Simple and Easy Ways to Improve Your Vocabulary

Developing a well-rounded vocabulary is one of the most sure-fire ways to refine yourself both personally and professionally and it’s not as complicated as you may think. Actually all it requires is plenty of discipline and effort and you’ll soon be finding your vocabulary really is improving. Here are 16 simple and easy ways to start advancing your vocabulary now.

1. Subscribe to ‘A Word a Day’ mailing lists sent out by online dictionaries and websites.
2. Download offline dictionary software for when you have no access to the internet.
3. Get used to playing around with vocabulary trees and vocabulary themes.
4. Prepare a vocabulary list (vocabulary theme). Instead of going over individual lists of words, try writing a list of all words related to a particular theme (for e.g. a household appliance theme). By grouping words in themes you’ll find it’s easier to pick words up as you go along.
5. Create vocabulary flashcards with the new word on one side and the meaning and usage (verb, adjective, noun etc) on the other side. Try to jot down an example sentence also.
6. Make an effort to write down words you don’t know the meaning of. Keep a vocabulary notebook handy just for this.
7. Actively seek out the definition of unknown words and make a conscious effort to use the new words you learn in your everyday conversations.
8. Strive to learn a new word each and every day.
9. Read news, magazines and newspapers (especially newspaper columns since columnists are known for their impeccable vocabulary). The more language you are exposed to the better your vocabulary build up will be.
10. Expose yourself to different genres of writing. Read poetry, autobiographies, fiction, memoirs and non fiction.
11. Use a dictionary and thesaurus frequently. Always have a good dictionary by your side and get into the habit of using it and looking words up. A thesaurus is particularly useful for bringing diversity to your vocabulary. If you always find yourself using the same word over and over look up alternatives in a thesaurus.
12. Familiarize yourself with a wide selection of idioms and phrasal verbs. Do the same for antonyms.
13. Listen to the radio. Radio is all words (no pictures) so the presenters have to be pretty competent with language.
14. Play vocabulary building games like crosswords, scrabble, word puzzles and bingo.
15. Each time you sit down to read a book or newspaper say to yourself you will look up one word you don’t know the meaning of.
16. In your free time go over your vocabulary notebook to refresh your memory.