Microsoft Word Glossary March 2011 doc

 
Abbreviation 
A short form of a word or phrase, e.g. in addresses, Rd is an abbreviation of Road. See acronym, contraction. 
 
Abstract 
adjective
 
Relating to complex thoughts and ideas rather than simple, basic, concrete concepts. A text or language can be 
abstract, e.g. words to express thoughts, feelings or complex ideas, which cannot be seen or touched, are often 
abstract words. See concrete. 
 
Academic 
adjective 
Relating to schools, colleges and universities, or connected with studying and thinking. 
 
Accuracy 
The use of correct forms of grammar, vocabulary, spelling and pronunciation. In an accuracy activity, teachers and 
learners typically focus on using and producing language correctly. See fluency. 
 
Achievement 
noun,
 achieve 
verb,
 achievable 
adjective 
Something reached by effort; something done successfully. Something which is achievable for learners is something 
they can succeed in. 
 
Achievement test: see test. 
 
Acknowledge
To show that you have seen or understood something, e.g. the teacher acknowledged the learner’s answer with a 
gesture. 
 
Acquisition 
noun,
acquire 
verb
To learn a language without studying it, just by hearing and/or reading and then using it. This is the way people 
usually learn their first language. 
 
► 
Acronym 
A set of letters representing the first letters of two or more words, usually of a name or title. The letters are 
pronounced as a word e.g. NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) radar (radio detection and ranging). N.B. 
Acronyms are different from initialisms such as BBC, CD where the letters are pronounced as letters.