Improve your vocabulary

Building a strong vocabulary over time can allow you to better communicate your thoughts, verbally or in writing, to avoid confusion and achieve clarity. You can build your vocabulary skills by identifying a learning technique that works for you and continually practicing.

In this article, we discuss the importance of vocabulary skills and how you can build a more expansive vocabulary.

To build a strong foundation for your vocabulary, it’s helpful to understand the roots of words. Many words have a common root and a prefix or suffix that helps you determine what the meaning might be. For example, when a word includes the root “duc,” a Latin word that means “to make or lead,” you can assume that the root refers to that Latin definition. You’ll see this root in words like “produce” or “deduce.”

Some industries have different definitions for words or use entirely new words, which is called jargon. If your coworkers and others in your field use technical jargon, try focusing on building your vocabulary to incorporate these words. For example, some industries use the word “stand-up” to mean a short daily meeting.

You can also look for clearer ways to express yourself instead of relying on cliches that may be difficult for others to understand or skew your meaning. For example, instead of saying “get your foot in the door,” you could use “expand your opportunities.”

Word associations can help you remember certain words or phrases. For example, the word “gargantuan” means very large. Try creating a sequence with the word, such as tiny, small, medium, large, giant and gargantuan. Forming associations can help you recall words you’re learning with more ease. These associations can also ensure you remember the word long term. At the end of each week, create a quiz that includes the vocabulary words, root words or other language aspects that you’ve been studying. Taking a quiz or test can increase your ability to retain new words. Every time you learn a new root or word, create a flashcard. On one side of the card, write the word, and on the opposite side, write the definition. You can practice recalling the definition from the words and vice versa.

Some words have alternate definitions in different contexts. An example of nuance is the word “frame,” which could have several meanings depending on the scenario. A frame could be a border that surrounds a picture or window, or it could mean to outline or highlight a certain physical quality. Identifying and understanding these nuances in language will help you better know how to use the words you’ve learned in your communication with others.

Different words often share the same or similar meaning. You can create a list of word groups to help you construct new and unique statements in your writing and speech. Some words have similar meanings but don’t always substitute for one another, so it’s helpful to review definitions of similar words before using them. By varying the word choices in your communication, you’ll sound more polished and professional.

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