The word for the first week of school is:
Abstract
(adjective): theoretical; something not in the physical
world; an idea.
(noun): a summary of a text.
(verb): to take away, remove, or summarize.
Etymology: From Latin, abstractus "drawn away"
"Abstract" is a very abstract
word.
Previous words
Abbreviate (verb) :
To shorten. To abridge. To reduce something while still holding
on to the important parts.
Etymology: From Latin brevis
"short."
Abstract
(adjective): theoretical; something not in the physical world;
an idea.
(noun): a summary of a text.
(verb): to take away, remove, or summarize.
Etymology: From Latin, abstractus
"drawn away"
Adjacent (adjective)
1. Nearest in space or position. Next to something, without
necessarily touching.
2. (Geometry) Joining at a vertex. Use to describe sides of
a polygon.
Etymology: From Latin, from ad-
"to" + jacere "to lie, rest," (literally, jacere
means "to throw")
Analogy
1. Comparing two things to show how they are alike.
2. A method of reasoning based on comparisons.
Etymology: From Greek from ana-
"upon, according to" and logos "ratio,
word."
Annotation (noun):
1. A comment, extra information, explanation, or instructions
added to a text, often after the text is written.
2. The act of annotating.
Etymology: From Latin, annotare
"to add notes to," from ad- "to"
+ notare "to note, mark.
Antagonist (noun):
1. A person or group of persons who acts as an enemy or acts
in opposition.
2. A drug that works against the effect of another drug.
3. a muscle that works against another muscle and returns it
to its original position.
Etymology: from Greek from anti-
"against" + agonizesthai "to compete
for a prize"
Apology (noun)
1. An expression of regret for causing a problem.
2. A poor example of something; not a good illustration.
Etymology: from Greek apo-
"from, off" and logos "speech."
Argument (noun)
1. A fact or statement used as evidence that something is true.
2. Controversy; dispute; disagreement; discussion
3. (Math) A variable in algebra whose value determines the
dependent variable.
Etymology: Latin, arguere
"to make clear, demonstrate."
Assumption (noun)
- Something taken for granted. A statement or concept on
which is treated as if it were true, for the purpose of argument.
- An agreement to pay a debt, such as a mortgage, previously
owned by another person.
- Direct ascent into heaven.
Etymology: from L. assumere
"to take up," from ad- "to, up" + sumere "to
take
Authority (noun)
1. The power to give orders.
2. An expert whose statements are knowledgeable.
3. Official permission.
4. Persons who have control over others. (usually plural)
5. Assurance or confidence.
6. Government agency
Etymology: from L. auctoritatem
"invention, advice, opinion, influence, command," from auctor
"author"
Bias
1. (noun) A prejudice or unfair preference.
2. (verb) To influence in an unfair way
3. (noun) Diagonal, especially across the weave of a fabric
Etymology: From Middle French biasis "slant,
oblique"
Citation (noun):
1. The information needed to identify or find a particular
text. The elements describing an information resource.
A footnote or reference.
2. A ticket given by a police officer for minor legal
infractions such as traffic offenses or public misbehavior.
3. An official award, usually announced in public.
4. A horse, winner of the Triple Crown in 1948.
Etymology: from Latin. citationem
"a command," form of citare "to summon"
Composition (noun)
1. (Art) The plan, placement, or arrangement of the elements
of a piece of art.
2. The bringing together of parts or elements to form a whole.
3. The material out of which something is made.
4. (English class) The act of creating a written work
5. (English class) A piece of writing.
6. (Music) A musical work.
7. (Publishing) the process of setting type and arranging it
on a page.
Etymology: from Latin com,
"with" and ponere "put, place."
Comprehension (noun)
1. Perception or understanding.
2. The ability to understand.
Etymology: from Latin com-
"completely" + prehendere "to catch hold of, seize"
Compromise
- (noun) An agreement to settle a disagreement in which both
sides give up some ground.
- (verb) To make something open to danger or suspicion.
Etymology: From Latin, com-
"together" and promittere
Concise (adjective)
Brief. To the point. Terse. The opposite of wordy.
Etymology: from L. concisus "cut
off, brief"
Conclusion (noun)
1. The end or finish of something.
2. The result of a process.
3. A decision reached after you have considered something.
4. A final arrangement.
5. Logic: A deduction from the premises.
Etymology: From Latin concludere,
to end.
Conflict
1. (noun) Argument, controversy, or dispute
2. (noun) Opposition in drama or fiction between characters
or forces.
3. (noun) A battle or small war
4. (verb) To differ or disagree
Etymology: From Latin com-
"together" and fligere "to strike"
Conjecture (noun)
- Speculation: a hypothesis
- Guess or opinion based on incomplete evidence
Etymology: from L. conjectura
"conclusion, interpretation
Conservative (adjective)
1. Cautious
2. Politics: favoring policies of caution and tradition;
opposing liberalism and reform; often identified with "right-wing"
politics
3. Resistant to change.
4. The largest political party in the United Kingdom, whose
members are often known as "Tories" because the party
grew out of the Tory Party.
Etymology: from Latin conservare
"to keep, preserve."
Constant (n.)
- (noun) A number with a fixed value.
- (adjective) Changeless; without stopping
- (adjective) Faithful or steadfast
Etymology: from L. constantem
"standing firm, stable, steadfast.
Contemporary
1. (adjective) Belonging to the present time
2. (noun) A person of the same age or living at the same time.
3. (adjective) Modern
Etymology: From Latin con-
"with" + temporarius "of time"
Context (noun):
- Surroundings, environment, setting, or location.
- The facts, or events that surround a situation or event.
Etymology: From Latin: com-
"together" and textere "to weave"
Correspond (verb):
1. To match up, to be similar, to be consistent.
2. To exchange letters or e-mails.
3. (math) To be equivalent or parallel.
Etymology: From Latin cor-
"with," re- "back" and spondere
"to promise".
Courteous (adjective)
Having or showing good manners; polite; gracious.
Etymology: From Old French, curteis,
"having courtly bearing or manners,"
Culture
1. (noun) The beliefs, values, and behavior of a society
2. (noun) Good taste in arts and manners.
3. (verb) To grow living organisms.
Etymology: from Latincultura,
"tend, guard, cultivate, till".
Decipher (verb):
- To translate code into regular speech or writing; to break
a code.
- To read complicated or difficult written text.
Etymology: prefix de- ("from,"
"down," or "away") and cipher (meaning
"zero" or "code") from Arabic sifr
"zero."
Demonstrate (verb)
1. To show clearly, to display.
2. To show by reason or logic that something is true.
3. To explain and present.
4. To show the use of something to a customer.
5. To march in protest.
Etymology: from L demonstrare,
from de- "entirely" + monstrare "to point
out, show," from monstrum "divine omen, wonder."
Dependent
Essay
- (noun) A short, well-structured written work expressing an
opinion on a topic and supporting the opinion with evidence
- (verb) To try, make an effort, or attempt.
Etymology: From Latin, exigere
"test"
Etymology (noun)
1. The study of the history of words and language, and of how
words and language change over time.
2. The origin and development of a word over time.
Etymology: from Greek etymon
"true sense" + logos "word."
Evidence (noun):
1. Information that supports a statement
2. Material used in court to prove or disprove a claim.
Etymology: from Latin ex-
"out of" + videntem "to see"
Exacerbate (verb)
1. To make worse.
2. To cause a disease or its symptoms to become more severe.
Etymology: from Latin ex- "thoroughly"
(see ex-) + acerbus "harsh, bitter,"
Excerpt (noun)
A short piece or passage taken from a larger work.
Etymology: from Latin excerptus,
"pluck out"
Factor
Fallacy (noun)
Figurative (adjective)
Fragment
Frame
1. (noun) A structure containing something or holding it up.
2. (noun) A single still picture from a film or video.
3. (noun) The part of a window that holds the glass.
4. (noun) A border around a picture which protects it.
5. (verb) To put something in a frame.
6.(verb) To describe a situation in order to think about it.
7. (verb) To trap someone and make him appear guilty.
Etymology: From Old English framian
"to profit, be helpful, make progress"
Function:
1. (noun) What something is used for. Its purpose.
2. (noun) A social event, usually a formal one.
3. (noun) (Mathematics) A relationship between two sets of numbers
so that each number in one set has a unique partner in the other
set.
4. (verb) To work properly.
from L. functio "to perform."
Hypothesis:
1. (noun) A statement made as a possible explanation for something.
In science, an experiment is designed to test the hypothesis
you have made.
2. (noun) An assumption or guess.
Etymology: From Greek hypo- "under" + thesis
"a placing, proposition."
Identity (noun)
1. The name of an individual person or thing.
The guard asked for the identity of the Frankenstein monster,
but the monster refused to answer (he didn’t know his name).
2. The specific traits of an individual person
or thing.
Wardell thought his mask concealed his identity, but his
ears were so large everyone greeted him by name all day.
3. The distinct personality of someone or something.
Shawn sometimes felt as if students lost their identity when
they all wore uniforms.
4. ( mathematics) An equation that is always true; two things
that are equal.
X=X shows identity.
Imply (verb):
1. To state something indirectly. To suggest or state something
without saying it outright.
2. To suggest as a logically necessary result.
From Latin: implicare ("involve")
Inference (noun):
An assumption or guess, based on evidence or observation.
Etymology: from Latin in- "in" + ferre
"carry, bear.
Inflection (noun):
1. A change in the form of a word to show a change in grammar
function.
2. The rise or fall in the pitch of a voice.
From Latin inflectere "to bend in, change," from in-
"in" + flectere "to bend."
Integral (adjective)
- A necessary part of the whole. If a part is integral to the
whole, it is essential in order for the whole to work.
- (Math) The result of a mathematical integration
- Whole or entire, not lacking any of the parts.
Etymology: from Latin, integer, "whole"
Introduction (noun)
- the first part of a written or spoken text.
- beginning something new
- presentation: formally making a person known to another or
to the public
- a basic or elementary instructional text
- a new proposal
- insertion: the act of putting one thing into another
Etymology: from Latin intro- "inward, to
the inside" + ducere "to lead"
Inverse (noun)
1. The opposite or backward version of something.
2. (Math) the negative of a number. Also its reciprocal.
From Latin: inversus, from the verb invertere,
to invert or "in-turn."
Justify (verb):
1. To show to be reasonable.
2. To show to be right by providing evidence or proof.
3. To set lines of text so that the left or right margins, or
both, are aligned.
4. To defend actions.
from L.
justificare "act justly toward, make just,"
from
justificus "dealing justly, righteous,"
from
justus "just" (see just (adj.)) + root of
facere "to do.
Learning
The process causing change in behavior as the result of practice
or experience.
Liberal (adj.)
1. generous in giving; abundant or lavish
2. politics: favoring policies of reform and progress; opposing
conservatism or reactionism; often identified with “left-wing”
politics
3. broad-minded
4. not the literal meaning
5. academic: the “humanities,” that is, not technology,
engineering, or science.
Etymology: From Latin, liber, “free.”
Literal (adj):
1. obvious rather than secret or metaphorical. The ordinary meaning
of a phrase. Explicit.
2. simple, plain or direct.
Do NOT use "literal" incorrectly. If you "literally"
fly out of the window, you had better have wings or a jet engine.
etymology: Latin, litera ("letter")
Logic (noun):
1. The science of reasoning.
2. The basic principles of any type of knowledge.
3. Good reasoning or arguments in general.
Etymology: From Greek, logos "reason, idea, word"
Metaphor
(noun) A figure of speech in which one thing is described as
if it were another, different thing. A comparison which does not
use the words "like" or "as."
An example of a metaphor is: "The winds of change swept
over the government." In this metaphor, change is compared
to a weather system.
A mixed metaphor occurs when two or more contradictory
metaphors are used in the same statement. "Once you open
a can of worms, they always come home to roost." is a mixed
metaphor.
Etymology: Greek, from meta- "over, across" + pherein
"to carry, bear"
Model:
- (noun) A person who acts as a human prop (for clothing, accessories,
or products)
- (noun) A person who poses for artists or photographers
- (noun) A standard that should be imitated.
- (noun) A simplified description of a complicated process
- (noun) A replica of a real-life object, usually smaller than
the real thing
- (noun) A type or version of a product.
- (verb) To make something in clay, wax, or similar materials.
From L. modulus "measure, standard," itself
from L. modus "manner, measure"
Non sequitur: (noun)
1. (Common) A statement that does not seem reasonably connected
to what preceded it.
2. (Logic) A conclusion that does not logically follow from another
fact or facts.
3. (Popular) A comic
strip created by Wiley Miller in 1991 and syndicated by Universal
Press Syndicate to over 700 newspapers.
Latin for "it does not follow.
Objective:
1. (adjective) having actual existence; having reality; not affected
by emotion or personal opinion. The opposite of subjective.
2. (noun) aim or goal.
3. (adjective) (Grammar) The case of a noun or pronoun when it
is the object of a verb.
4. (noun) The lens in a microscope or telescope that is the first
to get light rays.
Etymology: from Latin objectum "object"
opaque (adjective)
1. Not allowing light to pass through.
2. Not clearly understood or expressed
3. Hard to understand; obscure
Etymology: From Latin opacus "shaded, shady, dark"
opinion (noun):
- A personal belief, often strong, which is not necessarily
supported by fact.
- A legal document written by a judge, giving explanation of
a court’s decision.
- An editorial in a newspaper, giving the views of the writer
rather than reporting on matters of fact.
Etymology: From Latin opinionem "opinion,
conjecture, what one thinks"
Paraphrase:
(v). To rewrite or restate the ideas, opinions, or arguments
of another person in your own words. It is important in
written schoolwork to give credit to the other person when you
paraphrase. Otherwise, paraphrasing is plagiarism.
Etymology: from Greek, from para- "beside"
+ phrazein "to tell..
Perspective (noun)
1. A way of looking at things or ideas.
2. (Art) A technique used to give the illusion of 3-D on a flat
surface.
Plagiarism (noun):
Presenting someone else's work as if it were your own, and not
giving credit to the author. This includes exact copying and
paraphrasing. Plagiarism is a form of cheating.
Etymology: From Latin: plagiarius "kidnapper, seducer,
plunderer," from plagium "kidnapping,"
from plaga "snare, net."
Plausible (adjective):
1. Seemingly or apparently valid, likely, or acceptable; credible.
2. Giving a deceptive impression of truth or reliability.
3. Insincerely smooth; fast-talking:
Latin plausibilis, deserving applause, from plausus,
past participle of plaudere, to applaud.
Preparation (noun)
Planning, setting up in advance, organization, or readiness.
From Latin præ- "before" + parare "make
ready"
Primary (adjective)
1. direct; immediate; first; not second-hand.
2. chief; most important
3. an election that chooses candidates
4. relating to an elementary or lower school
5. one of the main flight feathers on the outer edge
of a bird wing.
Etymology: From Latin primus, meaning "first."
Reciprocal (adjective)
1. Showing mutual, matching, or equal relationship between two
organizations or people.
2. Given or felt in return.
3. (Mathematics) A number's reciprocal is the number which, when
the two are multiplied, gives the answer 1. For instance, the
reciprocal of 4 is 1/4.
Etymology: from L. reciprocus "returning the same
way, alternating"
Redundant (adj)
1. Repeated or duplicated unnecessarily
2. repetition of the same sense in different words
3. excess, more than is needed
4. (computers) extra system element backup
Reference
- (noun) a mention
- (noun) a written statement about a person's character.
- (noun) relation or connection.
- (noun) a citation or source, such as a book.
- (noun) a direction to look elsewhere
- (verb) to mention or refer to something.
Etymology: from L. referre "to relate, refer," from
re- "back" + ferre "carry"
Regime (noun) :
1. a ruling system of government.
3. a government in power.
4. the period during which a particular government or ruling
system is in power.
Etymology: From Latin regimen, from regere,
to rule
relationship (noun):
- a connection, association, or involvement.
- connection between persons by blood or marriage.
- an emotional or other connection between people
- a romantic involvement; affair.
- (math) a function: the mathematical connection between two
numbers or variables in ordered pairs.
Etymology: from L. relationem "a bringing back, restoring"
Relevant (adj.)
Having a connection to a subject; related to the topic.
Not off topic. Antonym: irrelevant.
From L. relevare "to lessen, lighten
Rhetoric (noun):
1. Language used to persuade
2. High-sounding style of writing or speaking
3. Empty, confusing words
4. The study of persuasion
etymology: Greek, rhetor, "orator"
Satire (noun):
1. use of ridicule or scorn, often funny, to point out flaws
with the hope of making its subject improve.
2. a literary example of such ridicule or scorn.
Etymology: Fom Latin satira,
"satire, poetic medley."
Sarcasm (noun):
Mocking, insulting or scornful language, often disguised as
praise. A form of irony. Sarcasm is language used to mock or
hurt another, often by saying the opposite of what is meant.
Etymology: From Greek sarkasmos
"a sneer, jest, taunt, mockery," from sarkazein
"to speak bitterly, sneer." The literal meaning of
sarkazein is "to strip off the flesh"
because the word it comes from sarx, means "piece
of meat."
Significant (adj.):
- important
- fairly large
- (statistics) too big a difference to be chance
- meaningful
Etymology: from Latin, from
signum "sign" + facere "to
make"
Static
- (adjective) Lacking movement; unchanging
- (noun) Friction-caused electricity, electricity in the air,
or the interference caused by that electricity.
- (noun) (informal) Trouble.
Etymology: from Gk. statikos
"causing to stand, skilled in weighing,"
Structure
(noun) The way in which the parts of a thing are put together
to make a whole.
(noun) A building or other work of construction.
(verb) To organize parts into a whole.
Etymology: from Latin, structus,
pp. of struere "to pile, build, assemble"
Study (noun)
1. the use of the mind to gain knowledge.
2. the act or process of learning about something.
3. careful examination.
4. a branch of learning.
5. a room especially for reading and writing.
Study (verb)
- to engage in study
- to consider in detail, with attention.
Etymology: From Latin studere
"to be diligent."
Subjective (adj)
1. influenced by personal viewpoint. The opposite of objective.
2. (grammar) used as the subject of a sentence. A synonym is
"nominative"
Etymology: From Latin sub
"under" and jacere "to throw"
Subtle (adj.) (pronounced "SUT-tel")
1. So slight that it is difficult to describe.
2. Difficult to understand; abstruse.
3. Able to make fine distinctions; clever, crafty, or sly.
4. Insidious or hidden.
Etymology: from L. subtilis
"fine, thin, delicate, finely woven," from sub
"under" + -tilis, from tela "web"
and texere "to weave"
Succinct:
(adjective): expressed in few words; concise; terse.
Etymology: from L. succinctus
"prepared, ready, contracted, short."
Summary:
1. (noun) A brief statement giving the main idea or main points
of something.
2. (adjective) Done quickly and informally.
Etymology: From Latin, summa,
"whole"
Symmetry (noun)
1. (Math) Exact reflection on both sides of a dividing line.
2. (Art) Balance in a work of art reached by having equal weight
of objects, designs, or colors on either side of the center.
3. (Dog breeding) Pleasing balance between all parts of the
dog.
Etymology: From Greek, syn-
(together) and metron (measure).
Synthesis (noun):
1. Putting together ideas or things to make new ideas or things.
Combining elements to make something new.
2. (Chemistry) putting smaller molecules together to make a
larger one.
Etymology: From Greek, syn-
"together" + tithenai "put, place"
System (noun):
1. Parts working together to make a whole.
2. A set of methods or rules for doing something.
3. Any organized approach.
4. The way things are run in the world.
5. A group of body organs working together to do a set of jobs.
Etymology: from Gk. systema
"organized whole, body"
Theme: (noun)
1. A main subject or topic, as of a poem, novel, play, speech,
etc.
2. A short essay, often written as an exercise.
3. In a musical composition, a melodic, harmonic, or rhythmic
subject or phrase, usually developed with variations.
Etymology: From Greek, thema,
"something set down."
Theory (noun):
1. (Science) An explanation of something in nature, supported
by observation, experiments, and reasoning. A theory is a hypothesis
which has been thoroughly tested, about which you can be confident.
In science, a theory is never considered to be a fact. It is
an attempt to explain facts.
2. (Math) A set of theorems that make up a branch of mathematics.
3. The general principles of an art or branch of study.
4. (Common use) a theory is speculation, an idea, a guess, or
any belief which guides actions. In popular use, a theory does
not have to be supported by the facts.
Etymology: From Greek theorein,
"to look at".
Thesis (noun)
1. A sentence that gives the main point or argument of a paper.
2. A written paper reporting original research for a graduate
degree.
Etymology: From Greek thesis,
"a proposition."
Transition:
(noun)
1. Passage from one place, condition, or stage to another;
change.
2. Something, as a period of time or a situation, that leads
from one stage or period to another.
3. Music: A passage connecting sections of a composition.
Etymology: Latin trans-,
"across, over, beyond"
Vacation (noun)
1. free time or holiday away from work.
2. the act of making something legally void.
Etymology: from Latin vacare,
"to be empty, at leisure.
Valid (adjective)
1. solid, strong, well-founded
2. effective
3. legally sound, effective, or binding; having legal force:
a valid contract.
4. (Logic) describing an argument which must be true if its
premises are true
Etymology: From Latin, validus,
strong.
Variation (noun)
1. A change or alteration in something.
2. Repetitions (with change) of a musical theme.
3. A different version of something.
4. An object or process that is different from the standard
type.
Etymology: From Latin, variare,
to change.
Word (noun)
1. The smallest bit of language that can be said on its own
and have meaning.
2. Brief statement ("he didn't say a word")
3. Command ("when I give the word")
4. Promise ("he gave his word")
5. Password
6. News ("what's the word from Washington?")
7. Sacred writings ("Word of God")
Word (verb)
1. To express ("he worded it differently")
Etymology: From Old English, word.
