Most Common English Vocabulary for TOEFL Test

Most Common Vocabulary for TOEFL Test

Here, you will find the most common words used in the TOEFL listening section. Understanding the terms and concepts beforehand may help you understand the lecture effectively. Let's Learn...

1. Accomplish (v): To achieve something successfully.
2. Accuracy (n): How close something is to the truth.
3. Acknowledge (v): To recognize or admit something.
4. Across (prep): From one side to the other of something.
5. Adequate (adj): Enough or sufficient for a particular purpose.
6. Aggressive (adj): Ready or likely to attack or fight.
7. Alive (adj): Living or having life.
8. Amateur (n): Someone who does something for pleasure, not as a profession.
9. Anchor (n): A heavy object attached to a rope or chain that is used to hold a ship in place.
10. Animal world (n): All the animals in a particular place or time.
11. Appearance (n): The way something looks.
12. Approach (n): The way someone deals with a situation or task.
13. Aquatic (adj): Living or growing in water.
14. Archaeology (n): The study of human history and prehistory through the excavation of sites and the analysis of material culture.
15. Area (n): A particular part of a surface or space.
16. Arrive (v): To reach a place.
17. Artifact (n): An object made by a human being, especially an object of cultural or historical interest.
18. Ashes (n): The fine, powdery remains of something that has been burned.
19. Assume (v): To think that something is true without having evidence.
20. Assumption (n): A belief that something is true without proof.
21. Asteroid belt (n): A region between Mars and Jupiter containing a large number of asteroids.
22. Astronomical unit (n): A unit of distance equal to the average distance between the Earth and the Sun.
23. Attain (v): To achieve or succeed in getting something.
24. Aware (adj): Conscious of something or having knowledge of it.
25. Banding study (n): A study of birds where they are captured and marked with a band to track their movements.
26. Bear (n): A large, heavy mammal with thick fur and a short tail.
27. Behaviorism (n): A school of psychology that focuses on observable behaviors and how they are learned.
28. Belongings (n): The possessions of a person or group.
29. Bizarre (adj): Strange or unusual.
30. Bottle (n): A container with a narrow neck, typically made of glass and used for holding liquids.
31. Boundaries (n): The lines or limits that mark the edge of an area.
32. Breaking strength (n): The amount of force needed to break something.
33. Breed (v): To reproduce sexually.
34. Breeding (n): The act of reproducing sexually.
35. Bundle (n): A group of things tied or wrapped together.
36. Buried (v): Covered or hidden beneath the earth or another substance.
37. Button (n): A small fastener with a flat round top, sewn onto clothing to fasten two pieces of fabric together.
38. Capture (v): To catch or take hold of someone or something.
39. Casual knowledge (n): Basic or general understanding of a subject.
40. Cattle (n): Cows, bulls, and oxen kept as farm animals.
41. Cease (v): To stop or come to an end.
42. Celebrate (v): To praise or honor someone or something.
43. Cereal crops (n): Grains such as wheat, barley, or oats.
44. Characteristic (n): A feature or quality that makes something different.
45. Characteristic (n): A feature that is typical of something.
46. Chimney (n): A pipe that carries smoke out of a building.
47. Chronological order (n): The order in which things happened over time.
48. Clay pottery (n): Earthenware pots, dishes, and other objects made from clay and baked.
49. Clear (v): To remove all the trees, bushes, or other plants from an area of land.
50. Climate (n): The weather conditions in a particular place over a period of time.
51. Climate charts (n): Visual representations of climate data.
52. Climate variations (n): Changes in weather patterns over time.
53. Clip (n): A short piece of film or video.
54. Clues (n): Pieces of information that help us understand something.
55. Colder (adj): Having a lower temperature than something else.
56. Collaboration (n): Working together on a project.
57. Colony (n): A group of animals of the same species living together in a close association.
58. Come up with (v): To think of or remember something.
59. Complicated (adj): Difficult to understand or deal with.
60. Compose (v): To make up or form something.
61. Comprehensive (adj): Including all the important information.
62. Concentrate (v): To focus on something specific.
63. Confirmation (n): The action of confirming something, or the state of being confirmed.
64. Conform (v): To act in accordance with something, such as a rule or standard.
65. Confusing (adj): Difficult to understand.
66. Construct (v): To build something.
67. Context (n): The circumstances that form the setting for an event, statement, or idea, and in terms of which it can be fully understood and assessed.
68. Contrast (n): A difference between things that are being compared.
69. Convenient (adj): Easy or suitable to deal with.
70. Cooperate (v): To work together for a common purpose.
71. Covert (adj): Hidden or disguised; not easily seen or noticed.
72. Creature (n): An animal.
73. Database (n): A large collection of information that is stored electronically in a computer system.
74. Dawn (n): The first appearance of light in the sky in the morning.
75. Deaf individuals (n): People who are unable to hear.
76. Decimal (n): A number system that uses a point (.) to separate the whole numbers from the fractional parts.
77. Decline (n): A decrease in amount, number, or quality.
78. Decorated (v): To make something look more attractive by adding ornaments or designs.
79. Dedicated (adj): Set aside or intended for a particular purpose.
80. Degrade (v): To become worse or weaker in quality.
81. Develop (v): To improve or cause something to improve.
82. Diligently (adv): Carefully and persistently.
83. Discover (v): To find something new or learn something that was not known before.
84. Discussion (n): A conversation in which people talk about something in order to learn more about it or to make a decision.
85. Distinction (n): A difference or contrast between things.
86. Ecological tourism (n): Tourism that is focused on observing and learning about nature.
87. Egg (n): The reproductive unit of a female animal that contains the embryo and provides it with nourishment.
88. Electrodes (n): Devices that conduct electricity, used for various purposes.
89. Encounter (v): To experience or come across something.
90. Energy efficient (adj): Using less energy than usual.
91. Erect (v): To build or construct something.
92. Especially (adv): Particularly; above all.
93. Ethical (adj): Relating to moral principles or character.
94. Evidence (n): Any piece of information that is used to form an opinion or judgment.
95. Evidence (n): Information that shows something is true.
96. Evolution in thought (n): The way someone's ideas or understanding of something changes over time.
97. Excavate (v): To carefully remove earth or other material from a place in order to find something that is hidden there.
98. Excavation (n): The careful process of digging up an archaeological site.
99. Exceptionally (adv): In an outstanding or remarkable way.
100. Expect (v): To believe that something is likely to happen.
101. Experience (n): Practical knowledge or skill gained from doing something.
102. Extra credit (n): Additional points or marks awarded for work done beyond the basic requirements of a course.
103. Extract (v): To remove something from something else.
104. Extrinsic (adj): Coming from an outside source; not inherent.
105. Eye movement (n): The movement of the eyes.
106. Faint (adj): Weak or not very bright.
107. Familiar (adj) (mentioned twice)
108. Familiar (adj): Well-known and easy to remember.
109. Feedback (n): Comments or suggestions about someone's work.
110. Fiber (n): A long, thin thread or strand of a natural material.
111. Fiction (n): Literature that describes imaginary events and people.
112. Forgetful (adj): Tending to forget things easily.
113. Formatting (n): The way something is arranged or presented.
114. Founder (n): The person who starts or establishes something.
115. Frost (n): A thin layer of ice that forms on a surface when the temperature falls below freezing.
116. Frustration (n): A feeling of annoyance or disappointment caused by something that cannot be done.
117. Fuse (v): To join two things together.
118. Graves (n): Holes in the ground where dead bodies are buried.
119. Gravitation (n): The force that attracts objects towards each other.
120. Great-grandmother (n): The mother of one's grandmother or grandfather.
121. Ground squirrel (n): A type of squirrel that lives on the ground, not in trees.
122. Growing season (n): The time of year when plants are actively growing.
123. Habitat (n): The natural environment of an animal or plant.
124. Habitat (n): The natural environment where a plant or animal lives.
125. Habitat area (n): A specific location within a habitat.
126. Harsh (adj): Severe or unpleasant.
127. Hearth (n): A fireplace or the area around a fireplace.
128. Hemisphere (n):** Half of the earth, divided by the equator or a meridian.
129. Herb (n): A green, flowering plant with a soft stem.
130. Hibernation (n): A state in which an animal sleeps for a long time during the winter.
131. Housing (n): Buildings used as homes.
132. Human (n): A person.
133. Hunting scenes (n): Pictures or paintings that show people hunting animals.
134. Hurry (n): Great haste or speed.
135. Identical (adj): Exactly the same.
136. Ideomotor action (n): An involuntary movement that occurs when someone thinks about an action.
137. Impact (n): A strong effect that something has on something else.
138. Impersonal (adj): Not showing any personal feelings or emotions.
139. Incentive (n): A thing that motivates or encourages someone to do something.
140. Independent (adj): Not controlled by or connected to something else.
141. Infer (v): To draw a conclusion based on evidence or information.
142. Information (n): Facts or knowledge about something.
143. Inhabited (adj): Lived in by people or animals.
144. Innovator (n): A person who introduces new ideas or methods.
145. Inspire (v): To fill someone with the desire or enthusiasm to do something.
146. Interesting (adj): Catching the attention and holding the interest.
147. Intrinsic (adj): Belonging to the fundamental nature of something; inherent.
148. Introductory (adj): Serving as an introduction to a subject or activity.
149. Jot down (v): To write something quickly and briefly.
150. Lab (n): A shortened form of "laboratory," a place where scientific experiments and research are done.
151. Laryngeal (adj): Relating to the larynx, the voice box in the throat.
152. Late (adj): Happening or existing near the end of a period of time.
153. Layout (n): The arrangement or plan of something.
154. Leave behind (v): To not take something with you when you go.
155. Lecture hall (n): A large room in a university or college where lectures are given.
156. Level (n): A stage in a process or system of progression.
157. Lifetime (n): The entire period of a person's or animal's life.
158. Loner (n): A person or animal that prefers to be alone.
159. Loss (n): The fact or condition of something no longer being there.
160. Magical (adj): Having or seeming to have supernatural powers.
161. Manifestation (n): A visible expression or outward sign of something.
162. Masterpiece (n): A work of outstanding quality or skill.
163. Mathematically (adv): In a way that relates to mathematics.
164. Mating (v): The act of two animals having sex to produce young.
165. Mature (v): To grow to a fully developed stage.
166. Meadow (n): An area of open grassland.
167. Measure (v): To determine the size, amount, or extent of something.
168. Memory management (n): Techniques for remembering information effectively.
169. Mental processes (n): The internal activities of the mind, such as thinking and feeling.
170. Meteorological records (n): Official weather data collected over time.
171. Middle (n): The central part of something.
172. Migrate (v): To move from one place to another according to the seasons.
173. Migration route (n): The path that an animal takes when it migrates.
174. Mollusk (n): An invertebrate animal with a soft body, usually enclosed in a shell, such as a snail, clam, or mussel.
175. Moor (v): To secure a ship to a dock or other fixed point.
176. Motor theory (n): The theory that thinking is caused by muscle activity.
177. Muscle potential (n): The ability of a muscle to contract and produce movement.
178. Muscular activity (n): The movement of muscles.
179. Muscular habits (n): Repetitive movements or actions involving muscles.
180. Music (n): A combination of sounds that is pleasing to the ear.
181. Narration (n): The act of telling a story.
182. Native (adj): Existing originally in a particular place.
183. Nectar (n): A sweet liquid produced by flowers to attract insects and birds for pollination.
184. Neolithic period (n): The late Stone Age, characterized by the development of agriculture.
185. Nest (n): The place where a bird builds its home and lays its eggs.
186. Nesting site (n): The place where a bird builds its nest.
187. Normal (adj): Usual, expected, or typical.
188. Norms (n): The accepted way of behaving in a particular society or situation.
189. Nurture (v): To care for and help something to grow or develop.
190. Obsidian (n): A black, volcanic glass used to make sharp tools.
191. Ocean-going (adj): Designed or used for traveling across oceans.
192. Offspring (n): The children of an animal.
193. Omit (v): To leave something out.
194. Outline (v): To create a brief overview of the main points.
195. Overt (adj): Open or public; easily seen or noticed.
196. Paint (v): To apply a colored liquid to a surface.
197. Paleolithic (adj): The earliest and longest period of human prehistory, lasting from the beginning of the use of stone tools by humans (c. 2.5 million years ago) to the end of the Pleistocene epoch (c. 11,700 years ago).
198. Past (n): The time that has gone before the present.
199. Pattern (n): A repeated or regularly occurring arrangement of something.
200. Penetrate (v): To enter or pass into or through something.
201. Percent (n): A part or share of a whole, expressed as a fraction of one hundred (written as %).
202. Personal reflection (n): A thoughtful consideration of one's own experiences or feelings.
203. Philosopher (n): A person who studies the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence.
204. Pioneer (n): A person who is among the first to do something new or explore a new area.
205. Pipe up (v): To speak suddenly, especially in a high-pitched voice.
206. Planet (n): A large, round object that orbits the sun.
207. Plastered (v): To cover a surface with a layer of plaster (a paste that hardens).
208. Pollen (n): A fine powder produced by flowers that helps them reproduce.
209. Pollinate (v): To transfer pollen from the male part of a flower to the female part, which is necessary for reproduction.
210. Polluted (adj): Made dirty or impure with harmful substances.
211. Population (n): All the people or animals of a particular kind living in a particular area.
212. Portray (v): To describe or represent someone or something in a particular way.
213. Practice (n): The customary way of doing something.
214. Predict (v): To say what will happen in the future.
215. Preserved (adj): Kept in good condition, often from a long time ago.
216. Primitive (adj): Of or relating to the earliest times in the history of something.
217. Problem-solving (n): The process of finding a solution to a difficulty.
218. Profit (n): The money made by a business after paying its expenses.
219. Published data (n): Information that has been made available to the public.
220. Rare (adj): Not happening very often.
221. Relief (n): A feeling of happiness or reduced worry because something bad has not happened or because a problem has been solved.
222. Rely (v): To depend on someone or something for help or support.
223. Replant (v): To plant new trees or other plants in an area where they have been removed.
224. Research (n): The systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions.
225. Research method (n): A way of collecting information about a particular subject.
226. Resistant (adj): Able to withstand or oppose something.
227. Respond (v): To react to something said or done.
228. Rock shelter (n): A natural overhang in a cliff face that provides shelter from the weather.
229. Rodent (n): A small mammal with sharp teeth for gnawing, such as a rat, mouse, or squirrel.
230. Row (n): A line of things arranged one behind the other.
231. Rule of thumb (n): A general principle used as a guide for making decisions.
232. Salt water (n): Seawater; water that contains salt.
233. Scattered (adj): Spread out in an irregular way.
234. Schedule (n): A list of planned events or appointments.
235. Science (n): The intellectual and practical activity encompassing the study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experiment.
236. Scraps (n): Small pieces left over from something.
237. Seahorse (n): A small sea fish with a body shaped like a horse's head and neck.
238. Semester (mentioned three times): One of the two main divisions of the academic year at a university.
239. Semester (mentioned twice): One of the two main divisions of the academic year at a university.
240. Set of behaviors (n): A group of actions or reactions.
241. Set up (v): To establish or explain something at the beginning.
242. Settlement (n): A place where people live.
243. Shallow (adj): Not deep.
244. Sign language (n): A system of communication using hand gestures and facial expressions.
245. Significantly (adv): To a great or important degree.
246. Site (n): A place where something important has happened or something is being built or has been built.
247. Slide (n): A single image on a sheet of transparent celluloid, used in a projector to show a picture on a screen.
248. Social habits (n): The way that animals of the same species interact with each other.
249. Soot (n): A black, greasy substance that forms as a result of burning something.
250. Speculate (v): To form a theory or opinion about something without having enough evidence to be sure it is true.
251. Speculate (v): To form an opinion about something without having certain information.
252. Speculation (n): The act of forming an opinion without having certain information.
253. Stainless steel (n): A type of steel that resists rust and corrosion.
254. Statistical tests (n): Mathematical methods used to analyze data.
255. Stilt (n): A long pole that supports something above the ground.
256. Stone Age (n): A prehistoric period characterized by the use of stone implements.
257. Storage (n): The act of keeping things for future use.
258. Study (v): To learn about a subject by reading or research.
259. Suddenly (adv): Quickly and unexpectedly.
260. Suspicious (adj): Making you believe that something is wrong or dangerous.
261. Symbolism (n): The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities.
262. Tantalizing (adj): Exciting or interesting in a way that makes you want to know more.
263. Technical (adj): Relating to a particular subject or profession and requiring specialized knowledge.
264. Telescope (n): An instrument that makes distant objects appear larger.
265. Temperate climate (n): A climate with mild temperatures and distinct seasons.
266. Territorial (adj): Protecting a particular area from others.
267. Theory (n): A set of ideas or rules that explains something.
268. Threat (n): Something that is likely to cause damage or harm.
269. Torch (n): A portable light source, typically one that burns fuel and is held in the hand.
270. Travel (v): To go from one place to another.
271. Trip (n): A journey or excursion, especially for pleasure.
272. Twist (n): A surprising turn of events in a story or plot.
273. Twist (v): To turn or wind something around itself.
274. Uncanny (adj): Strange or mysterious in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable or uneasy.
275. Underwater (adj): Below the surface of the water.
276. Underwater film-making (n): The process of making movies underwater.
277. Unearth (v): To discover something that has been buried or hidden.
278. Unfamiliar (adj): Not known or well-understood.
279. Universal (adj): Applying to all people or things in the world.
280. University library (n): A library located on a university campus.
281. Unlikely (adj): Not probable or expected.
282. Unnoticed (adj): Not seen or observed.
283. Unpublished data (n): Information that has not been formally published.
284. Unusual (adj): Not typical or normal.
285. Validity (n): The quality of being true or well-founded.
286. Value (v): To consider something important or worthwhile.
287. Vary (v): To change or differ.
288. Vegetation (n): The plants that grow in a particular area.
289. Very young children (n): Infants and toddlers.
290. Volunteer (n) (mentioned twice): A person who works for an organization or cause without being paid. 30. Hope (v): To want something to happen or to think that something is likely to happen.
291. Weather (n): The condition of the atmosphere at a particular time and place.
292. William James (n): A famous psychologist who developed the concept of ideomotor action.
293. Wind (n): Air moving from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure.
294. Yield (v): To produce something, especially as a result of effort.
295. Zinc (n): A metallic element used in various applications.