Academic Vocabulary
The words essays, papers and lectures actually run on.
Academic writing rewards words that show how ideas relate. These are the connective, analytical words that turn a list of facts into an argument.
32 words
analysis
noun
An investigation of the component parts of a whole and their relations in making up the whole.
hypothesis
noun
A proposal intended to explain certain facts or observations.
criterion
noun
A basis for comparison; a reference point against which other things can be evaluated.
“the schools comply with federal standards”
empirical
adjective
Derived from experiment and observation rather than theory.
“an empirical basis for an ethical theory”
infer
verb
Reason by deduction; establish by deduction.
synthesis
noun
The process of producing a chemical compound (usually by the union of simpler chemical compounds).
implication
noun
Something that is inferred (deduced or entailed or implied).
“his resignation had political implications”
paradigm
noun
Systematic arrangement of all the inflected forms of a word.
methodology
noun
The branch of philosophy that analyzes the principles and procedures of inquiry in a particular discipline.
significant
adjective
Important in effect or meaning.
“a significant change in tax laws”
correlate
verb
To bear a reciprocal or mutual relation.
“Do these facts correlate?”
validity
noun
The quality of being valid and rigorous.
premise
noun
A statement that is assumed to be true and from which a conclusion can be drawn.
“on the assumption that he has been injured we can infer that he will not play”
framework
noun
A hypothetical description of a complex entity or process.
“the computer program was based on a model of the circulatory and respiratory systems”
derive
verb
Reason by deduction; establish by deduction.
substantiate
verb
Establish or strengthen as with new evidence or facts.
“his story confirmed my doubts”
ambiguous
adjective
Open to two or more interpretations; or of uncertain nature or significance; or (often) intended to mislead.
“an equivocal statement”
coherent
adjective
Marked by an orderly, logical, and aesthetically consistent relation of parts.
“a coherent argument”
phenomenon
noun
Any state or process known through the senses rather than by intuition or reasoning.
construct
verb
Make by combining materials and parts.
“this little pig made his house out of straw”
comprise
verb
Be composed of.
“The land he conquered comprised several provinces”
denote
verb
Be a sign or indication of.
“Her smile denoted that she agreed”
fluctuate
verb
Cause to fluctuate or move in a wavelike pattern.
integral
noun
The result of a mathematical integration; F(x) is the integral of f(x) if dF/dx = f(x).
arbitrary
adjective
Based on or subject to individual discretion or preference or sometimes impulse or caprice.
“an arbitrary decision”
explicit
adjective
Precisely and clearly expressed or readily observable; leaving nothing to implication.
“explicit instructions”
consequently
adverb
(sentence connectors) because of the reason given.
“consequently, he didn't do it”
subsequent
adjective
Following in time or order.
“subsequent developments”
preliminary
noun
A minor match preceding the main event.
theoretical
adjective
Concerned primarily with theories or hypotheses rather than practical considerations.
“theoretical science”
quantify
verb
Use as a quantifier.
attribute
verb
Attribute or credit to.
“We attributed this quotation to Shakespeare”