Y06W08VC Theme Words — Science & discovery

This module explores vocabulary connected to the theme of science and discovery. The words in this set are used when discussing scientific inquiry, investigation, evidence and the process of finding out how the world works. These terms appear in science reports, information texts and analytical writing. Developing fluency with this vocabulary helps students read and write about scientific ideas with greater accuracy and confidence.

Word in Context (Theme: Science & discovery)

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

hypothesis

/haɪˈpɒθɪsɪs/

hy‑poth‑e‑sis

noun

A suggested explanation for something, based on limited evidence, that can be tested by further investigation.

Word Breakdown: -sis (suffix indicating a process or condition)

Word family: hypothesis (n.), hypotheses (n. pl.), hypothesise (v.), hypothetical (adj.)

Example: Before conducting the experiment, the class wrote a hypothesis predicting what they expected to happen.

Synonyms: prediction, theory, proposition

Collocations: form a hypothesis, test a hypothesis, a working hypothesis

experiment

/ɪkˈsperɪmənt/

ex‑per‑i‑ment

noun / verb | [experiment – experimented – experimented]

A scientific test or investigation designed to discover something or prove a hypothesis. As a verb, to carry out such a test.

Word family: experiment (n./v.), experimental (adj.)

Example: The class designed an experiment to test which conditions allowed plants to grow most effectively.

Synonyms: test, trial, investigation

Collocations: conduct an experiment, run an experiment, experimental results

conclude

/kənˈkluːd/

con‑clude

verb | [conclude – concluded – concluded]

To reach a decision or judgement based on evidence and reasoning at the end of an investigation or argument.

Word family: conclude (v.), conclusion (n.), conclusive (adj.)

Example: After analysing the data, the scientists concluded that the new method was significantly more effective.

Synonyms: determine, find, deduce

Collocations: conclude that, reach a conclusion, it can be concluded

Academic Vocab

define

/dɪˈfaɪn/

de‑fine

verb | [define – defined – defined]

To state the exact meaning of a word or concept, or to explain the nature of something clearly.

Word family: define (v.), definition (n.), definite (adj.)

Example: Before beginning the report, students were asked to define the key scientific terms they would use.

Synonyms: explain, describe, clarify

Collocations: define a term, define the concept, clearly defined

meaning

/ˈmiːnɪŋ/

mean‑ing

noun

The idea or significance that a word, phrase or concept is intended to express.

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

Example: Understanding the meaning of technical terms is essential when reading science reports.

Synonyms: significance, sense, definition

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

term

/tɜːm/

term

noun

A word or phrase used to describe a particular concept, especially in a specialised field.

Word family: term (n.), terminology (n.), terminate (v.)

Example: The scientist explained each technical term before presenting the results of the experiment.

Synonyms: word, expression, label

Collocations: a technical term, define a term, key terms

concept

/ˈkɒnsept/

con‑cept

noun

An abstract idea or principle that explains or represents something.

Word family: concept (n.), conceptual (adj.), conceive (v.)

Example: The concept of cause and effect is central to understanding how scientific experiments work.

Synonyms: idea, principle, notion

Collocations: a key concept, the concept of, understand a concept

category

/ˈkætəɡəri/

cat‑e‑go‑ry

noun

A group of things that share common features or characteristics and are classified together.

Word family: category (n.), categorise (v.), categorical (adj.)

Example: The students sorted the organisms into categories based on their physical characteristics.

Synonyms: group, class, type

Collocations: fall into a category, a broad category, sort into categories

specifically

/spəˈsɪfɪkli/

spe‑cif‑ic‑al‑ly

adverb

‘Specifically’ points to an exact detail rather than a general idea.

Example: The report discusses pollution, specifically the effect of plastic waste on sea birds.

Synonyms: exactly, particularly, in detail

Collocations: specifically, the; specifically refers to; more specifically

Confusing Words

accept vs except

Accept and except are often confused because they sound almost the same but have very different meanings. Accept is a verb meaning to receive, agree to or acknowledge something — for example, 'The scientist was willing to accept the unexpected results of the experiment.'

  • accept — Accept' means to receive something willingly or agree to something — for example, 'I accept your apology.'
  • except — Except is usually a preposition or conjunction meaning 'not including' or 'apart from' — for example, 'All hypotheses were confirmed except the final one.'

Memory rule: A helpful trick: accept is always a verb (an action you do), while except almost always excludes something (think of 'exception' — leaving something out). If you can replace the word with 'apart from', use except.