This DET vocabulary list contains 100 useful words and phrases, grouped by what you need to communicate. Each entry has a plain meaning and an original example. Use it to practice precise expression and recognition in context, rather than to collect impressive synonyms.
This is an independent PrepEx study list, not an official Duolingo English Test word list or a prediction of test questions. Knowing these entries does not guarantee a score. Familiar words used accurately can communicate more effectively than advanced words inserted without regard to meaning.
Learn a usable phrase, then retrieve it
Choose five entries connected to something you can discuss today. Read the examples, cover them, and write or say a new sentence from memory. Check the meaning, spelling, and grammar afterward. Repeat the retrieval on another day; rereading a familiar definition alone does not show whether you can use the word.
Keep the surrounding words with the entry: contribute to a result, prevent a mistake, and compatible with a device. These combinations help you choose both the meaning and the grammar. Then change the context: explain a class activity, a shared room, or an everyday decision using the same phrase naturally.
Build small word families, but check the sentence role. For example: We decided to revise it uses a verb; the revised version uses a participle; the revision clarified the date uses a noun. With reliable, compare a reliable service, works reliably, and service reliability. Family members cannot automatically replace one another.
100 useful DET study words and phrases
The grouping is for study convenience. Most entries work across several topics; the example shows one use, not every possible meaning.
- Explain a position
- Develop reasons and results
- Compare choices accurately
- Describe learning and practice
- Discuss cooperation and communication
- Talk about time and change
- Describe spaces and visible actions
- Evaluate tools and everyday services
- Discuss resources and shared environments
- Reflect on experiences and evidence
1. Explain a position
- 1. priority
Meaning: something given greater importance. Example: Reliable access should be a priority when planning the service.
- 2. justify
Meaning: give a reason for a choice. Example: The shorter journey helps justify the higher fare.
- 3. relevant
Meaning: connected to the matter being discussed. Example: Choose an example relevant to the question.
- 4. reasonable
Meaning: fair or sensible in the circumstances. Example: A week is a reasonable amount of time to reply.
- 5. perspective
Meaning: a way of understanding a situation. Example: Working with beginners changed her perspective on teaching.
- 6. preference
Meaning: a liking for one option over another. Example: My preference is to study before lunch.
- 7. convincing
Meaning: able to make someone believe an explanation. Example: The direct comparison made his argument convincing.
- 8. distinguish
Meaning: recognize or show a difference. Example: We need to distinguish a temporary delay from a permanent change.
- 9. qualify
Meaning: limit the scope of a statement. Example: I would qualify that advice for people working at night.
- 10. depend on
Meaning: be determined or influenced by something. Example: The best choice may depend on the space available.
2. Develop reasons and results
- 11. contribute to
Meaning: help bring about a result. Example: Clear signs contribute to a smoother arrival.
- 12. enable
Meaning: make an action possible. Example: The ramp enables visitors to enter without using the steps.
- 13. prevent
Meaning: stop something from happening. Example: A cover helps prevent dust from entering the box.
- 14. consequence
Meaning: a result of an action or event. Example: One consequence of moving the meeting was lower attendance.
- 15. underlying
Meaning: existing beneath the most visible explanation. Example: The underlying problem was a lack of clear instructions.
- 16. account for
Meaning: explain why something happens. Example: The earlier start may account for the shorter queue.
- 17. lead to
Meaning: cause or produce a later result. Example: Repeated interruptions can lead to mistakes.
- 18. reinforce
Meaning: make an idea or pattern stronger. Example: The second example reinforced the main point.
- 19. reduce
Meaning: make something smaller in amount or degree. Example: Sharing equipment can reduce the cost per person.
- 20. outcome
Meaning: the final result of a process. Example: The outcome was useful even though the plan changed.
3. Compare choices accurately
- 21. alternative
Meaning: another available choice. Example: Walking is an alternative when the buses are full.
- 22. trade-off
Meaning: a situation in which gaining one thing means losing another. Example: There is a trade-off between extra storage and a lighter bag.
- 23. whereas
Meaning: used to contrast two facts. Example: The first room faces the road, whereas the second overlooks a yard.
- 24. similarly
Meaning: in a comparable way. Example: The hall needs better lighting; similarly, the entrance is too dark.
- 25. relatively
Meaning: in comparison with something else. Example: The repair was relatively cheap compared with a replacement.
- 26. equivalent
Meaning: equal in value, amount, or function. Example: Two short sessions are not always equivalent to one uninterrupted session.
- 27. drawback
Meaning: a disadvantage. Example: The main drawback is the limited opening time.
- 28. advantage
Meaning: a beneficial feature. Example: An advantage of the smaller group is that everyone can ask questions.
- 29. suitable
Meaning: right for a particular purpose. Example: The folding table is suitable for a small room.
- 30. rather than
Meaning: instead of; used to mark a choice or contrast. Example: We repaired the existing shelves rather than buying new ones.
4. Describe learning and practice
- 31. retain
Meaning: keep information or continue to have something. Example: I retain new words better when I use them in a sentence.
- 32. recall
Meaning: bring information back to mind. Example: Try to recall the phrase before looking at the page.
- 33. revise
Meaning: change written work to improve it. Example: She revised the introduction to answer the question more directly.
- 34. clarify
Meaning: make something easier to understand. Example: A labeled drawing helped clarify the instructions.
- 35. consistent
Meaning: regular or in agreement across occasions. Example: Consistent practice is easier when the sessions are short.
- 36. gradual
Meaning: happening in small stages. Example: The improvement was gradual rather than immediate.
- 37. accurate
Meaning: correct and free from significant mistakes. Example: An accurate description includes the important differences.
- 38. approach
Meaning: a method of dealing with something. Example: His approach was to practice one difficult section at a time.
- 39. feedback
Meaning: information about performance that can guide improvement. Example: Specific feedback helped me identify an unclear sentence.
- 40. apply
Meaning: put knowledge or a method into use. Example: We applied the same method to a different problem.
5. Discuss cooperation and communication
- 41. coordinate
Meaning: organize different people or activities together. Example: One volunteer coordinated the deliveries.
- 42. allocate
Meaning: assign a resource for a purpose. Example: The group allocated an hour to setting up the room.
- 43. responsibility
Meaning: a duty or something a person must manage. Example: Checking the final list was my responsibility.
- 44. negotiate
Meaning: discuss something to reach an agreement. Example: They negotiated a schedule that suited both groups.
- 45. acknowledge
Meaning: recognize or accept that something is true. Example: The organizer acknowledged that the notice had been unclear.
- 46. considerate
Meaning: showing care for other people’s needs. Example: Leaving the doorway clear was considerate.
- 47. convey
Meaning: communicate a message or feeling. Example: The diagram conveyed the arrangement more clearly than the paragraph.
- 48. misunderstanding
Meaning: an incorrect interpretation. Example: A misunderstanding about the date caused the delay.
- 49. compromise
Meaning: an agreement involving adjustments by different sides. Example: Meeting halfway was a practical compromise.
- 50. follow through
Meaning: complete an action that was started or promised. Example: She followed through on her offer to check the list.
6. Talk about time and change
- 51. initially
Meaning: at the beginning. Example: Initially, the room seemed too small for the workshop.
- 52. eventually
Meaning: after some time or difficulty. Example: We eventually found a layout that left enough space.
- 53. meanwhile
Meaning: during the same period. Example: I labeled the boxes; meanwhile, the others cleared the table.
- 54. temporary
Meaning: lasting for a limited time. Example: The temporary entrance is beside the main building.
- 55. maintain
Meaning: keep something at the same level or in good condition. Example: A simple routine helped him maintain the habit.
- 56. adapt
Meaning: change to fit new circumstances. Example: The team adapted the plan when fewer volunteers arrived.
- 57. postpone
Meaning: arrange for something to happen later. Example: We postponed the outdoor activity because of the rain.
- 58. promptly
Meaning: without unnecessary delay. Example: She replied promptly so we could confirm the booking.
- 59. previously
Meaning: before the time being discussed. Example: The space had previously been used for storage.
- 60. in the meantime
Meaning: during the wait before another event. Example: The repair will take a week; in the meantime, we can borrow a pump.
7. Describe spaces and visible actions
- 61. adjacent
Meaning: next to something. Example: The workshop and the adjacent office share an entrance.
- 62. beneath
Meaning: in a lower position than something. Example: Several boxes are stored beneath the table.
- 63. scattered
Meaning: spread across an area without a neat arrangement. Example: Leaves are scattered across the steps.
- 64. crowded
Meaning: full of people or things with little free space. Example: The entrance became crowded when the event ended.
- 65. sheltered
Meaning: protected from weather or other exposure. Example: They waited in a sheltered area beside the hall.
- 66. lean
Meaning: rest or move at an angle. Example: A bicycle leans against the wall.
- 67. grasp
Meaning: hold firmly. Example: The worker grasps the handle with both hands.
- 68. arrange
Meaning: put things in a planned order or position. Example: Two volunteers arrange chairs in a semicircle.
- 69. partially
Meaning: not completely. Example: The sign is partially hidden by a branch.
- 70. appear to
Meaning: seem to do or be something when certainty is limited. Example: The visitors appear to be waiting for the doors to open.
8. Evaluate tools and everyday services
- 71. reliable
Meaning: able to be trusted to work as expected. Example: A reliable bus service makes planning easier.
- 72. accessible
Meaning: easy to reach, enter, or use. Example: The lower shelf makes the materials accessible to more visitors.
- 73. efficient
Meaning: working with little wasted time or effort. Example: Grouping similar tasks made the process more efficient.
- 74. convenient
Meaning: easy or useful in a particular situation. Example: The earlier collection time is convenient for local residents.
- 75. durable
Meaning: able to last through repeated use. Example: A durable cover protects the notebook in a bag.
- 76. portable
Meaning: easy to carry or move. Example: The portable lamp can be used at different tables.
- 77. adjustable
Meaning: able to be changed to suit a need. Example: The adjustable chair fits users of different heights.
- 78. straightforward
Meaning: easy to understand or do. Example: The instructions were straightforward enough to follow alone.
- 79. compatible
Meaning: able to work together. Example: Check that the replacement part is compatible with the pump.
- 80. limitation
Meaning: a restriction or weakness. Example: A limitation of the design is its narrow opening.
9. Discuss resources and shared environments
- 81. reuse
Meaning: use something again. Example: We reused the boxes for storing workshop materials.
- 82. waste
Meaning: material or effort used without a useful result. Example: Measuring carefully helped reduce waste.
- 83. preserve
Meaning: protect something from loss or damage. Example: The repair preserved the original wooden frame.
- 84. resource
Meaning: something available for a useful purpose. Example: The shared tool cupboard is a valuable resource.
- 85. capacity
Meaning: the amount something can hold or handle. Example: The hall has limited storage capacity.
- 86. demand
Meaning: the amount people want or need. Example: Demand for evening classes increased after the schedule changed.
- 87. available
Meaning: ready or possible to use. Example: Only two tables were available that afternoon.
- 88. dispose of
Meaning: get rid of something. Example: The notice explains where to dispose of broken glass safely.
- 89. supply
Meaning: an amount provided or available. Example: The room has a small supply of spare paper.
- 90. balance
Meaning: give appropriate attention or amounts to different needs. Example: The plan balances quiet study with group activities.
10. Reflect on experiences and evidence
- 91. notice
Meaning: become aware of something. Example: I noticed that the label had faded.
- 92. assume
Meaning: accept something as true without checking. Example: I assumed the room was open and did not check the timetable.
- 93. realize
Meaning: come to understand something. Example: She realized that the parts fitted in a different order.
- 94. unexpected
Meaning: not anticipated. Example: An unexpected benefit was meeting people from nearby streets.
- 95. worthwhile
Meaning: valuable enough to justify the time or effort. Example: The extra check was worthwhile because it caught a missing date.
- 96. indicate
Meaning: show or suggest something. Example: The worn path indicates that people often take this route.
- 97. evidence
Meaning: information that supports a conclusion. Example: The earlier drafts provide evidence of improvement.
- 98. impression
Meaning: an idea or feeling formed from limited information. Example: My first impression was that the task would be difficult.
- 99. specific
Meaning: clearly identified or limited to a particular thing. Example: A specific example made the explanation easier to follow.
- 100. reconsider
Meaning: think again about a decision or belief. Example: Seeing the crowded entrance made us reconsider the layout.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Do not treat similar words as interchangeable. A convenient service fits your situation; an efficient service wastes little time or effort. It may be one without being the other.
- Keep the grammar of the phrase. Say prevent someone from doing something, contribute to a project, and depend on the situation. Changing the preposition can change or damage the meaning.
- Check noun countability. In these uses, feedback and evidence are uncountable: “some useful feedback” and “two pieces of evidence,” rather than “two feedbacks” or “an evidence.”
- Make the comparison explicit. “Relatively cheap” invites the question “compared with what?” Give the reader enough context to understand the comparison.
- Use connectors for a real relationship. Meanwhile signals events happening during the same period; it is not a general substitute for “also.” Whereas connects contrasting clauses, rather than standing alone as a complete sentence.
- Separate observation from inference. “A bicycle leans against the wall” describes something visible. “The visitors appear to be waiting” is an interpretation. Avoid turning an uncertain interpretation into a fact.
- Let accuracy guide range. Repeating a precise word can be clearer than switching to a loose synonym. Revise for meaning first; do not add a rare word simply because a response seems too simple.
Use the list in actual tasks
Recognition, spelling, and production are different practice needs. Use Read and Select to work on recognizing English words, Fill in the Blanks for sentence context, and Read and Complete for passage context. The list does not predict which words those tasks will show.
For production, choose a prompt from the Writing Sample examples and write an answer without looking at the list. Afterward, check whether one entry could express an existing idea more accurately. Do not force all five study words into the response. You can also try Interactive Writing practice or follow the broader DET reading practice guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an official DET vocabulary list to memorize?
This page is a PrepEx selection, not an official list or a disclosed set of test items. Use varied reading and listening alongside it so you meet words in different contexts.
Will advanced vocabulary guarantee 130 or more?
No. A word list cannot guarantee a DET score. Official writing criteria consider content, coherence, grammar, and lexis; vocabulary needs to fit the meaning, context, and sentence.
Should I learn every entry before practicing?
No. Start with a few entries you can use accurately. Practice with them, notice gaps in your expression, and return to the list with a specific purpose.
How can I move a word from recognition to active use?
Recall it without looking, use it in a new sentence, and check the sentence afterward. Revisit the word in a different topic and on a later day. Keep its common phrase pattern as well as its definition.
Can these words help with speaking too?
Many can. Say your own examples aloud and choose language you can produce comfortably. Spoken clarity matters more than forcing written-sounding expressions into every answer.
Official sources and editorial note
PrepEx independently selected these entries and wrote their definitions and examples. Task and scoring references checked November 14, 2026: