A–Z Vocabulary
Useful IELTS words starting with E — elaborate, exacerbate, exponential and more — with definitions, examples and memory tricks.
10 / 10 words
verb
Definition
To make a bad situation, problem, or feeling worse.
Example sentence
“Rising inflation has exacerbated the financial difficulties facing already vulnerable households.”
Memory trick
'Ex-ACID-bate' — pouring acid on a wound to make it worse.
Common collocations
verb / adjective
Definition
(v.) To develop or present in detail; (adj.) involving many carefully arranged parts.
Example sentence
“The minister declined to elaborate on the specifics of the new immigration framework.”
Memory trick
'E-' (out) + 'labor' (work) — to work out in detail.
Common collocations
adjective
Definition
Based on observation, experiment, or experience rather than theory or pure logic.
Example sentence
“There is now strong empirical evidence linking long-term exposure to particulates with reduced life expectancy.”
Memory trick
Sounds like 'experience' — empirical knowledge comes from experience.
Common collocations
noun
Definition
A state in which opposing forces or influences are balanced.
Example sentence
“Restoring ecological equilibrium will require coordinated action across the entire global community.”
Memory trick
'Equi-' (equal) + 'lib' (balance, like Libra scales) — equal balance.
Common collocations
adjective
Definition
Growing at an increasingly rapid rate.
Example sentence
“The exponential growth of mobile internet users has transformed retail, education, and healthcare.”
Memory trick
Think of math 'exponents' — 2, 4, 8, 16 — growing faster and faster.
Common collocations
verb
Definition
To make something clear; to explain.
Example sentence
“Recent neuroscience has helped to elucidate how chronic stress affects memory formation.”
Memory trick
'E-LUCID-ate' — to make something lucid (clear).
Common collocations
verb
Definition
To come into view, prominence, or existence; to become apparent.
Example sentence
“A new consensus is emerging around the need for global standards on artificial intelligence.”
Memory trick
'E-' (out) + 'merge' — to come out of where things were merged.
Common collocations
adjective
Definition
Clearly seen or understood; obvious.
Example sentence
“It is increasingly evident that traditional university degrees no longer guarantee professional success.”
Memory trick
Like 'evidence' — when something is evident, it's plainly visible as evidence.
Common collocations
verb
Definition
To serve as a typical example of something.
Example sentence
“Finland's education system exemplifies how equity and excellence can coexist at scale.”
Memory trick
'Example-ify' — to turn into an example.
Common collocations
adjective
Definition
Covering every detail; thorough and complete.
Example sentence
“An exhaustive review of academic literature is essential before drawing any policy conclusions.”
Memory trick
Something so complete it's 'exhausting' to read every bit.
Common collocations