Y05W18VC Theme Words — Sport & teamwork

This module focuses on vocabulary connected to the theme of sport and teamwork. The words in this set are used when discussing competition, collaboration, effort, and the values that underpin sporting activity. Many of these terms appear in physical education, media, and persuasive writing. Building fluency with this vocabulary helps students write and talk about sport and collective effort with greater precision.

Word in Context (Theme: Sport & teamwork)

These three words connect to the theme of Sport & teamwork. Read each one carefully and think about how it helps you explain the topic more clearly.

collaborate

/kəˈlæbəreɪt/

col‑lab‑o‑rate

verb | [collaborate – collaborated – collaborated]

To collaborate means to work jointly with others on a shared project or goal.

Word Breakdown: col- (prefix meaning ‘together’)

Word family: collaboration (n.), collaborative (adj.)

Example: The two schools decided to collaborate on a community mural that would be displayed in both buildings.

Synonyms: work together, cooperate, partner

Collocations: collaborate with, collaborate on, collaborate effectively

compete

/kəmˈpiːt/

com‑pete

verb | [compete – competed – competed]

To compete means to take part in a contest or challenge against others.

Word family: competition (n.), competitive (adj.)

Example: She trained hard every day so she would be ready to compete at the regional swimming carnival.

Synonyms: rival, contest, race

Collocations: compete against, compete for, compete at

achieve

/əˈtʃiːv/

a‑chieve

verb | [achieve – achieved – achieved]

To achieve something is to successfully reach a goal through effort and determination.

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

Example: Through consistent practice and teamwork, the squad managed to achieve their best ever result.

Synonyms: accomplish, reach, attain

Collocations: achieve a goal, achieve success, work to achieve

Academic Vocab

contrast

/kənˈtrɑːst/

con‑trast

verb | [contrast – contrasted – contrasted]

To contrast two things is to examine or describe how they are different from each other.

Word family: contrast (n.)

Example: The article contrasted the training methods of individual athletes with those of team-sport players.

Synonyms: compare, differ from, distinguish

Collocations: contrast with, in contrast to, contrast the two

alike

/əˈlaɪk/

a‑like

adjective

Things that are alike are similar or the same in some way.

Example: Although they trained at different clubs, the two swimmers were remarkably alike in their technique.

Synonyms: similar, the same, comparable

Collocations: look alike, think alike, remarkably alike

similar

/ˈsɪmɪlə/

sim‑i‑lar

adjective

Things that are similar have qualities in common but are not exactly the same.

Word family: similarity (n.), similarly (adv.)

Example: The two teams' strategies were similar in that both relied on speed and quick passing.

Synonyms: alike, comparable, close

Collocations: similar to, in a similar way, similar results

different

/ˈdɪfərənt/

dif‑fer‑ent

adjective

Things that are different are not the same as each other in some important way.

Word family: difference (n.), differently (adv.)

Example: Although both sports involve a ball, the rules and playing fields are completely different.

Synonyms: unlike, distinct, varied

Collocations: different from, quite different, different approach

compare

/kəmˈpɛː/

com‑pare

verb | [compare – compared – compared]

To compare is to look at two or more things and identify how they are similar or different.

Word family: comparison (n.), comparable (adj.)

Example: She was asked to compare the training schedules of two elite athletes to find patterns.

Synonyms: contrast, examine, assess

Collocations: compare with, compare and contrast, compare the two

however

/haʊˈɛvə/

how‑ev‑er

adverb

‘However’ is used to introduce a contrast or a point different from what was just said.

Example: The home team played well in the first half; however, they struggled to maintain their lead.

Synonyms: but, yet, on the other hand

Collocations: however, this shows; however, it is; however, some argue

Confusing Words

accept vs except

These two words look and sound similar but are used very differently.

  • accept — Accept' is a verb meaning to receive something willingly or to agree to something — for example, She was delighted to accept the trophy on behalf of her team.
  • except — Except' is a preposition or conjunction meaning 'not including' or 'apart from' — for example, Every member of the team attended the ceremony except the goalkeeper, who was injured.

Memory rule: A helpful trick: 'accept' begins with 'ac' — you can think of it as 'acknowledge and take'. If you mean 'not including', use 'except'.