Y06W38VC Theme Words — Climate & weather

This module explores vocabulary connected to the theme of climate and weather. The words in this set are used when discussing atmospheric conditions, seasonal patterns, climate change and the impact of weather on human life and the environment. These terms appear in science, geography, news media and explanatory writing. Developing fluency with this vocabulary helps students engage with one of the most important scientific and social issues of our time.

Word in Context (Theme: Climate & weather)

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

atmosphere

/ˈætməsfɪə/

at‑mos‑phere

noun

The layer of gases surrounding the Earth; also the general mood or feeling of a place.

Word family: atmosphere (n.), atmospheric (adj.)

Example: Increased concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are contributing to rising global temperatures.

Synonyms: air, environment, climate

Collocations: the atmosphere of, atmospheric pressure, the Earth's atmosphere

extreme

/ɪkˈstriːm/

ex‑treme

adjective / noun

Very great in degree or intensity; going far beyond what is normal or expected.

Word family: extreme (adj./n.), extremely (adv.)

Example: Extreme weather events such as floods, droughts and cyclones are becoming more frequent and more intense.

Synonyms: severe, intense, exceptional

Collocations: extreme weather, extreme conditions, in the extreme

forecast

/ˈfɔːkɑːst/

fore‑cast

noun / verb | [forecast – forecast – forecast]

A prediction of future events, especially weather. As a verb, to predict what will happen.

Word family: forecast (n./v.)

Example: The weather forecast predicted heavy rainfall and strong winds across much of the south-east.

Synonyms: prediction, outlook, projection

Collocations: a weather forecast, forecast conditions, forecast accurately

Academic Vocab

improve

/ɪmˈpruːv/

im‑prove

verb | [improve – improved – improved]

To make something better or to become better.

Word family: improve (v.), improvement (n.), improved (adj.)

Example: Scientists continue to improve climate models by incorporating more accurate data about ocean temperatures.

Synonyms: enhance, advance, develop

Collocations: improve accuracy, improve conditions, significant improvement

refine

/rɪˈfaɪn/

re‑fine

verb | [refine – refined – refined]

To make small improvements to something to make it better or more precise.

Word family: refine (v.), refinement (n.), refined (adj.)

Example: She spent an hour refining her analysis, making the language more precise and the argument more focused.

Synonyms: improve, polish, develop

Collocations: refine the argument, refine a method, carefully refined

strengthen

/ˈstreŋθən/

strength‑en

verb | [strengthen – strengthened – strengthened]

To make something stronger or more effective.

Word family: strengthen (v.), strength (n.), strong (adj.)

Example: Adding specific evidence from a reliable source will strengthen any argument significantly.

Synonyms: reinforce, improve, enhance

Collocations: strengthen an argument, strengthen the case, strengthen a position

develop

/dɪˈveləp/

de‑vel‑op

verb | [develop – developed – developed]

To grow, improve or become more complete over time.

Word family: develop (v.), development (n.)

Example: Researchers continue to develop more accurate methods for predicting extreme weather events.

Synonyms: build, improve, advance

Collocations: develop a method, develop further, develop over time

enhance

/ɪnˈhɑːns/

en‑hance

verb | [enhance – enhanced – enhanced]

To increase the quality, value or effectiveness of something.

Word family: enhance (v.), enhancement (n.)

Example: New satellite technology has enhanced scientists' ability to track and predict storm patterns globally.

Synonyms: improve, strengthen, increase

Collocations: enhance the quality, enhance understanding, enhance performance

furthermore

/ˈfɜːðəmɔː/

fur‑ther‑more

adverb

‘Furthermore’ adds another point that supports or builds on the idea before it.

Example: The argument is clear; furthermore, it is supported with strong examples.

Synonyms: also, in addition, moreover

Collocations: furthermore, this shows; furthermore, it is; furthermore, there are

Confusing Words

between vs among

Between and among are both prepositions, but they are used in different situations. Between is used when referring to two specific things or people — for example, 'The debate was between two opposing scientists.'

  • between — Between' is used when talking about two things, or separate items you can name — for example, 'The choice was between soccer, netball and tennis.'
  • among — Among is used when referring to three or more things or people, or a group — for example, 'There was disagreement among the five members of the panel.'

Memory rule: A simple test: if you are dealing with exactly two things, use between. If you are dealing with three or more or a group, use among. One exception: 'between' can also be used with three or more things when they are considered individually — for example, 'She divided the research between three team members' (treating each separately). In general informal use, 'between' is widely used, but maintaining the distinction is preferred in formal writing.