Most of us have a working spoken vocabulary in our native language of between 2,500 and 5,000 words, depending on our level of education. This sounds like an impressive number until you realize that there are nearly 500,000 words used actively in English alone.

Expanding your vocabulary is one of the most important tasks for anyone wishing to become a more effective writer. As you move through this website, you may have noticed that some words are highlighted and in all capital letters. Simply click on any highlighted word appearing in all capital letters to see the definition of the word in the frame below. All of our definitions are kindly furnished by Merriam Webster. If you click on their logo, a new window will open and you can look up any word you want.

The best way to make a word yours is to use it in your writing and speech. The best way to collect new words is to pay attention to interesting words from the thousands that you encounter every day. You have a better chance of RETAINING the meaning of a word if you learn it in a CONTEXT that matters to you. Look around. Listen. Words are everywhere.

Contents:

1. Navigating the Collegiate Dictionary
2. Making Use of a Thesaurus
3. Style Guides and Handbooks

290 Content / 290 Homepage

Writing Center / Watsonville Integrated Learning Center

English Department / Cabrillo College Homepage

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