How many of these words do you know?

Try out these tricks for memorizing difficult words.

Imagine you had to take a vocabulary test (JUST FIVE MINUTES FROM NOW!!). How would you memorize these words?

1.     Adherence

2.     Exasperate

3.     Languid

4.     Palpable

Examples:

1.     Adherence – the base word is adhere. That’s a more familiar word which means to stick. Use this trick to help you remember adherence means attachment or commitment.   

2.     Exasperate – try saying this word while you sigh. Exaaaaaaaasperate. Ugh. Notice how you sound irritated or frustrated? Use that pronunciation to help you remember exasperate means to irritate or frustrate.

3.     Palpable – feel your pulse. Can you feel your blood pumping? Listen to the sound it makes: “pah PUM, pah PUM.” Use that sound to help you remember puh-Palpable means you can feel it.

4.     Languid – Write the word in fancy, loopy script. Notice how the lines sort of swoop and sway in a lazy sort of way. Use that imagery to help you remember languid means slow and relaxed

Now try these tricks when studying for your next vocabulary test!

1.     Find a similar root word that you already know.

2.     Say the word in a way that sounds like what the word means.

3.     Use all your senses, not just sight and sound.

4.     Draw pictures of the word that relates to its meaning.