Improving your vocabulary can be done at any age and any level of education and everyone can benefit. An enlarged vocabulary has the potential to enhance spoken and written communication as well as providing a deeper grasp of any language. What's more there are a variety of ways to improve your vocabulary, most of which are interactive and easy.
One of the best ways to improve your vocabulary is to read more. Reading is clearly linked with a larger vocabulary, especially if you seek out books in unfamiliar genres or about unfamiliar topics. Either non-fiction or fiction in a wide variety of fields can improve your vocabulary and general knowledge. As you read, make a note of unfamiliar words, look them up, and write down the definition.
Another way to improve your vocabulary is to play word games. Games like Scrabble and Boggle will encourage your brain to play with words and letters, as well as learning new ones. If you play Scrabble with an open dictionary you can encourage people to try out words they might otherwise be afraid of using.
Another way of improving your vocabulary is to do word puzzles. Most newspapers include crosswords, simple cryptology puzzles, and jumbles of varying degrees of difficulty. You can also purchase books of word puzzles that become increasingly difficult as you progress.
A simple way to improve your vocabulary is to use the dictionary. Create flash cards of unfamiliar words and practice them in the train, on the bus, or when you wake up in the morning. Try to practice words in a variety of environments so that you really learn them, and make sure to use the words in daily sentences as well so that you can grow accustomed to using them correctly. If you hear someone using a word you don’t recognize, look it up!
Many websites are dedicated to improving your vocabulary, and you can subscribe to word of the day features, word games, and other fun activities which will improve your vocabulary. In addition, you may find a community of individuals with interests like yours. If you are a twitter user then follow me on @simplydefined as we try to define the world in 140 characters or less.
