©

Shutterstock

Read every day -

Reading is a surefire way to improve your vocabulary. From essay to books and articles, reading will expose you to a varied vocabulary.

©

Shutterstock

Learn at least one new word every day -

Install a "word of the day" app on your smartphone or look it up online and get familiarized with new words. Some people even purchase a "word of the day" calendar.

©

Shutterstock

Use new words as soon as possible -

When you learn a new word, it's important that you use it immediately.  Do this in writing, and include it in conversations.

©

Shutterstock

Learn roots -

Learning the roots of words can help you understand your language in general much better. Think Latin or Greek, for instance.

©

Shutterstock

Diversify your reading list -

Read fiction, non-fiction, magazines, technical articles, etc. Expose yourself to different types of writing.

©

Shutterstock

Look up words you don’t know -

We often come across words we don't know. Look them up, or make a note of them and do it later.

©

Shutterstock

Make word associations -

Relate a new word with one that you already know. This will make it easier for you to memorize the new word.

©

Shutterstock

Play games on you cell phone -

Nowadays there are plenty of word games you can play on your cell phone that can help you improve your vocabulary.

©

Shutterstock

Use mnemonics -

This learning technique involves thinking of a sentence, a rhyme, an acronym, or even a song line to remember a word.

©

Shutterstock

Use a thesaurus -

Nothing like a good thesaurus to boost your vocabulary. You can easily find a free one online.

©

Shutterstock

Use a dictionary -

Luckily, in this day and age, we no longer need to carry a massive book with us. Though not as complete as a proper published book, we now have easy access to online dictionaries.

©

Shutterstock

Make a list of synonyms -

Think of words you keep repeating and look up synonyms. Write down a list and keep adding to it as you identify words you keep repeating.

©

Shutterstock

Do word puzzles -

Crossword puzzles can be a great way to dig for words that you no longer use. Plus, they're fun to do!

©

Shutterstock

Engage in conversations -

Talk to a wide variety of people, if possible, and discuss as many different topics as you can. You'll be surprised how easily you'll pick up some new words from just talking to other people.

©

Shutterstock

Keep a journal -

Writing in a journal can be a good way of improving your vocabulary. Aim to use any new words you've learned that day.

©

Shutterstock

Make it personal and emotional -

Associate new words with something that resonates with you as a person. Think, for instance, about an interview with someone who survived a catastrophe: you might not remember all the facts, but you probably remember the emotionally-charged things that person said.

©

Shutterstock

Visualize new words -

Visual associations are a powerful thing. For example, the word "stratovolcano" could be remembered by associating a straight ruler and a volcano. Makes you think!

©

Shutterstock

Use preparation tests -

These can be a great way to test and  improve your vocabulary. You can find mock tests online.

©

Shutterstock

Edit your writing -

Go through your writing and  try to identify words that you could have used, look up synonyms, and try to understand what you could've done differently.

©

Shutterstock

Ask someone for feedback -

There's nothing like another pair of eyes to go through your writing and give you feedback.

©

Shutterstock

Take a writing course -

Either online or in-person if possible, a writing course can help you develop your vocabulary.

©

Shutterstock

Move words from comprehensive to expressive vocabulary -

There's a set of words we understand (e.g. words we read) and there's another set of words we actually use in our daily lives to express ourselves. Start including some of the words of your passive vocabulary in your active one.

©

Shutterstock

Test your vocabulary -

Take a quiz of the new words you've learned during the week. Essentially you're creating a game that will test your knowledge.

©

Shutterstock

Use words in different ways -

Repetition is key if you want to include a new word in your vocabulary. Write down its definition, say it in a conversation, and use it in writing (e.g. draft an email).

©

Shutterstock

Play word board games -

Another fun way to improve your vocabulary. There are plenty of choices available on the market.

©

Shutterstock

Identify empty words -

We also have our "erm" moments. The problem is that sometimes we do the same in writing. Not through sounds, but by not being consistent in delivering information succinctly.

©

Shutterstock

Develop practical vocabulary -

Learn words that you need to use in your daily life. Words related to your area of work are a good example.

©

Shutterstock

Are you looking for a new challenge? - Check out the world's most difficult languages to learn

© iStock