There’s a research that shows the average English-speaking adult knows about 42,000 words.
That seems like a lot, right? But here’s the kicker: these words are just about a fraction of all the words in the hefty Oxford English Dictionary.
That means with your average vocabulary, you know only 16% of the English language. Imagine only watching 16% of a movie or knowing just the intro of your favorite song. Sounds like you’re missing out, doesn’t it?
Luckily, it doesn’t need to feel like rocket science to improve your vocabulary.
It’s all about small, simple steps that make learning new words easy and enjoyable.
Best Ways to Improve Your Vocabulary
Whether for work, business, or daily conversation, a strong vocabulary can make a big difference. By trying out these techniques, you’ll be able to add new words to your arsenal and communicate more effectively in no time.
1. Read voraciously, and variously
Every book, newspaper, magazine, or even that dusty dictionary nobody seems to care about (poor thing!) is a treasure trove of words. Fiction or non-fiction, horror or comedy, each genre offers its own unique set of jargons and verbal flairs.
Your job is to basically grab anything that has words, while staying conscious enough not to go down the rabbit hole of mindless scroll. Pay attention to what you’re reading and learn the meaning of the new words you might come across with.
Each type of writing introduces you to different sets of vocabulary, whether it’s novels, comics, blogs, recipe books or magazines. For instance, a cooking magazine might teach you “julienne” while a tech blog talks about “usability.”
2. Play with words (literally)
Who said learning should be tedious? Word games are to vocabulary what spinach was to Popeye – sheer power!
Scrabble helps you think about word construction, while crossword puzzles challenge you to recall words based on clues.
Not only are these games fun, but they also compel (persuade, motivate, whatever floats your boat) you to dive deep into your memory bank and fetch words you didn’t even remember existed.
3. Use the tech at your fingertips
You can opt to use the web, or better yet, your smartphone for smart learning. Tools like Anki, for digital flashcards, Vocabulary.com or even the Merriam-Webster app offer quick and digestible lessons that fit into your coffee break. They usually come with examples, making it easier to understand new words.
Set daily goals, and make it a point to learn and use a new vocabulary a day. Remember, a word a day keeps verbal mediocrity away!
4. Write, then rewrite
Start penning down your thoughts. Blogs, journals, essays, or pompous letters to your estranged aunt – it doesn’t matter. The trick is to keep writing and make a conscious effort to use new words. Then, revise your work.
Fish out simpler words and swap them with more complex synonyms. For example, if you learned “gregarious,” you might write, “I realized I’m not as gregarious as my sister who can easily chat with anyone.”
Not only will it refine your writing style, but it will also engrain these new words in your memory.
5. Talk more
Simply talking more can expose you and others to new vocabulary. Engage in discussions, debates, or even healthy banter. Use the new words you’ve learned; context is king when it comes to learning vocabulary.
Next time you’re discussing a movie, throw in a word like “cinematography” instead of just talking about the “camera work.”
6. Subscribe to the ‘Word of the Day’
Let technology be your teacher. Subscribe to a ‘Word of the Day’ service (yes, those still exist, and they are fabulous) via sites that offer a daily word email or in-app notification.
It takes a moment to read, and you’ll slowly build a more robust vocabulary. It’s effortless! For instance, if your word of the day is “acerbic,” start using it to describe particularly sharp sauces or personalities.
7. Get interdisciplinary
Expand your horizons beyond just literature. Philosophy, science, history, and even mathematics have their own sets of vocabularies waiting to be mastered. The broader your base of knowledge, the more eclectic your vocabulary will become.
Step out of your comfort zone with books or documentaries on new topics. Watching a documentary on architecture could introduce you to terms like “facade” or “buttress.” This not only builds your vocabulary but broadens your general knowledge.
8. Listen to Podcasts
There are podcasts on virtually every topic under the sun, and they’re great for hearing how different words are used in context.
Something like “The History of English” can exponentially grow your vocabulary through engaging storytelling.
Why do I need to expand my vocabulary?
Not everyone dreams of writing a masterpiece. Most of us just hammer out quick texts or emails for work, without putting too much thought into it.
But vocabulary sharpens everything—your speech, writing, and even your thoughts.
For example, if I say there was tension over a project deadline, what does that mean? Was there a heated debate? A passive-aggressive email chain? Or maybe just awkward silence in the break room?
Now, if I mention a disagreement about deadline expectations, it’s clear there was a clash of opinions, but no major fallout.
As you beef up your word bank, you’ll find it easier to say exactly what you mean. Plus, it upgrades your writing, breaks the habit of overusing clichés, and you might just find yourself knocking academic or professional tasks out of the park.
Related: Email Etiquette for Business Professionals
How does my vocabulary relate to my professional image?
Your vocabulary is like the wardrobe for your thoughts—it shapes how others perceive you. Picking the right words can make you look smart, classy, and on top of your game, especially at work.
Just as you’d wear a sharp outfit to make a strong impression, using the right language at work helps you project professionalism and credibility. It’s a subtle but powerful way to reinforce your personal brand, making you seem more polished, confident, and trustworthy.
Examples of Better Words to Use in Everyday Vocabulary
| COMMON WORDS | BETTER WORD CHOICE |
|---|---|
| Nice | Charming |
| Happy | Ecstatic |
| Sad | Melancholy |
| Big | Immense |
| Small | Petite |
| Funny | Hilarious |
| Smart | Intelligent |
| Important | Crucial |
| Tired | Exhausted |
| Scared | Terrified |
| Cold | Frigid |
| Hot | Sweltering |
| Fast | Swift |
| Slow | Lethargic |
| Dirty | Filthy |
| Clean | Spotless |
| Angry | Furious |
| Pretty | Gorgeous |
| Ugly | Hideous |
| Good | Exceptional |
Take a Step to Sound Smarter
Building your vocabulary isn’t about using long, complicated words to show off. It’s about finding the right word for each situation, about articulating our thoughts with precision and persuasiveness. It’s about making the world a more understandable – and fun – place.
With each new word, you gain a finer tool for expressing your thoughts and emotions. Whether you’re chatting with friends or writing an important work email, every word counts.
So, go forth, explore, and conquer the linguistic landscapes that await. Remember, in every book, conversation, and even in the misunderstood text, lies an opportunity to improve your vocabulary. The words are your oysters, and who knows? You might just find a pearl.
Now, before you go…
Speaking of leveling up, why not take it a step further? Instead of getting lost in your social feed, try diving into something that can actually sharpen your skills.
For instance, I recently signed up to MasterClass and learned that it can give a person direct access to the top minds in business, communication, and more, to help a person not just sound smarter, but be smarter.
Considering that you spend a lot of time interacting with others, signing up for an online course might be a great way to add a few conversation starters to your arsenal—things that make people stop and listen—and make you sound articulate.
For recommended courses, we suggest reading our in-depth review here of MasterClass that includes a list of must-see lessons to help level up your professional presence. Though if you’re curious, then go ahead and visit their website to find topics you can start learning today.
Who knows, your next milestone or groundbreaking idea could well be inspired by one of these classes.
RELATED ARTICLES
• Soft Skills: Why Your Success Depends On It
• 5 Bad Habits That are Stopping You from Being Successful
• Business Networking Doesn’t Have to Feel Dull, Here’s How to Shine
