When you work in academia, jargon often becomes part of your normal, everyday lexicon. It’s how you ensure you’re communicating clearly and unambiguously with other researchers, students, and academics, and you hardly ever give it a second thought.
The problem is, to non-specialists, these academic jargon words may as well be an entirely different language.
So what happens when you need to communicate outside of your academic circle? With study subjects? With potential donors? With marketing teams? How can you connect with them?
The most important part is to ensure you’re speaking your audience’s language. And in many cases, that’ll mean swapping out some of your standard terms for simpler, more day-to-day words.
Academic jargon words examples
Here are some ideas to get you started:
1. Novel
E.g. “This paper explores a novel technique for…”
Academic meaning:
Something that is innovative or bold in research, such as a new methodology or observation
General meaning:
A long book about fictional characters and/or events
Non-jargon alternatives for the word ‘novel’:
- New
- Unusual
- Different
- Fresh
2. Deliverables
E.g. “This paper provides an overview of X project and its deliverables…”
Academic meaning:
The outcome of a task, usually presented as a report, paper, essay, or presentation
General meaning:
Something that can be delivered, such as post or parcels
Non-jargon alternatives for the word ‘deliverables’:
- Outputs
- Products
- Results
- Solutions
3. Abstract
E.g. “The research abstract we present here clearly shows…”
Academic meaning:
A short description of completed work which briefly explains aim, methodology, and results
General meaning:
Theoretical ideas or concepts separated from reality
Non-jargon alternatives for the word ‘abstract’:
- Summary
- Overview
- Outline
- Synopsis
The most important part is to ensure you’re speaking your audience’s language.
4. Manifest
E.g. “10% – 25% will manifest related clinical symptoms”
Academic meaning:
To clearly exhibit or express something, or make something happen
General meaning:
A document listing all passengers/crew on ships or planes
Non-jargon alternatives for the word ‘manifest’:
- Show
- Display
- Demonstrate
- Present
5. Efficacious
E.g. “In trials, the vaccine has been shown to be 95% efficacious”
Academic meaning:
The ability to produce the intended result or outcome in highly controlled trials/settings
General meaning:
The ability to produce the intended result or outcome
Non-jargon alternatives for the word ‘efficacious’:
- Effective
- Efficient
- Successful
- Productive
6. Liminal
E.g. “Liminal spaces lead to a lack of certainty and stability.”
Meaning:
Being ‘in between’ or at the edge of margins, or being in an intermediate phase
Non-jargon alternatives for the word ‘liminal’:
- Transitional
- Temporary
- Peripheral
- Marginal
7. Methodology
E.g. “The review focuses on specific aspects of the methodology…”
Academic meaning:
The system or network of methods used throughout the research project
General meaning:
A way of doing something / carrying out a specific task
Non-jargon alternatives for the word ‘methodology’:
- Technique
- Approach
- Procedure
- Process
8. Nominal
E.g. “It can be seen in the graph that the impact of this variable was nominal”
Academic meaning:
Something that has almost no value, or is deemed to be insignificant
General meaning:
Something that exists in name only
Non-jargon alternatives for the word ‘nominal’:
- Small
- Little
- Minimal
- Tiny
9. Subjects
E.g. “In this study, we observe the subjects’ reactions to…”
Academic meaning:
The person or object that is the focus of the study
General meaning:
Lessons or courses taught at a school, college, or university
Non-jargon alternatives for the word ‘subjects’:
- People
- Participants
- Volunteers
- Individuals
Finding the right non academic jargon words
Not sure how to speak to your audience in a language they understand, without compromising on the overall meaning of your message? Need to avoid using academic jargon words? We can help! Here at Pixelshrink, we’re pleased to offer expert content creation services for our clients, translating your research into more accessible formats.
Get in touch to find out more.
