What's the value of a word? Why increase your vocabulary?
As a communicator (reader, writer, speaker), it's imperative to know a variety of words and how to use them. Understanding the nuances between synonyms helps a communicator achieve the elusive feeling of euphoria that comes in using the perfect word. Finding the perfect word for your idea is like finding the perfect shoe: when that shoe slips on your foot and hugs it just so... when you stand up and the shoe feels like air when you walk, yet protects you from the nastiness on the ground.... when the perfect shoe provides the ultimate complement to the outfit...That's the same feeling as when you find a word that says "it" just right.
How can you expand your knowledge base? 12 Ways to Learn Vocabulary With The New York Times - Check it out.
When you comment, don't forget to include a snazzy new word.
Another way to add to your vocabulary. Take these Quia Quizzes: Flocabulary: "Transformation" and Flocabulary: "Shakespeare is Hip Hop". Try making these SAT words part of your vocabulary!
I think the Words and Images idea is pretty good. It will help me conceive the word visually.
ReplyDelete-Alex Israel
Per. 5
To further expand the contents of my lexicon, I truely believe that the old strategy incorporated in elementary school where one would find the definition, use the vocabulary word in several sentences,and re-writing it several times along with the strategy used this year to incorporate essential vocabulary words onto essays is most effective.
ReplyDelete-Rodolfo H. Period 4
I think that the "SAT Words and The Times" because I like reading a lot. I also thought the "Words and Images" idea was nice, because I am a visual learner. All the other ideas were very helpful, as well.
ReplyDeletenankeen (n)- a firm, durable, yellow or buff fabric, formerly made from a natural-colored Chinese cotton.
(Source: www.dictionary.com)
I agree with Rodolfo;the way we used to learn vocabulary in elementary school really helped, and I remembered the meaning of most of the words I learned then.
ReplyDeleteIn addition, I am also a visual learner, so the "Words and Images" idea would work well.
My word: Gibstaff
A gibstaff is a staff used to gauge water, or to push a boat; a gibstaff can also be a staff formerly used in fighting beasts on the stage.
Yuval S.
Period 3
The KEY is in using the words...
ReplyDeletePracticing using words all the time does help me remember them. This is the same with other things, such as playing a song on an instrument. If one does not constantly use a word, then he or she may forget it. For example, sometimes the perfect word is on the tip of my tongue. I may know what letter the word begins with, but I just cannot remember. This is really annoying because the perfect word for the sentence is right there.
ReplyDeleteThe "Words and Images" idea seems to be a good strategy. I can remember certain words better if I relate them to something, such as a picture.
Also, some words are a bit stranger or longer than others. For some reason, I seem to remember these words better. For example, ever since having learned it this year, I have used discombobulate quite a few times in regular speech. In fact I used it today while talking to a friend. Two words that I have learned today and will probably remember for a while are selcouth and tyrotoxism.
Selcouth(adj.)-Unusual, strange, wonderful
Tyrotoxism(n.)-Poisoning by cheese. (More specifically, toxins in cheese.)
Lawrence X.
Period 3
I think I'm in <3 with the word "tyrotoxism." Fabulous.
ReplyDeleteHi Mrs. Powers,
ReplyDeleteVocabulary is very important and extremely vital to a person's life. At many times in a person's existence they will be faced with scholarly individuals who may throw in words that one is not familiar with. I know that I would never want to be caught in that kind of embarrassment where you would have to say, "Ummm, What does that mean?" Also, knowing more words broadens your horizons and opportunities in life.
Kitsch (n):a form of art that is considered an inferior, tasteless copy of an extant style of art or a worthless imitation of art of recognized value
Lauren White
Period 5
Hi Mrs. Powers,
ReplyDeleteI agree with this article completely. Vocabulary is extremely important. Using higher vocabulary words strengthens a person's writing and speech. Also, it helps you throughout life.
Aubergine: A dark purplish color. (adj.)
Meredith Sheldon
p.3
My favorite word is "Defenestration." I even have a picture of it, but I can't get it to open on this program. Here is the link: http://www.metaphorm.org/works/defenestration/
ReplyDeleteTry to guess what it means after looking at the photo. Now, look up the definition. It is not a superfluous word!
Mr. Bryant, periods 2-6.
Does it mean to throw furniture from windows?
ReplyDeleteHahahaha...Mr. Bryant(: You always have something funny/interesting to say. I can see you giving us that word in class and drawing a weird picture of it.
ReplyDeleteMrs. Powers, thank you for this article, it's definitely made me rethink ways to learn vocabulary.
I personally learn vocabulary best through reading. In elementary school, I had such an expansive wordbank and I was able to use the words I read really easily. However, now, even though I still read a lot, it's harder to remember the new words I learn and even harder to incorporate them into my writing.
Here are my "spazzy" words:
cruciverbalist n. A crossword addict.
abeyance n. A state of suspension or temporary inaction.
waif n. A homeless, neglected wanderer.
cacophony (my favorite)n. harsh or discordant sound : dissonance; specifically : harshness in the sound of words or phrases
For me, the best method is still practicing my vocabulary like Lawrence said. However when I come across a word that is not part of my vocabulary,I try to find Greek or Latin roots that are familiar to me. Also I tend to use more of a Battling Cliche like in the article. I tend to have a larger vocabulary towards topics that I enjoy or talk about a lot. Still I think practice makes perfect just like in soccer or anything really.
ReplyDeleteRachel Newman
Pd3
This article made me think about other, new ways to come up with better vocabulary. I will use these tips to my advantage for my essays and I hope that they will help my choices in vocab.
ReplyDeleteAnatidaephobia is the fear that somehow , somewhere, a duck is watching you. This is easily my favorite word
Since both of my parents are great public speakers, naturally the language used at home in conversations is high level. So, I can improve my lexicon by simply talking to my parents
ReplyDeleteBubal- (n) a hartebeest.
(dictionary.com)
Robert Arnott P.5
I didn't quite get it but I guess that if you practice at it eventually it will come to you. Like they say, "Practice makes perfect."
ReplyDeleteTyler Levinson Period 6
I agree with this article. Vocabulary is an important skill for life. Peers won't take you seriously if your still using baby words like "very". Sometimes strong vocabulary can add to a vigorous personality.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite word is brouhaha.
brouhaha (n)- excited public interest, discussion, or the like, as the clamor attending some sensational event
Nicolette Sam P.5
The Shakespeare/Hip Hop quiz was pretty cool. Thanks for sharing it. :)
ReplyDeleteSami S. p. 3
For me the method is using th word and seeing the what the word is. I have never been helped by writing out the devinition (not even with spelling). I also completely agree with the article that vocab is important in live that is why it is on the SAT, it also makes you sound smarter.
ReplyDeleteEvan Harber p5
In my opinion, "SAT Words and The Times" is very helpful because I like to read. Also, "Words and Images", is a good idea to learn new words because I am a visual learner.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite word:
Rendezvous(n)- an agreement between two or more persons to meet at a certain time and place.
I think that learning the roots of words is really good because another word might have the same root. Also, the Word and Images is good because actually seeing the action or thing makes it easier to comprehend in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteCacafogo (n.)(Also spelled Cacafuego)- A hot tempered person.
I personally liked the "Words and Images" is my personal favorite... probably because I am a visual learner.
ReplyDeleteparadisiacal (adj.)- heavenly
convivial (adj.)- fun-loving
lugubrious (adj.)- dismal < substitute for sad>
-Isabel Hofmann, Pd. 4
I agree with the article. Knowing vocab. is very important.
ReplyDeletefacilitate- (v) To make easier or easy.
-Kayla Moodie Pd.3
A lot of the ideas from the article seem very interesting and are great practice for the future essays will will all have to write. My personal favorite was the "words and images."
ReplyDelete- Aina Rivas pd. 2