Y07W22VC Theme Words — Space exploration

This module focuses on vocabulary connected to the theme of Space exploration. The words in this set are used when discussing scientific discovery, space travel, the nature of the universe, and humanity’s efforts to understand what lies beyond our planet. Many of these terms appear in science writing, journalism and academic texts. Developing fluency with this vocabulary helps students engage critically with questions about exploration, discovery, and our place in the cosmos.

Word in Context (Theme: Space exploration)

These three words connect to the theme of Space exploration. As you read, notice how each word helps you discuss this topic with more precise, thoughtful language.

atmosphere

/ˈæt.məs.fɪə/

at‑mos‑phere

noun

The layer of gases surrounding a planet or star; a surrounding environment or mood.

Word family: atmospheric (adj.)

Example: The atmosphere of Mars is much thinner than Earth's atmosphere.

Synonyms: air, environment, climate

Collocations: Earth's atmosphere, atmospheric pressure, atmosphere of a planet

exploration

/ˌek.spləˈreɪ.ʃən/

ex‑plo‑ra‑tion

noun

The action of investigating or discovering something new; the process of examining a region or topic thoroughly.

Word family: explore (v.), exploratory (adj.)

Example: Space exploration has revealed remarkable facts about distant galaxies.

Synonyms: discovery, investigation, research

Collocations: space exploration, scientific exploration, exploration of space

technology

/tekˈnɒl.ə.dʒi/

tech‑nol‑o‑gy

noun

The application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes; tools, machines, and systems created through scientific understanding.

Word family: technological (adj.), technologically (adv.)

Example: Advanced technology makes space exploration possible.

Synonyms: innovation, tools, systems

Collocations: space technology, advanced technology, technological innovation

Academic Vocab

sustain

/səˈsteɪn/

sus‑tain

verb | [sustain – sustained – sustained]

To keep something going or to support it over time; to provide with what is needed.

Word family: sustainability (n.), sustainable (adj.)

Example: Scientists must find ways to sustain human life in space habitats.

Synonyms: support, maintain, uphold

Collocations: sustain life, sustain growth, sustain effort

maintain

/meɪnˈteɪn/

main‑tain

verb | [maintain – maintained – maintained]

To keep something in good condition or in the same state; to continue something.

Word family: maintenance (n.), maintained (adj.)

Example: The spacecraft must maintain stable communication with ground control.

Synonyms: keep, preserve, uphold

Collocations: maintain standards, maintain balance, maintain contact

reinforce

/ˌriː.ɪnˈfɔːs/

re‑in‑force

verb | [reinforce – reinforced – reinforced]

To strengthen or make firmer; to make an argument or idea stronger by providing additional support.

Word Breakdown: re- (prefix meaning 'again') + in- (prefix meaning 'into') + force. To reinforce is to put force back into something to strengthen it.

Word family: reinforcement (n.), reinforced (adj.)

Example: The shuttle's hull was reinforced to withstand extreme conditions.

Synonyms: strengthen, fortify, support

Collocations: reinforce the structure, reinforce the argument, reinforce the belief

support

/səˈpɔːt/

sup‑port

noun, verb | [support – supported – supported]

To hold up or keep from falling; to provide help, resources, or encouragement.

Word family: supporter (n.), supporting (adj.)

Example: International cooperation will support the future of space exploration.

Synonyms: help, back, assist

Collocations: provide support, offer support, financial support

preserve

/prɪˈzɜːv/

pre‑serve

verb | [preserve – preserved – preserved]

To keep something safe from harm or decay; to maintain in good condition.

Word family: preservation (n.), preservative (n., adj.)

Example: Scientists work to preserve data from space missions for future study.

Synonyms: protect, save, maintain

Collocations: preserve the environment, preserve history, preserve evidence

in order to

/ɪn ˈɔːr.dər tuː/

in or‑der to

phrase (connecting phrase)

A connecting phrase used to introduce the purpose or goal of an action.

Example: Scientists launched the probe in order to gather detailed measurements of Mars's atmosphere.

Synonyms: so as to, with the aim of, so that

Collocations: in order to achieve, in order to understand, in order to improve

Confusing Words

i.e. vs e.g.

i.e.' and 'e.g.' are Latin abbreviations that are often confused because they both introduce extra information. 'i.e.' clarifies or restates the exact meaning, while 'e.g.' gives examples.

  • i.e. — i.e.' means 'that is'. Use it when you want to restate or clarify something more exactly, not when you are giving examples.
  • e.g. — e.g.' means 'for example'. Use it when you want to give one or more examples, not when you are giving the only exact meaning.

Memory rule: If you can say 'in other words', use i.e. If you can say 'for example', use e.g.