Words to enhance your daily discourse

By: Ian Pinkerton, Columnist

 

Words are one of the most important aspects of human communication. Without them, it would be pretty hard to tell your friends about the tasty meal you had for lunch. Because of this crucial importance, it is difficult to claim that expanding one’s vocabulary warrants anything but positive results. 

Albeit, working to create a well-rounded vocabulary is a grueling task that seems not worth it, it pays off in the long run. Personally, it took a few months before I noticed any results. Now, after two years of working to expand my vocabulary, I notice results left and right. A well-rounded vocabulary can mean understanding older or more academic works of literature, being able to express ideas more effectively, having greater ease in making connections, and much more. Whether it’s to liven up some writing or to spice up a conversation, a well-rounded vocabulary is always a useful tool to have under one’s belt. 

How can you work to expand your vocabulary? It’s simple. Whenever you come across a word you don’t know the exact definition of, whether from reading, listening, or some other medium, take note of it. Later whenever you find yourself bored, go back to these words and jot down their definitions in a journal or make flashcards. Eventually, they will stick in your head and you will start to notice those new words you learned everywhere you go. But, since that takes a lot of time, here are ten words that are useful, fun, interesting, and practical:

 

 

  1. Myopic – “Myopic” is a great word to use in an argument. It means to be narrow-minded and short-sighted, lacking foresight. It’s useful to help rebuttal an opponent who is ignoring the big picture of something, either in an essay or an argument with friends. 
  2. Effervescent – To be effervescent is to be lively and enthusiastic, often used synonymously with “bubbly.” This is the perfect word to describe someone who is excited; it might as well be a fancier way of saying someone is excited about something, or in a particularly good mood. Effervescence is also the name for the fizz and bubbles in a carbonated drink.
  3. Antipode – Personally, I think that this is a fun word to say. An antipode is something that is the direct opposite of another thing. For example, going to sleep is the antipode of staying awake. It’s similar to an antithesis except the word “antithesis” is usually used to show a contrast between two opposite things. 
  4. Aitch – This word is a fantastic ice breaker. Imagine you’re having trouble talking to someone new. What easier way is there to start a conversation than by sharing a cool fact and bonding over its bizarre nature? Aitch simply means the letter “H” … Yep, just the letter “H”. Obsolete words are always great for conversations!
  5. Sesquipedalian – This one may be a mouthful, but it is also great for conversations! Ironically, “sesquipedalian” means something that is characterized by a lot of syllables (go figure). A fun way to use this word is to mention it to some friends with an alliterative buzz: it’s fun to blabber “the suspiciously sesquipedalian Susquehanna,” isn’t it?
  6. Dogmatic – Dogmatic is a super useful word to describe someone who won’t give up their principles no matter what. Someone who is dogmatic feels obligated to set principles and claim they are undeniably true. If you ever meet someone who says they always sleep early, even though they often stay up late, they are being dogmatic.
  7. Scintillating – This is the perfect word to describe Towson’s community. To be scintillating is to be brilliant, clever, and skillful. If that doesn’t sound like Towson, then I don’t know what does; aside from describing Towson, this word is great to use in an essay to introduce a prominent source in a paper; “… the scintillating William Nye, in his study about…” is just one example of how to use this word.
  8. Supercilious – Have you ever been corrected by someone snobby and couldn’t find a word to describe the encountered person? Look no further, the word “supercilious” fits perfectly. To be supercilious is to be pretentious and condescending: to act above someone else because you think you’re superior. This word could also be helpful when drafting historical essays about oppressive conditions. 
  9. Eunoia – “Eunoia” is the shortest word in the English language to use all five vowels. How cool is that!? In rhetoric, to have eunoia is to have goodwill between the speaker and the audience. In other words, it is when the audience believes the speaker is trying to do good. You can see a lot of this at the Climate Change protests that are happening all over the world. In addition to this rhetorical meaning, “eunoia” is rarely used in the medical sphere to describe someone who is living with a normal mental state, the perfect middle between euphoria and depression.
  10. Sycophantic – This is a fancy word to describe a kiss-up. To be sycophantic is to be overly obedient to someone in order to gain an advantage over others.  To be someone who does this is to be a sycophant. It is a fantastic word to describe this kind of behavior without giving off an informal vibe, making it perfect for academic writing.

 

I hope these ten words will inspire you to work to build your own vocabulary! Actually, here’s an extra word for you: “tautology.” Essentially, a tautology is when you say the same thing twice in succession with different words, like I did by saying “your own.” It’s not like your vocabulary isn’t already yours, right? Why add “own”?

The English language is a goldmine of fun and useful words, you never know what you’re going to discover. Without working to build my vocabulary, my academic writings would be filled with overused diction and complex googled words that barely make sense. A strong vocabulary can aide and enrich one’s life, allowing for greater communication, understanding, and agility. 

In addition to the tips for learning new words mentioned above, if you’re thirsty for more fantastic words, you can go to a Word of the Day website like wordthink.com, or simply browse a dictionary for a few minutes. You’ll be surprised what fun words stick with you.

27 thoughts on “Words to enhance your daily discourse

  1. Stunning site! Do you have any helpful clues for trying essayists? I’m wanting to begin my own site soon yet I’m somewhat lost on everything. Would you prompt beginning with a free do my assignment for me stage like or go for a paid alternative? There are so many alternatives out there that I’m totally overpowered .. Any thoughts? Welcome it!

  2. Thanks for sharing this best stuff with us! Keep sharing! I am new in blog writing. All types of blogs and posts are not helpful for the readers. Here the author is giving good thoughts and suggestions to each and every reader through this article. literature-essay Quality Forever 2023 Anwen O’Driscoll Jacket of the content is the main element of the blog and this is the way of writing and presenting.

  3. It really is rare to come across a specialist with whom you may have some confidence. In the world in the present day, nobody genuinely cares about justified raylan black cotton jacket showing others the best way in this matter. How fortunate I am to have found a really wonderful blog like this. It’s people like you exactly who make a true difference nowadays through the concepts they write about.

  4. Improving your vocabulary is like finding a bunch of cool words that make talking more fun. It’s like having a Harley Quinn Jacket that help you express yourself better. You know, using words like “sesquipedalian” and “scintillating” can make your language game strong and even make chatting more interesting. So, go ahead, dive into the world of words.

  5. HQD Vapes presents an array of premium disposable e-cigarettes with sleek designs and diverse flavors. Elevate your vaping experience with our high-quality products crafted for portability and enjoyable satisfaction.

  6. I recently had the chance to use essaypro https://www.instagram.com/essaypro_official/ for one of my major assignments and thought I’d share my experience here. Balancing coursework with part-time work has always been a struggle for me, so I decided to seek some extra help. The process of using it was quite straightforward and user-friendly. What I really appreciated was the vast selection of writers they have.

  7. It is a delightful exploration of the power and beauty of language, much like the finesse of a tailored Bane Coat. The author’s selection of words not only enriches vocabulary but also adds depth and flair to everyday discourse.

  8. With a focus on quality, originality, and timely delivery, is your go-to destination for top-notch academic assistance. Take your academic performance to new heights today! Discover academic excellence at its finest with https://essayshark.com/ . Our trusted essay writing service is your partner in achieving academic success. Backed by a team of seasoned writers, we deliver meticulously crafted essays tailored to your requirements. Whether you need assistance with research, editing, or proofreading, we’ve got you covered. Our user-friendly platform ensures a seamless ordering process, and our responsive customer support team is available around the clock to address your concerns.

  9. Comprehending complex financial and legal issues is essential to creating a legally sound plan. Because they are knowledgeable about the intricacies and potential hazards, an experienced prenup lawyer orange county will successfully defend your interests.

  10. Discover 19 powerful words to enhance your daily discourse, helping you sound more confident and articulate. Whether you’re discussing a fashion leather jacket womens collection or just expressing yourself, these words will elevate your communication and leave a lasting impression.

  11. A black leather jacket is more than just a fashion statement – it’s an investment in style and durability. Unlike other fabrics, leather stands the test of time, offering years of wear with minimal maintenance.

  12. Trusted Sexual defense lawyer offering expert legal representation for those facing sensitive charges. Protect your rights, reputation, and future with personalized defense strategies and compassionate advocacy. Our experienced team is dedicated to achieving the best outcome for your case. Contact us today for a confidential consultation.

Leave a Reply

Close

Processing…
Success! You're on the list.