3 Simple Ways to Improve Your Vocabulary (And a Few Words to Get You Started)
Whether you are writing, speaking or delivering a presentation, using the correct word can mean the difference between demonstrating expertise or coming across as unprepared or unprofessional.
Developing your word power is a worthwhile pursuit. Here are 3 ways to improve your vocabulary and 10 words to start using today.
Read More
Educating yourself through reading and research is the best thing you can do to broaden your horizons and become a more interesting, well-rounded person. Seeing new words in various contexts will help your brain absorb them. You don’t need to plow through War and Peace; simply start by reading what interests you most. Be open to different sources – books, magazines, fiction and non-fiction. Make it a daily habit by starting small – dedicate 5 or 10 minutes to reading every day. You’ll almost certainly want to increase the time you spend reading as you come to enjoy the routine.
Befriend Your Thesaurus
There’s one built into most word processing programs. This is a great way to find words with just the right nuance for whatever you’re trying to communicate. It’s a great way to add interest and color to your writing. As a bonus, when you look up words, you’ll stumble across unfamiliar terms and have fun learning their definitions. Check out free online resources such as thesaurus.com. Or, pick up a traditional hard copy to keep on your desk.
Have Fun with Words
Your smartphone has a variety of vocabulary-boosting apps and word games to download. Play your way to a stronger vocabulary and you increase your brain power and interest level. You will find you are much more entertaining at cocktail parties when your world opens up slightly to new words.
Begin the process of becoming a stronger writer and conversationalist with a few words below. These may already be in your vocabulary; if so, make an effort to find a few different words to learn and use.
Acumen
Sharp insight, cleverness, intelligence. “Liz is a sharp go-getter who consistently displays a strong business acumen.”
Ambivalent
Relating to mixed emotions or feelings about something; indecisive. “While Jared was feeling confident about accepting the job, he was a bit ambivalent about moving to a new state.”
Anomaly
Something that deviates from the norm or does not fit in; unusual or exceptional. “Nicole is a straight-A student whose poor test grade last semester was a complete anomaly.”
Contrite
Showing genuine remorse. “Although his girlfriend had already accepted his apology, Eric remained contrite about missing her recital.”
Egregious
Describing something that stands out in a bad and glaring way. “The umpire made an egregious error in judgment on that call.”
Modicum
A small amount. “A modicum of compassion would help both parties understand each other and perhaps even come to an agreement.”
Obsequious
Excessively compliant or submissive. “Sharon was obsequious to her client’s every request, no matter how trivial.”
Stoic
A person who can endure pain or hardship without showing their feelings or complaining. “Dave remained stoic throughout the entire ceremony.”
Vehement
Strong, impassioned, intense or angry. “Molly made a vehement argument and denied the accusation during her brief presentation with human resources.”
Venerate
To treat respectfully, to revere or recognize qualities of excellence or exaltedness. “Cesley venerates her boss and respects her decision to move forward.”
You may also like 3 Unspoken Words That Could Be Holding You Back. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips read her posts on Inc., subscribe to her articles on HuffPost, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter. Buy her new book, Modern Etiquette for a Better Life.
