Vocabulary Expansion

Question 1

To be on the fence about something

Answer 1

Synonyms English: To be undecided, To be ambivalent
Synonyms Spanish: Estar indeciso, Estar dudoso

“Many TOEFL candidates find themselves on the fence about whether to take extra preparation courses, unsure if the investment will pay off.” * “If you’re on the fence about which answer to choose, review the question carefully for any hints you may have missed.”

Question 2

Flimsy

Answer 2

Synonyms English: Weak, Fragile
Synonyms Spanish: Débil, Frágil

“A flimsy argument won’t convince TOEFL graders, so support your answers with concrete examples.” * “Skimming through a passage too quickly can lead to flimsy understanding, making it harder to answer detail-oriented questions.”

Question 3

To evolve

Answer 3

Synonyms English: To develop, To progress
Synonyms Spanish: Evolucionar, Desarrollarse

“Your approach to the reading section will naturally evolve as you become more familiar with common question types.” * “The TOEFL iBT has evolved over time to include a greater emphasis on academic vocabulary and complex reading passages.”

Question 4

Nuances

Answer 4

Synonyms English: Subtleties, Shades
Synonyms Spanish: Matices, Sutilezas

“Understanding the nuances in a passage’s tone can help you answer inference questions more accurately on the TOEFL iBT.” * “Writers often use subtle nuances to convey opinions indirectly, so pay close attention to word choice when skimming through passages.”

Question 5

To skim

Answer 5

Synonyms English: To glance over, To browse
Synonyms Spanish: Ojear, Hojear

“When you skim the text, focus on locating keywords and main ideas rather than understanding every detail.” * “It’s helpful to skim each passage first to get an overview before tackling the detailed comprehension questions.”

Question 6

To Illustrate

Answer 6

Synonyms English: To Demonstrate, To Exemplify
Synonyms Spanish: Para Ilustrar, Para Demostrar

“To illustrate the concept of economic growth, the speaker referenced several emerging markets that have shown remarkable development.” * “The professor used real-world scenarios to illustrate the complex principles of quantum mechanics, making them accessible to all.”

Question 7

The Former

Answer 7

Synonyms English: The First, The Initial
Synonyms Spanish: El Primero, El Inicial

“When comparing public and private healthcare systems, the former often lacks the resources to meet the demand effectively.” * “Of the two candidates, the former had years of experience, while the latter brought innovative ideas to the table.”

Question 8

The Latter

Answer 8

Synonyms English: The Second, The Last Mentioned
Synonyms Spanish: El Segundo, El Último Mencionado

“In discussing climate change and biodiversity, scientists argue that the latter is deeply affected by the former’s consequences.” * “While both approaches to education have their merits, the latter tends to focus more on critical thinking and problem-solving skills.”

Question 9

Detrimental

Answer 9

Synonyms English: Harmful, Damaging
Synonyms Spanish: Perjudicial, Dañino

“Skipping meals can be detrimental to your health, especially if you have a busy lifestyle.” * “The decision to cut funding for education could be detrimental on the future of the community.”

Question 10

Counterintuitive

Answer 10

Synonyms English: Illogical, Unexpected
Synonyms Spanish: Contrario a la intuición, Contraintuitivo

“It may seem counterintuitive, but sometimes taking a break can make you more productive.” * “Choosing a cold shower over a hot one after a workout is counterintuitive, yet it can help with muscle recovery.”

Question 11

Counterproductive

Answer 11

Synonyms English: Ineffective, Backfiring
Synonyms Spanish: Contraproducente, Inútil

“Trying to control every detail of a project can be counterproductive, as it stifles creativity.” * “Working too many hours without rest is counterproductive, leading to mistakes and burnout.”

Question 12

Proliferation

Answer 12

Proliferation

Question 13

(to be) instrumental

Answer 13

Synonyms English: Essential, Key
Synonyms Spanish: Fundamental, Esencial

“Public education was instrumental in advancing literacy rates across rural areas, laying the foundation for long-term economic development.” * “International diplomacy was instrumental in reaching an agreement on climate policies, proving vital for the future of environmental action.”

Question 14

(to be) a turning point

Answer 14

Synonyms English: Milestone, Watershed moment
Synonyms Spanish: Punto de inflexión, Cambio crucial

“The Industrial Revolution marked a significant turning point in human history, introducing machinery that forever altered production methods.” * “The fall of the Berlin Wall was a turning point for Europe, symbolizing the end of the Cold War and the beginning of a new era in global relations.”

Question 15

To adopt sth

Answer 15

Synonyms English: Embrace, Implement
Synonyms Spanish: Adoptar, Aceptar

“Many governments have chosen to adopt renewable energy policies, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change.” * “By the 18th century, Japan decided to adopt Western technological advancements, spurring rapid modernization within the country.”

Question 16

Transformative

Answer 16

Synonyms English: Revolutionary, Life-changing
Synonyms Spanish: Transformador, Revolucionario

“The discovery of antibiotics was transformative for modern medicine, drastically reducing the mortality rate of infections.” * “The Internet’s transformative effect on information accessibility has reshaped how societies interact, communicate, and learn.”

Question 17

Rags

Answer 17

Synonyms English: Scraps, Shreds
Synonyms Spanish: Trapos, Retazos

“Many successful entrepreneurs began with little more than rags and determination, embodying the spirit of resilience and innovation.” * “The artist creatively repurposed rags into a tapestry, symbolizing society’s ability to reinvent and rebuild from discarded fragments.”

Question 18

Poignant

Answer 18

Synonyms English: Evocative, Touching
Synonyms Spanish: Emotivo, Conmovedor

“One of the most poignant aspects of technology breakthroughs is witnessing how they reshape our perception of human capability.” * “The poignant sight of outdated technologies reminds us of the swift pace of innovation and the human stories embedded in each invention.”

Question 19

To Yield

Answer 19

Synonyms English: To produce, To generate
Synonyms Spanish: Generar, Producir

“Advanced AI research is expected to yield transformative solutions for global challenges, from healthcare to climate change.” * “Breakthroughs in biotechnology continue to yield remarkable results, including treatments for previously incurable diseases.”

Question 20

To Thrive

Answer 20

Synonyms English: To flourish, To prosper
Synonyms Spanish: Prosperar, Florecer

“In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, only adaptable technologies truly thrive.” * “Companies that embrace innovation are likely to thrive in a future driven by automation and artificial intelligence.”

Question 21

To Rely on sth

Answer 21

Synonyms English: To depend on, To count on
Synonyms Spanish: Depender de, Contar con

“Modern infrastructures rely heavily on advanced software to ensure security and efficiency.” * “As technology advances, more people rely on digital tools to manage their day-to-day tasks and improve productivity.”

Question 22

Unwelcoming

Answer 22

Synonyms English: Hostile, Inhospitable
Synonyms Spanish: Hostil, Poco acogedor

“The unwelcoming environment of deep space poses significant challenges for space exploration and technology adaptation.” * “Some regions remain unwelcoming for technological advancement due to limited access to resources and infrastructure.”

Question 23

Lover

Answer 23

Synonyms English: Partner, Companion
Synonyms Spanish: Amante, Pareja

“In some animal species, a lover is chosen based on the physical strength demonstrated during mating displays.” * “In early human societies, the concept of a lover often transcended mere companionship, integrating social alliances and mutual survival.”

Question 24

To be composed of sth

Answer 24

Synonyms English: To consist of, To be formed by
Synonyms Spanish: Estar compuesto de, Consistir en

“A cell membrane is composed of a lipid bilayer that regulates the passage of molecules in and out of the cell.” * “The ecosystem is composed of various organisms that interact to create a balanced environment.”

Question 25

To be comprised of

Answer 25

Synonyms English: To contain, To include Synonyms Spanish: Estar compuesto por, Incluir "The human brain is comprised of different regions, each responsible for specific cognitive functions." * "This research study is comprised of various data sources to ensure accurate and diverse results."

Question 26

To portray sth

Answer 26

Synonyms English: To depict, To represent Synonyms Spanish: Retratar, Representar "The novel's protagonist is used to portray the ethical challenges faced by scientists in biotechnology." * "In the documentary, the filmmakers aim to portray the impacts of deforestation on biodiversity."

Question 27

Bias

Answer 27

Synonyms English: Prejudice, Inclination Synonyms Spanish: Sesgo, Prejuicio "Studies must account for potential bias in data collection to avoid skewed results." * "In artificial intelligence, algorithms can inadvertently learn bias from the data they are trained on, affecting their outcomes."

Question 28

Unbiased

Answer 28

Synonyms English: Impartial, Objective Synonyms Spanish: Imparcial, Objetivo "An unbiased analysis of the data ensures that the conclusions drawn are credible and reliable." * "For scientific studies to be valid, they must be conducted with an unbiased approach, free from personal or institutional influence."

Question 29

In order to x

Answer 29

Synonyms English: To achieve, For the purpose of Synonyms Spanish: Para, Con el fin de "Plants undergo photosynthesis in order to produce the energy required for growth and survival." * "In order to advance in biotechnology, scientists must continually refine experimental methods."

Question 30

Schadenfreude

Answer 30

Synonyms English: Malicious joy, Gloating Synonyms Spanish: Alegría maliciosa, Satisfacción maligna "Within competitive environments, schadenfreude can arise when one individual relishes the failure of a competitor." * "In nature, schadenfreude may seem to occur when animals display behaviors that capitalize on their rivals’ weaknesses."

Question 31

Succinct

Answer 31

Synonyms English: Concise, Brief Synonyms Spanish: Sucinto, Breve "Research papers should be succinct, presenting only the most relevant findings in a clear and direct manner." * "The professor valued succinct responses that captured the essence of the question without unnecessary details."

Question 32

Brittle

Answer 32

Synonyms English: Fragile, Delicate Synonyms Spanish: Quebradizo, Frágil "The bones of elderly individuals often become brittle, making them susceptible to fractures even with minor impacts." * "Negotiations between the two nations remained brittle, with each side unwilling to compromise, risking a complete breakdown of talks."

Question 33

To appreciate sth

Answer 33

Synonyms English: To value, To acknowledge Synonyms Spanish: Valorar, Apreciar "Scientists began to appreciate the intricate balance of ecosystems only after observing the severe consequences of human interference." * "To truly appreciate the complexity of the human brain, one must consider the countless neural connections responsible for even the simplest actions."

Question 34

Bearing

Answer 34

Synonyms English: Relevance, Connection Synonyms Spanish: Relevancia, Relación "The scientist's discovery had a significant bearing on the development of renewable energy technologies." * "In legal proceedings, the defendant's previous actions bore no bearing on the current case, as argued by the defense lawyer."

Question 35

To run out of sth

Answer 35

Synonyms English: Deplete, Exhaust Synonyms Spanish: Agotar, Quedarse sin "I was planning to finish my essay tonight, but I ran out of ideas, so I had to take a break and regroup." "After an entire day of shopping, we ran out of energy and decided to stop for a coffee."

Question 36

Repercussions

Answer 36

Synonyms English: Consequences, Impact Synonyms Spanish: Repercusiones, Consecuencias "The decision to ignore the environmental regulations will have serious repercussions for the company in the long term." "The repercussions of the team's loss in the final were felt across the entire sports community."

Question 37

Destination

Answer 37

Synonyms English: Goal, Endpoint Synonyms Spanish: Destino, Meta "Our final destination for this road trip is a small coastal town known for its pristine beaches." "Reaching the destination of the project required countless hours of teamwork and dedication."

Question 38

To lay the foundations of sth

Answer 38

Synonyms English: Establish, Set the groundwork Synonyms Spanish: Sentar las bases, Establecer las bases "By implementing clear communication channels, the team laid the foundations for a successful collaboration." "The company's innovative marketing strategy laid the foundations of its expansion into international markets."

Question 39

Agree on sth

Answer 39

Synonyms English: Settle on, Reach a consensus Synonyms Spanish: Acordar, Ponerse de acuerdo "It was difficult to agree on the best approach for the project, but after several discussions, we settled on a solid plan." "We need to agree on a deadline before moving forward with the project, or we'll risk losing momentum."

Question 40

Benefit from sth

Answer 40

Synonyms English: Gain from, Profit from Synonyms Spanish: Beneficiarse de, Sacar provecho de "By attending that seminar, I was able to benefit from insights into the latest technological advancements." "Students can truly benefit from a diverse curriculum that offers real-world applications."

Question 41

Care about sth

Answer 41

Synonyms English: Be concerned about, Value Synonyms Spanish: Importar, Preocuparse por "One of the key factors for success in a job is to genuinely care about the work you're doing." "We should care about the long-term effects of our actions on the environment and take steps to minimize damage."

Question 42

Comment on sth

Answer 42

Synonyms English: Provide feedback on, Discuss Synonyms Spanish: Comentar, Hacer comentarios sobre "I would appreciate it if you could comment on the effectiveness of our marketing strategy in your report." "During the meeting, he took the time to comment on the progress of the project and offered suggestions for improvement."

Question 43

Take care of sth

Answer 43

Synonyms English: Handle, Manage Synonyms Spanish: Cuidar de, Atender "I'll take care of the final presentation details while you focus on the content." "It’s important to take care of your health, as it directly impacts your performance in all areas of life."

Question 44

According to x

Answer 44

Synonyms English: As per, In agreement with Synonyms Spanish: Según, Conforme a "According to the professor’s lecture, the main cause of climate change is the rapid industrialization over the past century." * "As per the reading passage, the author argues that technological advancements have significantly improved global communication."

Question 45

In fact

Answer 45

Synonyms English: Actually, Indeed Synonyms Spanish: De hecho, En realidad "In fact, the lecture highlights how ancient civilizations used simple tools to build remarkably complex structures." * "Indeed, studies referenced in the passage demonstrate that sleep deprivation has long-term cognitive effects."

Question 46

Altogether

Answer 46

Synonyms English: Overall, On the whole Synonyms Spanish: En conjunto, En general "Altogether, the professor’s explanation provides a comprehensive understanding of the economic factors driving inflation." * "On the whole, the reading and lecture agree that renewable energy is essential for sustainable development."

Question 47

In a nutshell, ...

Answer 47

Synonyms English: To sum up, Briefly Synonyms Spanish: En resumen, En pocas palabras "In a nutshell, the benefits of exercise outweigh its challenges, as highlighted in both the reading and the lecture." * "To sum up, the author contends that cultural traditions play a crucial role in shaping individual identity."

Question 48

Convey

Answer 48

Synonyms English: Communicate, Express Synonyms Spanish: Transmitir, Comunicar "The speaker aims to convey the significance of preserving biodiversity to future generations." * "The author uses vivid imagery to communicate the emotional impact of the protagonist’s journey."

Question 49

Senior

Answer 49

Synonyms English: Elderly, Experienced Synonyms Spanish: Mayor, Experimentado "Many senior employees bring invaluable knowledge and mentorship to their workplace." * "Elderly citizens often require specialized healthcare services, as emphasized in the lecture."

Question 50

To substantiate

Answer 50

Synonyms English: To validate, To support Synonyms Spanish: Substanciar, Respaldar "The professor uses historical evidence to substantiate his claim about the evolution of trade routes." * "The reading provides multiple statistics to validate the argument for stricter environmental regulations."

Question 51

To make the most out of sth

Answer 51

Synonyms English: To maximize, To take full advantage of Synonyms Spanish: Aprovechar al máximo, Sacar el mayor provecho "To make the most out of your TOEFL preparation, it’s important to focus on both your strengths and weaknesses." * "Students can maximize their study time by using a structured schedule, as recommended in the lecture."

Question 52

The benefits outweigh the drawbacks

Answer 52

Synonyms English: The advantages surpass the disadvantages, The gains exceed the losses Synonyms Spanish: Los beneficios superan las desventajas, Las ventajas pesan más que las desventajas "The benefits of studying in groups outweigh the drawbacks, as collaboration fosters deeper understanding." * "In the lecture, the professor argues that the advantages of renewable energy surpass the initial costs associated with its implementation."

Question 53

To begin with, ...

Answer 53

Synonyms English: First of all, For starters Synonyms Spanish: Para empezar, En primer lugar "To begin with, the lecture provided a comprehensive overview of the environmental challenges we face today, which set the tone for the rest of the discussion." * "To begin with, I firmly believe that time management is the most crucial skill for students aiming to excel in their academic pursuits."

Question 54

On top of that, ...

Answer 54

Synonyms English: Furthermore, Additionally Synonyms Spanish: Además, Encima de eso "On top of that, the professor emphasized that the data from recent studies aligns perfectly with earlier research, strengthening the argument." * "The museum's exhibit was not only educational but, on top of that, it provided an immersive experience with virtual reality tours."

Question 55

To sum up, ...

Answer 55

Synonyms English: In conclusion, To summarize Synonyms Spanish: En resumen, Para resumir "To sum up, the article argues that renewable energy sources are both economically viable and environmentally necessary in the long term." * "To sum up, I believe teamwork is indispensable in professional environments because it fosters creativity and enhances productivity."

Question 56

Moreover, ...

Answer 56

Synonyms English: What's more, In addition Synonyms Spanish: Además, Es más "Moreover, the statistics revealed that students who regularly review their notes perform significantly better in exams than those who do not." * "Moreover, the policy not only benefits employees but also aligns with the company's broader mission of sustainability."

Question 57

All in all, ...

Answer 57

Synonyms English: Overall, In general Synonyms Spanish: En general, En conjunto "All in all, the speaker conveyed the importance of perseverance in overcoming challenges through a series of compelling anecdotes." * "All in all, I would say the workshop was a valuable experience that broadened my understanding of contemporary art."

Question 58

Altogether, ...

Answer 58

Synonyms English: Entirely, Completely Synonyms Spanish: En su totalidad, Completamente "Altogether, the findings suggest that adopting a plant-based diet could significantly reduce global carbon emissions." * "Altogether, I think the study abroad program was the most transformative experience of my academic career."

Question 59

A rainy day

Answer 59

Synonyms English: A tough time, A difficult moment Synonyms Spanish: Un día complicado, Un momento difícil "I always save a portion of my earnings for a rainy day, as unexpected expenses can arise at any time." * "The support of my friends was invaluable during a rainy day when I was struggling to adjust to a new city."

Question 60

Therefore

Answer 60

Synonyms (English): Consequently, As a result Synonyms (Spanish): Por lo tanto, Por consiguiente "The professor argued that climate change has disrupted natural habitats; therefore, many species have been forced to migrate to new regions." "The study revealed a strong correlation between regular exercise and mental health improvement; as a result, maintaining a fitness routine is highly recommended."

Question 61

With this in mind

Answer 61

Synonyms (English): Considering this, Bearing this in mind Synonyms (Spanish): Teniendo esto en cuenta, Considerando esto "The lecturer emphasized that urban planning requires long-term sustainability; with this in mind, the new policy focuses on renewable energy sources." "The passage suggests that students learn better in collaborative settings; bearing this in mind, schools are encouraged to implement more group-based projects."

Question 62

For the most part

Answer 62

Synonyms (English): Generally, In general Synonyms (Spanish): En su mayoría, En general "For the most part, the participants agreed that flexible work hours lead to increased productivity." "In general, the reading passage highlights the importance of biodiversity for maintaining ecological balance."

Question 63

Advantageous

Answer 63

Synonyms (English): Beneficial, Favorable Synonyms (Spanish): Ventajoso, Beneficioso "Adopting remote work policies is advantageous for companies looking to reduce operational costs and attract global talent." "Regular physical activity is highly beneficial, as it enhances both physical and mental health over time."

Question 64

Competitiveness

Answer 64

Synonyms (English): Rivalry, Contention Synonyms (Spanish): Competitividad, Rivalidad "The passage discusses how global trade has increased competitiveness among nations, particularly in the technology sector." "Healthy competitiveness among students often drives them to achieve higher academic success."

Question 65

To compete

Answer 65

Synonyms (English): To rival, To vie Synonyms (Spanish): Competir, Rivalizar "Small businesses often struggle to compete with large corporations due to limited resources." "In the lecture, the professor explained that animals in the wild compete for resources to ensure their survival."

Question 66

Used to

Answer 66

Synonyms (English): Accustomed to, Familiar with Synonyms (Spanish): Solía, Acostumbrado a "In the past, people used to rely on handwritten letters for communication, which required patience and planning." "The reading passage mentioned that ancient civilizations were accustomed to living in harmony with nature, as opposed to exploiting it."