Powerful Words
To Know
Analyze
• to examine carefully and in detail so as
to identify causes, key factors,
possible results, etc.
• to break apart
Apply
• to make use of as relevant, suitable, or
pertinent: to apply a theory to a
problem.
• to put into effect: They applied the
rules of grammar in their story.
Categorize
• to arrange in categories or classes;
classify.
• to describe by labeling or giving a
name to; characterize.
Classify
• to arrange or organize by classes;
order according to class.
• to assign a classification to
(information, a document, etc.).
Compare
• to consider or describe as similar;
liken: Shall I compare thee to a
summer's day?
construct
• to build or form by putting together
parts; frame; devise.
• Geometry . to draw (a figure) fulfilling
certain given conditions.
Create
• to evolve from one's own thought or
imagination, as a work of art or an
invention.
• to do something creative or
constructive.
Contrast
• to compare in order to show unlikeness
or differences
describe
• to tell or depict in written or spoken
words; give an account of: He
described the accident very carefully.
• Geometry . to draw or trace the
outline of: to describe an arc.
Design
• to form or conceive in the mind;
contrive; plan
• to make drawings, preliminary
sketches, or plans.
Diagram
• a drawing or plan that outlines and
explains the parts, operation, etc., of
something: a diagram of an engine.
• a chart, plan, or scheme.
Distinguish
• to divide into classes; classify: Let us
distinguish the various types of
metaphor.
• to perceive clearly by sight or other
sense; discern; recognize: He could not
distinguish many of the words
Draw Conclusions
• refers to information that is implied or
inferred. This means that the
information is never clearly stated.
Effect
• something that is produced by an
agency or cause; result; consequence:
Exposure to the sun had the effect of
toughening his skin.
Estimate
• to form an approximate judgment or
opinion regarding the worth, amount,
size, weight, etc., of; calculate
approximately: to estimate the cost of
a college education.
Evaluate
• to judge or determine the significance,
worth, or quality of; assess: to
evaluate the results of an experiment.
• Mathematics . to ascertain the
numerical value of (a function,
relation, etc.).
Explain
• to make known in detail: to explain
how to do something.
Formulate
• to express in precise form; state
definitely or systematically: He finds it
extremely difficult to formulate his
new theory.
• to devise or develop, as a method,
system, etc.
• to reduce to or express in a formula.
Identify
• to recognize or establish as being a
particular person or thing; verify the
identity of
• to serve as a means of identification
for: His gruff voice quickly identified
him.
• to make, represent to be, or regard or
treat as the same or identical
Illustrate
• to clarify one's words, writings, etc.,
with examples: To prevent
misunderstandings, let me illustrate.
• to furnish (a book, magazine, etc.)
with drawings, pictures, or other
artwork intended for explanation,
elucidation, or adornment.
• to make clear or intelligible, as by
examples or analogies; exemplify.
Interpret
• to give or provide the meaning of;
explain; explicate; elucidate: to
interpret the hidden meaning of a
parable.
• to construe or understand in a
particular way: to interpret a reply as
favorable.
Justify
• to show (an act, claim, statement,
etc.) to be just or right
Predict
To state, tell about, or make
known in advance, especially
on the basis of special
knowledge.
Prove
• to establish the truth or genuineness of
• Mathematics . to verify the correctness
or validity of by mathematical
demonstration or arithmetical proof
Restate
• to state again or in a new way
Solve
• to find the answer or explanation for;
clear up; explain: to solve the mystery
of the missing books.
• to work out the answer or solution to
(a mathematical problem).
Summarize
• to make a summary of; state or
express in a concise form
Trace
• to follow the course, development, or
history of: to trace a political
movement.
• to draw (a line, outline, figure, etc.).
• to make a plan, diagram, or map of
Word of the Week
September 13 Analyze
September 20 Apply
September 27 Categorize
October 4 Classify
October 11 Compare
October 18 Construct
October 25 & November 3 Create
November 8 Construct
November 15 & November 22 Describe
November 29 Design
December 6 Diagram
December 13 Distinguish
Word of the Week
January 3 Draw Conclusions
January 10 Effect
January 17 Estimate
January 24 Evaluate
January 31 Explain
February 7 Formulate
February 14 Identify
February 22 Illustrate
February 28 Interpret
March 7 Justify
March 14 Predict
Word of the Week
March 21 Prove
March 28 Restate
April 11 Solve
April 18 Summarize
April 25 Trace