English vocabulary plays a very important role in one’s life whether personal or professional. Be it an English language board examination at school or an official meeting, a party or a general conversation in day to day life, good command over the English vocabulary can give you an edge over others and has a profound impact on your personality and confidence.
This article talks about the various reasons, scenarios, and methods to improve your English vocabulary effortlessly.
Why expand your English Vocabulary?
Often than not people pose a question as to why waste time on learning and memorizing the words when your word power is sufficient and you have various tools online to tell us the meaning.
Well let’s see this example,
Mr. X: It’s hard to stay ‘sensible and rationalistic’ around the world of webaqoof on the internet.
Mr. Y : ( In his mind) What the hell could be the meaning of webaqoof now?
Such situations can turn really awkward for the listener and the speaker. Now let’s see the advantages of having a good vocabulary.
- You will be able to communicate more clearly and concisely.
- You will be able to boost your marks in the writing section of your exam.
- You will increase the perception that you are an intelligent person.
- It will enhance your confidence while speaking in public.
Let us find out some common situations where we fumble with vocabulary and sometimes land up in an awkward moment.
- Struggling to recall a word when we get the opportunity to use it?
Using a newly learnt word multiple times on the same day and in the same week in different situations will push that word from conscious memory to subconscious memory unknowingly. This exercise helps in retaining the word and striking it to your conscious memory whenever required.
All you have to do is to pick up a word for the day and practice that word as many times as possible on the same day and in the same week.
- In an exam, you have to figure out the meaning of a word u never heard off?
Learn root words. The English Vocabulary is built from a common root, prefix, and suffix, usually with an origin in the Greek or Latin language. Once you learn the root, it will be easy to understand the words with the same root. For example- Bene- means to be favorable. Now, look at these words.
Benefit, benevolent, benefactor, etc.
- Unsure whether the word contextually fits in a sentence?
Often than not we come across situations where we know the word as well as the meaning but we are not sure whether the word can be used in that particular scenario or not. Umm, that’s a little confusing!
The easiest way to overcome this hurdle is to know where the word originally is a noun or a verb. It then becomes easy to place the word correctly in a sentence. Let’s see this-
Advice(noun) – an opinion or recommendation offered as a guide to action, conduct, etc. Example-I will ask the doctor for advice on what to do about my sore throat.
Advise(verb)-to give counsel to; offer an opinion or suggestion as worth following. Example- John advised Polly on the writing segment of her application.
Here are some other effective and easiest ways to add words into your pockets every day without specifically working on it.
1. Understanding the words in the native language.
Interpreting the words in your native language can help in longer retention of the words and proper contextual usage.
2. Read, read and read.
Reading helps in identifying the words along with their roots and makes it easier to interpret the meaning and contextual usage. Cultivating reading habit not only enhances your vocabulary but also sharpens your interpretation and analytical skills.
3. Playing vocabulary games
Playing vocabulary games like scrabble can make learning fun and motivates you to learn more.
4. Make the vocabulary personal and emotional
Try writing your own stories using the newly learnt words or incorporate the words into daily life situations.
Now you hold the key to a better vocabulary. By using these tips try exploring new words and strengthen your English vocabulary.
Happy learning.