Broadening Vocabulary?

[jd 365]

start remembering big words and use them on a daily basis

 

[exapto]

Well, i dont read that much, but i have a vocabulary average of 106...But in the past, i read 700 page novels in 2-3 days....soooo i guess you should just keep on reading...=)

 

[Benwise]

What may be effective for you:

Try reading a thesaurus. Look up words you generally wouldn't look up (such as poisonous - my favorite example), and then find the other words which are given as similar definitions, noxious for example.

It's helpful for me, as I always remember my favorite ones, and it can be quite nice when you're in a peaceful mood, or if you're just sitting up in bed and can't sleep.



Nonsense. Whilst it may seem I'm proclaiming some sort of unique self worth here, I haven't read a proper book other than pages of interesting non-fiction for over six years, and I'd like to declare myself superior to the vast majority of other people my age.

Stumbled on alot of those words, definately adding you to the list of intelligent speakers on the first post

 

[Mrstellaman]

Start listening to what people around you say, you'll probably notice a lot of words you don't know the meaning, of if you pay attention. Remember them and write them down to look up later.

Also go to a TV streaming site and look up a UK game show called 'QI', the humour is painful, but you'll pick up a lot of nice words. The most important aspect of expanding your vocab is to pay attention to words you don't understand; rather than subconsciously glazing over them. This is because you will find it easier to integrate into your everyday speech if you hear the words, as opposed to reading them.

As for your written form, practice.
It helps if you have a passion for English, too.

 

[Oh Bama]

I'm guessing you would like to sound more intelligent when you speak? Try thinking before you speak or use a thesaurus to broaden your vocabulary.

Try listening to others as said by Mrstellaman. Pay attention how they use the words ( which words they use before or after it ) to better understand the words.

 

[jebadiah the wise man]

freerice.com

It's a vocabulary building game that donates rice to starving kids etc. for every answer you get right. Surprised no one else mentioned it. It's not terribly advanced words, but there were a few there i didn't know.

 

[Teh 1337ness]

Read! REAd! READ! Read until you cannot read anymore.

 

[deadzone]

Talk, debate, read with\what intellectual people have to say. An with that you will increase your vocabulary.

 

[RS Ronny]

If you're in need of a higher level referance book on grammer, I'd recomend "Hodges' Harbrace Handbook."

Otherwise, just read novels, textbooks, etc that are on your level or slightly above.

 

[The_Phoenix_HalfBreed]

Well how the fuck is reading going to help your vocabulary if you don't understand half of the damn book? I say play online brain games. I do that everyday to keep my brain in tip-top shape. Reading does help with spelling, punctuation, speed and little grammar. You use inference to gues sor assume what the word means, you do that kind of stuff in school. Yeah but look for brain games, you can exercise your mind and it's actually important to do so..

 

[hamza]

Reading challenging books is the best way to improve you're vocabulary.

 

[iN The Clutch]

Just put a bunch of punctuation where it isn't necessary, it makes you sound smart.

Also, spell a lot of words incorrectly, it look's cool.