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Last Updated: February 16, 2021

IELTS Vocabulary- Important Words for IELTS

IELTS is an exam that tries to assess your proficiency in English either because you plan to move to an English-speaking country or because you plan to seek higher education in another country of your choosing. Understanding a language becomes important to hold conversations with natives of the place and learning a language has different aspects to it.

How important is vocabulary for IELTS?

The exam does not focus on the number of words you can cram into your head with their definitions, it is mostly about understanding the practical use of a word that you know. And the more words you can use in a context, the better you know the language. This is relevant even in the aspect of pronunciation. Learning words from a dictionary can only help you so much in understanding the pronunciation. Even if you are a person moving from an English-speaking country to another English-speaking country, for example from the US to the UK, your American accent might not be enough to communicate with the common people in that country. Here, we are to understand that the pronunciation of words is equally important when it comes to learning vocabulary.

IELTS does not actively test your vocabulary but all four different sections rely on your use of appropriate vocabulary to assess your language skills. One can estimate that around 25% of the score you receive in the test will be dependent on your vocabulary.

This is why we have accumulated a set of words that will filter out the process of studying with a dictionary. These are the words that are generally repeated in the test and whose knowledge will aid you in improving your language as a whole.

excavateto hollow out or form (something) by removing earth
broodto cover and warm eggs as the young inside develop
depletionthe amount by which something is lessened
revertto go back to a previous and usually lower state or level
sprawlsit, lie, or fall with one's arms and legs spread out in an ungainly or awkward way.
entailsto have as part of a whole
snoba person who has an offensive air of superiority and tends to ignore or disdain anyone regarded as inferior
ravageto bring destruction to (something) through violent action
refuteto prove to be false
perpetuallasting forever
malicethe desire to cause pain for the satisfaction of doing harm
modestnot having or showing any feelings of superiority, self-assertiveness, or showiness
loomto be about to happen
incurbecome subject to (something unwelcome or unpleasant) as a result of one's own behavior or actions
hideousunpleasant to look at
grimviolently unfriendly or aggressive in disposition
filthynot clean
profoundextending far downward
predominatebe the strongest or main element; be greater in number or amount.
vastlyto a large extent or degree
consentthe approval by someone in authority for the doing of something
bestowto provide with living quarters or shelter
candidmarked by justice, honesty, and freedom from bias
clinga physical sticking to as if by glue
conceitan often unjustified feeling of being pleased with oneself or with one's situation or achievements
concedeto cease resistance (as to another's arguments, demands, or control)
defyto refuse to give in to
tentativedetermined by something else
savageviolently unfriendly or aggressive in disposition
adversecausing or capable of causing harm
adaptsto change (something) so as to make it suitable for a new use or situation
compensateto give (someone) the sum of money owed for goods or services received
inextricablyimpossible to separate : closely joined or related
incendiarytending to excite political disorder or insurrection
incentivesomething that arouses action or activity
institutea public organization with a particular purpose or function
varyto pass from one form, state, or level to another
levitylack of appropriate seriousness
paradigma model or pattern for something that may be copied
adolescentlacking in adult experience or maturity
amiablehaving an easygoing and pleasing manner especially in social situations
boastan asset that brings praise or renown
encasedto close or shut in by or as if by barriers
contemporary happening or beginning now or in recent times
prowessstrength of mind to carry on in spite of danger
vaultingto propel oneself upward or forward into the air
outlandishexcitingly or mysteriously unusual
liberalgiving or sharing in abundance and without hesitation
stoutnot showing weakness or uncertainty
recklessfoolishly adventurous or bold
forageto feed on grass or herbs
benignnot harsh or stern especially in nature or effect
conferto exchange viewpoints or seek advice for the purpose of finding a solution to a problem
pragmaticwilling to see things as they really are and deal with them sensibly
subjugateto bring under one's control by force of arms
whittleda large knife
adamantsticking to an opinion, purpose, or course of action in spite of reason, arguments, or persuasion
potencythe ability to exert effort for the accomplishment of a task
lurchto move forward while swaying from side to side
strolla relaxed journey on foot for exercise or pleasure
squealto express dissatisfaction, pain, or resentment usually tiresomely
impelsto cause (a person) to give in to pressure
kinshipthe fact or state of having something in common
defyingto refuse to give in to
dwindlingto grow less in scope or intensity especially gradually
deflatedto release air or gas from (something, such as a tire or balloon) and make it smaller
squanderto cause (members of a group) to move widely apart
predicamenta difficult, puzzling, or embarrassing situation from which there is no easy escape
earnestnot joking or playful in mood or manner

ref: Merriam-Webster Online

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