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Academic vocabulary: nuance and stance

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Understand each item before testing yourself. Choose honestly whether it already feels familiar or needs practice.

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literal

ɫˈɪtɝʌɫ

following the exact or most basic meaning of words

Example

A literal interpretation would overlook the wider context.

Practise ten common academic words for evidence, analysis, and discussion.

literal
Word
ɫˈɪtɝʌɫ
following the exact or most basic meaning of words
A literal interpretation would overlook the wider context.
incidentally
Word
ɪnsɪdˈɛntʌɫi
in a way that is secondary or discovered by chance
The researchers incidentally identified a second pattern.
insignificant
Word
ɪnsɪgnjˈɪfɪkʌnt
too small or unimportant to have a meaningful effect
The difference was statistically insignificant.
latent
Word
ɫˈeɪtʌnt
present but hidden, inactive, or not yet developed
The intervention may have a latent effect that appears later.
superficial
Word
supɝfˈɪʃʌɫ
limited to the surface and lacking depth
A superficial analysis can conceal important differences.
undue
Word
ʌndˈu
greater than is reasonable, appropriate, or necessary
One unusual case received undue attention in the debate.
preferable
Word
prˈɛfɝʌbʌɫ
more suitable or desirable than another option
A transparent method is preferable when the evidence is uncertain.
intangible
Word
ɪntˈændʒʌbʌɫ
important but unable to be touched or measured easily
The programme also produced intangible benefits such as trust.
spontaneous
Word
spɑntˈeɪniʌs
happening naturally without being planned
The discussion led to a spontaneous exchange of ideas.
precedence
Word
prˈɛsʌdʌns
the condition of being more important and dealt with first
In this context, public safety takes precedence over convenience.