Vocabulary is not just a list of words in a language. It’s a bridge that connects ideas, thoughts and communication. This guide will explore the meaning of vocabulary and its significance in English language learning.
Vocabulary is a set of familiar words within a person’s language. According to Merriam-Webster, it’s “a list or collection of words or of words and phrases usually alphabetically arranged and explained or defined.”
Can’t get enough of words? Well, here are a few with the same or similar meanings as vocabulary.
And, for the grammarians in the room, vocabularies is the plural form of vocabulary.
Vocabulary came from the Latin word “vocabulum,” which means word, name or noun. The term found its way into English usage via the (Medieval) Latin phrase “vocabularium,” which literally translates to “a list of words.” The term’s first known use in English traces back to the 1500s.
The four types of vocabulary are as follows:
Understanding vocabulary is so important to effective communication.
Just like a rich tapestry, vocabulary is woven with various threads. Here are some related terms you might come across:
Vocabulary isn’t a loner; it often mingles with other words to create more nuanced phrases or specific contexts. Let’s look at some collocations with vocabulary and how they’re used.
Vocabulary is the backbone of communication in any language, and English is no exception. It helps us express our thoughts and ideas and understand what we read and hear. It also allows us to connect with others and participate in social, academic, and even professional activities.
The 2nd Edition of the Oxford English Dictionary has entries for 171,476 words in use and thousands of obsolete words. But, when considering derivatives, English could easily have over a million words!
Formal and informal vocabularies differ in the level of formality they portray. Formal vocabulary is typically used in professional, academic, or other more serious contexts, often utilizing more complex and sometimes longer words.
Informal vocabulary, including slang, idioms, contractions and colloquialisms, is used in casual conversations.
Academic vocabulary refers to words commonly used in educational or scholarly contexts. These are often multisyllabic, more complex words not typically used in everyday conversation. Regular vocabulary, conversely, includes words that are used in a variety of contexts, both casual and formal.
English vocabulary differs widely from region to region, like how American English vocabulary can vary from the British English vocabulary.
There are also unique vocabularies for other English-speaking areas like Australia, Canada, or various regions of the UK. These differences could be as simple as a cookie (American English) versus a biscuit (British English) or as complex as entirely different words for the same concept.
Vernacular language is a dialect or way of speaking specific to a particular region or group. But standard vocabulary is a set of words we accept and use across multiple regions or groups.
Vernacular can significantly influence standard vocabulary as words from dialects often enter the widely accepted lexicon.
Regional and cultural factors can greatly influence English vocabulary. The term mate is common in Australia and the UK to refer to someone who’s a friend. However, it is less commonly used in the US that way because it means a romantic partner there.
Similarly, cultural factors can lead to the creation of new words or the adoption of words from other languages. Consider how many Spanish words are now part of the standard English vocabulary in regions of the US with large Hispanic populations.
Here are a few examples of regional variations:
Vernacular language is the native language and dialects used by people in a specific country or area. It includes colloquial and slang expressions that might not be part of the standard vocabulary.
Despite this, vernacular language often influences the standard vocabulary, leading to the adoption and normalization of certain words and phrases. It is like how y’all is a common vernacular term in the Southern US that has made its way into wider English usage.
English vocabulary is categorized into three main levels: high-frequency words, academic words and low-frequency words. High-frequency words are English’s most commonly used words, like the, is and an.
Academic words are more specialized and used in educational or professional settings, like analyze or theory. Low-frequency words are not used as commonly in daily language and might include words like abode or gossamer.
Vocabulary is crucial in the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language).
Examiners assess the range and accuracy of vocabulary test-takers use in writing and speaking sections. Students are expected to show a wide variety of vocabulary, including academic words, collocations, idiomatic expressions and phrasal verbs.
We can improve our vocabulary by engaging with English language content regularly. Do things like reading books, newspapers, and magazines, watching English movies or TV shows (perhaps with subtitles), listening to English radio or podcasts, and speaking with native English speakers whenever possible.
Using new words in real-life contexts can also help to cement their meanings and correct usage in your mind.
The context in which you’re communicating often determines the type of vocabulary you use. You’ll likely use more formal, complex language in formal contexts such as academic papers, business meetings or official documents.
Informal contexts, such as casual conversations with friends, often utilize informal vocabulary, including slang, contractions and colloquial expressions.
Teaching vocabulary to English language learners requires a multi-faceted approach. First, new words should be presented in a meaningful context, such as within a sentence or a story so that learners can infer meaning.
Next, encourage repetition and review to help cement the words in the learner’s memory. Finally, learners should be allowed to use new words in speaking and writing.
There are so many out there, but these are some of the best.
Books:
Apps:
Vocabulary tests assess a person’s understanding of word meanings, usage and synonyms. They usually come in multiple-choice questions, matching exercises or fill-in-the-blanks.
These tests can help by measuring a person’s current vocabulary level, highlighting areas for improvement, and providing a sense of achievement as one’s vocabulary improves.
Understanding vocabulary is fundamental to enhancing spoken English skills. A robust vocabulary allows for more precise and effective communication all around. It enables us to express thoughts, ideas and feelings more accurately.
Also, it boosts your confidence in speaking, enhances comprehension when listening to others, and fosters more engaging and interesting conversations.
The English vocabulary isn’t just about words and definitions. It is a complex network of concepts, associations and even real-world applications.
Images and videos can greatly improve vocabulary learning. Images give us a visual representation of words, making abstract concepts more concrete and easier to understand.
Videos give us contextual learning. They show how words are used in everyday conversations and scenarios, promoting comprehension and retention.
Quizzes and games are great tools for learning vocabulary. Quizzes help students review and reinforce what they’ve learned while tracking their progress.
Games make learning fun and interactive, promoting engagement and making memorization less tedious. I recommend utilizing both techniques because they offer repetitive exposure to new words, which is important for learning.
The English vocabulary can easily be taught with:
The English vocabulary is dynamic and reflects our language’s capacity to evolve and adapt with time.
Whether informal or slang words, formal writing, or academic terminologies, every word adds a unique shade of meaning to our communication.
On the educational side of things, techniques for teaching vocabulary have evolved to engage people in a more interactive and inclusive learning environment. Incorporating strategies like contextual learning, multimedia tools, quizzes and games can make learning less intimidating and more fun.
It’s not just about amassing a ton of words; it’s about understanding their application, appreciating the nuances of their meanings, and using them effectively and confidently.
Now you can test your new skills and knowledge with two vocabulary exercises.
