Advanced English Vocabulary for TOEFL iBT® Preparation

Advanced vocabulary refers to sophisticated words that demonstrate a high level of language proficiency. In the TOEFL, words like ‘dilemma,’ ‘nuance,’ and ‘salient’ can appear across all sections, challenging test-takers to showcase their linguistic abilities. Let us learn 20 words as part of advanced English vocabulary for TOEFL iBT® preparation along with examples and tips to follow.

Check out: Top 5 Tips to Master English Vocabulary for TOEFL iBT®

Advanced English Vocabulary for TOEFL Preparation

Here are 20 advanced English vocabulary words to help you elevate your TOEFL score: 

1. Cognizant:

• Meaning: Aware of or familiar with something.
• Example: She was cognizant of the challenges ahead and prepared accordingly.

2. Dilemma:

• Meaning: A difficult situation in which a choice must be made between two or more unpleasant alternatives.
• Example: The team faced a dilemma over whether to extend the project deadline or deliver a subpar result.

3. Fortuitous:

• Meaning: Happening by chance; lucky.
• Example: Their meeting at the conference was fortuitous and led to a fruitful business partnership.

4. Intrinsic:

• Meaning: Belonging to or forming part of the essential nature of something.
• Example: The artwork's intrinsic value was appreciated more by those who understood its historical context.

5. Mnemonic:

• Meaning: A word, phrase, or image used to help remember something.
• Example: The phrase ‘Every Good Boy Does Fine’ is a mnemonic to remember the notes on the lines of the treble clef in music.

6. Nuance:

• Meaning: A subtle difference in meaning or expression.
• Example: The actor's performance had a nuanced portrayal of the character's inner conflict.

7. Ominous:

• Meaning: Giving the impression that something bad is going to happen.
• Example: The abandoned house had an ominous aura that made everyone hesitant to enter.

8. Paradigm:

• Meaning: A typical example of something, especially a pattern or model.
• Example: The startup's innovative business model became a new paradigm in the tech industry.

9. Quintessential:

• Meaning: Representing the most perfect or typical example of a particular thing.
• Example: Her dedication to her craft made her the quintessential professional in her field.

10. Salient:

• Meaning: Most important or noticeable.
• Example: The salient features of the new policy were highlighted in the executive summary.

11. Tangential:

• Meaning: Only slightly relevant; going off on a tangent.
• Example: His comment was tangential to the main discussion, diverting the focus of the meeting.

12. Vexatious:

• Meaning: Causing irritation or annoyance.
• Example: The frequent system glitches proved to be vexatious for the users.

13. Efficacy:

• Meaning: The ability to produce a desired effect.
• Example: The efficacy of the new training program was evident in the employees' improved performance.

14. Whimsical:

• Meaning: Playful, lighthearted, and fanciful.
• Example: The whimsical design of the café featured quirky décor and vibrant colors.

15. Zealot:

• Meaning: A person who is fanatically devoted to a cause.
• Example: The political zealot worked tirelessly to promote her party's agenda.

16. Ebullient: 

• Meaning: Overflowing with enthusiasm or excitement.
• Example: Her ebullient personality made her the center of attention at every social gathering.

17. Indefatigable:

• Meaning: Tireless; incapable of being fatigued.
• Example: His indefatigable spirit kept the team going, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges.

18. Acumen:

• Meaning: The ability to make good judgments.
• Example: His financial acumen allowed him to navigate the market successfully during uncertain times.

19. Gregarious:

• Meaning: Fond of company; sociable.
• Example: Her gregarious nature made her the life of every party she attended.

20. Nefarious:

• Meaning: Wicked or criminal.
• Example: The detective uncovered a nefarious plot involving corruption and fraud.

Check out: Essential Words for TOEFL iBT® Test

How to Improve Vocabulary for TOEFL Preparation

Here are practical tips to help you enhance your advanced vocabulary for the TOEFL:

1. Read Diverse Materials

Expose yourself to high-level vocabulary through reading academic articles, classical literature, news editorials, and so on. For example, while you are reading a research report in one of the science magazines, you will find some high-sounding words like ‘empirical’ or ‘hypothesis.’

2. Flashcards: Make Them and Use Them

Write new words that you encounter on flashcards, along with their meanings and an example sentence. For instance, the word 'acumen' can have a flashcard like this: 'His business acumen allowed him to identify promising investment opportunities.'

3. Write Using New Vocabulary

Write practice essays or summaries where including new words is possible. For instance, write ‘efficacy’ in a sentence such as: ‘The efficacy of the new treatment was proven in clinical trials, leading to a significant improvement in patient outcomes.’

4. Word-Rich Conversations

Engage in deep conversations in your area of interest with friends or study groups in high-level vocabulary.

5. Vocabulary Building Apps

Use apps that let you test your learning using quizzes and spaced repetition. For example, apps like Anki, Word of the Day, and WordUp will assist you in remembering words.

6. Learning Words in Context

Focus on the use of new words in a specific context. For example, when you use the word ‘derive’ in the following sentence, The word 'audit' derives from Latin origins, it helps you better understand this word and thus memorize the meaning you are likely to recall at a later time.

7. Review Vocabulary Regularly

Set aside time each week to review the vocabulary you’ve learned. For instance, revisit your flashcards every weekend to ensure words like ‘acumen’ stay fresh in your memory.

Mastering advanced vocabulary is crucial for excelling in the TOEFL. By familiarizing yourself with key terms and employing practical strategies, you can enhance your language skills and boost your overall test performance. Best of Luck for your preparation!

Also Read: 

• 10 Common TOEFL Mistakes You Must Avoid
• TOEFL Test Day: What to Expect and How to Prepare
• Common TOEFL Reading Section Difficulties
• Essential Grammar Rules and Tips for TOEFL iBT® Exam