Ultimate Vocabulary – Vocabulary Building Software

464 Ways to Get Set to Learn Vocabulary

October 23, 2012

Well, actually, we’re just going to talk about one way to learn vocabulary today, but it’s an important one. You probably don’t have as much time as you want to devote to vocabulary study, so anything that increases your efficiency will be useful. In previous posts we’ve discussed several strategies for maximizing the amount you learn in with any study session, like taking the time to look up word origins or checking to see what synonyms and antonyms a word has. Both of these techniques allow you to double (or triple or more) the amount of information you know about a word, which helps ensure that you won’t have to re-learn it in the future (the more you know, the better your ability to remember something). Adding synonyms also increases the number of words you learn at one time; since synonyms have the same general definition, you’re basically learning several words for each meaning.

Another good way to multiply your learning power is to look up all of the different definitions for a word. In some cases, those definitions will be similar to each other, only depending on context or nuance. There might be archaic definitions that interest you, and often there are new uses for older words – for example, the word “cookie” didn’t mean anything but a sweet baked treat for a long time, but we don’t envision our laptops full of snickerdoodles. With most words, the number of definitions is going to be fairly low, especially for longer or more technical terms. On the other end of the scale, there are words whose definitions run to pages and pages in the Oxford English Dictionary. Here are a few examples, along with several of the hundreds of possible definitions for each word:

The word set currently has the most listed definitions: 464 of them in total. This word can be used as an adjective (“fixed, not changing”), as a noun (“a collection of things”), or as a verb (“adjust the time on a clock”).

The word take appears in several forms as a verb (“to carry along”) or a noun (“profit”).

Fall can be a noun (“autumn”) or one of many verbs (“drop down”).

Fortunately, any good dictionary will list the most common definitions of a word at the top of the list, leaving archaic and/or specialized definitions at the bottom of the section. When you’re looking up the meaning, spelling, and pronunciation of a new word in the dictionary, make sure to scan through the list of definitions and learn as many of the current and useful ones as you can at the same time. You’ll find that your vocabulary has more flexibility when you can adapt one word to many uses – and you’ll save time in vocabulary study, too!

How to Get an A in Science Class

October 16, 2012

If you thought that vocabulary improvement would only benefit your grades in your English class, think again! A good vocabulary is crucial in any field of study, for several reasons. First of all, there might be a specific list of words that you need to know in order to communicate on even basic topics in that field, and areas such as medicine and engineering have technical terms that must be thoroughly learned before beginning any study program. Second, in order to learn more on any topic, you’ll have to read what other people have written about it, which means you’ll need to be able to comprehend some possibly very advanced materials. A third reason that vocabulary helps you make rapid progress no matter the field is that your skills will be tested in school by the results of the essays and exams you’re given, and if you don’t have the verbal skills to prove your abilities to the professors, you’ll never be at the head of the class. For these and many other reasons, it’s important to continue to learn new vocabulary words in all areas of study, whether you’re interested in art, music, literature, or science. In the latest update to the Oxford English Dictionary, some science-centered words were added to the official list of English vocabulary – put these on your “A” list, and you won’t go wrong!

aquaponics
One of the modern methods of energy-efficient, space-saving, and production-intensive farming is aquaponics. Aquaponics refers to raising fish and other water-based species in a mostly closed system, usually in combination with edible plants, where the waste from the fish feeds the plants, and the plants sometimes feed the fish. The technique as well as the word are a combination of aquaculture (fish farming) and hydroponics (soil-free gardening). While the word itself is only a few decades old, the concept goes back many thousands of years. You can still see ancient stone-rimmed fish ponds in Hawaii, and farmers in Asia have long combined the raising of rice and of fish in the same closed paddies.

algivore
The Latin verb vorare (“to devour”) gives us the root suffix of this word, just as it does the words carnivore and omnivore. The first half of the word is based on the noun algae, the chlorophyll-laden plants found in fresh and salt water that we tend to call “seaweed” in the ocean. An algivore is a fish or snail or other water creature that feeds on algae.

agriscience
Agrisicience is another compound word, this time combining the words agriculture and science. As you might imagine, someone who is studying agriscience is probably quite familiar with the terms aquaponics and algivore.

altiport
An altiport (another compound word, from “altitude” and “airport”) is a high-mountain airfield that generally has one steep runway where small planes take off (going downhill) and land (going uphill). Most of the world’s altiports are in the French Alps near ski resorts.

4 Delicious Additions to English Vocabulary

October 8, 2012

Variety is the spice of life, as they say, and today we want to remind you that it’s important to learn vocabulary words from many different categories. When you expand your word lists, you’ll find that you don’t get bored as easily. Here’s another saying for you: a change is as good as a rest. If you’re feeling like you just don’t have the energy to sit down and work on your words, revive your interest in the vocabulary-improvement process by switching to a new type of word. For example, if you’ve been focused on stuffing your brain with terminology related to architecture in preparation for applying for a job in that field, take a break and watch some sports on television, and come up with a list of sports-related words to learn. You’ll be refreshed afterwards – and you’ll be able to talk about things other than architecture during office breaks!

Another excellent way to learn interesting and useful words is to read about cooking. Even better, find some recipes and head into the kitchen, adding a dictionary as one of your culinary tools along with the whisks and mixers. Or take a break from study and go out to eat at a new restaurant serving food you’ve never tried before. There will be delicious food as well as delightful new words for you on offer. In the most recent update to the Oxford English Dictionary, some globally-sourced food words have become official English words. Have you seen any of these words lately on a menu?

affineur (ah-fee-NUR)
A French term for someone whose skill and job it is to oversee the ripening (aging) of cheese and know when it is perfectly ready to eat.

saag aloo (sahg ah-LOO)
A traditional North Indian curry made from spinach (saag means “stewed greens”) and potatoes (aloo).

egerdouce / egredouce (eh-gur-DOOCE)
This is a sweet-and-sour sauce from the 14th century that was usually served with roasted meats. The traditional mixture of sugar, vinegar, spices, and breadcrumbs has been replaced with a milk, butter, spices, and breadcrumbs combination in modern England, but is still eaten with roasted meat (usually chicken). The French aigre-doux and Italian agrodolce sauces are still commonly found on the menu in those countries.

affogato (ah-foh-GAH-toh)
A sweet way to end a meal in Italy that will also wake you up, affogato is espresso poured over a scoop of ice cream or gelato.

If you’re hungry for more tasty words, read this post for some useful culinary terminology, or this one that describes some interesting regional dishes of the United States.

Are You Feeling Left Out of the Conversation? Learn English!

October 6, 2012

That’s the answer for Shashi Godbole (played by famous Bollywood actress Sridevi) who decides that she needs to learn to speak English in order to fully participate in her life and that of her family. “English Vinglish” is a romantic comedy that also highlights the importance of learning English, especially for people who have moved to an English-speaking country or who want to get ahead in global business. The movie’s just been released this week in India, Singapore, and the UK, after making its debut at the Toronto International Film Festival in Canada last month.

While it’s true that there are more people on this planet who speak Mandarin as their native language than there are native English speakers, it’s also true that English is for the moment our planet’s lingua franca – the one most people default to when conducting business in another country, or even chatting on the internet. In many countries, children are taught English as part of their primary and secondary class schedules, though in some cases there’s more emphasis on written English than on the spoken language. Because of widespread British colonialism that started in 1584 and only ended in 1997 with the transfer of Hong Kong back to China, millions of people around the world have grown up speaking both English and the language(s) of their country.

Unfortunately, a good grasp of English really depends on having a good education in that language, and/or family and friends who speak it fluently. As illustrated in “English Vinglish,” there’s often a difference between the educational level and language skills between children and parents when the family relocates to a new country. When children pick up a new language faster than their parents, they’re often called upon to translate for their parents, and that’s sometimes hard for both the children and the adults.

English-language classes are a good way for people of any age to learn the language, and with all of the software, books, and even television programs available that focus on vocabulary improvement, the learning never has to end.

Are you someone who’s learning English as a second language? What prompted you to begin your studies?

Keep a Positive Outlook on Vocabulary Improvement With This Tip

October 4, 2012

Vocabulary improvement is a matter of learning new words well, and making sure that you have the ability to use them in context. Because words aren’t useful taken one by one, you need to be able to follow the rules of grammar as well. It’s no use knowing powerful vocabulary words unless you also know how to combine them in a clear and grammatical sentence. Your ability to communicate in writing and in spoken conversation depends on your knowledge of grammar as much as your knowledge of words. Fortunately, there are fewer rules of grammar than there are words in the English language, so once you’ve gotten them under your belt, you’ll be ready to focus on improving your vocabulary.

One grammatical term you might not be familiar with is apposition. This refers to a set of nouns and/or noun phrases that go together, one modifying (that is, describing or providing further information about) the other. An appositive is the noun phrase that is doing the modification. The word apposition has its roots in the Latin word ponere (“to place”) and prefix ad- (“near”). Here are some examples of apposition; the appositive is shown in boldface, and the noun or noun phrase it’s modifying is in italics.

The first speaker, a well-known historian, gave an overview of the development of the Mayan city-states in South America.

A people known for their sophisticated calendar system, the Maya were also innovative cultivators of land, with extensive irrigation systems.

Many people are talking about what might happen in December 2012, the month some have interpreted as the predicted end of the world according to the Mayan calendar.

The prophet Nostradamus also made several end-of-the-world predictions, though none have yet come true.

It’s not the end of the world if you haven’t been learning English grammar along with English vocabulary, but we encourage you to pay attention to grammatical rules so that you can get the most benefit out of your excellent vocabulary in the future. If there is a future, that is … *

* Just kidding!

Dazzle Your Listeners With Witty Words

October 2, 2012

Those wits that think they have thee, do very oft prove fools; and I, that am sure I lack thee, may pass for a wise man; for what says Quinapalus? “Better a witty fool than a foolish wit.” – William Shakespeare, Twelfth Night

When you think of the words wit and witty, you probably think of humor, jokes, and the ability to respond quickly and pointedly to remarks. Someone with a quick wit is usually very entertaining, and often the center of any gathering. People enjoy listening to someone who can tell funny stories or generally be an amusing conversationalist. But the word wit originally meant “wise, knowledgeable, full of learning” and the Old English verb witan translates as “to know.” A person with a good wit was looked up to as being intelligent and learned, and their company was sought not for amusement but for knowledge. Whether you want to be the center of attention for your clever conversation or for your wisdom, a good vocabulary is the best way to ensure that you’re known for your wit, whichever definition you’re using. Being able to draw on the resources of an expansive vocabulary means that you’ll never be at a loss for words – and your conversation is one of the main ways that other people judge and evaluate you.

Appearance blinds, whereas words reveal. – Oscar Wilde

Humor is a great way to form connections between yourself and other people. You can also use humor to help you communicate, whether you’re meeting someone new or giving a presentation. If you’re able to use witty phrasing to emphasize a point or lead someone to a conclusion, they’ll be more likely to agree with you and to remember your words later. The more words you know, the easier it will be for you to choose exactly the right ones to use in any situation and with any audience. To help you reach that goal, here are a few wit-related words for you to add to your conversational repertoire:

badinage (bah-dih-NAZH)
Conversation that is light in nature, often teasing, and not on serious topics.

repartee (reh-par-TAY)
A quick back-and-forth conversation of sharp and/or clever remarks, usually good-natured.

witticism (WIH-tih-sih-zum)
A joke or remark that relies on well-chosen words for its humor or to make a point.

bon mot (bohn MOH)
Literally “good word” in French, this is a quip or humorous phrase showing off one’s skill with words.

There’s a hell of a distance between wise-cracking and wit. Wit has truth in it; wise-cracking is simply calisthenics with words. – Dorothy Parker

Music, Art, and Vocabulary – Are They Just For Humans?

September 30, 2012

In a previous post, we discussed whether or not animals can learn to communicate using the English language. Humans evolved to develop language as a form of communication, but there’s still an argument as to whether animals have a “language” or whether it’s just a combination of instinct, learned behavior, and pattern recognition. There’s no doubt that animals communicate, just a question of whether it’s a language, from our human perspective. As humans, we’re used to thinking about ourselves as operating on a higher order, able to use our brains for things that are more complicated, and to create and enjoy things like art and music. It’s what sets us apart from “mere animals” after all – or is it?

Many people may not know this, but there are animals and birds who live just as long as most human beings, or even longer. Since we generally equate age with wisdom, it’s logical to think that these creatures could accumulate just as much knowledge as we can, though perhaps from a different perspective. With sixty years to learn something, whether it’s how to paint or how to play a musical instrument, we assume that any person who spends that time on the task will succeed. So why wouldn’t an elephant?

There are many elephants who paint, and now there’s one who seems to enjoy music as well. Scientists and philosophers are continuing an ongoing debate as to how humans developed music; was it initially another form of communication, or something just for fun, or simply imitating the sounds they heard around them? Without a definitive way to communicate with the harmonica-playing elephant, there’s no way to find out if her music is deliberate or random, if it has a message or is just noise. But when we look at a painting or listen to music, that communicates something to us as the viewer or listener. If you saw a painting done by an elephant, but thought that a human had painted it, would you look at it in a different way? Perhaps we need to keep our ears open – and our minds as well – to consider that music, art, and communication isn’t just for humans. Perhaps one day we’ll learn the language of the elephants … if they don’t learn ours first.

Dancing isn’t just for people, either!

Reduce Redundancy! 7 Common English Mistakes

September 24, 2012

In the quest to learn more and more vocabulary words, we need to also keep in mind that sometimes it’s good to use fewer words, especially if we want to avoid redundancy. The word redundant comes from the Latin roots re- (“again”) and undare (“[ocean] waves”). In truth, it sometimes feels like we’re faced with a tidal wave of redundant expressions that people now use as common and grammatical English. If you want to keep your feet dry and your conversation sharp and to the point, here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Referring to someone as a “fellow classmate.” The word fellow implies that you’re speaking to another member of your group, but that’s what the suffix -mate does. You don’t need both, and it’s easier to just refer to someone as your classmate. Other words that should not follow “fellow” are colleague and co-worker.

Hoping for a “free gift.” When someone gives you a gift, they don’t expect payment, so obviously it’s free.

Trying to make your conversation “very unique.” If something is unique, it means that there is nothing else like it in the world. While you want your conversation to stand out from the crowd, try not to add unnecessary words that clutter rather than clarify your speech.

Making too many “future plans.” You can’t make plans for the past (too late!) or the present (still too late!) and though you should plan to make sure you have enough time for vocabulary study, you don’t have to specify that you mean “in the future.”

Falling into the acronym trap. While this is a problem with redundancy, it’s so common that most people use these terms anyway. If you’ve ever referred to your “PIN number” then you’ve been redundant: PIN stands for Personal Identification Number, so you’ve actually talked about your “personal identification number number.”

Talking about an “unexpected surprise.” It’s the very nature of a surprise that it’s not something that you were anticipating. You might be aware that your friend is planning a surprise birthday party, but in that case it’s neither a surprise nor unexpected.

Vowing to make a “new beginning” and not use redundancies any more. We applaud the sentiment but not the sentence. Every beginning is a new start – you’d never say “old beginning,” would you? But if you pay attention to your words and only use the ones you truly need, you’ll show your mastery of English vocabulary over and over again.

Back to the Future With Vocabulary

September 21, 2012

When you’re learning vocabulary words, you’re often focused on lists of nouns or adjectives, but verbs are also an important part of vocabulary development. What makes verbs a bit tricky is how they’re conjugated, or altered (“inflected”), depending on the subject connected to the verb. The conjugation of a verb also involves making sure it reflects whether the action or state represented by the verb occurred in the past, occurs in the present, or will be occurring in the future.

Did you notice the different time-related conjugations in the previous sentence? The suffix -ed is frequently added to verbs when they are in the past tense. The suffix -ing is another common sight when you’re looking at verbs; it’s used to form what’s called the “present participle” that expresses something that’s going on at the time referenced. Each of these conjugations and inflections has the possibility to change the verb’s spelling or even its entire appearance, depending on whether the verb is regular or irregular, and whether there is any rule of spelling that applies due to the specific letters that form the verb.

Here are some examples of verbs and their conjugations:

I write
she writes
they wrote
he is writing

we live
they lived
she was living (note that the “e” is dropped)

they are
I am
she is
we were
it will be

A good dictionary will give you the complete conjugation of any verb. Make sure you know which form to use in each situation, and that you’re aware of any possible changes in spelling. While many verbs follow the same pattern, the rule that there’s always an exception to every rule in English holds true for conjugation as well. As wordsmith Richard Lederer says, “Today we speak, but first we spoke; some faucets leak, but never loke. Today we write, but first we wrote; we bite our tongues, but never bote.”

5 Tips for Helping With Homework

September 19, 2012

As parents, we want our children to succeed in school. It’s important that we encourage them to keep up with their homework, and help them where possible. This is especially important with vocabulary and spelling work, since much of that homework involves repetition, and repetition can get boring for students of any age. You can help children learn to spell and help them improve their vocabulary by giving them effective help with their homework, so that they know that they have your support, without relying on you to do the work for them. Before you get ready to sit down with your child and look at the lessons for the day, keep these five tips in mind:

Children need schedules. If you can, establish a routine for homework time every day at the same time. For many families, this is often the time after dinner and before “free time” watching television or a movie. Another good time is right after the child returns from school, when the day’s lessons are fresh in their mind. Make sure you give them a snack before they start, to keep their energy level high.

Time management is important. Although as adults, we’re used to schedules and due dates, children may not have that sense of urgency. As a parent, you can explain the importance of setting aside time to do homework, and why it needs to be done before the child goes out to play.

Keep resources handy. You won’t always be available to help your child, so make sure they know what other homework resources they have. Buy them a dictionary to help with definitions and spelling, and teach them how to make their own flash cards to test themselves.

Make learning fun. Try setting up a spelling bee with prizes for the most words spelled correctly. Play games with spelling and vocabulary themes, like Hangman or Boggle. Look for “junior” crossword puzzle and find-a-word puzzle books so that your child relates wordplay with regular playtime activities.

Be patient. Children learn at different rates, and some need more explanations than others. Make the time and take the time to go over information as often as necessary so that your child really understands what they’re doing. If you get impatient and walk away, you’re communicating to your child that what they’re doing isn’t important – and that they aren’t either.

Do you have any other handy homework tips? Share them in the comments.

Cross-posted on the Ultimate Spelling blog.