Glossary of Function Words

Question 1

Account for

Answer 1

explain

Question 2

Acknowledge (a point)

Answer 2

recognize the merit or validity of an idea

Question 3

Advocate

Answer 3

synonym for promote and encourage

Question 4

Bolster

Answer 4

support, provide additional evidence for an idea

Question 5

Concede (a point)

Answer 5

recognize the merit or validity of an opposing idea

Question 6

Discredit

Answer 6

disprove (literally, demonstrate a lack of credibility)

Question 7

Dismiss

Answer 7

deny the importance or validity of an idea

Question 8

Downplay

Answer 8

deliberately understate, imply that something is unimportant

Question 9

Evoke

Answer 9

1) summon, call up (a memory, impression, etc.)

2) recreate through description

Question 10

Explicate

Answer 10

explain in great detail

Question 11

Highlight

Answer 11

emphasize, call attention to

Question 12

Minimize

Answer 12

deliberately understate the importance of an idea. (Synonym for downplay and trivialize)

Question 13

Mock

Answer 13

make fun of

Question 14

Qualify

Answer 14

provide more information about a statement in order to make it seem less strong or blunt, or to indicate the conditions under which it would be true.

Question 15

Satirize

Answer 15

make fun of by using irony, sarcasm, or parody

Question 16

Scoff at

Answer 16

make fun of, suggest that something is unworthy of serious consideration

Question 17

Substantiate

Answer 17

give evidence or support for, back up

Question 18

Undermine

Answer 18

weaken or attack the foundation of

Question 19

Underscore

Answer 19

call attention to. Synonym for emphasize and highlight