Big words

Learning new words is a great way to keep your mind sharp. And the best way to really learn them is to use them. You won't sound pompous, just don't overdo it. Learning any new skill is a great way to keep your mind sharp. I love learning new words, and also puzzles, especially word games.

Trace . . When I was a kid and I didnt understand one of those ten cent words.. My dad used to tell me . . go look it up in the dictionary Words are a great source of keeping our little used computer in our head aka our brain from becoming mush! Sending big kudos to you for a splendid idea . . I will also keep that in mind when I am composing my thoughts here on mylot . . and then we can be pompous know it all's together

I think that's an excellent idea. And yes, I do believe it helps our mind stay active and learning. I have a word-a-day thingy that comes into myMSN page where I get my daily updates on news, weather, etc. I don't think it's pompous at all, and it's always great to increase the vocabulary. It not only keeps our mind active and sharp, but it makes it easier when reading books, newspapers, and all. You gave me a great idea, since I already do this for myself,I should do a word of the day for my grandson here. He always got a new word a day at school, so I think it would be (word of the day) advantageous to do so. (there...that didn't sound pompous at all...did it?! hehehe)

well, we shall endeavor to make you sound intellegent

Is that useful to you. If it is not easy for others to understand your meaning, forget about it. These words are not helpful.

Interesting.i am trying to learn more vocabulary too.But i never thougt we can use it immediately. Usually i just write the strange wrods on a paper and read it repeated.I think i can bear them in mind.But actually not.I always forget those words when i next read it.i think it is a good way to use it immediately.

It's definitely a good thing to be trying to learn new words like this and it will surely not just strengthen your vocabulary, but will sharpen your mind too. As for sounding like a pompous Know-it-all, it all depends on how you choose to use this new found knowledge! Just because you're learning new words doesn't mean you have to use all of them in general conversation! Why would you wish to say you were masticating when "chewing" is so much eaiser to say and for others to understand! I've always been fascinated with words, but conversationally, many of the bigger ones just aren't necessary. WHen it comes to writing though, they can come in very handy! Good luck with it Trace.

Learning new words, or widening your vocabulary is always a good thing. When we stop learning or trying, we start to decline. Last year I had a word a day calendar. I'd heard of some of them and knew what they meant, but the majority were new to me. They also had the origin of where the word came from. By the way, remember the pink coat Brenda had on The Closer? I read in a magazine where she got it, and it wasn't ebay. It was Ralph Lauren, and it cost a little over $900.

Just make sure you know what the words mean before you use them. I have a certain person in my life who likes to use really big words to sound impressive, but half the time doesn't know what the word means and ends up sounding like a pompous jackass. It is good to try to keep up a healthy vocabulary, though. If you want to get some really interesting words, read up on Shakespeare. He was estimated to have a vocabulary about three times the size of today's college graduates' vocabularies. You can also get some great words from websites that have a "word of the day" like www.dictionary.com.

I don't think you'll sound like a pompous know-it-all! I think it's a fun thing to do! It keeps your mind sharp and makes other people who are reading your posts think about the words you're using - it's all good!

I think it will indubitably keep your mind from turning to jello. Anyone who would not appreciate your efforts to expand your vocabulary isn't worth knowing! Sometimes people take language for granted, but words are the tools we use to think and plan and succeed, not just in communicating with other human beings, but in shaping and controlling all of our endeavors. I keep telling people about a book by Napoleon Hill called Think and Grow Rich. It points out how important it is to THINK about what we are thinking and not just let random thoughts grow over our minds like weeds in a garden. Good for you! Polysyllabic words are GOOD :-)

I agree communication is very important and being able to convey your message accurately helps you exceed farther in life then someone who doesn't practice this. I like to read magazines like The New Yorker or a couple articles out of the New York Times to challenge my intellect and learn new things because if its one think a Neurologist will tell you is that you have to keep making those new connections whether it be with going novice to expert in your favorite game (my sister far surpasses me in Crossword puzzles) or any hobby--my favorite, gardening, since its very therapeutic to me as well.

There is no need for you to worry over it. The words you used sound normal to me, because I would have used the same words if they fit the situation. You are right in saying that keeping the mind sharp can keep dementia at bay. The use of such words will also make a writing sounds interesting. It helps to create better images in readers' minds. A writing with repetitive words can quickly bore the readers. I say go for it. After all, you are the one who is going to benefit the most. all the best, rosdimy

I never understood what the term big words meant. I mean, what exactly constitutes a word as being big? Does it have to be six or more letters? It's it all about the number of syllables? Do I need a secret decoder ring to figure out which words are exceptionally large,and which are only moderately kinda big? 10 cent words is a cool phrase. I've got more than a few of those words in my mental Rolodex. I don't use them all the time though. I can't only use my favorite words on rare occasions. Some of my friends and loved ones like to bust my chops and say I'm trying to sound smart when I use certain words. Their just jealous of my verbal swagger.

I suggest that you read a dictionary everyday to widen your vocabulary and read lots of pocketbooks.I got high grades because of that.befriend English speaking people also