Top 100 Vocabulary words to learn at Secondary English Tutorial

Top 100 Vocabulary Words to Learn at Secondary English Tutorial: A Comprehensive Guide

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. The Importance of Vocabulary in Secondary English
  3. How to Improve Vocabulary
  4. The Top 100 Vocabulary Words to Learn
  5. Preparing for Success: Strategies and Techniques
  6. Useful International Resources

Here are the 100 vocabulary words for secondary students to learn:

WordMeaning
AbstainTo refrain voluntarily especially from an action or practice
AdversaryAn opponent or enemy
BenevolentKind and generous
CollaborateTo work together
DivergentMoving apart, going in different directions from a particular point
EmpathyUnderstanding of another’s feelings
FormidableVery strong or powerful
HypothesisAn idea that is suggested as an explanation for something, but that has not yet been proven to be true
IntegrityThe quality of being honest and morally upright
JustifyTo provide or be a good reason for something
ResilienceThe ability to become strong, healthy, or successful again after something bad happens
SpontaneousDone by own free will
TransformTo change completely
UnprecedentedNot done or experienced before
VagueNot clearly expressed
ZealEnthusiastic devotion to a cause
AcuteVery strong and sensitive
BlissComplete happiness
ChronicContinuing for a long time
DilemmaA situation in which you have to make a difficult choice
EphemeralLasting for a very short time
FrivolousSilly and not serious
GruelingVery difficult and tiring
HindsightUnderstanding of a situation or event only after it has happened or developed
ImpartialTreating all people and groups equally
JargonSpecial words or expressions used by a profession or group that are difficult for others to understand
KnackA special skill or ability
LucrativeProducing a great deal of profit
MyriadA countless or extremely great number
NegateMake ineffective; nullify
OptimumMost conducive to a favorable outcome; best
ParadoxA situation or statement that seems impossible or is difficult to understand because it contains two opposite facts or characteristics
QuaintAttractively unusual or old-fashioned
RobustStrong and healthy
StoicA person who can endure pain or hardship without showing their feelings or complaining
TactileConnected with the sense of touch
UbiquitousFound everywhere
VerboseUsing more words than needed
WaryFeeling or showing caution about possible dangers or problems
XenophileA person who is attracted to foreign people, cultures, or customs
YieldTo produce or provide (something), for example a profit, result or crop
ZenithThe highest point, peak
AnomalySomething that is unusual or unexpected
BiasedUnfairly preferring one person or group over another
CalibrateTo adjust precisely for a particular function
DeficientNot having enough of a specified quality or ingredient
EnigmaSomeone or something that is mysterious and difficult to understand
FathomUnderstand after much thought
GravitateTo move or be drawn towards something
HeedTo pay attention to
IlluminateTo light up
JeopardizeTo put at risk
KnitUnite closely
LucidClear and easily understood
MundaneOrdinary, commonplace
NoveltyThe quality of being new, original, or unusual
OblivionState of being unaware
PrudentActing with or showing care and thought for the future
QuibbleA slight objection or criticism
ReciprocateTo give and take mutually
SubtleSo delicate or precise as to be difficult to analyze or describe
TrivialOf little value or importance
UnyieldingNot giving way to pressure
VibrantFull of energy and life
WistfulCharacterized by melancholy; longing; yearning
XenophobicFear or hatred of foreigners or strangers
YearnHave an intense feeling of longing for something
ZenA state of calm attentiveness
AmbiguityThe quality of being open to more than one interpretation
BrevityConcise and exact use of words in writing or speech
ConnotationAn idea or feeling which a word invokes for a person in addition to its literal or primary meaning
DeductiveBased on reason and logical analysis of available facts
ElusiveDifficult to find, catch, or achieve
FlippantNot showing a serious or respectful attitude
GregariousFond of company; sociable
HeterogeneousDiverse in character or content
ImpeccableIn accordance with the highest standards
JuxtaposePlace or deal with close together for contrasting effect
KineticOf, relating to, or resulting from motion
LethargicLacking energy
MeticulousShowing great attention to detail
NaïveShowing a lack of experience, wisdom, or judgment
ObliterateDestroy utterly; wipe out
PervasiveSpreading widely throughout an area or a group of people
QuotaA limited quantity of a particular product
RedundantNot or no longer needed or useful
SymbiosisInteraction between two different organisms living in close physical association, typically to the advantage of both
TangiblePerceptible by touch
UnilateralPerformed by or affecting only one party involved in a situation, without the agreement of another or the others
VersatileAble to adapt or be adapted to many different functions or activities
WhimsicalPlayfully quaint or fanciful
XenogenesisGeneration of offspring entirely unlike the parent
YieldingGiving way under pressure; not rigid
ZealotA person who is fanatical and uncompromising in pursuit of their religious, political, or other ideals

Introduction

In the world of language learning, vocabulary serves as the very foundation upon which all communication is built. It’s the cornerstone of expressive and comprehensive writing and speaking. With the secondary level of education being a critical phase in a student’s life, enhancing vocabulary becomes paramount. In this guide, we’ll explore the top 100 words to learn in your Secondary English tutorial and provide strategies for learning and improvement.

Here’s a table with the words and their usage examples:

WordExample Sentence
AbstainDespite the hunger, he chose to abstain from eating meat.
AdversaryHe had to face his adversary in the final round.
BenevolentThe benevolent king was loved by all his subjects.
CollaborateThe two companies decided to collaborate on the project.
DivergentTheir interests became more divergent over time.
EmpathyHe felt empathy for the homeless man.
FormidableShe had a formidable opponent in the championship.
HypothesisHis hypothesis about the gravity was groundbreaking.
IntegrityThe honesty and integrity of the leader was admired by all.
JustifyHe had to justify his actions to the committee.
ResilienceHis resilience was evident in his recovery from the injury.
SpontaneousHis decision to donate was quite spontaneous.
TransformThe caterpillar will transform into a butterfly.
UnprecedentedThe virus led to an unprecedented global pandemic.
VagueThe instructions for the assignment were very vague.
ZealHis zeal for learning was contagious.
AcuteThe acute pain in his chest worried him.
BlissBeing in nature brought him pure bliss.
ChronicShe suffers from chronic back pain.
DilemmaHe was in a dilemma whether to go or stay.
EphemeralThe beauty of the sunset was ephemeral.
FrivolousThe case was dismissed as a frivolous lawsuit.
GruelingThe team underwent grueling training for the championship.
HindsightIn hindsight, she realized she had made a mistake.
ImpartialThe judge must remain impartial during the trial.
JargonThe jargon of the legal profession can be difficult for laypeople.
KnackShe has a knack for playing the piano.
LucrativeThe deal turned out to be highly lucrative.
MyriadThere were a myriad of stars in the sky.
NegateHis late arrival negated his chances of meeting the CEO.
OptimumThis is the optimum temperature for the plant to grow.
ParadoxIt’s a paradox that those who need help the most often ask for it the least.
QuaintThe quaint little town was a popular tourist attraction.
RobustThey have built a robust framework for the project.
StoicDespite the pain, he maintained a stoic expression.
TactileThe sculpture had a tactile quality that invited touch.
UbiquitousCoffee shops are ubiquitous in the city.
VerboseHis verbose explanations often confuse people.
WaryShe became wary of his constant attention.
XenophileBeing a xenophile, he loves traveling and learning about different cultures.
YieldThe apple trees yield a large harvest this year.
ZenithHe was at the zenith of his career when he decided to retire.
AnomalyHis silence at the party was an anomaly as he is usually quite talkative.
BiasedThe biased report did not give the full picture.
CalibrateThe instrument needed to be calibrated before use.
DeficientHis diet was deficient in proteins.
EnigmaThe disappearance of the aircraft remains an enigma.
FathomI couldn’t fathom why she behaved that way.
GravitatePeople naturally gravitate towards leaders.
HeedPay heed to the instructions before you begin.
IlluminateThe lamp was enough to illuminate the room.
JeopardizeHis rash actions could jeopardize the mission.
KnitThe community was closely knit.
LucidHe gave a lucid explanation of the process.
MundaneHe was tired of the mundane routine.
NoveltyThe novelty of the toy wore off quickly.
OblivionHe was pushed into oblivion after the scandal.
PrudentIt was a prudent decision to save for the future.
QuibbleLet’s not quibble over small matters.
ReciprocateI helped him, but he did not reciprocate when I needed help.
SubtleThe perfume had a subtle fragrance.
TrivialLet’s not waste time on trivial issues.
UnyieldingThe unyielding rock stood tall amidst the raging sea.
VibrantThe city is known for its vibrant nightlife.
WistfulShe had a wistful look in her eyes.
XenophobicXenophobic attitudes can lead to violence.
YearnHe yearned for his homeland.
ZenShe found her zen in gardening.
AmbiguityThe ambiguity in the contract caused a dispute.
BrevityThe beauty of poetry lies in its brevity.
ConnotationThe word ‘home’ has a positive connotation.
DeductiveSherlock Holmes uses deductive reasoning to solve mysteries.
ElusiveThe solution to the problem proved elusive.
FlippantHis flippant remark offended her.
GregariousMy friend is gregarious and enjoys parties.
HeterogeneousThe class was quite heterogeneous with students from different backgrounds.
ImpeccableThe dancer’s impeccable performance won him a standing ovation.
JuxtaposeWhen you juxtapose these two pictures, the differences are clear.
KineticKinetic energy is the energy of motion.
LethargicHe felt lethargic after the heavy meal.
MeticulousShe was meticulous in her work and left no room for errors.
NaïveHis naïve belief in fairness was endearing.
ObliterateThe old building was obliterated to make way for the new mall.
PervasiveA sense of fear was pervasive in the town.
QuotaHe reached his quota for the sales target.
RedundantWith the new machine, many workers became redundant.
SymbiosisThe clownfish and sea anemone have a symbiosis.
TangibleThe benefits of the policy were tangible.
UnilateralThe government’s unilateral decision was criticized.
VersatileThe versatile actor played a variety of roles.
WhimsicalHer whimsical art was appreciated by many.
XenogenesisSome believe in xenogenesis, the birth of something entirely different from the parent.
YieldingThe yielding surface cushioned his fall.
ZephyrThe zephyr gently stirred the leaves on the trees.
AccoladeShe received accolades for her outstanding performance.
BlatantHis dislike for the idea was blatant.
CynicalHe became cynical after many disappointments.
DisparageIt’s not fair to disparage others because of their beliefs.
ExemplifyHe exemplifies the qualities of a good leader.
FacetiousHis facetious comments were not appreciated.
GalvanizeThe coach’s speech galvanized the team.
HaphazardThe haphazard arrangement of furniture gave the room a quirky feel.
InevitableIt was inevitable that they would find out the truth.
JovialHe was jovial at the party.
KindleThe teacher’s words kindled a love for nature in the students.
LudicrousThe ludicrous proposal was rejected by everyone.
MoroseHe was morose after the loss of his job.
NonchalantDespite the danger, he was nonchalant.
OmniscientIn many novels, the narrator is omniscient.
PertinentThe points she raised were pertinent to the discussion.
QuellThe government took steps to quell the protests.
ReiterateLet me reiterate the importance of this rule.
StagnantThe stagnant water became a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
TenaciousThe tenacious athlete didn’t give up despite the injury.
UnorthodoxHis unorthodox methods raised many eyebrows.
VicariousI live a vicarious life through books.
WaneAs the day ended, her energy began to wane.
XenialThe xenial host made the guests feel at home.
YoreIn days of yore, messages were sent by pigeons.
ZestHis zest for life was infectious.

Top 100 Vocabulary Words to Learn at Secondary English Tutorial: A Comprehensive Guide with EduKate Small Groups English Tutors: Mastering, Learning, and Preparing

Hi, I’m Kate! I’m a bubbly, optimistic girl from an awesome school in Singapore. Today, I want to share my story of mastering vocabulary with EduKate Singapore’s Small Groups English Tutors. My journey involved a comprehensive process that transformed my learning, and I hope it can help you too.

Learning with the Fencing Method and AI

When I first joined eduKate, I was introduced to the Fencing Method. It’s a fantastic way to build complex sentences by starting with simple ones and gradually adding more details. For example, take the word “magnificent.” We began with a basic sentence: “The view was beautiful.” Using the Fencing Method, it evolved into, “The magnificent view of the sunset over the tranquil sea was breathtaking.”

AI tools were also a big part of my learning. They provided instant feedback, which helped me improve rapidly. It felt like having a tutor available 24/7, guiding me through each step. This combination of the Fencing Method and AI made learning new vocabulary both fun and effective.

Understanding the Concepts

Understanding the meaning and usage of words was crucial. At eduKate, our tutors made sure we didn’t just memorize definitions. We learned how to use words in different contexts, which made a huge difference. For example, “resilient” doesn’t just mean tough. It means being able to recover quickly from difficulties. Relating this to our own lives, like bouncing back from a poor test score, helped cement the word in my memory.

We also explored concepts like Metcalfe’s Law and the S-curve. Metcalfe’s Law taught me the importance of connections – just like how knowing more words increases your ability to express complex ideas. The S-curve reminded me that progress can be slow at first but accelerates rapidly once you get the hang of things.

Memorising Effectively

Memorising vocabulary was made easier with various techniques. One of my favorites was creating mind maps. This visual method helped me connect words with their meanings, synonyms, and usage. For instance, with the word “meticulous,” I connected it with synonyms like “precise” and “detailed,” and used it in sentences like “She was meticulous in her research.”

Spaced repetition was another key strategy. Our AI tools would remind me to review words at regular intervals, ensuring they stayed fresh in my memory. This method made a remarkable difference in how well I retained information over time.

Testing Knowledge

Regular testing was the final step in solidifying my vocabulary. At eduKate, tests weren’t just about getting good grades. They were opportunities to see how much I had learned and identify areas for improvement. Instead of dreading tests, I began to see them as a way to showcase my progress and refine my skills.

The feedback from these tests was invaluable. It highlighted words I needed to focus on and gave me a sense of achievement when I mastered them. This continuous cycle of learning, understanding, memorising, and testing created a strong foundation for my vocabulary skills.

The Importance of Studying Hard for the Future

Reflecting on my journey, I’ve come to understand why studying hard is so important for the future. Mastering vocabulary and other subjects is not just about passing exams. It’s about equipping ourselves with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the world confidently. Whether it’s communicating effectively, solving problems, or making informed decisions, the effort we put into our studies today shapes our future.

By embracing the learning methods at eduKate – the Fencing Method, AI tools, understanding concepts, memorising techniques, and regular testing – I’ve transformed my approach to learning. I’m not just preparing for exams; I’m preparing for life.

So, if you’re on this journey too, remember to stay optimistic and keep pushing forward. With the right methods and a positive attitude, you can achieve amazing things, just like I did. And who knows? One day, you might be the one sharing your story and inspiring others to succeed!


That’s my story! I hope it inspires you to embrace your learning journey with joy and determination. Keep learning and growing, and you’ll see the hero in you shine through!

The Importance of Vocabulary in Secondary English

Having a broad vocabulary is not just about impressing people with big words. It’s about effective and nuanced expression. It allows students to:

  1. Communicate effectively: A good vocabulary range allows students to express their thoughts and ideas more succinctly.
  2. Improve comprehension: A rich vocabulary helps in better understanding texts and broadens perspectives.
  3. Achieve better grades: Vocabulary knowledge is an integral part of examination marking criteria.

How to Improve Vocabulary

Improving vocabulary is a journey that involves various strategies and consistent effort. Here are a few approaches:

Read Widely and Regularly: Reading broadens the horizons of one’s mind and introduces new words in context, making it easier to remember them.

Use Vocabulary Apps: There are several vocabulary apps designed to help students learn and retain new words.

Practice Regularly: Practice makes perfect. Regular usage of new words in speaking and writing helps retain them in memory.

The Top 100 Vocabulary Words to Learn

In this section, we’ve collated all the secondary vocabulary lists of the top 100 words that are fundamental to a secondary English tutorial. While this list is not exhaustive, it provides a solid foundation. Some words include: empathy, resilience, integrity, analytical, diverse, innovative, and so on.

Secondary 4 Vocabulary 

Secondary 3 Vocabulary 

Secondary 2 Vocabulary 

Secondary 1 Vocabulary

Preparing for Success: Strategies and Techniques

There’s no secret formula for success when it comes to vocabulary building, but the following strategies may help:

  1. Use flashcards: Write words on one side of a card and their meanings on the other. Review them daily.
  2. Learn in context: Don’t just memorize words and their meanings. Understand how they’re used in sentences.
  3. Engage in word games: Word games like crosswords, Scrabble, and word searches can make learning fun and interactive.
  4. Create a word journal: Keep track of new words, their meanings, and usage in a dedicated journal.
  5. Use a thesaurus: A thesaurus can help find synonyms and expand vocabulary.

Useful International Resources

To help parents and students in their vocabulary building journey, we’ve compiled a list of reliable international resources:

  1. Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries: A treasure trove of words with definitions, examples, and more.
  2. Merriam-Webster’s Word Central: An interactive website with word games and a daily buzzword feature.
  3. Vocabulary.com: An interactive platform to learn new words.
  4. Quizlet: A platform to create custom flashcards.

Developing a robust vocabulary is an enriching journey. Every student can build an impressive vocabulary with the right tools, strategies, and consistent effort. With the top 100 words to learn at the Secondary English tutorial, this guide is a stepping stone.

The article “Top 100 Vocabulary Words to Learn at Secondary English Tutorial: A Comprehensive Guide” highlights the importance of vocabulary enhancement in secondary education, focusing on the top 100 words students should focus on. The ability to express oneself effectively and understand complex texts are two critical reasons why a broad vocabulary is crucial for students. The guide suggests reading widely and regularly to improve vocabulary to learn new words in different contexts. Using vocabulary apps can help in understanding and retaining new comments.

Regular practice through speaking and writing is another effective strategy. The list of the top 100 words to learn provides a robust basis for vocabulary enhancement in secondary English tutorials. These words are intended to equip students with a more nuanced language capability. Preparation for vocabulary success involves various strategies such as using flashcards, learning words in context, engaging in word games, maintaining a word journal, and using a thesaurus. These methods enable students to understand better and retain new comments, thus bolstering their vocabulary.

The guide also includes useful international resources for vocabulary building. Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries, Merriam-Webster’s Word Central, Vocabulary.com, and Quizlet are excellent platforms that offer diverse learning opportunities, such as word games, daily buzzword features, and flashcards. In conclusion, the article emphasises the importance of a robust vocabulary in secondary education, lists the top 100 words to learn, and provides strategies and resources for vocabulary enhancement. Developing a strong vocabulary may be lengthy and challenging, but it can be gratifying with the right approach and consistency.

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