Vocabulary is best learned from context, and avid reading will expose you to more words and their contextual meaning. When reading, note any words you do not recognize and use clues from the surrounding sentences to understand the meanings of the unfamiliar words. If the definition cannot be determined from context, look up the word in a dictionary.
Remembering a new word can be difficult, but it can help to make a connection between a new word and a word you already know. Mental lists of words with similar meanings can be helpful. Creativity is also useful for inventing a story that describes the definition of the word. If English is your second language, making a connection between the new English word and a similar-sounding word from your native language can help your memory.
Understanding the English parts of speech and how words are used is vital to increasing your working English vocabulary. Become familiar with the correct uses of nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs, and be sure to remember the part of speech for any new word you learn. Slight variations of spelling can change the part of speech and allow you to use new words related to your vocabulary word.
Many words in the English language are derived from other languages, such as Greek, Latin, or French. Knowing how to distinguish prefixes and suffixes from a word root will help you find a clue as to the word's origin and meaning. When you look up a word in the dictionary, try to remember the word origin because the root can be useful for recognizing the origin and meaning of similar words.
Pictures can trigger word meanings. Use flash cards with photos that depict the meaning of a new vocabulary word. Even if physical cards are not used, creating a mental picture for new words can aid in memorization.
Word games can make vocabulary lessons entertaining. Crossword puzzles require word knowledge and correct spelling to solve and can be a fun way to learn vocabulary. Many word games are designed for solitary play, so you can practice in private. In addition to games, online quizzes can allow you to test your knowledge and track your progress.