A TOEFL vocabulary PDF you can actually study
This collection contains 200 distinct headwords: 60 for daily life, 60 for campus life and 80 for academic reading and discussion. Each entry gives one useful meaning, an original example sentence, a common word partnership and related forms. Download the complete PDF without an account or email address, or use the searchable collection below.
This is an independent PrepEx selection, not an official ETS vocabulary list, a prediction of test questions or a list you must finish before taking TOEFL. Familiar words used precisely are more useful than rare words forced into an answer. A word can have several meanings; the definition here explains the sense used in its example. Related words marked “related” or “opposite” are learning connections rather than forms of the same headword.
Why the list includes everyday and campus English
The current TOEFL iBT includes everyday and academic language. Reading tasks include Complete the Words, Read in Daily Life and Read an Academic Passage. Writing includes Build a Sentence, Write an Email and Write for an Academic Discussion; Speaking includes Listen and Repeat and Take an Interview. Knowing a useful word means recognizing it in context and choosing its form accurately, not simply remembering a translation. See the official ETS content description.
Official overall and section scores use the 1–6 scale in half-point steps. Memorizing this list does not establish a band or guarantee improvement. PrepEx scores are practice estimates. Use the TOEFL vocabulary learning guide for a broader learning method; this page supplies the concrete word bank and printable resource.
A ten-minute recall routine
- Choose five words you do not yet use comfortably. Read the sentence and say the collocation aloud.
- Cover the entry and explain its meaning in plain English. Then reconstruct its word partnership from memory.
- Write a new sentence about a real or plausible situation. Check that the word form fits the grammar.
- Return the next day, three days later and a week later. These are suggested review gaps; shorten them if retrieval keeps failing.
For example, recognizing eligible is only the start. Retrieve “eligible for funding,” then write “Students taking one course are not eligible for this grant.” Check the rule in the sentence, the preposition for, and whether the claim makes sense in your invented situation. Do not memorize the sentence as a test answer.
The complete 200-word TOEFL study collection
Entries are grouped by a useful learning context, although many words work in more than one setting. The PDF preserves the same order. Without JavaScript, every entry remains visible and your browser's Find command can search the page.
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1. appointment
Daily life · Meaning: an arrangement to meet at a set time.
Example: I made an appointment with the housing advisor.
Useful phrase: schedule an appointment
Word family / connections: appointments
2. available
Daily life · Meaning: free to be used or obtained.
Example: A quiet room is available after lunch.
Useful phrase: available space
Word family / connections: availability, unavailable
3. confirm
Daily life · Meaning: to state that something is correct or definite.
Example: Please confirm your arrival time by email.
Useful phrase: confirm a reservation
Word family / connections: confirmation, confirmed
4. delay
Daily life · Meaning: to make something happen later.
Example: Heavy rain delayed the afternoon bus.
Useful phrase: a short delay
Word family / connections: delayed, delaying
5. reschedule
Daily life · Meaning: to arrange a new time for something.
Example: We rescheduled the meeting for Thursday.
Useful phrase: reschedule a meeting
Word family / connections: schedule, scheduling
6. cancel
Daily life · Meaning: to decide that a planned event will not happen.
Example: The center canceled the outdoor class.
Useful phrase: cancel a booking
Word family / connections: cancellation, canceled
7. refund
Daily life · Meaning: money returned after a payment.
Example: The store offered a refund for the broken lamp.
Useful phrase: request a refund
Word family / connections: refundable, refunded
8. receipt
Daily life · Meaning: a record showing that payment was made.
Example: Keep the receipt until the printer arrives.
Useful phrase: a sales receipt
Word family / connections: receipts; receive (related)
9. purchase
Daily life · Meaning: to buy something.
Example: We purchased a used desk for the apartment.
Useful phrase: make a purchase
Word family / connections: purchaser, purchased
10. affordable
Daily life · Meaning: not too expensive for someone.
Example: The neighborhood has several affordable cafés.
Useful phrase: affordable housing
Word family / connections: afford, affordability
11. budget
Daily life · Meaning: a plan for spending available money.
Example: Our monthly budget includes bus fares.
Useful phrase: a limited budget
Word family / connections: budgeting, budgeted
12. expense
Daily life · Meaning: money spent for a particular purpose.
Example: Travel was our largest expense this month.
Useful phrase: cover expenses
Word family / connections: expensive, expenditure
13. deposit
Daily life · Meaning: money paid in advance as security or part payment.
Example: The landlord returned my deposit after the inspection.
Useful phrase: pay a deposit
Word family / connections: deposited, depositing
14. balance
Daily life · Meaning: the amount remaining in an account.
Example: Check your balance before paying the fee.
Useful phrase: account balance
Word family / connections: balanced, balancing
15. charge
Daily life · Meaning: an amount of money requested for a service.
Example: There is no extra charge for delivery.
Useful phrase: a service charge
Word family / connections: charged, charging
16. discount
Daily life · Meaning: a reduction in the usual price.
Example: Students receive a discount on weekday tickets.
Useful phrase: a student discount
Word family / connections: discounted, discounting
17. convenient
Daily life · Meaning: easy to use or suitable for a situation.
Example: The bus stop is convenient for my evening class.
Useful phrase: a convenient location
Word family / connections: convenience, inconvenient
18. accessible
Daily life · Meaning: easy to reach, enter, or use.
Example: The new entrance is accessible to wheelchair users.
Useful phrase: accessible facilities
Word family / connections: access, accessibility
19. reliable
Daily life · Meaning: able to be trusted to work well.
Example: We need a reliable internet connection for the interview.
Useful phrase: a reliable service
Word family / connections: rely, reliability
20. efficient
Daily life · Meaning: working well without wasting time or resources.
Example: The new check-in process is more efficient.
Useful phrase: an efficient system
Word family / connections: efficiency, efficiently
21. repair
Daily life · Meaning: to put something damaged back into working condition.
Example: A technician repaired the shared refrigerator.
Useful phrase: carry out repairs
Word family / connections: repairable, repaired
22. replace
Daily life · Meaning: to put something new in the place of something else.
Example: The office will replace the missing key.
Useful phrase: replace equipment
Word family / connections: replacement, replaced
23. maintain
Daily life · Meaning: to keep something in good condition.
Example: Residents help maintain the community garden.
Useful phrase: maintain equipment
Word family / connections: maintenance, maintained
24. install
Daily life · Meaning: to put equipment in place ready for use.
Example: They installed a brighter light above the stairs.
Useful phrase: install software
Word family / connections: installation, installer
25. inspect
Daily life · Meaning: to examine something carefully.
Example: The mechanic inspected the brakes before the trip.
Useful phrase: inspect a vehicle
Word family / connections: inspection, inspector
26. notify
Daily life · Meaning: to tell someone officially about something.
Example: Notify the office if your address changes.
Useful phrase: notify residents
Word family / connections: notification, notified
27. request
Daily life · Meaning: to ask for something politely or formally.
Example: I requested a copy of the rental agreement.
Useful phrase: submit a request
Word family / connections: requested, requesting
28. require
Daily life · Meaning: to make something necessary.
Example: The building requires visitors to sign in.
Useful phrase: require permission
Word family / connections: requirement, required
29. permit
Daily life · Meaning: to allow something.
Example: The park permits bicycles on the main path.
Useful phrase: permit entry
Word family / connections: permission, permitted
30. restrict
Daily life · Meaning: to limit an activity or access.
Example: The library restricts food to the ground floor.
Useful phrase: restrict access
Word family / connections: restriction, restricted
31. prohibit
Daily life · Meaning: to formally forbid something.
Example: The lease prohibits smoking inside the apartment.
Useful phrase: prohibit parking
Word family / connections: prohibition, prohibited
32. alternative
Daily life · Meaning: another possible choice.
Example: Walking is a useful alternative when the bus is late.
Useful phrase: an alternative route
Word family / connections: alternate, alternatively
33. option
Daily life · Meaning: one of several choices.
Example: An evening appointment is another option.
Useful phrase: a practical option
Word family / connections: optional, optionally
34. priority
Daily life · Meaning: something considered more important than other things.
Example: Finding a safe place to live is my first priority.
Useful phrase: give priority to
Word family / connections: prioritize, prioritization
35. urgent
Daily life · Meaning: needing immediate attention.
Example: The leaking pipe needs urgent attention.
Useful phrase: an urgent request
Word family / connections: urgency, urgently
36. temporary
Daily life · Meaning: lasting for a limited time.
Example: The office has moved to a temporary location.
Useful phrase: temporary accommodation
Word family / connections: temporarily, permanence (opposite)
37. permanent
Daily life · Meaning: lasting for a long time or indefinitely.
Example: She is looking for a permanent address.
Useful phrase: a permanent solution
Word family / connections: permanently, permanence
38. flexible
Daily life · Meaning: able to change to suit different needs.
Example: My work hours are flexible during exams.
Useful phrase: a flexible schedule
Word family / connections: flexibility, flexibly
39. adjust
Daily life · Meaning: to change something slightly to suit a purpose.
Example: Adjust the chair so your feet touch the floor.
Useful phrase: adjust the settings
Word family / connections: adjustment, adjustable
40. arrange
Daily life · Meaning: to organize or put things in a suitable order.
Example: We arranged transport for the visiting students.
Useful phrase: arrange a visit
Word family / connections: arrangement, rearrange
41. reserve
Daily life · Meaning: to keep something for a particular person or time.
Example: You can reserve a table online.
Useful phrase: reserve a seat
Word family / connections: reservation, reserved
42. deliver
Daily life · Meaning: to take something to a person or place.
Example: The shop delivers groceries on Saturdays.
Useful phrase: deliver a package
Word family / connections: delivery, delivered
43. collect
Daily life · Meaning: to bring things together or pick something up.
Example: Collect your package from the front desk.
Useful phrase: collect a package
Word family / connections: collection, collector
44. commute
Daily life · Meaning: to travel regularly between home and work or study.
Example: I commute by train three days a week.
Useful phrase: a daily commute
Word family / connections: commuter, commuting
45. destination
Daily life · Meaning: the place someone is traveling to.
Example: Check the destination on the front of the bus.
Useful phrase: reach a destination
Word family / connections: destinations; destined for (related phrase)
46. departure
Daily life · Meaning: the act or time of leaving.
Example: Our departure was delayed by fog.
Useful phrase: departure time
Word family / connections: depart, departing
47. arrival
Daily life · Meaning: the act or time of reaching a place.
Example: Please call us on arrival at the station.
Useful phrase: arrival time
Word family / connections: arrive, arriving
48. transfer
Daily life · Meaning: to move from one place or service to another.
Example: Transfer to the green line at Central Station.
Useful phrase: a bus transfer
Word family / connections: transferred, transferable
49. route
Daily life · Meaning: the way taken from one place to another.
Example: This route avoids the busy main road.
Useful phrase: a direct route
Word family / connections: routing, reroute
50. pedestrian
Daily life · Meaning: a person traveling on foot.
Example: Drivers must stop for pedestrians at the crossing.
Useful phrase: a pedestrian crossing
Word family / connections: pedestrianized, pedestrianization
51. facility
Daily life · Meaning: a place or piece of equipment provided for a purpose.
Example: The sports facility closes at nine.
Useful phrase: public facilities
Word family / connections: facilities
52. capacity
Daily life · Meaning: the largest amount that something can hold.
Example: The hall has a capacity of 200 people.
Useful phrase: seating capacity
Word family / connections: capacities; capable, capability (related)
53. occupy
Daily life · Meaning: to use or fill a space.
Example: The café occupies the corner unit.
Useful phrase: occupy a room
Word family / connections: occupation, occupied
54. vacant
Daily life · Meaning: empty and available for use.
Example: Two rooms are vacant this weekend.
Useful phrase: a vacant room
Word family / connections: vacancy, vacate
55. resident
Daily life · Meaning: a person who lives in a particular place.
Example: Residents can borrow tools from the building office.
Useful phrase: local residents
Word family / connections: reside, residential
56. neighbor
Daily life · Meaning: a person who lives nearby.
Example: Our neighbor waters the plants when we travel.
Useful phrase: a nearby neighbor
Word family / connections: neighborhood, neighboring
57. community
Daily life · Meaning: people connected by a place or shared interest.
Example: The community organizes a monthly food collection.
Useful phrase: community involvement
Word family / connections: communal, communities
58. volunteer
Daily life · Meaning: to offer to do something without being paid.
Example: Students volunteer at the weekend repair café.
Useful phrase: volunteer work
Word family / connections: voluntary, voluntarily
59. donate
Daily life · Meaning: to give money or goods to help others.
Example: We donated our spare blankets to the shelter.
Useful phrase: donate supplies
Word family / connections: donation, donor
60. participate
Daily life · Meaning: to take part in an activity.
Example: Everyone can participate in the neighborhood survey.
Useful phrase: participate in an event
Word family / connections: participation, participant
61. enroll
Campus · Meaning: to officially join a course or institution.
Example: You must enroll before attending the laboratory sessions.
Useful phrase: enroll in a course
Word family / connections: enrollment, enrolled
62. register
Campus · Meaning: to put a name or details on an official list.
Example: Register for the workshop by Friday.
Useful phrase: register online
Word family / connections: registration, registered
63. admission
Campus · Meaning: permission to enter a program or institution.
Example: Admission to the program requires a writing sample.
Useful phrase: admission requirements
Word family / connections: admit, admitted
64. application
Campus · Meaning: a formal request for a place or opportunity.
Example: Her application included two references.
Useful phrase: submit an application
Word family / connections: apply, applicant
65. eligible
Campus · Meaning: meeting the conditions needed for something.
Example: Part-time students are eligible for this grant.
Useful phrase: eligible for funding
Word family / connections: eligibility, ineligible
66. prerequisite
Campus · Meaning: something required before another activity can begin.
Example: Basic statistics is a prerequisite for this course.
Useful phrase: a course prerequisite
Word family / connections: prerequisites; required (related)
67. curriculum
Campus · Meaning: the subjects and content taught in a program.
Example: The curriculum includes fieldwork and laboratory study.
Useful phrase: a revised curriculum
Word family / connections: curricular, curricula
68. syllabus
Campus · Meaning: a document outlining a course and its requirements.
Example: The syllabus lists every assessment deadline.
Useful phrase: read the syllabus
Word family / connections: syllabi, syllabuses
69. semester
Campus · Meaning: one of two main periods in an academic year.
Example: She is studying abroad next semester.
Useful phrase: the fall semester
Word family / connections: semesters; term (related)
70. lecture
Campus · Meaning: a talk that teaches an academic subject.
Example: The lecture explained how rivers shape valleys.
Useful phrase: attend a lecture
Word family / connections: lecturer, lecturing
71. seminar
Campus · Meaning: a class in which a small group discusses a subject.
Example: We discussed the article in a seminar.
Useful phrase: a research seminar
Word family / connections: seminars; discussion (related)
72. tutorial
Campus · Meaning: a teaching session with an individual or small group.
Example: Bring your draft to the tutorial.
Useful phrase: a weekly tutorial
Word family / connections: tutor, tutoring
73. assignment
Campus · Meaning: a piece of work given to a student.
Example: The assignment asks us to compare two surveys.
Useful phrase: submit an assignment
Word family / connections: assign, assigned
74. deadline
Campus · Meaning: the latest time when something must be done.
Example: The deadline for the report is noon on Monday.
Useful phrase: meet a deadline
Word family / connections: deadlines; due (related)
75. extension
Campus · Meaning: extra time allowed to complete something.
Example: Ask for an extension before the deadline.
Useful phrase: grant an extension
Word family / connections: extend, extended
76. submit
Campus · Meaning: to give work to someone for consideration.
Example: Submit the report through the course website.
Useful phrase: submit a draft
Word family / connections: submission, submitted
77. revise
Campus · Meaning: to change written work to improve it.
Example: I revised the introduction after our meeting.
Useful phrase: revise a draft
Word family / connections: revision, revised
78. feedback
Campus · Meaning: information about how well something was done.
Example: Her feedback helped me clarify the argument.
Useful phrase: constructive feedback
Word family / connections: feed back; response (related)
79. assessment
Campus · Meaning: a process of judging knowledge or performance.
Example: The final assessment includes a short presentation.
Useful phrase: continuous assessment
Word family / connections: assess, assessor
80. criterion
Campus · Meaning: a standard used to judge something.
Example: Accuracy is one criterion used in the grading guide.
Useful phrase: assessment criteria
Word family / connections: criteria (plural)
81. rubric
Campus · Meaning: a guide describing standards used to assess work.
Example: The rubric explains what a clear argument needs.
Useful phrase: an assessment rubric
Word family / connections: rubrics; rating (related)
82. credit
Campus · Meaning: a unit representing academic work completed.
Example: This laboratory course carries three credits.
Useful phrase: earn credits
Word family / connections: credits, credited
83. scholarship
Campus · Meaning: money awarded to support a student's education.
Example: The scholarship covers part of her tuition.
Useful phrase: apply for a scholarship
Word family / connections: scholar, scholarly
84. tuition
Campus · Meaning: money paid for teaching at a school or university.
Example: Tuition does not include housing costs.
Useful phrase: tuition fees
Word family / connections: tutor, tutoring (related teaching words)
85. funding
Campus · Meaning: money provided for a project or activity.
Example: The research team applied for additional funding.
Useful phrase: secure funding
Word family / connections: fund, funded
86. grant
Campus · Meaning: money given for a specific purpose.
Example: A small grant paid for the recording equipment.
Useful phrase: a research grant
Word family / connections: grant-funded, granted
87. advisor
Campus · Meaning: someone who gives guidance in a particular area.
Example: My advisor helped me choose suitable courses.
Useful phrase: an academic advisor
Word family / connections: advise, advisory
88. faculty
Campus · Meaning: the teaching staff of an educational institution.
Example: Faculty members will review the proposal.
Useful phrase: faculty members
Word family / connections: faculty members; faculties (groups or divisions)
89. department
Campus · Meaning: a division responsible for one subject or activity.
Example: The history department is hosting a public talk.
Useful phrase: an academic department
Word family / connections: departmental, departments
90. undergraduate
Campus · Meaning: a student studying for a first degree.
Example: The workshop is open to all undergraduates.
Useful phrase: an undergraduate course
Word family / connections: undergraduate-level; graduate (related)
91. graduate
Campus · Meaning: a person who has completed a degree.
Example: Recent graduates shared advice about internships.
Useful phrase: a university graduate
Word family / connections: graduation, graduated
92. qualification
Campus · Meaning: an achievement showing relevant knowledge or skills.
Example: The position requires a teaching qualification.
Useful phrase: a professional qualification
Word family / connections: qualify, qualified
93. certificate
Campus · Meaning: a document confirming an achievement or status.
Example: Participants receive a certificate after the course.
Useful phrase: a completion certificate
Word family / connections: certify, certification
94. transcript
Campus · Meaning: an official record of courses and grades.
Example: Request your transcript from the records office.
Useful phrase: an academic transcript
Word family / connections: transcribe, transcription
95. attendance
Campus · Meaning: the act of being present at an event.
Example: Attendance at the safety briefing is required.
Useful phrase: regular attendance
Word family / connections: attend, attendee
96. absence
Campus · Meaning: the state of not being present.
Example: Notify your instructor about a planned absence.
Useful phrase: an unexplained absence
Word family / connections: absent, absentee
97. collaborate
Campus · Meaning: to work with others toward a shared result.
Example: Our group collaborated on the design project.
Useful phrase: collaborate on research
Word family / connections: collaboration, collaborative
98. contribute
Campus · Meaning: to give something that helps a shared effort.
Example: Each member contributed a section of the report.
Useful phrase: contribute to a discussion
Word family / connections: contribution, contributor
99. coordinate
Campus · Meaning: to organize people or activities to work together.
Example: Mina coordinates the student mentoring program.
Useful phrase: coordinate a project
Word family / connections: coordination, coordinator
100. consult
Campus · Meaning: to ask someone for advice or information.
Example: Consult your instructor before changing the topic.
Useful phrase: consult an advisor
Word family / connections: consultation, consultant
101. clarify
Campus · Meaning: to make something easier to understand.
Example: Could you clarify the instructions for the report?
Useful phrase: clarify a requirement
Word family / connections: clarification, clarity
102. demonstrate
Campus · Meaning: to show clearly how something works or is true.
Example: The tutor demonstrated how to use the microscope.
Useful phrase: demonstrate a technique
Word family / connections: demonstration, demonstrator
103. present
Campus · Meaning: to explain or show information to an audience.
Example: We will present our findings next week.
Useful phrase: present findings
Word family / connections: presentation, presenter
104. discuss
Campus · Meaning: to consider a subject by talking or writing about it.
Example: The class discussed two explanations for the results.
Useful phrase: discuss an issue
Word family / connections: discussion, discussed
105. debate
Campus · Meaning: to consider opposing views on a question.
Example: Students debated whether the timetable should change.
Useful phrase: a public debate
Word family / connections: debatable, debated
106. reference
Campus · Meaning: a source mentioned to support or explain something.
Example: Add a reference for the statistic in paragraph two.
Useful phrase: a reference list
Word family / connections: reference, referenced
107. cite
Campus · Meaning: to identify a source used in your work.
Example: Cite the study when you describe its findings.
Useful phrase: cite a source
Word family / connections: citation, cited
108. plagiarism
Campus · Meaning: using another person's work as your own without acknowledgment.
Example: The orientation session explains how to avoid plagiarism.
Useful phrase: avoid plagiarism
Word family / connections: plagiarize, plagiarized
109. original
Campus · Meaning: created independently rather than copied.
Example: The project includes original photographs of the site.
Useful phrase: original research
Word family / connections: originality, originally
110. draft
Campus · Meaning: an early version of a piece of writing.
Example: My first draft needs a clearer ending.
Useful phrase: a rough draft
Word family / connections: drafting, redraft
111. outline
Campus · Meaning: a brief plan showing the main parts.
Example: Write an outline before preparing your slides.
Useful phrase: a project outline
Word family / connections: outlined, outlining
112. abstract
Campus · Meaning: a short summary of a research paper.
Example: The abstract states the question and main finding.
Useful phrase: a research abstract
Word family / connections: abstracts; summarize (related)
113. workshop
Campus · Meaning: a practical session for learning or developing a skill.
Example: The workshop helped us practice interview techniques.
Useful phrase: attend a workshop
Word family / connections: workshops; training (related)
114. laboratory
Campus · Meaning: a room equipped for scientific work.
Example: Wear protective glasses in the laboratory.
Useful phrase: a laboratory experiment
Word family / connections: laboratories; lab (short form)
115. equipment
Campus · Meaning: tools or machines needed for an activity.
Example: Book the recording equipment before your session.
Useful phrase: specialist equipment
Word family / connections: equip, equipped
116. resource
Campus · Meaning: something useful for completing a task.
Example: The library has useful resources for local history.
Useful phrase: learning resources
Word family / connections: resources, resourceful; resourcing means providing resources
117. archive
Campus · Meaning: a collection of records kept for future use.
Example: The archive contains maps from the nineteenth century.
Useful phrase: an archive collection
Word family / connections: archival, archivist
118. catalog
Campus · Meaning: a systematic list of items or offerings.
Example: Search the library catalog by author.
Useful phrase: a course catalog
Word family / connections: catalogue (variant), cataloging
119. borrow
Campus · Meaning: to use something belonging to another person temporarily.
Example: You can borrow a laptop for two hours.
Useful phrase: borrow a book
Word family / connections: borrower, borrowing
120. renew
Campus · Meaning: to extend the period for which something is valid.
Example: Renew your library loan before Friday.
Useful phrase: renew a loan
Word family / connections: renewal, renewable
121. analyze
Academic · Meaning: to examine something carefully to understand its parts.
Example: The researchers analyzed changes in water quality.
Useful phrase: analyze data
Word family / connections: analysis, analytical
122. evaluate
Academic · Meaning: to judge the value or effectiveness of something.
Example: The study evaluates three methods of storing energy.
Useful phrase: evaluate evidence
Word family / connections: evaluation, evaluative
123. interpret
Academic · Meaning: to explain the meaning of something.
Example: Scientists interpreted the marks as evidence of tool use.
Useful phrase: interpret results
Word family / connections: interpretation, interpreter
124. infer
Academic · Meaning: to reach a conclusion from evidence rather than a direct statement.
Example: We can infer from the footprints that several animals passed.
Useful phrase: infer from evidence
Word family / connections: inference, inferential
125. imply
Academic · Meaning: to suggest something without stating it directly.
Example: The speaker's pause implied uncertainty.
Useful phrase: imply a connection
Word family / connections: implication, implicit
126. indicate
Academic · Meaning: to show or suggest something.
Example: The measurements indicate a gradual temperature rise.
Useful phrase: indicate a trend
Word family / connections: indication, indicator
127. establish
Academic · Meaning: to show something reliably or set it in place.
Example: Further tests are needed to establish the cause.
Useful phrase: establish a relationship
Word family / connections: establishment, established
128. identify
Academic · Meaning: to recognize or name something.
Example: The survey identified three common travel problems.
Useful phrase: identify a pattern
Word family / connections: identification, identifiable
129. define
Academic · Meaning: to explain the exact meaning or limits of something.
Example: The author defines resilience at the start of the chapter.
Useful phrase: define a term
Word family / connections: definition, definite
130. classify
Academic · Meaning: to place things into groups based on shared features.
Example: The team classified the samples by mineral content.
Useful phrase: classify organisms
Word family / connections: classification, classified
131. compare
Academic · Meaning: to examine similarities and differences.
Example: We compared growth in shaded and sunny plots.
Useful phrase: compare results
Word family / connections: comparison, comparative
132. contrast
Academic · Meaning: to examine or show differences.
Example: The chapter contrasts two approaches to city planning.
Useful phrase: contrast with
Word family / connections: contrasting, contrastive
133. distinguish
Academic · Meaning: to recognize the difference between things.
Example: The test distinguishes salt water from fresh water.
Useful phrase: distinguish between
Word family / connections: distinction, distinctive
134. relate
Academic · Meaning: to show or have a connection.
Example: The article relates diet to changes in sleep.
Useful phrase: relate to
Word family / connections: relation, related
135. associate
Academic · Meaning: to connect one thing with another.
Example: Participants associated the sound with the red light.
Useful phrase: associate with
Word family / connections: association, associated
136. attribute
Academic · Meaning: to explain something as the result of a particular cause.
Example: The team attributed the delay to a sensor failure.
Useful phrase: attribute to
Word family / connections: attribution, attributable
137. derive
Academic · Meaning: to obtain something from a source.
Example: The estimate is derived from monthly records.
Useful phrase: derive from
Word family / connections: derivation, derivative
138. generate
Academic · Meaning: to produce something.
Example: The panels generate electricity during daylight hours.
Useful phrase: generate energy
Word family / connections: generation, generator
139. obtain
Academic · Meaning: to get something through effort or a process.
Example: The team obtained permission to examine the site.
Useful phrase: obtain evidence
Word family / connections: obtainable, obtained
140. acquire
Academic · Meaning: to gain knowledge, a skill, or a possession.
Example: Children acquire new words through repeated use.
Useful phrase: acquire knowledge
Word family / connections: acquisition, acquired
141. retain
Academic · Meaning: to keep something.
Example: The soil retains moisture after rain.
Useful phrase: retain information
Word family / connections: retention, retained
142. adapt
Academic · Meaning: to change to suit new conditions.
Example: Some plants adapt to dry conditions by storing water.
Useful phrase: adapt to change
Word family / connections: adaptation, adaptive
143. modify
Academic · Meaning: to change part of something.
Example: The engineers modified the design to reduce noise.
Useful phrase: modify a method
Word family / connections: modification, modified
144. vary
Academic · Meaning: to differ or change.
Example: Rainfall varies widely across the region.
Useful phrase: vary considerably
Word family / connections: variation, variable
145. fluctuate
Academic · Meaning: to rise and fall irregularly.
Example: Water levels fluctuate with seasonal rainfall.
Useful phrase: fluctuate over time
Word family / connections: fluctuation, fluctuating
146. decline
Academic · Meaning: to become smaller or weaker.
Example: The bird population declined after the wetland was drained.
Useful phrase: a gradual decline
Word family / connections: declining, declined
147. expand
Academic · Meaning: to increase in size or scope.
Example: The program expanded to include rural schools.
Useful phrase: expand access
Word family / connections: expansion, expansive
148. emerge
Academic · Meaning: to appear or become known.
Example: A different pattern emerged in the second experiment.
Useful phrase: emerge from
Word family / connections: emergence, emerging
149. persist
Academic · Meaning: to continue despite difficulty or change.
Example: The difference persisted after the data were adjusted.
Useful phrase: persist over time
Word family / connections: persistence, persistent
150. precede
Academic · Meaning: to happen or come before something.
Example: A brief survey preceded the interview.
Useful phrase: precede an event
Word family / connections: preceding, precedence
151. subsequent
Academic · Meaning: happening after something else.
Example: Subsequent tests produced similar results.
Useful phrase: subsequent research
Word family / connections: subsequently, sequence (related)
152. simultaneous
Academic · Meaning: happening at the same time.
Example: Simultaneous measurements were taken at both sites.
Useful phrase: simultaneous changes
Word family / connections: simultaneously, simultaneity
153. initial
Academic · Meaning: existing or happening at the beginning.
Example: The initial results suggested a small improvement.
Useful phrase: initial findings
Word family / connections: initially, initiate
154. eventual
Academic · Meaning: happening at the end of a process.
Example: The eventual outcome depended on local rainfall.
Useful phrase: the eventual outcome
Word family / connections: eventually; eventuality means a possible future event
155. approximate
Academic · Meaning: close to an exact value.
Example: The map shows the approximate location of the ruins.
Useful phrase: an approximate value
Word family / connections: approximately, approximation
156. precise
Academic · Meaning: exact and clearly expressed.
Example: The instrument provides precise temperature readings.
Useful phrase: a precise measurement
Word family / connections: precision, precisely
157. accurate
Academic · Meaning: correct and free from significant error.
Example: Accurate records are essential for the comparison.
Useful phrase: accurate data
Word family / connections: accuracy, accurately
158. valid
Academic · Meaning: supported by sound evidence or reasoning.
Example: The conclusion is valid only for this sample.
Useful phrase: a valid conclusion
Word family / connections: validity, validate
159. consistent
Academic · Meaning: showing agreement or a similar pattern over time.
Example: The results were consistent across all three trials.
Useful phrase: consistent with
Word family / connections: consistency, consistently
160. significant
Academic · Meaning: important or large enough to matter in a stated context.
Example: Transport costs are a significant part of the budget.
Useful phrase: a significant difference
Word family / connections: significance, significantly; statistical significance has a technical meaning
161. relevant
Academic · Meaning: closely connected to the matter being considered.
Example: Include only evidence relevant to the research question.
Useful phrase: relevant evidence
Word family / connections: relevance, irrelevant
162. sufficient
Academic · Meaning: enough for a particular purpose.
Example: The sample was not sufficient to support a broad claim.
Useful phrase: sufficient evidence
Word family / connections: sufficiency, sufficiently
163. essential
Academic · Meaning: necessary for something to work or exist.
Example: Clean water is essential for healthy plant growth.
Useful phrase: essential for
Word family / connections: essentially, essentials
164. complex
Academic · Meaning: having many connected parts.
Example: The model describes a complex network of trade routes.
Useful phrase: a complex system
Word family / connections: complexity, complexities
165. distinct
Academic · Meaning: clearly different or separate.
Example: The recordings contain two distinct bird calls.
Useful phrase: distinct features
Word family / connections: distinction, distinctly
166. diverse
Academic · Meaning: including many different kinds.
Example: The region supports a diverse range of habitats.
Useful phrase: a diverse population
Word family / connections: diversity, diversify
167. widespread
Academic · Meaning: found or occurring in many places.
Example: The survey found widespread support for later opening hours.
Useful phrase: widespread use
Word family / connections: widely; spread (related)
168. scarce
Academic · Meaning: available only in small amounts.
Example: Fresh water is scarce during the dry season.
Useful phrase: scarce resources
Word family / connections: scarcity; scarcely usually means "hardly"
169. abundant
Academic · Meaning: existing in large amounts.
Example: Insects are abundant near the river in summer.
Useful phrase: abundant evidence
Word family / connections: abundance, abundantly
170. finite
Academic · Meaning: having a limit or an end.
Example: The project must operate with finite resources.
Useful phrase: finite resources
Word family / connections: finiteness; infinite (opposite)
171. sustainable
Academic · Meaning: able to continue without exhausting necessary resources.
Example: The town is exploring sustainable transport options.
Useful phrase: sustainable development
Word family / connections: sustain, sustainability
172. hypothesis
Academic · Meaning: a proposed explanation that can be tested.
Example: The experiment tests the hypothesis that shade slows growth.
Useful phrase: test a hypothesis
Word family / connections: hypotheses, hypothesize
173. theory
Academic · Meaning: an organized explanation supported by a body of evidence.
Example: The lecture introduced a theory of language development.
Useful phrase: a scientific theory
Word family / connections: theoretical, theorist
174. evidence
Academic · Meaning: information that supports or challenges a claim.
Example: The fragments provide evidence of earlier settlement.
Useful phrase: supporting evidence
Word family / connections: evident, evidential
175. data
Academic · Meaning: recorded observations or measurements used for analysis.
Example: The team collected data from twelve monitoring stations.
Useful phrase: collect data
Word family / connections: dataset, data-driven
176. sample
Academic · Meaning: a smaller group or amount examined to learn about a larger whole.
Example: The sample included students from six departments.
Useful phrase: a representative sample
Word family / connections: sampling, sampled
177. variable
Academic · Meaning: a factor that can take different values.
Example: Temperature was the only variable changed between trials.
Useful phrase: control a variable
Word family / connections: variability, vary
178. method
Academic · Meaning: an organized way of doing something.
Example: Both groups used the same method to measure distance.
Useful phrase: a research method
Word family / connections: methodical, methodology
179. procedure
Academic · Meaning: a sequence of steps followed for a task.
Example: The procedure requires each sample to be weighed twice.
Useful phrase: follow a procedure
Word family / connections: procedural, procedures
180. process
Academic · Meaning: a series of changes or actions producing a result.
Example: The diagram shows the process of water purification.
Useful phrase: a gradual process
Word family / connections: processing, processed
181. outcome
Academic · Meaning: the result of an action or process.
Example: The study measured health outcomes after six months.
Useful phrase: a possible outcome
Word family / connections: outcomes; result (related)
182. factor
Academic · Meaning: one element that influences a result.
Example: Cost was one factor in the committee's decision.
Useful phrase: a contributing factor
Word family / connections: factor in, factors
183. consequence
Academic · Meaning: a result that follows an action or event.
Example: Reduced soil fertility was one consequence of erosion.
Useful phrase: a long-term consequence
Word family / connections: consequent, consequently
184. benefit
Academic · Meaning: an advantage or helpful result.
Example: The scheme offers benefits to both students and employers.
Useful phrase: a potential benefit
Word family / connections: beneficial, beneficiary
185. limitation
Academic · Meaning: a restriction or weakness affecting what is possible.
Example: The small sample is a limitation of the study.
Useful phrase: a major limitation
Word family / connections: limit, limited
186. assumption
Academic · Meaning: something accepted as true without being proved in that context.
Example: The model relies on the assumption of constant demand.
Useful phrase: an underlying assumption
Word family / connections: assume, assumed
187. perspective
Academic · Meaning: a particular way of considering something.
Example: The diaries offer a different perspective on city life.
Useful phrase: from a historical perspective
Word family / connections: perspectives; viewpoint (related)
188. principle
Academic · Meaning: a basic rule or idea guiding a system.
Example: The design follows the principle of equal access.
Useful phrase: a general principle
Word family / connections: principles; principled means guided by strong values
189. concept
Academic · Meaning: an idea used to understand a subject.
Example: The teacher explained the concept of relative speed.
Useful phrase: a central concept
Word family / connections: conceptual, conceptualize
190. framework
Academic · Meaning: a structure of ideas used to organize thinking.
Example: The framework helps compare different housing policies.
Useful phrase: a theoretical framework
Word family / connections: frameworks; structure (related)
191. context
Academic · Meaning: the situation surrounding an event or statement.
Example: The phrase has a different meaning in this context.
Useful phrase: historical context
Word family / connections: contextual, contextualize
192. feature
Academic · Meaning: a noticeable characteristic of something.
Example: A thick outer layer is a distinctive feature of the seed.
Useful phrase: a key feature
Word family / connections: featured, featuring
193. function
Academic · Meaning: the purpose or job of something.
Example: The roots have the function of absorbing water.
Useful phrase: a primary function
Word family / connections: functional, functioning
194. structure
Academic · Meaning: the arrangement of connected parts.
Example: The essay's structure makes the comparison easy to follow.
Useful phrase: internal structure
Word family / connections: structural, restructure
195. distribution
Academic · Meaning: the way something is spread across an area or group.
Example: The map shows the distribution of rainfall.
Useful phrase: geographic distribution
Word family / connections: distribute, distributed
196. proportion
Academic · Meaning: a part considered in relation to a whole.
Example: A higher proportion of respondents traveled by bus.
Useful phrase: a small proportion
Word family / connections: proportional, proportionately
197. trend
Academic · Meaning: a general direction of change.
Example: The figures show a downward trend in fuel use.
Useful phrase: a long-term trend
Word family / connections: trending, trends
198. pattern
Academic · Meaning: a repeated arrangement or way something happens.
Example: Researchers noticed a seasonal pattern in migration.
Useful phrase: a recurring pattern
Word family / connections: patterned, patterns
199. mechanism
Academic · Meaning: the process through which something works.
Example: The lecture explains the mechanism of heat transfer.
Useful phrase: an underlying mechanism
Word family / connections: mechanical, mechanistic
200. interaction
Academic · Meaning: the way two or more things affect one another.
Example: The study explores interaction between roots and soil organisms.
Useful phrase: social interaction
Word family / connections: interact, interactive
Recall exercises: try before opening the answers
These original learning exercises are untimed and unscored. They are not official test items. Use them to check meaning and usage, then make your own versions with words you find difficult.
1. Retrieve the word
- What verb means to arrange a new time for a meeting?
- What adjective means meeting the conditions for a grant?
- What verb means to reach a conclusion from evidence rather than a direct statement?
- What noun means a proposed explanation that can be tested?
- What adjective describes resources that have a limit?
Check the five words
1. reschedule; 2. eligible; 3. infer; 4. hypothesis; 5. finite. Give a new example for each before moving on.
2. Complete the useful phrase
Choose the missing preposition: eligible ___ funding; contribute ___ a discussion; distinguish ___ two explanations; attribute the change ___ rainfall; consistent ___ earlier findings.
Check the partnerships
Eligible for funding; contribute to a discussion; distinguish between two explanations; attribute the change to rainfall; consistent with earlier findings.
3. Change the word form
Complete each sentence with a form of the word in parentheses: “The team needs more ___ before accepting the claim” (evident). “The method produced ___ results across three trials” (consistency). “Please send written ___ of the appointment” (confirm). “The tutor offered a useful ___ of the diagram” (interpret).
Check the forms and why they fit
Evidence is a noun after “more.” Consistent is an adjective describing “results.” Confirmation is the noun naming what you send. Interpretation is a noun after “a useful.” In these sentences, evidence is uncountable; do not write “an evidence.”
4. Use words together
Write a four-sentence email asking to reschedule an appointment. Include a clear request, an alternative time and a request for confirmation. Then explain a small research project aloud using method, sample and limitation. Check whether the listener could understand the message without seeing the list. Several answers are possible; precision and natural phrasing matter more than squeezing in every word.
Move from the list to fresh English
Try Complete the Words practice to work on contextual word forms, or Write an Email practice to use everyday and campus language. The Practice Hub identifies access requirements; reading this resource and downloading its PDF are ungated.
Questions about this vocabulary PDF
Is this an official TOEFL word list?
No. PrepEx selected these words for useful everyday, campus and academic contexts. ETS provides the official test description linked below; it has not approved this collection.
Are these 200 words enough for TOEFL?
No fixed list covers the language you may encounter. Use this as a starting collection alongside regular reading, listening, conversation and writing. Add words that repeatedly obstruct meaning in your own practice.
How many words should I study each day?
Start with five unfamiliar words and review older ones. Reduce the number when you cannot recall the previous group. Recognizing, pronouncing and using five words well is more useful than skimming fifty entries.
Can I download the PDF without signing up?
Yes. The download link opens the complete 200-word resource, recall exercises and answers without registration or email submission.
Should I use every academic word in my Speaking answers?
No. Choose words that express your meaning accurately. An ordinary word in a clear sentence is preferable to an impressive word with the wrong meaning or grammatical pattern.
Sources and scope
By PrepEx Editorial, November 11, 2026. Format and scoring checked against ETS test content and ETS score guidance. Definitions, examples, selection and exercises are original PrepEx editorial work, not copied test questions. No score outcome is promised.