Tips For Improving Your Vocabulary
Joydeep Shankar Bhattacharya
Many learners feel hesitant when they talk in English because they feel that their vocabulary is weak. They realize that they do not understand some words which are spoken by other people and hence, miss the meaning of the sentence. However, there are some tips which can help such learners improve their vocabulary easily.
• Focus on Root Words - Roots words are the foundation of the meaning of the words which are built from there. For example,' ambi 'is a root words for both. The words 'ambidextrous' meaning someone who can write with both hands is made from the root word 'ambi'. Similarly, 'bi' is a root word meaning two. Hence, the word 'bicycle' meaning cycle with two wheels is made from this root word. If a learner is able to develop an understanding of the different root words, their meaning and their usage, he or she will be able intelligently guess the meaning of new words.
• Dictionary and Thesaurus -It is important for the learners to make a note of any new phrase that he or she hears or reads. It is helpful to open a dictionary and find the meanings of these new phrases. The learners should try and use these words in their conversations. It is also helpful to use a thesaurus to find out other words which have a similar meaning.
• Synonyms and Antonyms - When a learner comes across a new English phrase, it is recommended to check its synonyms and antonyms. Synonyms are words which have a similar meaning and antonyms are words which have the meaning opposite to the word. Looking at synonyms and antonyms not only help in a better understanding of the word in question, but they also help in increasing vocabulary by knowing more similar and dissimilar words.
• Phrasal Verbs - A phrasal verb is a combination of a verb and a preposition or a verb and an adverb. The meaning of the phrasal verb is different from the meaning of its constituent words. As an example, the phrasal verb, 'call on' means to visit someone.
• Foreign language words - There are some words in the English language which are derived from foreign language. The English language has taken words not only from European languages like Latin, French and Spanish but also from Asian and African languages. It is a good idea to make a note of such words and use them often in daily conversation.
• Focus on Root Words - Roots words are the foundation of the meaning of the words which are built from there. For example,' ambi 'is a root words for both. The words 'ambidextrous' meaning someone who can write with both hands is made from the root word 'ambi'. Similarly, 'bi' is a root word meaning two. Hence, the word 'bicycle' meaning cycle with two wheels is made from this root word. If a learner is able to develop an understanding of the different root words, their meaning and their usage, he or she will be able intelligently guess the meaning of new words.
• Dictionary and Thesaurus -It is important for the learners to make a note of any new phrase that he or she hears or reads. It is helpful to open a dictionary and find the meanings of these new phrases. The learners should try and use these words in their conversations. It is also helpful to use a thesaurus to find out other words which have a similar meaning.
• Synonyms and Antonyms - When a learner comes across a new English phrase, it is recommended to check its synonyms and antonyms. Synonyms are words which have a similar meaning and antonyms are words which have the meaning opposite to the word. Looking at synonyms and antonyms not only help in a better understanding of the word in question, but they also help in increasing vocabulary by knowing more similar and dissimilar words.
• Phrasal Verbs - A phrasal verb is a combination of a verb and a preposition or a verb and an adverb. The meaning of the phrasal verb is different from the meaning of its constituent words. As an example, the phrasal verb, 'call on' means to visit someone.
• Foreign language words - There are some words in the English language which are derived from foreign language. The English language has taken words not only from European languages like Latin, French and Spanish but also from Asian and African languages. It is a good idea to make a note of such words and use them often in daily conversation.
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