by Augusto Na

Created on: March 17, 2009

SIMPLE WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR VOCABULARY

Language, and the way we use it, is an intrinsic part of how other people view us. Language is the tool we use most often, and the when that best helps us comprehend the world around us. Thus, having a wide and varied vocabulary will not only improve your ability to communicate with others, it will better your lifestyle. Here are some tips that can help you acquire the vocabulary you've always dreamed of having.

1. Read: This is the easiest and most effective method for learning new words. Do not read Dean Koontz novels or the newspaper. The language used in those publications is meant to appeal to as broad a segment of the population as possible, so the writers intentionally use common words so that the average reader is not lost. Classic literature is a gold mine for new words. But you're not just reading for fun, so read with a purpose. Sit near a computer and look up every word you don't know. At first, you will not notice much of a change in your vocabulary level, but over time, the knowledge of words will build up and you will find yourself using words you never would have dreamed of using before you started reading.

2. Word-of-the-Day: Several websites offer free Word-of-the-Day services. The best one I found is the Webster-Merrian Dictionary service. All you have to do is provide some simple and safe information and they will e-mail you a new word, along with its definition and usage, every day. Most people check their e-mail every day, so Word-of-the-Day can quickly become part of your daily routine. As with reading, Word-of-the-Day won't immediately build a vocabulary, but over time it can have surprisingly potent effects.

3. Etymology: Etymology is the study words. Although it's not a great way to improve your spoken vocabulary, it can help you break down difficult words that you encounter in every day life. Etymology can help you learn how to break down complex words into their roots. Many schools sell their surplus books at the end of the year, so you might search there for a etymology books. Libraries are another good source of etymology books.

4. Learn Another Language: It might seem weird that learning another language will help you with English vocabulary, but languages are a lot more connected than first meets the eye. Sure, learning Japanese probably won't help you speak English better, but learning a related language, like German or French, helps. This is because many English words come from different languages. Celestial, for example, comes from the Spanish cielo, meaning sky. By learning another language you double your knowledge two fold: you learn another dialect, and you learn more about your own.

With these tips, and some patience and hard-work, you will be speaking in grandiose and majestic phrases in no time.

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