The Best Way to Learn the Definitions of New Words
Learning a new language boosts mental capacity, but what about expanding the vocabulary in your native language? Given that acquiring new words or phrases is generally associated with our schooling years, many of us have lost the practice of actively remembering them during adulthood.
Believe it or not, developing the habit of learning new words or phrases may be advantageous (and fun) no matter your age. According to scientific research, the relationship between language, intellect, and real-world competence remains from a very young age up to maturity. It works by stretching our working memory and capacity to interact more effectively with the people and things around us while quietly broadening our viewpoints and modes of communication.
Simple Ways to Expand Your Word Memory
From fiction to journalism, essay writing, and poetry-a strong vocabulary is beneficial in all types of written expression. Surprisingly, English is one of the most voluminous of all languages, which means that you'll never run out of vocabulary to study and utilize in your language studies. Ready to spend time honing your word memory?
Develop a Reading Habit
Once you graduate from high school, word drills and required reading are no longer a part of your daily routine. While they were useful tools for expanding vocabulary during schooling days, this does not mean that you should give up reading altogether. Every day, make an effort to read a well-written essay, magazine article, book, or news piece.
Apart from that, nonfiction books can teach you new ways of thinking. These books can also teach you words and terms that you may not be familiar with. Any form of reading will be beneficial in your learning process.
Play Word Puzzles or Crosswords
In addition to being an excellent way to pass the time, crosswords in a magazine or the newspaper are also an excellent way to improve your working vocabulary. Word puzzles are a mental challenge that forces the brain to work hard to remember words you know but hasn't used for a long time. Once you complete the puzzle, this can help improve your working set of vocabulary by moving words from your memory banks.
Use Mnemonics Device
Using a mnemonic device, a kind of word association, you may help yourself remember the meanings and correct usage of words. Let's look at the word obsequious, which translates to "trying to get favor from individuals by flattery." You can break this word into smaller parts. "Obse" is the beginning of the word "obsessed," and "qui" is pronounced similarly to the French word for "yes" (oui), while "us" is pronounced similarly to the word "us." That huge term "obsequious" may be thought of in the same way as "obsessed with saying yes to us.''
The Final Cut
Public speaking, writing, or generally communicating with strangers can be a difficult experience in and of itself, but a limited vocabulary can make the matter much worse. To expand your vocabulary, commit yourself to acquire new words or phrases and consistently revise them to give your memory bank a refresher.