A–Z Vocabulary
Important IELTS words starting with T — tangible, transient, transformative and more — with definitions, examples and memory tricks.
10 / 10 words
adjective
Definition
Clear and definite; able to be perceived by touch or seen as real.
Example sentence
“Voters demand tangible improvements in healthcare and housing rather than abstract promises.”
Memory trick
Can 'tangere' (touch in Latin) — tangible = touchable, real.
Common collocations
adjective
Definition
Lasting only for a short time; temporary.
Example sentence
“Initial economic disruption from automation may be transient, but its long-term effects are uncertain.”
Memory trick
Like 'transit' — only passing through.
Common collocations
adjective
Definition
Easy to perceive or detect; open to public scrutiny.
Example sentence
“Transparent governance is essential to maintaining public trust in democratic institutions.”
Memory trick
Like a clear window — transparent means you can see through it.
Common collocations
adjective
Definition
Causing a marked change in someone or something.
Example sentence
“Renewable energy has the potential to be a transformative force for developing economies.”
Memory trick
Causes 'transformation' — life-changing.
Common collocations
adjective
Definition
Of little value or importance.
Example sentence
“What once seemed like trivial data privacy concerns now appear central to modern democracy.”
Memory trick
Like 'trivia' — small, unimportant facts.
Common collocations
noun
Definition
A level or point at which something begins or changes; an entrance.
Example sentence
“Scientists warn that crossing the 1.5°C warming threshold could trigger irreversible climate feedback.”
Memory trick
The threshold at a doorway — the point of entry into something new.
Common collocations
verb
Definition
To allow the existence or occurrence of something without interference; to endure.
Example sentence
“Open societies depend on a willingness to tolerate views with which one strongly disagrees.”
Memory trick
From Latin 'tolerare' (to bear) — tolerate means to bear with something.
Common collocations
noun
Definition
A state of great disturbance, confusion, or uncertainty.
Example sentence
“The financial markets remained in turmoil for months after the unexpected policy announcement.”
Memory trick
Sounds like 'turn-and-moil' — twisting and toiling in confusion.
Common collocations
verb
Definition
To make determined efforts to deal with a problem or difficult task.
Example sentence
“Tackling rising inequality will require coordinated action across taxation, education, and labour policy.”
Memory trick
Like a rugby tackle — taking down the problem.
Common collocations
adjective
Definition
Too long, slow, or dull; tiresome.
Example sentence
“Modern software has automated many of the more tedious aspects of accounting and bookkeeping.”
Memory trick
Sounds like 'TED-deous' — a TED talk that goes on forever.
Common collocations