Review Academic Words

virtually: almost or very nearly, so that any slight differences is not important
-He virtually admitted he was guilty.

solely: only; not involving sb/sth else
-She was motivated solely by self-interest.

prime: of the best quality; excellent
-The store has a prime position in the mall.

solid: that you can rely on; having a strong basis
-As yet, they have no solid evidence.


subject: a thing or person that is being discussed, described or dealt with
topic: a subject that you talk, write or learn about

case: a set of facts or arguments that support on side in a trial, a discussion, etc.
-The report makes out a strong case for spending more money on hospitals.

scope: the range of things that a subject, an organization, an activity, etc. deals with
-This subject lies beyong the scope of our investigation.

-I agree with you to a certain degree.

- There was an almost complete lack of awareness of the isssues involved.


challenge: to question whether a statement or an action is right, legal, etc; to refuse to accept sth
-This discovery challenges traditional beliefs.

effect: a change that sb/sth causes in sb/sth else; a result
-Modern farming methods can have an adverse effect on the environment

affect: to produce a change in sb/sth
-Your opinion will not affect my decision.


discrepancy: a differnence between two or more things that should be the same.
-wide discrepancies in prices quoted for the work

rigorous: done carefully and with a lot of attention to detail
-a rigorous analysis


somewhat: to some degree
fairly: to some extent but not very
essentially: when you think about the true, important or basic nature of sb/sth
eventually: at the end of a period of time or a series of events
ultimately: in the end; finally
merely: used meaning 'only' or 'simply' to emphasize a fact or sth that you are saying
-It is not merely a job, but a way of life.
apparently: according to what you have heard or read; according to the way sth appears
definitely: in a way that is certain or that shows that you are certain
-Please say definitely whether you will be coming or not.


excessive: greater that what seems reasonable or appropriate
-The amounts she borrowed were not excessive.
excess: more than is necessary, reasonable or acceptable
-The increase will not in excess of(=more than) two per cent.

significant: large or important enough to have an effect or to be noticed
-a significant amount of energy

substantial: large in amount, value or importance
-substantial sums of money

fair: quite lare in number, size or amount
-A fair number of people came along.