Building vocabulary is one of the cornerstones of every level of education. But it can be hard to know where to begin—including when learning or teaching.
Step one: Keep it simple.
Our Synonym of the Day is designed to introduce word choices selected for their usability (yes, usability is a word!). What we mean is that it’s not much help learning a new word if you aren’t able to apply it in writing and real life. So we’ve developed a simple, consistent system for learning new words, applying them, and making them stick. The best part?
Step two is: Make it fun!
Why it works
Teachers know that vocabulary terms are typically taught through introduction, practice, and review. After a new word is learned for the first time, learners need to absorb it by doing things like repeating it out loud at least three times. Then, to strengthen comprehension of the word, it should be used three (or more) times during the day. Finally, demonstrating knowledge of the word’s proper use will help learners retain the word permanently. Those are the basics, but what about making it fun? One of the best ways to retain vocabulary is to make learning it enjoyable. Here are five easy steps to make vocab fun with Synonym of the Day—both inside and outside of the classroom! Each step is an instruction for a student or learner.
1. Have someone guess what the Synonym of the Day means
First, read today’s Synonym of the Day at Thesaurus.com. Remember, you might already know what it means, or you might not—that’s what learning new words is all about! Then, have someone else try to guess what it means. Ask a fellow student, friend, parent, grandparent, sibling, relative, or teacher. (Warning: Neighborhood cats are often unhelpful.) After they give you their best guess, tell them whether they guessed correctly, but then ask why they guessed the meaning they did. Did they use parts of the word as clues? Did they compare it to other words they knew? Discuss it together!
Bonus: Have someone ask you to guess what the Synonym of the Day means.
2. Think of even more synonyms
You’ve just learned today’s Synonym of the Day and one word that it can sometimes be used in place of. But it doesn’t have to stop there! List as many more synonyms of the word as you can from words you already know. They don’t have to match exactly—synonyms include words that have meanings that are similar but not necessarily identical. If you can’t think of more synonyms, try listing words that the Synonym of the Day reminds you of. They could be antonyms (opposites), related words, or just words that pop into your head! For example, for the word lemon, you could list related words like lime, fruit, yellow, and citrus.
Bonus: If the original word has multiple meanings, try to think of synonyms for those meanings of the word, too. Try to list as many synonyms as you can!
3. Use the word in a sentence
To really get a feel for how the word should be used, try using it in a sentence. And not just once! Using a word in a sentence at least three times in a day will really help your brain latch onto it. Try different types of sentences. Here are some prompts you can use for inspiration:
- Use the word in a sentence about something that happened to you recently.
- Use the word in the opening (or ending) line of a story.
- Write a short poem using the word.
- Make a joke that uses the word.
- Write a social media post that uses the word.
Get creative! The more unique your sentence, the better you’ll remember the word!
Bonus: Make a video of yourself using the Synonym of the Day. Use props or costumes related to the word! Or draw a one-square comic based on the word.
4. Add it to your word list
A great way to keep building vocabulary is by building an actual word list. Adding words to a personal word list will help commit them to memory. Get started with your own Word List here! Signing up is free, fast, and easy, and it even includes access to flashcards!
5. Quiz yourself
Now that you’ve taken all the steps to learn a new word, test your vocab knowledge by taking the Synonym of the Day quiz. Bonus: Check out all of our quizzes to discover even more words!
