Ian Dawson's Blog - Posts Tagged "dictionary"
Reading Tip of the Week: Expanding Your Vocabulary
I’ve been reading the Mark Twain biography by Ron Chernow, and have been enjoying his use of college-level vocabulary words.
While I’m sure I’ve seen many of these words in passing, this time I’ve been actively looking up their meanings and sharing them with a friend who is also an avid reader. In turn, she has been sharing vocabulary words she has come across in a book about Abraham Lincoln.
Some of the words I learned in the Mark Twain book include:
Encomium: a speech or piece of writing that praises someone or something highly.
Plebiscite: the direct vote of all members of an electorate on an important public question, such as a change in the constitution.
Impecunious: having little or no money.
Inveigle: persuade (someone) to do something utilizing deception or flattery.
Flummery: empty compliments; nonsense.
Blatherskite: a person who talks at great length without making much sense.
This made me curious to know if other people read and look up vocabulary words they don’t know to enhance their understanding of the topic and further their knowledge of more advanced words.
If this is something that interests you, here are three ways you can look up unknown words and expand your vocabulary and understanding.
Old School
Have a dictionary handy, so when these unknown words appear, you can flip through and find the meaning quickly. Depending on the type of dictionary, you may see synonyms, etymology, and usage of the word as well.
I prefer using a dictionary since I try not to use my phone or tablet when I’m reading a book.
Google It
This is what most of us will do since it’s as easy as typing in the word and hitting SEARCH. You can also screenshot the word and its definition for future reference, and dig even deeper into the word’s origins if you’re so inclined.
Highlight or Tap
If you’re reading on a Kindle, tablet, or your phone, you can tap on a word and the definition will appear on the screen. You can also highlight words in the eBook for future reference.
Final Thoughts…
Like everything else when it comes to reading, personal preference ultimately prevails. Regardless of the method, I believe it’s essential for everyone to look up and explore words they aren’t familiar with and educate themselves. While I’m not suggesting you begin using high-level words in everyday conversation, it can be a great help to you as a reader if you reencounter the word in another context.
Happy Reading and Learning, and I’ll see you next time!
While I’m sure I’ve seen many of these words in passing, this time I’ve been actively looking up their meanings and sharing them with a friend who is also an avid reader. In turn, she has been sharing vocabulary words she has come across in a book about Abraham Lincoln.
Some of the words I learned in the Mark Twain book include:
Encomium: a speech or piece of writing that praises someone or something highly.
Plebiscite: the direct vote of all members of an electorate on an important public question, such as a change in the constitution.
Impecunious: having little or no money.
Inveigle: persuade (someone) to do something utilizing deception or flattery.
Flummery: empty compliments; nonsense.
Blatherskite: a person who talks at great length without making much sense.
This made me curious to know if other people read and look up vocabulary words they don’t know to enhance their understanding of the topic and further their knowledge of more advanced words.
If this is something that interests you, here are three ways you can look up unknown words and expand your vocabulary and understanding.
Old School
Have a dictionary handy, so when these unknown words appear, you can flip through and find the meaning quickly. Depending on the type of dictionary, you may see synonyms, etymology, and usage of the word as well.
I prefer using a dictionary since I try not to use my phone or tablet when I’m reading a book.
Google It
This is what most of us will do since it’s as easy as typing in the word and hitting SEARCH. You can also screenshot the word and its definition for future reference, and dig even deeper into the word’s origins if you’re so inclined.
Highlight or Tap
If you’re reading on a Kindle, tablet, or your phone, you can tap on a word and the definition will appear on the screen. You can also highlight words in the eBook for future reference.
Final Thoughts…
Like everything else when it comes to reading, personal preference ultimately prevails. Regardless of the method, I believe it’s essential for everyone to look up and explore words they aren’t familiar with and educate themselves. While I’m not suggesting you begin using high-level words in everyday conversation, it can be a great help to you as a reader if you reencounter the word in another context.
Happy Reading and Learning, and I’ll see you next time!
