Y06W06VC Theme Words — Migration & movement

This module explores vocabulary connected to the theme of migration and movement. The words in this set are used when discussing journeys, displacement, settlement and the experiences of people who move between places. These terms appear in history, geography, news media and narrative writing. Developing fluency with this vocabulary helps students engage thoughtfully with contemporary and historical stories of human movement.

Word in Context (Theme: Migration & movement)

These three words connect to the theme of Migration & movement. Think about how each word helps you describe the topic more precisely.

journey

/ˈdʒɜːni/

jour‑ney

noun / verb | [journey – journeyed – journeyed]

A trip or process of travelling from one place to another, sometimes over a long distance. As a verb, to travel somewhere.

Word family: journey (n./v.)

Example: The refugees began a dangerous journey across the sea in search of safety for their families.

Synonyms: trip, voyage, passage

Collocations: begin a journey, a long journey, the journey of

refuge

/ˈrefjuːdʒ/

ref‑uge

noun

A place that provides shelter or safety from danger or difficulty.

Word family: refuge (n.), refugee (n.)

Example: The abandoned building became a refuge for the family as they waited for the storm to pass.

Synonyms: shelter, sanctuary, haven

Collocations: seek refuge, find refuge, take refuge in

destination

/ˌdestɪˈneɪʃən/

des‑ti‑na‑tion

noun

The place that someone is travelling to or aiming to reach.

Word family: destination (n.), destine (v.), destined (adj.)

Example: After weeks at sea, the exhausted migrants finally caught sight of their destination on the horizon.

Synonyms: endpoint, goal, arrival point

Collocations: reach a destination, a final destination, arrive at the destination

Academic Vocab

interpret

/ɪnˈtɜːprɪt/

in‑ter‑pret

verb | [interpret – interpreted – interpreted]

To explain or understand the meaning of something, such as a text, data or event.

Word family: interpret (v.), interpretation (n.), interpretive (adj.)

Example: Different readers may interpret the same poem in different ways depending on their own experiences.

Synonyms: understand, explain, read

Collocations: interpret a text, interpret data, open to interpretation

meaning

/ˈmiːnɪŋ/

mean‑ing

noun

The idea, message or significance that something is intended to express or convey.

Word family: meaning (n.), meaningful (adj.), meaningless (adj.)

Example: The meaning of the poem became clearer once the students learnt about the author's life.

Synonyms: significance, message, sense

Collocations: the meaning of, full of meaning, convey meaning

imply

/ɪmˈplaɪ/

im‑ply

verb | [imply – implied – implied]

To suggest or hint at something without stating it directly.

Word family: imply (v.), implication (n.), implied (adj.)

Example: The headline implied that the government's response to the crisis had been too slow.

Synonyms: suggest, hint, indicate

Collocations: imply that, strongly implied, what is implied

suggest

/səˈdʒest/

sug‑gest

verb | [suggest – suggested – suggested]

To put forward an idea, possibility or explanation for consideration.

Word family: suggest (v.), suggestion (n.)

Example: The evidence suggests that migration patterns changed significantly during times of drought.

Synonyms: propose, indicate, put forward

Collocations: suggest that, suggest a reason, the evidence suggests

convey

/kənˈveɪ/

con‑vey

verb | [convey – conveyed – conveyed]

To communicate or express a message, idea or feeling effectively.

Word family: convey (v.), conveyance (n.)

Example: The author used vivid language to convey the hardship experienced by refugees on the journey.

Synonyms: communicate, express, transmit

Collocations: convey a message, convey meaning, convey emotion

for example

/fɔː ɪɡˈzɑːmpəl/

for ex‑am‑ple

phrase

‘For example’ introduces a specific example that helps explain or support a general idea.

Example: Many animals adapt to their environment; for example, camels can survive with little water.

Synonyms: for instance, such as, to illustrate

Collocations: for example, this shows; for example, consider; for example, animals such as

Confusing Words

device vs devise

Device and devise are often confused because they look and sound very similar. Device is a noun — it names a tool, object or piece of equipment designed for a specific purpose — for example, 'She used a device to track the ship's location.'

  • device — Device' is a noun meaning a tool, machine or piece of equipment — for example, 'A tablet is a useful device for research.'
  • devise — Devise is a verb — it means to plan or invent something — for example, 'The team needed to devise a new route after the road was blocked.'

Memory rule: The easiest way to remember the difference is that device (noun) ends in '-ice' like 'ice' — you can hold it — while devise (verb) ends in '-ise', just like other verbs such as 'advise' and 'realise'. If you can replace it with 'create a plan', use devise.