Among the many topics we use English to discuss, language itself (English or otherwise) is a popular one, especially for people who make their living with words. We’ve found several quotes about the interest in and importance of vocabulary, and added some reminders about why you should be interested, too. Vocabulary improvement will improve your life – and you can quote us on that.
We don’t just borrow words; on occasion, English has pursued other languages down alleyways to beat them unconscious and rifle their pockets for new vocabulary. – James D. Nicoll, “The King’s English” (1990)
No matter where words come from, there’s no doubt that English is a constantly-expanding language. You’ll find that your understanding of words is improved when you take the time to look up word origins and see how those words entered into English, and how they were used in their native country as well.
Wer fremde Sprachen nicht kennt, weiss nichts von seiner eigenen. (He who is ignorant of foreign languages, knows not his own.) – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, “Kunst und Alterthum” (1827)
As pointed out above, new words are constantly arriving in English from other lands. By learning another language yourself, you’ll improve your knowledge of English.
Never use a metaphor, simile, or other figure of speech which you are used to seeing in print. Never use a long word where a short one will do. If it is possible to cut a word out, always cut it out. Never use the passive voice where you can use the active. Never use a foreign phrase, a scientific word, or a jargon word if you can think of an everyday English equivalent. Break any of these rules sooner than say anything outright barbarous. – George Orwell, “Politics and the English Language” (1946)
The more words you know, the better you’ll be at choosing exactly the right word for the right occasion. Learn synonyms to expand your vocabulary, adjust your word choice to your audience, and above all don’t be boring and repetitive.
… for whatever the world might esteem in poor Somervile, I really find, upon critical enquiry, that I loved him for nothing so much as his floccinaucinihilipilification of money. – William Shenstone, (1741)
The Oxford English Dictionary lists “floccinaucinihilipilification” as the second longest word in the English language (they have “pseudopseudohypoparathyroidism” as the first). The definition of “floccinaucinihilipilification” is “regarding something as unimportant or worthless.” This is the opposite of how you should regard your daily vocabulary study.
Every quotation contributes something to the stability or enlargement of the language. – Samuel Johnson, “A Dictionary of the English Language” (1755)
The more you read, the more words you’ll learn. Besides reading, you can listen to lectures or talks by well-educated, articulate speakers and gain an understanding of the words they use as well as the ability to emulate how they use them.
NETWORK — Any thing reticulated or decussated, at equal distances, with interstices between the intersections.
This definition from Johnson’s “Dictionary” goes against Orwell’s recommendations, but nevertheless is a good reminder that in vocabulary improvement, as in all things, everything is connected. Keep reading, writing, and studying English vocabulary, and soon others will be quoting your wisdom!
