What does academic vocabulary refer to?

Academic vocabulary refers to words that are commonly used in educational settings and are essential for understanding and engaging with academic texts and discourse. This vocabulary typically encompasses terms that students encounter in various subjects, particularly those that involve abstract concepts, critical thinking, and analytical skills.

Focusing on the context of education, academic vocabulary includes words that may not be frequently used in informal conversation but are vital for learning, comprehension, and communication in schools and other academic environments. Examples might include terms like "analyze," "synthesize," and "evaluate," which are often part of instructional materials and assessments.

This distinguishes it from everyday conversation vocabulary, which is typically more casual and practical, and from specialized vocabulary related to specific fields, which may be less relevant outside of those contexts. Additionally, the ease of pronunciation does not necessarily define academic vocabulary, as many complex academic terms may be challenging to pronounce but are nonetheless crucial in educational discussions.