or important, when compared to other things or people of a similar kind | A major concern for many people today is climate change. |
Method | Noun | A particular form of procedure for accomplishing or approaching something, especially a systematic or established one | The scientists used a new method to conduct their research. |
Occur | Verb | Happen; take place | The accident occurred at around 3 PM. |
Percent | Noun | One part in every hundred | About 50 percent of the population voted in favor. |
Period | Noun | A length or portion of time | She was a famous writer during the Victorian period. |
Policy | Noun | A course or principle of action adopted or proposed by an organization or individual | The company’s privacy policy has been updated. |
Principle | Noun | A fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for a system of belief, or behavior or for a chain of reasoning | His decision was based on the principle of fairness. |
Procedure | Noun | An established or official way of doing something | The hospital has a strict procedure for handling emergencies. |
Process | Noun/Verb | A series of actions or steps taken in order to achieve a particular end | The application process can take several weeks. |
Required | Adjective | Officially compulsory, or otherwise considered essential; obligatory | The form required his signature before submission. |
Research | Noun/Verb | The systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions | She conducts research into the effects of climate change. |
Response | Noun | A verbal or written answer | His response to the allegations was swift and clear. |
Role | Noun | The function assumed or part played by a person or thing in a particular situation | Her role in the project was crucial for its success. |
Section | Noun | Any of the more or less distinct parts into which something is or may be divided or from which it is made up | The report’s financial section was particularly detailed. |
Sector | Noun | An area or portion that is distinct from others | The private sector contributes significantly to the economy. |
Significant | Adjective | Sufficiently great or important to be worthy of attention; noteworthy | The study has made significant contributions to our understanding of the topic. |
Similar | Adjective | Resembling without being identical | Their opinions are similar, but not identical. |
Source | Noun | A place, person, or thing from which something originates or can be obtained | Solar energy is a renewable source of power. |
Specific | Adjective | Clearly defined or identified | Please provide a specific example to support your claim. |
Structure | Noun | The arrangement of and relations between the parts or elements of something complex | The structure of the building was designed to withstand earthquakes. |
Theory | Noun | A supposition or a system of ideas intended to explain something, especially one based on general principles independent of the thing to be explained | Einstein’s theory of relativity revolutionized physics. |
Variable | Noun/Adjective | An element, feature, or factor that is liable to vary or change; liable to vary or change | Weather is a significant variable in crop production. |
Use This Word List for Your TOEFL Test Prep
Mastering TOEFL vocabulary is crucial for success on the test day and in your future academic endeavours. Use this list as part of your TOEFL test prep. Every day, integrate them into your study routine to enhance your English language skills. This way, you can take the TOEFL exam feeling confident and prepared.
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88 Essential Vocabulary Words You Need for TOEFL Speaking