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Read every day -

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

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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.

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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.

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Learn roots -

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

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Diversify your reading list -

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Use mnemonics -

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

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Use a thesaurus -

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

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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Use preparation tests -

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

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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.

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Ask someone for feedback -

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

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Take a writing course -

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

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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.

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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.

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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).

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Play word board games -

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

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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.

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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.

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

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