English 12 Vocabulary - Teacher Vu My Lan

A comprehensive set of vocabulary and idiomatic expressions based on English 12 lecture notes, covering cognitive processes, arguments, and common confusing word pairs.

Put sth down to experience

To think of failure as being something we can learn from.

In/within living memory

Something that can be remembered by people who are still alive.

Commit something to memory

To learn and remember something.

Be etched on one’s memory/mind

To be remembered because of a very strong impression.

Have a memory like a sieve

To have a very bad memory.

Jog somebody’s memory

To make somebody remember something.

Broaden one’s mind / horizon

To expand one's knowledge, experience, or way of thinking.

Cast mind back to sth

To think about something that happened in the past.

Boggle the mind

To make something hard for people to imagine or believe.

Be in two minds

To be undecided or unable to make a decision about something.

At/in the back of your mind

To be aware of something but not thinking about it as a main priority.

It never crosses my mind that…

Used to say that something does not occur to someone.

Acquisition

The act of obtaining or learning a skill or language (e.g., Language acquisition).

Attainment of competence

The act of achieving a certain level of ability or skill.

Mastery

A high level of skill or knowledge.

Cultivation

The act of nurturing or developing skills over time.

In the final analysis

Used to introduce the most important fact presented after all factors are considered.

Inspection / observation / scrutiny

Synonyms for the detailed examination or analysis of something.

Assessment / evaluation

The act of judging or deciding the amount, value, quality, or importance of something.

Stand the test of time

To remain popular, relevant, or effective for a long period.

Trial and error

A way of finding a solution by trying various methods until the correct one is found.

Validation / Verification

The process of proving that something is true, valid, or justified.

Open to interpretation

Having more than one possible meaning or explanation.

It stands to reason that….

Used to say that something is clear or sensible.

There is no rhyme or reason to / for sth

Used to say that something cannot be explained.

Beyond comprehension

Impossible to understand.

For the sake of argument

In order to discuss a problem or hypothetical situation.

Advocate / supporter / proponent

A person who publicly supports or recommends a particular cause or policy.

Skeptic / critic / opponent

A person who doubts, disagrees with, or opposes a particular idea or claim.

A forgone conclusion

A result that is obvious or certain before it actually happens.

Preferential

Giving or receiving an advantage over others (e.g., preferential tax).

Preferable

More desirable or suitable.

Contain (oneself)

To restrain or control one's feelings or emotions.

Retain

To keep or continue to have something.

Progress

Movement, development, or improvement toward a destination or goal.

Progression

The process of developing or moving gradually towards a more advanced state.

Process

A series of actions or steps taken in order to achieve a particular end.

Procession

A number of people or vehicles moving forward in an orderly, formal way.

For starters

First and foremost; used to introduce the first of several points.

Rusty

Not as good as it used to be through lack of practice.

Get there

To achieve your aim with hard work.

Substantial

Considerable; large in amount, value, or importance.

Far-reaching

Having important and widely applicable effects or implications.