Tips for Increasing your vocabulary
The need for a
good vocabulary is not limited to the classrom.Most students reaction to this is"I can communicate well enough with the words i know."However,consider how many times that you have said :"I know what i mean,but i just can't express it."This is a clear indication of a weak
vocabulary.
Strong vocabulary
skills are an asset in every academic area as well as in the work force.Without an adequate vocabulary,reading,learning and even thinking become difficult tasks .A direct effort must be made in order for your
vocabulary to grow-it won't grow on its own.Be genuinely interested in words.The words you use are usually an indication of your personality.Here are some
tips to help you improve and
increasing your vocabulary.
Tips for Increasing your vocabulary
| Tips for Increasing your vocabulary |
| 1-Definition: A sufficient explanation of the word is given within the sentence.
His succinct style made for difficult reading: that is, he compressed so much
information into a few words that it was difficult to get the full meaning.
Succinct means: |
| 2-Analysis:The parts used to construct the word (roots, suffixes, prefixes) can be a direct
clue to its meaning.
The material the teacher wanted to cover was circumscribed by the
government's course regulations. Hint: circum- means around
-scribe means write |
| 3-Experience:Either from an experience of your own or one that you can imagine, the meaning of the word becomes clear.
We walked warily across the ice-covered sidewalk.
Warily means:
|
| 4-Contrast:Look for words, phrases or ideas used in contrast.
The troops fought to the end rather than capitulate.
Capitulate means: |
| 5-Inference:
Sufficient clues are given so that you can make an educated guess.
The medicine seemed to ameliorate her condition and soon she was feeling
better.
Ameliorate means: |
| 6-Borrow from Another LanguageIf you know another language, watch for clues that
appear when words are derived from another language.
The instructor augmented his regular salary by tutoring
privately.
(Do you know the meaning of the French word"augmenter" or the Italian word "augmentare"?)
Augmented means:
|
| 7-Look for Repetition: Sometimes you may see almost exact restatements of familiar
words that seem to be unfamiliar.
I shall take a postgraduate course the fall after I graduate.
Postgraduate means: |
| 8-Look for Overlapping Words: Sometimes adjectives that have similar meaning are used
in pairs.She was very gregarious and friendly at the same time.
Gregarious means:
|
D
| 9-USE your dictionary: Don't be intimidated by the dictionary. Carrying a pocket dictionary around with you can be
very useful. When you are studying , reading, or writing an essay, keep a good desk dictionary
by your side. Use it to improve your understanding of the subject matter while you learn new
and useful words. |
