How can I increase my vocabulary?

Question

I've been reading different essays by Samuel Johnson and also the federalist papers, and even though it is hard to understand I really do like there writing style. So I was wondering how could I learn to increase my vocabulary to be on a level such as Samuel Johnson.

Answer 1

the best way to increase your vocabluary is to keep on reading various books, preferably the classics and those such as Johnson and other things by hamilton, perhaps john milton and various other "academic" works. Also, you can go to webster online and sign up for the word of the day and its definition to be sent to your email, it may not seem like much, but just think, in only one year you will have mastered 365 new words...fairly impressive. Finally, read law reviews, go to the Library of Congress' website and just read through dissertations and various other reports, looking up words you don't know. Most important thing is just ot expose yourself to the opportunity to learn!

Answer 2

Hi dano, There is a magic bullet for vocabulary building, however, it takes lots of time and energy. You do not mention how old you are. Do you know a good speller who would like to compete in their local, county , state and national spelling bee? If so volunteer to be their spelling coach! You use a word list or a dictionary to call out word... you must define the word and use it in a sentence. When my best friend was in 4th grade we started training together. She was the speller and I was the caller. As a result she made it all the way to nationals ( an expenses paid trip to Washington D. C. for herself and her mother)... My reward: an extensive vocabulary. Even now when I am reading (I read a lot!) I keep a notebook handy and jot down any word that I don't know or a word that seems to be used in an unusual context. Then later I look the word or words up in a dictionary. My favorite on-line dictionary is: The American Heritage; I have given you a link to it in sources.

Answer 3

Here's some easy ideas:
-Look up an words that you read and don't know, then write them down somewhere, in a notebook for example
-buy a book with vocabulary lists and learn them
-get a word of the day calaneder/e-mail
-look up words that you use often in a thesaurus, learn some alternates or more descriptive words
-make yourself a list of connecting words and phrases that are more scholarly sounding

Answer 4

Their vocabulary is archaic and it won't work very well for you. Instead read some modern classics like The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton, Of Mice and Men by Steinbeck.

Answer 5

When you find words in his writings that you are unfamiliar with, look them up in the dictionary. Then when you have spare time, just sit down with the dictionary and read it. You'll be amazed at how many words you will learn, and begin using in everyday conversation and your writings too.

Answer 6

You can sibscribe to a "word a day" at dictionary.com. I do it and it really helps build a vocabulary!

Answer 7

Read anything you can get your hands on.
Reading increases the brain's thought process.

Answer 8

flip through a dictionary

Answer 9

try not to jerk off too much. jerking off affects your memory in a really bad way

Answer 10

use a dictionary and thesaurus