Repetition is key when it comes to learning new English vocabulary words. We suggest that you practice your new words by: (1) writing them out by hand several times, which will lock the spelling of the word in your muscles as well as your mind; (2) saying the words out loud several times as well, to get your mouth used to the shape of the word and your ears to its correct pronunciation; and (3) practicing using the words in context by thinking of at least three different sentences containing each word.

That might sound like a lot of work, and we’re the first to admit that in order to get steady improvement in your English vocabulary skills you’ll have to devote some time and effort to the practice. However, vocabulary improvement can be fun as well! Here are five words that make the most of repetition, by using one or several letters more than once.

flibbertigibbet (FLIH-bur-tee-JIH-biht) noun
Definition: Someone who is flighty, careless, and frivolous, and/or who talks a lot.
Example: I can’t believe they hired Susan as a secretary – she’s such a flibbertigibbet she’ll drive the clients mad, and she’ll have the accounts in a shambles within a week.

giggling (GIH-gull-ing) verb (present participle)
Definition: Laughing in a muted but high-pitched way, often due to being nervous; laughing in a silly or foolish fashion.
Example: Angela’s surprise party wasn’t a surprise, because she could hear the guests giggling even before she opened the door.

effervescence (EFF-er-VEH-sense) noun
Definition: Fizz or bubbles in a liquid; in a metaphorical sense, an attitude that is extremely upbeat and cheerful.
Example: Serve champagne in tall narrow glasses to retain as much of the effervescence as possible.

inconveniencing (ihn-cuhn-VEEN-yun-sing) verb (present participle)
Definition: Causing bother, fuss, or trouble to someone.
Example: Each new airline passenger regulation seems to accomplish little except inconveniencing the people who need to travel by airplane.

senselessness (SENS-less-ness) noun
Definition: A complete lack of meaning or reason; total randomness.
Example: Many articles have been written by the heads of various churches around the world preaching against the senselessness of war.