G'day mate. How have you been? Today, I am going to talk about some tips for learning new English vocabularies. Many people are struggling to increase English vocabularies because of having some learning methodological problems. I've got some tips how to boost vocabularies in a more effective way. I believe that vocabularies are the linchpin of the English language to be able to speak and write more fluently. Let's get underway!
First of all, it's not effective at all if you just try to remember one meaning per a word even in your first language, not English
Some English learners do this due to the fact that you are not confident in understanding English-written definitions and thus it's easier to get the hang of it in your own language. However, this way might often lead to misunderstanding of the meaning, because normally there are more meanings within the word. And, even if you try to check all definitions of the word in your language, some of the translations might confuse you. But, if you check the word with an English-English dictionary, the definitions are much clearer and easier to understand. So, please try not to rely heavily on translation dictionaries if it's possible.
Second, it's not still enough at all if you just try to remember every meaning of words without thinking of how to use the words in English sentences
When you look the word up in your dictionary, you need to check the ways of using the word in a sentence-based. For instance, if you check the word 'pandemic, you can't just check the definition of the meaning of the word, please check all example sentences like the following image:
I believe that if you have already mastered basic English grammar and vocabularies, then you should be alright for reading and understanding these sentences. I don't think such a good English-English dictionary contains difficult words to explain the meaning of the word. My understanding is that a good dictionary normally uses easier words for explications, otherwise it doesn't make sense. You want to know the meaning of the word, but since you can't understand the meaning of the example sentence, you have to check the meaning of the word within the example sentence. So, never ending! But no worries mate! Please have a look at the above image. They seem to be ok, right?
Third, it's almost nonsense if you don't check the IPA's pronunciation of the word when you look the word up in your dictionary
Personally speaking, checking the IPA's pronunciation of the word is of paramount importance when it comes to learning new English vocabularies. You can't skip through the info about how the word is sounded out, which is more important than the definition of the word. This is because that if you don't understand the IPA phonetic symbols, how could you speak and write in English in the first place? The definitions of the words are, of course, important, but understanding phonetic symbols and sounds is critical to boosting your English vocabularies, and comprehensive English skills on the whole.
As I've already explained the importance of the 44 sounds of English pronunciation patterns before, pronunciation is not "accent", but it's the universally accepted standardised pronunciation patterns and sounds. Therefore, you can't underestimate and repudiate the correct pronunciation. Without understanding this, you will not be able to boost your English skills in a more effective way. It's just very simple, and although IPA has 44 patterns, you probably have a few problems. So you can do to refine the sounds you tend to persist mispronouncing when you are speaking. There are heaps of techs for fixing this problem out there, so let's google it!! Or you can come over to my English program.
Last but not least, it's not really effective if you don't check any derivative words, synonyms and antonyms
When you are consulting your dictionary for new words, you should check all of the information given. Some people say like it's time-consuming, and you just check the meaning of the word and next. But, no, it's not great at all. Maximising the potential of any English-English dictionary is my own motto in terms of vocabulary learning. You need to be greedier for absorbing more vocabularies if you want to become a more fluent English speaker and writer. For example, if you look up the word 'refulgent', what you should check are the following:
So, not just the definition of the word 'refulgent', but also derivative words, synonyms, and even word origin as well. I'm really fan of checking all the info given here. Very clear and easy, right?
That's all for today. Thanks for reading!
Have a great day!