Learn English Vocabulary
So you want to learn English vocabulary? Great!
Now, where do you start?
Click Here for Step-by-Step Rules, Stories and Exercises to Practice All English Tenses
What is
Vocabulary?
Vocabulary
means "all the words you know and use". It can also mean "all the words
that exist in a language".
The word "vocabulary" came to English in the 16th century. It came from
the Latin word
vocabulum
which means "name."
This actually makes sense because vocabulary is
the names that we gives
to things.
If you don't know
the name of a certain object, then when other people say it, you won't
know what they mean to say.
It
also works the other way around. When you use a name for something that
others don't know – they won't understand what you mean to say.
The
conclusion? You should get familiar with the commonly used
words around you and understand them. You should also find out the true meanings of the
less common words, so that you will know exactly what they mean.
Why is
Vocabulary Important?
It is very
important if you want to communicate with other people!
Do you want to
say something, read something, listen to something, be
something?
Then you need
to have a great vocabulary. That is the bottom line of the story.
However, there
are types of vocabulary, and some may be more important to you, while
others will be less important to you.
Types of Vocabulary
To make things simple, we can divide English vocabulary into several
main groups:
- Basic/common
vocabulary
This means the most common words of the language. The words that you
will encounter most of the time.
- Advanced
vocabulary
These words are less common, but are very important. They are
important because people use them in everyday life and writing.
- Special
Purpose vocabulary
These words are used in a certain filed or activity. For example,
medical vocabulary, business vocabulary, etc.
You must know it well and be able to use it, if you are in this field.
Increasing Vocabulary
If your level is BASIC – visit the
English Short Stories
section.
There you can learn the most simple and common English words.
Also, visit the
Vocabulary
Flashcards and
Vocabulary
Exercise sections to practice.
If you are a more advanced learner, and are familiar with most of the
common words, visit the
Learn
English Video section. It has video lessons to help you build your vocabulary.
In addition, it is highly recommended that you read these vocabulary
articles. They will help learn English vocabulary much more effectively:
Building
Vocabulary and Some Common Mistakes
How
to Study Vocabulary Words
Activities
for Teaching Vocabulary: How Can You Teach (or Learn) New Words?
The Best
English Dictionary
Vocabulary
Sentences and Examples: How and When to Use a Word?
Vocabulary
Websites (Word Lists)Character Traits Worksheets
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