Words for the Day!
Introduction
As a non-native English speaker, I’m always learning new words, idioms, and expressions. This post is a collection of interesting words I’ve encountered and wanted to remember.
2022-03-08
Fluke
“An unlikely chance occurrence, especially a surprising piece of luck.”
Definition: A surprising, unexpected, or unlikely event — usually a positive one.
Example: “Getting that job was a total fluke. I was just in the right place at the right time.”
Usage: Use when something good happens by pure chance or luck.
2022-02-17
Bragging
“You usually lie like a bragging fisherman.” “My sister has 10 expensive cars…”
Definition: Boasting or talking with excessive pride and self-satisfaction about one’s achievements, possessions, or abilities.
Example: “Stop bragging about your new phone. We get it, it’s expensive.”
Usage: When someone is excessively proud and talking about themselves too much.
2022-01-20
Clunky
“Old and not working well”
Definition: Awkward, outdated, or lacking in smoothness or efficiency.
Example: “This old software is so clunky. It takes forever to load and crashes all the time.”
Usage: Describing something that feels heavy, slow, or poorly designed.
2022-01-06
Admonish
“Warn or reprimand someone firmly.” “She admonished me for appearing at breakfast unshaven.”
Definition: To warn or reprimand someone firmly.
Example: “The teacher admonished the students for talking during the exam.”
Usage: Formal way to describe a serious warning or reprimand.
Keep on Plugging
“To continue doing something even though it is difficult or boring.”
Definition: To persist in doing something despite difficulties or boredom.
Example: “I know this project is hard, but keep on plugging. We’re almost done.”
Usage: Encouraging someone to keep going when things get tough.
Quandary
“A state of perplexity or uncertainty over what to do in a difficult situation.”
Definition: A state of perplexity or uncertainty over what to do in a difficult situation.
Example: “I’m in a quandary. Should I take the higher-paying job with long hours, or the lower-paying one with better work-life balance?”
Usage: When you’re stuck between difficult choices.
Litany
“Tedious recital or repetitive series.”
Definition: A long, tedious recitation or series of repetitive phrases or statements.
Example: “He launched into a litany of complaints about everything that went wrong with the project.”
Usage: When someone is listing many things, especially complaints, in a repetitive way.
What I Learned About Learning English
Context matters — Memorizing definitions isn’t enough. I need to see words in sentences and understand the context in which they’re used
Collocations are key — Words hang out with other words. You “keep on plugging,” not “keep on continuing.” Learning these combinations makes speech sound more natural
Idioms don’t translate — “Bragging like a fisherman” doesn’t make sense in Spanish. These cultural references need to be learned as whole expressions
Use it or lose it — I need to use these words in conversation or writing, or I’ll forget them
Different registers — “Admonish” is formal. “Bragging” is informal. Understanding the formality level is crucial for using words appropriately
Reading exposes you to more vocabulary — I find most new words while reading books, articles, or documentation. It’s better than memorizing word lists
Tips for Learning Vocabulary
- Read widely — Different genres use different vocabulary
- Keep a vocabulary journal — Write down new words with examples
- Use spaced repetition — Review words at increasing intervals
- Learn in context — Don’t just learn the definition
- Practice speaking — Using words in conversation helps them stick
- Watch English media — Movies, TV shows, and YouTube expose you to natural language use
Resources
- Wordnik — Comprehensive dictionary with example sentences
- Vocabulary.com — Interactive vocabulary learning
- Anki — Spaced repetition flashcard software
This post will be updated as I discover more interesting words and expressions.