Academic Terms Vocabulary

to put forward as fact or as a basis for argument

“The theory posits that language shapes thought.”

to suggest or assume as a basis for reasoning

“Einstein postulated the constancy of light speed.”

to put forward as a hypothesis

“Researchers hypothesize a link between the variables.”

to extend application of facts to an unknown situation

“We cannot extrapolate these findings to all cases.”

to insert something between fixed points

“The missing data was interpolated from known values.”

to analyze and develop an idea in detail

“The critic explicated the poem's symbolism.”

to present and explain a theory systematically

“She expounded her views on economic reform.”

to make something clear; explain

“The professor elucidated the complex concept.”

to help clarify or explain

“New research illuminates the origins of the disease.”

to emphasize the importance of

“The incident underscores the need for reform.”

to found or base on something

“The argument is predicated on false assumptions.”

to require as a precondition

“The theory presupposes rational actors.”

to remove a need or difficulty

“The new process obviates the need for approval.”

to prevent from happening; make impossible

“Budget constraints preclude further expansion.”

to take the place of something previously in use

“Digital records have superseded paper files.”

a thing that existed or came before another

“The historical antecedents of the conflict are complex.”

to come together to form one mass or whole

“The various groups coalesced into a single movement.”

to combine two or more things into one

“Critics accused him of conflating separate issues.”

to divide into two branches or parts

“The road bifurcates at the village center.”

to divide into two opposing groups or kinds

“We shouldn't dichotomize complex issues.”

concerned with or involving the theory of a subject

“The paper explores the theoretical basis of the model.”

a system of methods used in a particular area of study

“The research methodology was rigorous.”