How to build strong vocabulary?

Vocabulary is that important accessory which adds a new dimension to an individual’s personality. Essentially, a good vocabulary depends on the number of words and the kind of words a person possesses. A good orator will have a number of words and expressions to replace a particular word or expression, will be able to capture his/her thoughts precisely and bind the audience with the power of words.

 

Vocabulary is categorized into two parts-active and passive. Active vocabulary comprises the words that are readily used by a person when speaking and writing. Passive vocabulary comprises the words, whose meanings are known by the person, but are not used frequently while speaking and writing. An impressive speaker not only keeps adding new words to his/ her active vocabulary but also converts passive vocabulary into active vocabulary.

 

In an MBA entrance examination, vocabulary plays a significant role both directly and indirectly. It is an integral part of the Verbal Ability (VA) section. Also, a good vocabulary enhances the aspirant's chances of doing well in all the other sections where the aspirant is required to write or speak. Therefore, the aspirant needs to develop a good vocabulary to capture his/ her thoughts with the right words. This will enable the aspirant to leave a good impression and become a confident communicator.

 

While the ability to acquire new words is faster in children as compared to adults, vocabulary can be built over time. The following steps can come handy:

 

1. Reading

Reading is an excellent way of improving one’s vocabulary. The more one reads, be it novels, magazines, journals or newspapers, the more one is exposed to different words. Once you develop the habit of struggling with difficult words, rather than ignoring them, and learn to decipher the meanings either from the context or a dictionary, you are on your way to building up your vocabulary.

 

2. Memorising the roots

As a large number of English words are derived from their Latin and Greek roots, memorising the roots of such words will enable you to unravel all the other words containing that root. So, for every root word that you memorise, you will be able to guess the meaning of other words (formed by adding a suffix or prefix) which contain that root word.

 

3. Linkages

For every new word you learn, try to link the word with another word. For instance, the colour ‘green’ can be linked to forest, trees, afforestation, nature and so on. Making such linkages will enable you to remember the word for a longer time and also make it easy for your mind to recall the word.

 

4. Make friends with a dictionary

A dictionary is a great tool to enhance your vocabulary, provided you are willing to make that effort of spending regular time with a dictionary. A dictionary is a repository of millions of words, waiting for you to be unravelled.

 

5. Use language

If you do not use the language often, you will deny yourself the opportunity to use or test your vocabulary in the real world. Therefore, find avenues to speak or write in the language and surround yourself with people who speak the language.