Y08W08VC Theme Words — Technology & society

Close and continuous observation of a person, group, or place, especially by authorities for security or control purposes.

Word Breakdown: sur- (prefix meaning ‘over’ or ‘above’, from French)

Word family: surveilled (adj.)

Example: The expansion of digital surveillance has raised serious questions about privacy rights in democratic societies.

Synonyms: monitoring, observation, watching

Collocations: mass surveillance, surveillance state, under surveillance

The state of being free from unwanted observation, intrusion, or the sharing of personal information without consent.

Word family: private (adj.), privately (adv.)

Example: Many users are unaware of how much of their personal data is collected and sold without their knowledge, raising privacy concerns.

Synonyms: confidentiality, seclusion, personal space

Collocations: right to privacy, invasion of privacy, digital privacy

A result or effect that follows from an action or situation, especially an important or undesirable one.

Word family: consequential (adj.), consequently (adv.)

Example: One unintended consequence of widespread social media use has been an increase in anxiety among young people.

Synonyms: result, outcome, effect

Collocations: as a consequence, significant consequence, face consequences

To strengthen or support an idea, argument, or structure, making it more effective or convincing.

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

Example: The second study reinforced the findings of the first, providing further evidence for the theory.

Synonyms: strengthen, support, confirm

Collocations: reinforce an argument, reinforce a message, reinforce learning

To keep something going over a period of time, or to support something and prevent it from failing.

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

Example: It is difficult to sustain a logical argument without providing adequate evidence at each stage.

Synonyms: maintain, uphold, continue

Collocations: sustain an argument, sustain attention, sustained effort

To weaken or damage something gradually, often in a subtle or hidden way.

Word Breakdown: under- (prefix meaning ‘below’ or ‘beneath’)

Example: Poor evidence can undermine even the most well-structured argument.

Synonyms: weaken, erode, damage

Collocations: undermine an argument, undermine confidence, undermine trust

To communicate or express a message, idea, or feeling, often without stating it directly.

Word family: conveyance (n.)

Example: The author conveys a sense of urgency through her choice of short, sharp sentences.

Synonyms: communicate, express, transmit

Collocations: convey a message, convey meaning, convey emotion

To represent or depict someone or something in a particular way, especially in writing, art, or media.

Word family: portrayal (n.)

Example: The documentary portrayed technology as both a powerful tool and a potential source of harm.

Synonyms: depict, represent, show

Collocations: portray as, portray a character, be portrayed

In addition to what has already been said; used to introduce another point that adds to or strengthens the argument.

Example: The study showed a clear link between screen time and reduced sleep quality; furthermore, it found that younger users were most affected.

Synonyms: in addition, moreover, additionally

Collocations: furthermore, it is worth noting, furthermore the data