We’re sure you’ve seen the self-help books and websites that promise to “reveal to you the secret method to …” reduce your belly fat, or increase your muscle strength, or any of a hundred different quick-fix solutions. Perhaps you’ve even paid for them, and been disappointed to find out that the so-called secrets really aren’t all that secret, but instead just some common-sense advice (and an advertisement for an expensive product or supplement you need to buy). That’s why this blog is devoted to helping you in a straightforward way, with useful tips and easy exercises that will help increase your vocabulary skills. We’re not hiding behind cryptic promises or promising any magic solutions – just showing you how to get the most out of your study program.

One of the not-so-secret “secrets” to a good vocabulary study program, and one of the best ways that you can expand your vocabulary quickly and steadily, is to devote at least 15 minutes a day to learning new words. There are many ways that you can structure this study time. We’ll use cryptic as the vocabulary word of the day to illustrate some of these methods.

Look up the word’s definitions. Yes, that was definitions, plural. While you might think that you know what a word means, many words have multiple definitions and uses. Make sure you know the best way to use each word, and you’ll get the most benefit out of it. For example, cryptic can mean “having a hidden meaning” or “deliberately confusing” or “written in code.”

Look for synonyms and antonyms. By learning the synonyms and antonyms for one word, in general you’ll increase your vocabulary by anywhere from three to over a dozen words. In addition, because the words are all linked together by related meanings, you’ll find them much easier to remember and use.
synonyms for “cryptic” – enigmatic, convoluted, obscure, abstruse
antonyms for “cryptic” – straightforward, evident, manifest, obvious

Find ways to have fun with vocabulary. When you’re enjoying yourself, time will go faster, and you’ll be more involved in what you’re doing. If you’re afraid that vocabulary study means sitting down at a desk with a long list of weird words to memorize, trying looking at things from a different angle. In fact, try looking at them from both vertical and horizontal angles, and do a crossword puzzle. You’ll learn many new words from the clues and from the answers. If you do a cryptic crossword puzzle you’ll stimulate your brain to come up with creative solutions, which will entertain and educate you at the same time.

What’s the secret to your vocabulary success?