TOEFL Vocabulary

a sum total of many heterogeneous things taken together

• aggregate

• single

• opinion

• divide

having a tendency

• resistant

• stress

• prone

• inmune

dash violently or with great speed or impetuosity

• increase

• plunge

• withdraw

• improve

a supposition or proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation.

• hypothesis

• fact

• knowledge

• certainty

What does the word 'ubiquitous' mean in the context of technology?

• Rarely found in modern devices.

• Present everywhere; omnipresent.

• Only applicable to certain types of technology.

• Limited to specific locations; localized.

Answer explanation

In technology, 'ubiquitous' means that something is present everywhere or omnipresent, indicating its widespread availability and integration into daily life, making the correct choice 'Present everywhere; omnipresent.'

In the sentence 'The artist's work was lauded for its innovative approach,' what does 'lauded' imply?

• Misunderstood or misinterpreted.

• Criticized or condemned.

• Ignored or overlooked.

• Praised or celebrated.

Answer explanation

In the sentence, 'lauded' means to be praised or celebrated. The context indicates that the artist's work received positive recognition for its innovative approach, making 'praised or celebrated' the correct interpretation.

How does the term 'meticulous' describe a person's attention to detail?

• A meticulous person focuses only on the big picture.

• A meticulous person pays close attention to every detail.

• A meticulous person is careless with their work.

• A meticulous person often overlooks minor details.

Answer explanation

The term 'meticulous' specifically refers to a person who pays close attention to every detail, ensuring accuracy and thoroughness in their work. This directly contradicts the other options, which imply carelessness or a lack of detail focus.

In the phrase 'the ramifications of the decision were far-reaching,' what does 'ramifications' refer to?

• Details of the decision-making process.

• Public opinion on the decision.

• Consequences or effects of the decision.

• Benefits of the decision.

Answer explanation

In the phrase, 'ramifications' refers to the consequences or effects of the decision, indicating how the decision impacts various aspects, rather than details, public opinion, or benefits.

What does 'cognizant' mean in the context of being aware of one's surroundings?

• Being distracted by external stimuli.

• Being aware of one's surroundings.

• Being oblivious to one's surroundings.

• Having a vague understanding of the environment.

Answer explanation

In the context of being aware of one's surroundings, 'cognizant' means being aware and attentive to the environment. The correct choice, 'Being aware of one's surroundings,' accurately reflects this definition.

In the context of a debate, what does 'articulate' suggest about a speaker's abilities?

• A speaker's skill in avoiding difficult questions.

• A speaker's talent for using complex jargon.

• A speaker's ability to memorize speeches verbatim.

• A speaker's ability to express thoughts clearly and effectively.

Answer explanation

In a debate, 'articulate' indicates a speaker's ability to express thoughts clearly and effectively, making their arguments more persuasive and understandable to the audience.