Y06W22VC Theme Words — Technology & innovation

This module explores vocabulary connected to the theme of technology and innovation. The words in this set are used when discussing new ideas, inventions, digital tools and the ways technology transforms everyday life and society. These terms appear in science, technology studies, news media and persuasive writing. Developing fluency with this vocabulary helps students engage critically with the role of innovation in shaping the modern world.

Word in Context (Theme: Technology & innovation)

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

invent

/ɪnˈvent/

in‑vent

verb | [invent – invented – invented]

To create or produce something that has never existed before.

Word family: invent (v.), invention (n.), inventor (n.)

Example: The engineer invented a device that could convert solar energy into electricity more efficiently than any existing model.

Synonyms: create, design, devise

Collocations: invent a solution, invent a device, credited with inventing

transform

/trænsˈfɔːm/

trans‑form

verb | [transform – transformed – transformed]

To change something completely in form, character or appearance.

Word family: transform (v.), transformation (n.)

Example: Digital technology has transformed the way people communicate, learn and access information.

Synonyms: change, alter, revolutionise

Collocations: transform completely, transform into, transform a situation

impact

/ˈɪmpækt/

im‑pact

noun / verb | [impact – impacted – impacted]

A strong effect or influence. As a verb, to have a strong effect on something.

Word family: impact (n./v.), impactful (adj.)

Example: The invention of the internet had an unprecedented impact on every aspect of modern life.

Synonyms: effect, influence, consequence

Collocations: have an impact, a significant impact, impact on

Academic Vocab

achieve

/əˈtʃiːv/

a‑chieve

verb | [achieve – achieved – achieved]

To successfully reach a goal or complete something through effort and skill.

Word family: achieve (v.), achievement (n.), achievable (adj.)

Example: The team worked collaboratively to achieve a result that none of them could have reached alone.

Synonyms: accomplish, attain, reach

Collocations: achieve a goal, achieve success, achieve results

success

/səkˈses/

suc‑cess

noun

The achievement of a desired aim or result.

Word family: success (n.), succeed (v.), successful (adj.), successfully (adv.)

Example: The success of the project depended on clear communication and careful planning at every stage.

Synonyms: achievement, accomplishment, triumph

Collocations: measure success, achieve success, a major success

outcome

/ˈaʊtkʌm/

out‑come

noun

The final result or effect of a process or set of actions.

Word family: outcome (n.)

Example: The team evaluated the outcome of their experiment to decide whether the hypothesis had been supported.

Synonyms: result, consequence, end result

Collocations: the outcome of, a positive outcome, measure the outcome

progress

/ˈprəʊɡres/

pro‑gress

noun / verb | [progress – progressed – progressed]

Forward movement or development toward a better state or goal. As a verb, to move forward or develop.

Word family: progress (n./v.), progressive (adj.)

Example: Technology has enabled significant progress in the treatment of many previously incurable diseases.

Synonyms: development, advancement, improvement

Collocations: make progress, track progress, progress toward

result

/rɪˈzʌlt/

re‑sult

noun / verb | [result – resulted – resulted]

Something that happens as a consequence of an action. As a verb, to come about as a consequence.

Word family: result (n./v.)

Example: The innovation resulted in a product that was faster, cheaper and more reliable than its predecessor.

Synonyms: outcome, effect, consequence

Collocations: as a result, result in, the result of

therefore

/ˈðeəfɔː/

there‑fore

adverb

‘Therefore’ is used to introduce a result or conclusion that follows from the idea before it.

Example: The evidence was clear; therefore, the class could make a strong conclusion.

Synonyms: so, as a result, consequently

Collocations: therefore, this shows; therefore, we can; therefore, it is

Confusing Words

i.e. vs e.g.

I.e. and e.g. are both Latin abbreviations, but they have very different meanings. I.e. stands for id est, meaning 'that is' — it introduces a restatement or clarification of what was just said — for example, 'The device uses renewable energy, i.e., solar power.' E.g. stands for exempli gratia, meaning 'for example' — it introduces one or more examples of a general idea — for example, 'Renewable energy sources, e.g., solar and wind power, are becoming more affordable.'

  • i.e. — I.e.' means 'that is' or 'in other words'. Use it to explain exactly what you mean — for example, 'Use a formal tone, i.e., polite and serious language.'
  • e.g. — E.g.' means 'for example'. Use it to give examples — for example, 'Use connectives, e.g., however and therefore.'

Memory rule: A simple way to remember: i.e. = in other words (one specific explanation); e.g. = examples given (one or more examples that could include others). If you could replace the abbreviation with 'in other words', use i.e. If you could replace it with 'for example', use e.g. Always follow both with a comma in Australian English.