Scientific Research, Change, and Society: Key Vocabulary

Scientific Research Vocabulary

Key Terms and Collocations

Adopt an approach to: To use a specific method or perspective.
Analyze: To examine something in detail.
Conduct: To carry out or perform an activity.
Demonstrate the possibility that: To show that something is possible.
Field of study: An area of academic research.
Major breakthrough: A significant discovery or achievement.
Observe: To watch or study something carefully.
Procedure: A series of actions conducted in a certain order.
Process data: To analyze and interpret information.
Provide evidence: To offer proof or support for a claim.
Test a theory: To conduct experiments to validate a hypothesis.
Variety of sources: Different places or materials from which information is gathered.

Idioms and Expressions

  • Guinea pig: A subject of experimentation.
  • Light years ahead: Far advanced compared to others.
  • Quantum leap: A sudden, significant advance.
  • Rocket science: Something very complicated.
  • Side effects: Secondary, typically undesirable effects.
  • Trial and error: A method of problem-solving through repeated attempts.

Phrasal Verbs

  • Come about: To happen or occur.
  • Come to light: To become known.
  • Distinguish: To recognize the difference between things.
  • Make out: To decipher or understand.
  • Pick up: To learn or acquire.

Related Terms

Discomfort: A feeling of unease.
Mutation: A change in genetic structure.
Personal hygiene: Practices for maintaining cleanliness.
Treatment: Medical care.
Widespread: Common or extensive.

More Phrasal Verbs

  • Bring up: To mention or introduce a topic.
  • Go over: To review or examine.
  • Hook up: To connect or attach.
  • Look at: To examine.
  • Plug in: To connect to a power source.
  • Rely on: To depend on or trust.
  • Show off: To display proudly.
  • Take after: To resemble.
  • Take away: To remove.
  • Take in: To understand or assimilate.

Vocabulary Related to Change

Verbs and Collocations

  • Influence: To affect or alter.
  • Inspire: To motivate or encourage.
  • Make advances in: To progress in a specific field.
  • Make improvements to: To enhance or upgrade.
  • Make the world of difference: To have a significant impact.
  • Overcome difficulties: To succeed despite challenges.
  • Remarkable achievement: A notable accomplishment.
  • Seek ways to improve: To look for methods to make something better.
  • Transform: To change completely.
  • Turning point: A crucial moment of change.

Types of Change

  • Considerable change: Significant change.
  • Dramatic change: Striking or impactful change.
  • Far-reaching change: Change that has a broad impact.
  • Refreshing change: A welcome and positive change.
  • Subtle change: A slight or understated change.
  • Unexpected change: A surprising or unforeseen change.

Related Terms

  • City-dwelling: Living in a city.
  • Complex: Complicated or intricate.
  • Doorstep: The entrance of a house.
  • Expand: To grow or increase in size.
  • Go through: To experience or endure.
  • Move into: To relocate to a new place.
  • Surroundings: The environment or area around something.
  • Take over: To assume control.
  • Thrive: To flourish or prosper.
  • Turn out: To result or end up.
  • Under the radar: Not attracting attention; unnoticed.

Phrasal Verbs

  • Come up against: To face or encounter a challenge.
  • Get on with: To have a good relationship with.
  • Look back on: To remember or reflect on the past.
  • Miss out on: To fail to experience something.
  • Keep up with: To stay informed or current.
  • Stand up for: To defend or support.

Nouns

  • Breakthrough: A significant advance or discovery.
  • Changeover: A transition or shift.
  • Downfall: A decline or collapse.
  • Drop-off: A decrease or reduction.
  • Setback: A difficulty or obstacle.
  • Upbringing: The way someone is raised.

Vocabulary Related to Society

Key Issues and Concepts

  • Ageing population
  • A tiny minority
  • Be made homeless
  • End poverty
  • Individual privacy
  • Life expectancy
  • Own your own property
  • Population growth
  • Protect your identity
  • Senior citizens

Expressions with “Live”

  • Live and learn
  • Live and let live
  • Live for the moment
  • Live happily ever after
  • Live in the past
  • Live the dream

Phrasal Verbs and Adjectives

  • Date back to: To originate from a specific time.
  • Essential: Absolutely necessary.
  • Infinite: Limitless.
  • Instantly: Immediately.
  • Join in: To participate.
  • Joy: Great happiness.
  • Line up: To arrange in a line.
  • Remote: Distant or isolated.
  • Truly: Genuinely.
  • Unfamiliar: Not known or recognized.

Descriptive Adjectives

  • Affordable: Inexpensive.
  • Appealing: Attractive or interesting.
  • Convenient: Easy to use or access.
  • Efficient: Performing well with minimal waste.
  • Effortless: Requiring little effort.
  • First-rate: Of the highest quality.
  • Standard: Usual or typical.
  • Unbeatable: Superior to all others.
  • Well-established: Having a long and respected history.
  • Worthwhile: Valuable or beneficial.