Main content
Course: 3rd grade reading & vocabulary > Unit 2
Lesson 1: Building knowledgeHomes: unit vocabulary
This is a list of a few useful or interesting words you'll find in this unit. You probably know some of them already, while others might be new to you. Take some time to get to know them all before you get started!
Word: adapt
(verb)
(verb)
- Definition: to change something to fit a new place or situation; to adjust
- Sentence: It took a while for Miguel to adapt to his new neighborhood because it was so different from his old one.
Word: architect
(noun)
(noun)
- Definition: a person that designs, or comes up with, plans for buildings
- Sentence: I’d like to be an architect when I’m older because I like to draw pictures of how I think buildings should look.
Word: dwelling
(noun)
(noun)
- Definition: a house, or place where someone lives
- Sentence: The pirates’ secret dwelling was a cave hidden inside the face of a cliff.
Word: familiar
(adjective)
(adjective)
- Definition: known well
- Sentence: When Ishmael turned the corner on the old street, he saw a familiar building and knew he was in the right place.
Word: foundation
(noun)
(noun)
- Definition: something that supports a building from underneath
- Sentence: Before you can build a house, you need to make sure to lay a good foundation or it might fall down!
Word: function
(noun)
(noun)
- Definition: the special purpose that something is made or used for
- Sentence: The function of the fireplace is to create warmth.
Word: generous
(adjective)
(adjective)
- Definition: helpful, giving
- Sentence: When Malala first came to New York, her generous aunt bought her a new bed and some new clothes.
Word: practical
(adjective)
(adjective)
- Definition: suitable, useful
- Sentence: Those sparkly, purple pants just aren’t going to be practical for climbing Mount Everest.
Word: site
(noun)
(noun)
- Definition: a place where something is built, or where something happened
- Sentence: The construction site was a busy place when the walls were going up.
Word: stable
(adjective)
(adjective)
- Definition: hard to move; secure
- Sentence: I don’t have to worry about my treehouse falling apart—it’s super stable because my stepmom built it!
Word: structure
(noun)
(noun)
- Definition: something built using other things, that usually stands on its own
- Sentence: We used big, heavy pieces of wood to create the structure for our fort.
Want to join the conversation?
- why was he scared of his new neighborhood?(17 votes)
- It can be scary to be in a place you aren't used to, like a new neighborhood with new kids to play with, it takes time to adapt to your surroundings for many people.(22 votes)
- My question is why does every word have to have a definition?(16 votes)
- because when you need to check things idk(12 votes)
- i love khan academy(13 votes)
- Me too! but this belongs in the "Tips & Thanks" section :P(8 votes)
- The foundation strong(11 votes)
- ok there are 1000 people there(12 votes)
- Well thanks for answer my question Dilori because that answer really really confused me.(10 votes)
- That is not even a question! It is a compliment.(1 vote)
- I love school and home(10 votes)
- I love school to I work haer(1 vote)
- then they have a dog and a cat(7 votes)
- Why are you afraid of your new neighbor? I would be exited!(7 votes)
- becase he was a monster?(1 vote)
- How am I supposed to learn this(4 votes)
- you have to read(4 votes)