How to remember some difficult English words ???

Question

Hi everyone....
I am an chinese and I am studying English.....But I found it's difficult to me to remember some words like "appeal to" "eccentric" "haphazard" because I don't really understand what does it mean....
Also, it's difficult to me to understand the meaning difference between some synonym words like "disparity" and "difference".

Could you please give me any suggestions about English studying or English words remembering ?
All the answers will be appreciated .....

Answer 1

Yes, it can be difficult to absorb the definition given in a dictionary. A dictionary is a great tool, but not just by itself. The best way to get a feel for the meaning of any word is to see it used in as many examples as possible. The same applies to getting a feel for the differences between synonyms. I would recommend that you try to do a lot of reading, listening, and/or conversing in English, and it will come to you.

If you're interested in a particular word, type it into any search engine (not just a dictionary), and see how it's used on the pages that come up as links. If you like, compare how it's used in those places to the definition given in the dictionary and you may find that the examples have shed new light on what the dictionary was trying to explain.

Answer 2

In all honestly, most people fluent in English don't understand those words completely either! They prefer to use simpler words that mean almost the same thing, if not quite as impressive. Try linking those more complicated phrases to simpler ones that mean about the same thing. Usually, they have the same meaning as their synonym and are just a more extreme or less extreme version. For example, you could link "appeal to" to "like" or "haphazard" to "danger." It's easy, and most people learn complicated words that way. By the way, I don't know what disparity means either. : ) Now, if you could teach ME chinese, which i have hated trying to learn for years, it would be hard. Hopefully this helps.

Answer 3

Well english speakers have the same problem. English is a very flexible language and is contains many words from other languages, so we have duplicate words and confusing language rules. Like plural of Ox is Oxen, Man is Men, but not always, because the plural of bear is bears, bee is bees. That makes it tough unless you realize that the German type words use the german rules and latin words us the latin rules.

I would say the best way would be to read a lot. I've spoken english (sort of) all my life. I have the same problems as you. I barely passed my college english classes.

I suggest getting a good dictionary, and a thesaurus, and read as much as you can. It's tough for everyone. I guess the problem is English isn't a language it's many combined.

Answer 4

English is one of the hardest launguages in the world to learn. The best thing you can do is just keep on trying. Surround yourself with english speaking people and pick up on the term and how they mean it.

Try this site though if you have any difficulties with english words. It will translate it from english to Chinese

Just keep at it, by the sounds of your question it seems your doing rather well.

Answer 5

If you want to explore and build up your vocabulary in an interesting manner, then you should visit this awesome website www.mnemonicdictionary.com . This really helped me a lot.
Few examples from website:

rabble
Short Definition : (noun) a disorderly crowd of people
Synonyms : mob , rout
Definition: (noun) disparaging terms for the common people
Synonyms : ragtag , ragtag and bobtail , riffraff

Answer 6

English is a hard laungage to learn, so i suggest you find an english dictionary, and study the words u need help on, then test yourself when u think ur ready, then if ur not, keep tryin, if u never try u never know.

Answer 7

Challenge yourself to use one of your challenging words each day throughout the day. Make sure you understand its meaning first, then try to use it in sentences where appropriate. It is the actual use of language that creates understanding and "burns" it into our memories.