Language is a wonderful thing, but how many words do we actually use? All languages have a rich vocabulary, and most of us do not make full use of it, or at least explore and expand it. We restrict our communication to a specific set of words to get our message across, even though we do understand (even if vaguely) more words than we actually use.
Improving your vocabulary will boost your memory, and make you speak and write better. Click through the following gallery and start improving your vocabulary today.
Reading is a surefire way to improve your vocabulary. From essays to books and articles, reading will expose you to a varied vocabulary.
Install a "word of the day" app on your smartphone or look it up online and get familiarized with new words. Some people even purchase a "word of the day" calendar.
When you learn a new word, it's important that you use it immediately. Do this in writing, and include it in conversations.
Learning the roots of words can help you understand your language in general much better. Think Latin or Greek, for instance.
Read fiction, non-fiction, magazines, technical articles, etc. Expose yourself to different types of writing.
We often come across words we don't know. Look them up, or make a note of them and do it later.
Relate a new word with one that you already know. This will make it easier for you to memorize the new word.
Nowadays there are plenty of word games you can play on your cell phone that can help you improve your vocabulary.
This learning technique involves thinking of a sentence, a rhyme, an acronym, or even a song line to remember a word.
Nothing like a good thesaurus to boost your vocabulary. You can easily find a free one online.
Luckily, in this day and age, we no longer need to carry a massive book with us. Though not as complete as a proper published book, we now have easy access to online dictionaries.
Think of words you keep repeating and look up synonyms. Write down a list and keep adding to it as you identify words you keep repeating.
Crossword puzzles can be a great way to dig for words that you no longer use. Plus, they're fun to do!
Talk to a wide variety of people, if possible, and discuss as many different topics as you can. You'll be surprised how easily you'll pick up some new words from just talking to other people.
Writing in a journal can be a good way of improving your vocabulary. Aim to use any new words you've learned that day.
Associate new words with something that resonates with you as a person. Think, for instance, about an interview with someone who survived a catastrophe: you might not remember all the facts, but you probably remember the emotionally-charged things that person said.
Visual associations are a powerful thing. For example, the word "stratovolcano" could be remembered by associating a straight ruler and a volcano. Makes you think!
These can be a great way to test and improve your vocabulary. You can find mock tests online.
Go through your writing and try to identify words that you could have used, look up synonyms, and try to understand what you could've done differently.
There's nothing like another pair of eyes to go through your writing and give you feedback.
Either online or in-person if possible, a writing course can help you develop your vocabulary.
There's a set of words we understand (e.g. words we read) and there's another set of words we actually use in our daily lives to express ourselves. Start including some of the words of your passive vocabulary in your active one.
Take a quiz of the new words you've learned during the week. Essentially you're creating a game that will test your knowledge.
Repetition is key if you want to include a new word in your vocabulary. Write down its definition, say it in a conversation, and use it in writing (e.g. draft an email).
Another fun way to improve your vocabulary. There are plenty of choices available on the market.
We also have our "erm" moments. The problem is that sometimes we do the same in writing. Not through sounds, but by not being consistent in delivering information succinctly.
Learn words that you need to use in your daily life. Words related to your area of work are a good example.
Ways to improve your vocabulary
Start improving your communication today
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Language is a wonderful thing, but how many words do we actually use? All languages have a rich vocabulary, and most of us do not make full use of it, or at least explore and expand it. We restrict our communication to a specific set of words to get our message across, even though we do understand (even if vaguely) more words than we actually use.
Improving your vocabulary will boost your memory, and make you speak and write better. Click through the following gallery and start improving your vocabulary today.