Updated on January 01, 2025
by PushtoLearn
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Ghosts

These words related to ghosts and the supernatural often appear in TOEFL passages discussing cultural beliefs, folklore, or literature.

Ghosts Flashcards - Vocabulary Practice for TOEFL

These exercises focus on Ghosts Vocabulary

 

List of Ghosts Words for the TOEFL

Word

Definition

Example

Astrological

Relating to the study of celestial bodies and their influence on human affairs.

Some people believe astrological signs predict personality traits.

Divination

The practice of seeking knowledge through supernatural means.

Ancient cultures often relied on divination to make important decisions.

Haunt

To visit or appear frequently, especially as a ghost.

The old mansion is said to be haunted by a restless spirit.

Horror

A feeling of great fear or shock.

The movie instilled a sense of horror in its viewers.

Intermediary

A mediator or go-between, often between humans and spirits.

Shamans often act as intermediaries between the living and the dead.

Invoke

To call upon a higher power or spirit for help or inspiration.

The priest invoked the gods during the ceremony.

Meditate

To focus or reflect deeply, often for spiritual purposes.

She meditated to connect with her inner self.

Phantom

A ghost or illusion.

The phantom appeared briefly before vanishing into the mist.

Psychic

Relating to the ability to perceive or communicate beyond the natural senses.

The psychic claimed to sense the presence of spirits in the room.

Self-perpetuating

Continuing or sustaining itself indefinitely.

The legend became self-perpetuating as more people spread the story.

Illustration of Ghosts

Usage in TOEFL Exam Formats

Reading Section

  • Words like divination, phantom, and astrological appear in passages about folklore, cultural practices, or literature.

    • Example Question: What role does divination play in the culture described?

Listening Section

  • Terms such as haunt, psychic, and invoke may be used in lectures discussing mythology or spiritual practices.

    • Example: “The villagers believed the haunted forest was protected by spirits.”

Writing Section

  • Use advanced words like self-perpetuating, intermediary, and meditate to add depth to your essays.

    • Example Sentence: “The concept of a self-perpetuating myth explains why ghost stories endure over time.”

Speaking Section

  • Employ terms like horror, phantom, or invoke to articulate ideas clearly during speaking tasks.

    • Example: “In many cultures, rituals invoke spirits for guidance or protection.”

Common Mistakes

  1. Misusing "Astrological" for Astronomy:

    • Mistake: "Astrological studies focus on the physical properties of stars."

    • Correction: "Astrological studies focus on the influence of celestial bodies on human life."

  2. Confusing "Haunt" with "Visit":

    • Mistake: "She haunted her friend’s house every weekend."

    • Correction: "She visited her friend’s house every weekend."

  3. Using "Intermediary" for Non-Mediating Roles:

    • Mistake: "The intermediary provided advice on financial planning."

    • Correction: "The mediator provided advice on financial planning."

  4. Overgeneralizing "Psychic" to Mean All Intuition:

    • Mistake: "She used psychic abilities to solve the math problem."

    • Correction: "She used intuition to solve the math problem."

  5. Misapplying "Self-perpetuating" to Non-Repeating Processes:

    • Mistake: "The movie was self-perpetuating in its plot twists."

    • Correction: "The rumor was self-perpetuating, growing as more people shared it."

FAQ 

What does "astrological" mean in TOEFL contexts?

"Astrological" refers to beliefs about how celestial bodies influence human behavior, often appearing in discussions about ancient or cultural practices.

How is "divination" significant in cultural studies?

"Divination" involves seeking knowledge through supernatural means, often featured in passages about rituals or traditional practices.

What’s the difference between "phantom" and "ghost"?

A "phantom" is often an illusion or apparition, while a "ghost" specifically refers to the spirit of a deceased person.

Can "invoke" be used outside of spiritual contexts?

Yes, "invoke" can also mean to call upon ideas, laws, or concepts, e.g., “The lawyer invoked a precedent to support the case.”

Why is "self-perpetuating" important in TOEFL essays?

"Self-perpetuating" describes systems or ideas that sustain themselves over time, useful in explaining myths, social phenomena, or traditions.

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