Persuasion and Discourse: English Vocabulary List

to publicly support or recommend something

"She advocates for environmental protection policies."

"The environmental group advocates for stronger government regulations to reduce carbon emissions from factories and power plants."

to unfairly influence or manipulate something or someone in favor of one particular opinion or point of view

"Media coverage can bias public opinion strongly."

"The judge warned the jury not to let their personal feelings bias their decision and to remain objective throughout the trial."

to determine by a process of logical reasoning

"He deduced the answer from clues."

"From the muddy footprints on the floor the detective was able to deduce that the intruder had entered through the back door."

to consider in a particular manner

"The court deems the evidence admissible today."

"The court deemed the evidence insufficient to convict the defendant and ordered his immediate release from custody."

used to convey that one is against something

"He is anti war."

"She is anti smoking and has been campaigning for a ban on cigarettes in public places."

able to be believed or relied on

"The source is credible."

"The journalist refused to publish the story because the source was not credible and there was no evidence to support the claims."

subject to argument or disagreement

"That point is debatable."

"Whether the benefits of the new policy outweigh the costs is debatable and economists have different opinions based on their analysis of the available data."

immediately noticed due to being apparent

"His accent is pronounced."

"The patient had a pronounced limp after the accident and he walked with a cane for several months while his leg healed."

used to add a statement that contradicts what one has just said

"I will go. Then again, maybe not."

"I think we should go then again it might rain so perhaps staying home is safer."

used to convey that a statement can be supported with reasons or evidence

"He is arguably the best player."

"He is arguably the best player in the league and many experts believe he will win the MVP award this year."

used to introduce a statement that presents a truth or reality, often to clarify or emphasize something

"As a matter of fact, I know her well."

"As a matter of fact I have been to Paris several times and I love the city."

used to convey that what one is saying about something is also true for another related thing

"I do not like coffee for that matter."

"I do not like coffee for that matter I do not like hot drinks at all because they burn my tongue."

used to refer to the specific matter or topic being discussed or considered

"As far as money is concerned, I am fine."

"As far as the project is concerned, we need more time to finish it properly."

to fight until a result is achieved or an agreement is reached

"Let's fight out this."

"The two rivals agreed to meet tomorrow and fight out their differences once and for all."

a situation of hostility or strong disagreement between two opposing individuals, parties, or groups

"The confrontation escalated."

"The confrontation between protesters and police turned violent when someone threw a rock."

the quality of always acting or being the same way, or having the same opinions or standards

"Consistency is important for long-term success"

"The chef prides himself on the consistency of his sauces which taste identical every time."

a detailed judgment of something, such as a work of art, a political idea, etc.

"The professor offered a thoughtful critique of the student's main theory."

"The art professor published a thorough critique of the controversial exhibition."

someone who does not provide a definite answer for a question, particularly when being asked in a poll

"He gave a don't-know answer nervously"

"When asked about the accident he gave a don't know shrug and refused to answer."

a remark or opinion that has been used so much that it is not effective anymore

"That phrase is a cliche."

"The movie was predictable because it relied on every cliche from romantic comedies."

(of a comment) implying two distinct meanings

"His comment was double-edged."

"The new policy was a double-edged sword because it helped some workers but caused problems for others who lost their benefits."

used when one is providing the general meaning of written or spoken statement instead of the exact words

"He said something to that effect."

"He said he was unhappy or something to that effect but I was not really listening carefully."

used to show agreement, approval, etc.

"Okey-dokey, let us start now."

"Okey-dokey, let us start the work now and finish it quickly."

used to describe something as really great, satisfying, or interesting

"The party was awesomesauce."

"The concert last night was totally awesomesauce and the band played all of my favorite songs from start to finish."

used to show that one is angry, annoyed, or astonished

"For crying out loud, be quiet!"

"For crying out loud, please be quiet. I am trying to focus."

a story told in order to gain the sympathy of other people, particularly one that seems to be fake

"He told sob story."

"The sob story was used to gain sympathy from audience."

to estimate or assess the value, quality, or performance of something or someone

"The expert appraises the antique vase value."

"The insurance company sent an expert to appraise the value of the damaged artwork before processing the claim."

to clearly and confidently say that something is the case

"She asserts her right to free speech."

"The lawyer asserted that her client was innocent and that the evidence presented by the prosecution was completely unreliable."

to form an opinion by considering the information at hand

"I calculate it is late."

"Based on the available data, we can calculate the precise trajectory of the projectile."

to state that one is bound to do something specific

"I commit to this."

"She decided to commit herself fully to the challenging project, promising to see it through."

to exchange opinions and have discussions with others, often to come to an agreement or decision

"The lawyers will confer before the trial."

"The lawyers needed to confer with each other privately before they could give their final decision about the complicated legal case to the judge."

to adjust oneself in order to align with new or different circumstances or expectations

"They conform to rules."

"New employees are expected to conform to the established company policies and procedures."

to argue the truth of something

"They contend it happened."

"The defense attorneys will contend that the evidence presented is insufficient to prove guilt."

(of pieces of evidence, facts, statements, etc.) to be opposite or very different in a way that it is impossible for all to be true at the same time

"His story contradicts the witness testimony entirely."

"The witness's testimony seemed to contradict the physical evidence found at the crime scene by the police investigators."

(of statements, beliefs, facts, etc.) incompatible or opposed to one another, even if not strictly illogical

"His statements are contradictory."

"The witness gave contradictory statements to the police and they could not believe anything he said because his story kept changing."

to change the form, purpose, character, etc. of something

"Convert the currency before traveling."

"The company plans to convert the old warehouse into modern loft apartments for young professionals seeking affordable housing in the city."

to argue with someone, particularly over the ownership of something, facts, etc.

"The lawyer will dispute the evidence."

"The lawyer will dispute the evidence presented by the prosecution because it was obtained illegally."

to repeat opinions or statements of another person, particularly to show support or agreement

"He echoes her every word."

"The junior politician would often echo the sentiments of his party leader to gain favor."

favorable or supportive in attitude or response

"Her answer was affirmative."

"The boss gave an affirmative nod when asked if the project could proceed and the team began working immediately."

intending to provoke thought or discussion

"The book is challenging."

"The job is challenging but rewarding because I learn something new every day."

in a positive, approving, or useful manner

"The critics reviewed the movie favorably."

"The critics reviewed the movie favorably and praised the acting the directing and the beautiful cinematography."

used to introduce a second fact that must be taken into account

"It is hot, and at the same time cold."

"The movie was funny and sad at the same time which made it very interesting to watch."

a serious argument between two sides caused by their different views and beliefs

"It was a clash."

"The ideological clash between the two factions led to a complete breakdown in negotiations."

a belief or opinion that is very strong

"She has strong conviction."

"His strong conviction about justice motivated him to fight for the oppressed."