Having a huge vocabulary is a big advantage for Scrabble and other word games. Learn about how to improve your vocabulary from this guest post.
Do you want to improve your vocabulary? Some people find the use of big words pretentious. However, there is nothing wrong with wanting a better vocabulary. If you have a vast store of words at your disposal, you’ll be able to hold your own in any conversation and express your opinions succinctly. What’s more, having a good vocabulary gives you more choices when speaking or writing. After all, there are occasions when one synonym works better than another. So how do you improve your vocabulary? Read on to find out more.
In Context
Some people make the mistake of writing lists of words in order to improve their vocabulary. However, this method of improving your vocabulary isn’t very effective. That’s because words do not exist alone, but in context with the other words in a sentence. It is easier to improve your vocabulary if you learn each new word in a sentence. It is also easier to use the new words later on when you learn them in this way.
Lots of Reading
If you make reading a regular habit, you’ll encounter many words that you do not know. What’s more, the words will be written in context. Reading also makes you want to learn new words. That’s because learning the meaning of unfamiliar words is essential to understanding the text as a whole.
If you really want to improve your vocabulary, you should be careful about the reading material you choose. Avoid reading popular fiction or tabloid newspapers. Instead, read classic fiction by canonized authors and renowned contemporary writers. You should also read non-fiction on a wide variety of subjects, and peruse challenging magazines, blogs, or newspapers.
Dictionary and Notepad
If you want to improve your vocabulary, you should invest in a notepad and a good dictionary. Use the dictionary to find out the meaning of any new words you encounter while reading. Use your notepad to write down any new words you encounter during conversations, or when you don’t have your dictionary at hand. If you are unsure how to spell a word you hear in conversation, write it down phonetically.
Talk to People
Make a point of engaging in interesting conversations on a regular basis. This will give you the opportunity to use the new words you have learned. You may also hear other people use words you don’t know. Having conversations can also help you to learn how new words are pronounced. If you only ever read new words, you may not learn how to pronounce them correctly. This can lead to embarrassing situations.
When You Write
The more you use the new words you learn, the more comfortable you will be with using them. That means using your new words in conversations with other people. You should also try to use the new words when you write. Hence when you write blog posts, articles or emails, try to find ways of using the new words you’ve learned. The more often you use new words in conversation or writing, the easier they will be to remember.
Word Games
If you make a habit of playing word games, it will give you the opportunity to practice using the new words you have met. Scrabble is an excellent game for improving your vocabulary. You might also wish to consider completing crossword puzzles. Playing games and completing puzzles will add an element of fun to improving your vocabulary. It is always easier to learn something new when you’re having fun.