Y06W20VC Theme Words — Friendship & conflict

This module explores vocabulary connected to the theme of friendship and conflict. The words in this set are used when discussing relationships, disagreements, resolution and the emotions involved in human connection and tension. These terms appear in narrative writing, social-emotional learning contexts, media and persuasive writing. Developing fluency with this vocabulary helps students understand interpersonal dynamics and write about them with nuance and empathy.

Word in Context (Theme: Friendship & conflict)

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

resolution

/ˌrezəˈluːʃən/

res‑o‑lu‑tion

noun

The act of solving or ending a disagreement or problem; a firm decision or determination.

Word family: resolution (n.), resolve (v.), resolute (adj.)

Example: The story reached its resolution when the two characters finally talked openly about the misunderstanding.

Synonyms: solution, settlement, outcome

Collocations: find a resolution, a peaceful resolution, conflict resolution

empathy

/ˈempəθi/

em‑pa‑thy

noun

The ability to understand and share the feelings of another person.

Word family: empathy (n.), empathise (v.), empathetic (adj.)

Example: Showing empathy during a conflict can help both parties feel heard and begin to move forward.

Synonyms: understanding, compassion, sympathy

Collocations: show empathy, empathy for, a sense of empathy

tension

/ˈtenʃən/

ten‑sion

noun

A feeling of anxiety, strain or potential conflict between people or groups.

Word family: tension (n.), tense (adj.)

Example: The tension between the two characters grew throughout the story, building toward a major confrontation.

Synonyms: strain, friction, conflict

Collocations: build tension, rising tension, a sense of tension

Academic Vocab

significant

/sɪɡˈnɪfɪkənt/

sig‑nif‑i‑cant

adjective

Important enough to have a noticeable effect or to be worth paying attention to.

Word family: significant (adj.), significance (n.), significantly (adv.)

Example: The resolution of the conflict had a significant impact on the relationship between the two characters.

Synonyms: important, notable, major

Collocations: a significant change, significantly better, significant impact

important

/ɪmˈpɔːtənt/

im‑por‑tant

adjective

Having great value, effect or influence; mattering a great deal.

Word family: important (adj.), importance (n.), importantly (adv.)

Example: Trust is an important foundation in any strong and lasting friendship.

Synonyms: significant, essential, vital

Collocations: it is important to, an important role, most importantly

major

/ˈmeɪdʒə/

ma‑jor

adjective

Large, serious or the most important of its kind.

Word family: major (adj.)

Example: The breakdown of communication was a major factor in the conflict between the two groups.

Synonyms: significant, serious, key

Collocations: a major issue, major factor, a major role

key

/kiː/

key

adjective / noun

Most important or essential. As a noun, something that provides the most important access or answer.

Word family: key (adj./n.)

Example: Empathy is a key quality in building and sustaining meaningful friendships.

Synonyms: essential, central, crucial

Collocations: key concept, a key factor, play a key role

primary

/ˈpraɪməri/

pri‑ma‑ry

adjective

Of the first importance; main or chief.

Word family: primary (adj.), primarily (adv.)

Example: The primary cause of the conflict was a misunderstanding that neither party tried to address.

Synonyms: main, chief, principal

Collocations: the primary cause, primary focus, primarily concerned with

significantly

/sɪɡˈnɪfɪkəntli/

sig‑nif‑i‑cant‑ly

adverb

‘Significantly’ means in a way that is important, noticeable or meaningful.

Example: The team improved significantly after practising their introduction several times.

Synonyms: importantly, notably, considerably

Collocations: significantly improved; significantly different; significantly more

Confusing Words

bring vs take

Bring and take both describe carrying something, but they differ in direction. Bring describes movement toward the speaker or toward a place already being discussed — for example, 'Please bring your permission slip to class tomorrow.'

  • bring — Bring' means to carry something toward the speaker or the place being discussed — for example, 'Please bring your notebook to class.'
  • take — Take describes movement away from the speaker or toward another place — for example, 'Please take your finished work to the office.'

Memory rule: A simple way to remember: bring = come here with it (toward you); take = go there with it (away from you). Ask yourself: is the object coming closer to you or moving away? If it is coming to you, use bring. If it is going away, use take.