There are millions of words available to you. Sometimes, one word provides a better meaning of what you're trying to articulate than another.
Mark Twain said: "The difference between the almost right word and the right word is... the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning."
Yet, we often don't bother with finding the perfect word to use in conversation or in writing. Why? Maybe we're lazy and stuck in a verbal rut. Maybe we haven't expanded our vocabularies since we were in school. Maybe we think others won't understand us if we use a different word.
Words are the tools of our trade. I know when I was a kid and reading voraciously, I learned a lot of new words simply by reading. That's the side effect of reading for entertainment. You can learn new words as well as new facts.
Don't be afraid to educate readers albeit subtly with your choice of words by making what you write organic to the writing. I know, as a reader, I love to see how a writer uses vocabulary.
Benefits Of Increased Vocabulary
- Better articulate your ideas
- More effective writing
- Better reader comprehension
- Improved conversational skills
- Improved speaking skills
- Improved image because you're judged on how you speak and write in the business world--and the social world
3 Fun Ways To Learn Words
Free Rice Game
This online game is addictive, fun, and increases your vocabulary as well as providing food for millions. No kidding! According to the website: "The rice you donate makes a huge difference to the person who receives it. You and the thousands of other Freerice players have fed millions of people since the game launched in October 2007."
I love to play games and find them highly addictive. This is one I don't feel guilty about because every time I play, I'm helping feed a hungry person.
It's easy to play.
1. Click on the right answer in the middle of the page.
2. If you get it right, you get a harder question. If you get it wrong, you get an easier question.
3.For each answer you get right, they donate 10 grains of rice to the United Nations World Food Program.
Wordnik Word of the Day
Kim Komando alerted me to Wordnik, an expansive online dictionary and thesaurus that publishes an obscure or archaic word every day. They offer multiple sources of definitions for each word and examples of its use in literature. A feature I really like is the sound file to show you how the word is pronounced.
Vocabulary Building Games
This website is a repository of games from the classics like Hangman, or Hang Mouse, to games designed for specific elements like anagrams, foreign words, homophones, idioms, Latin words, etc. There's truly something here for every taste. You'll be challenged, have fun, and learn a lot.
Takeaway Truth
Words are how we communicate. Learn how to communicate more effectively by increasing your vocabulary.
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