These adjectives are not tied to one topic, which is exactly why they appear so often. Knowing the small differences between them is worth more than any single topic list. Learn the meaning, see it in a sentence, then test yourself.
The words
essential adjective Completely necessary.A valid passport is essential for the trip. crucial adjective Extremely important to the result.The next two weeks are crucial to the launch. relevant adjective Connected to the subject being discussed.Please bring any relevant documents to the meeting. accurate adjective Correct in every detail.The figures must be accurate before we publish the report. thorough adjective Complete, leaving nothing out.The inspector made a thorough check of the whole building. suitable adjective Right for a particular purpose.This room is not suitable for large meetings. stable adjective Steady and not likely to change.Prices have stayed stable all year. reasonable adjective Fair, and not too expensive.The hotel charges a reasonable rate for a city center room. adjacent adjective Next to something.The parking lot is adjacent to the main building. minor adjective Small and not serious.There were only minor changes to the schedule. widespread adjective Happening over a large area or among many people.The delay caused widespread complaints. compact adjective Small and taking up little space.The compact printer fits on a small desk.
Memory trick
essential means you cannot proceed without it; crucial means it decides the outcome. Both translate as “very important”, which is exactly why TOEIC pairs them.
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Completely necessary A valid passport is essential for the trip.
Extremely important to the result The next two weeks are crucial to the launch.
Connected to the subject being discussed Please bring any relevant documents to the meeting.
Correct in every detail The figures must be accurate before we publish the report.
Complete, leaving nothing out The inspector made a thorough check of the whole building.
Right for a particular purpose This room is not suitable for large meetings.
Steady and not likely to change Prices have stayed stable all year.
Fair, and not too expensive The hotel charges a reasonable rate for a city center room.
Next to something The parking lot is adjacent to the main building.
Small and not serious There were only minor changes to the schedule.
Happening over a large area or among many people The delay caused widespread complaints.
Small and taking up little space The compact printer fits on a small desk.
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