Expand your vocabulary with these 10 English words

The biggest advantage of knowing a lot of words is that when you speak it gives you more options. If you get stuck, you will have a few words to fill the gap with. Of course, there is a big difference between knowing the meaning of a word and being able to use it in live conversations. The best way to activate your vocabulary is to practice speaking with real native English speakers.

Also, an important aspect of speaking English, especially with native speakers is being able to understand them quickly and correctly. While listening skills are crucial for this, you also need to be familiar with words used by native English speakers. Depending on the situation or context, some of the words native English speakers use might be a little unfamiliar or advanced for you. Expanding your vocabulary will maximize your chances of understanding native English speakers better.

So here we go:

1.) Caveat:

Meaning – cautionary detail to be considered when evaluating, interpreting, or understanding something

Example – I want to add one caveat. Knowledge about how the gene works outside of laboratory conditions is still unclear

2.) Eye candy:

Meaning – Someone or something that is visually attractive or pleasing but usually lacks worth or merit.

Example – The movie contained a lot of eye candy but lacked in quality of acting.

3.) Aura:

Meaning – a unique quality considered to be characteristic of a person or thing

Example – President Obama’s speeches project a certain aura that makes them very memorable

4.) Surreal:

Meaning – unreal, like in a dream

Example – Some of the photos of earth taken from outer space are almost surreal

5.) Swamped:

Meaning – overloaded, had too much

Example – I was swamped with work this week so did not have time to call you.

6.) On hindsight:

Meaning – the ability to understand what has happened, after something the event.

Example – on hindsight, they should have made the protest more peaceful.

7.) Naysayer:

Meaning – who says something will not work or is not possible

Example – There will always be naysayers who say the project can’t be done

8.) Earmark:

Meaning – someone or something set aside or marked

Example – He had being ear marked as someone who was destined for greatness from a very early age.

9.) Excruciating:

Meaning – very painful

Example – Hiking to the top of the mountain gave him an excruciating back pain.

10.) Charismatic

Meaning – charming and inspiring

Example – Nelson Mandela was a charismatic leader.

That’s it for today. As always, learn a few new words a day but don’t just try to memorize all of these at the same time. And remember to always practice speaking with a native English speaker.

April 21, 2015