Vocabulary

jessegrillofilm · Apr 22, 2008

Hey guys. So I just got this software to improve my vocabulary and I was wondering if anyone wanted to share words they use in their writing that are not incredibly common. I am trying to diversify my vocabulary and improve my description in scenes I write. Thanks.

CaroGirl · Apr 22, 2008

That's an intriguing concept. How does this software that improves your vocabulary work, exactly?

Another idea is to sign up to Merriam-Webster's word of the day. You get an email with a new word and definition each day. Usually I know the word, but sometimes there's a new gem in there.

I quite like the following words:

florid
brittle
solemn
neophyte
evocative
quintessential
avuncular

maestrowork · Apr 22, 2008

jessegrillofilm said:
Hey guys. So I just got this software to improve my vocabulary and I was wondering if anyone wanted to share words they use in their writing that are not incredibly common. I am trying to diversify my vocabulary and improve my description in scenes I write. Thanks.

Be careful of trying too hard to use big words. There's nothing wrong with common words, if you choose the right ones. That said, it's always good to improve one's vocabulary.

Scanning my own WIP, I rather liked these active, descriptive words:

dither
whisk
nefarious
hollow (as a noun)
accentuate
decrepit
emasculate

girlyswot · Apr 22, 2008

quiescent
alopecia
rambunctious

But the key thing isn't having unusual words for the sake of it, it's having the right word for the moment.

StephanieFox · Apr 22, 2008

I hope this is OK to post.

This is a fun site and a way to build vocabulary – www.Freerice.com

Not only can you learn new words, but playing this game is a way to get sponsors to donate rice to hungry people. There are currently 45 levels, so anyone from a child to a college professor can play.

jessegrillofilm · Apr 22, 2008

yeah free rice is a great website. the softwear i use is ultimate vocabulary. Its 70 bucks but really worth it. thanks for all the words. Keep them comming

pdr · Apr 22, 2008

Thank you for that...

freerice site. It's fun and will be great for my Advanced English students.

Matera the Mad · Apr 22, 2008

I suppose in ten years or so the cost will come out to a few pennies a word. You might want to "invest" in a free dictionary , a thesaurus, and a handy little spellchecker.

The best way to improve vocabulary is to read. The best way to write is to do as much as possible with as little as possible, to use common words to construct elegantly sensible prose. Then there are times when just the right word takes a few months to find...why I love my thesaurus.

Mr Sci Fi · Apr 25, 2008

Promulgate
Nihilistic
Utilitarian
Distend
Inimical
Panacea
Apotheosis

mscelina · Apr 25, 2008

Apotheosis is a word I use a LOT, actually. My second fantasy series (out on sub) is about an apotheosis.

And there's really no other way to describe the act of turning into a god, is there?--you can be deified, but you undergo an apotheosis. Deification just sounds...icky.

scottVee · Apr 26, 2008

Sounds like fun. Hopefully the software gives you a reasonable selection. It's easy to get carried away by long lists of obscure words, but these can flat out ruin a good story or poem. Poetry is especially susceptible to being bogged down by overly technical or archaic phrases. Never write just to show off your vocabulary or brilliance -- always write to tell a story or convey a thought.

The trick is to find the right words for the tone and style you're trying to capture. So, learn as much as you can about your language, and then figure out which parts to forget. ;-)

Mr Sci Fi · Apr 26, 2008

mscelina said:
Apotheosis is a word I use a LOT, actually. My second fantasy series (out on sub) is about an apotheosis.

And there's really no other way to describe the act of turning into a god, is there?--you can be deified, but you undergo an apotheosis. Deification just sounds...icky.

Frankly though, it's just a word not used in everyday context. I don't think I've ever spoken it.

Daehota · Apr 29, 2008

StephanieFox said:
I hope this is OK to post.

This is a fun site and a way to build vocabulary – www.Freerice.com

Not only can you learn new words, but playing this game is a way to get sponsors to donate rice to hungry people. There are currently 45 levels, so anyone from a child to a college professor can play.

That's really cool! I just donated 350 grains of rice, but had to leave. Thanks for the link.

Bartholomew · Apr 29, 2008

Eldritch
Scintillating
hmmm... I got nothing.

JPLangsdorf · Apr 29, 2008

Stygian!
Cyclopean!
Squamous!

On a non-Lovecraft note, though, I'm also fond of words like 'insipid', 'dubious', and 'allure'. But as others have said, there is a time and place for all words, and even the coolest of words can be over-used.

oneblindmouse · Apr 29, 2008

maestrowork said:
Scanning my own WIP, I rather liked these active, descriptive words:

dither
whisk
nefarious
hollow (as a noun)
accentuate
decrepit
emasculate

I just loooove 'nefarious' and use it a lot, but somehow can't really take it seriously!

CaroGirl · Apr 29, 2008

oneblindmouse said:
I just loooove 'nefarious' and use it a lot, but somehow can't really take it seriously!

The word certainly does conjure an image of a dark-cloaked caricature with a waxed handlebar mustache and bowler hat, doesn't it?

Vocabulary

jessegrillofilm

CaroGirl

Living the dream

maestrowork

Fear the Death Ray

girlyswot

StephanieFox

Maybull the Bulldog

jessegrillofilm

pdr

Matera the Mad

Bartender, gimme a Linux Mint

Mr Sci Fi

Street Samurai

mscelina

Teh doommobile, drivin' rite by you

scottVee

Mr Sci Fi

Street Samurai

Daehota

Bartholomew

Comic guy

JPLangsdorf

oneblindmouse

The new me

CaroGirl

Living the dream