Learn new words to add to your active vocabulary.
Your vocabulary refers to the words in a language you are familiar with. Your active vocabulary contains the words you understand and use in speech and in print, and your passive vocabulary includes words you do not use but understand. Although children learn more new words than adults, the vocabulary of an adult is not fixed and can be increased. Expand your language repertoire with daily exposure to new words, their pronunciations and meanings.
Instructions
1. Read every day. The more often you read, the faster your vocabulary can grow. Choose reading material that is slightly above your level and keep a dictionary with you to look up words you do not know.
2. Find a new word every day. If you do not encounter an unfamiliar word in your daily reading, use your dictionary to search for one.
3. Learn the correct definition and pronunciation for each new word you encounter. Pronunciation is as important as definition because in order to add a word to your active vocabulary, you must be able to use it in speech.
4. Elaborate on the meaning of the word so that you can connect it to something memorable. Use imagery and personal relevance. If you have just learned that the word "obstinate," means stubborn and unyielding, think about the neighbor who will not lend you his car. Imagine him shaking his head, and think of him as "obstinate in his refusal."
5. Use your new word in speech and in writing. Tell a friend about your boss obstinately refusing to reschedule your vacation time. E-mail your sister about how your cat is obstinate about sleeping on your pillow. The first time you use a new word in speech it may seem clumsy and forced, but the more you use it, the more fluent you will become in its use. Soon it will be a regular part of your active vocabulary.
6. Tell everyone you are trying to increase your vocabulary. Encourage them to ask you what your latest word is, or to ask for the definition of a new word you have used. The more you explain the meaning of a word to someone, the more likely you are to remember it.
Tags: active vocabulary, your active, about your, meaning word, word speech