When you’re in university, it’s hard to set time aside to complete your textbook readings, let alone to read for pleasure. Growing up, I was a reading fanatic and was able to read several novels a week! However, now that I am a third year university student, the only things I thoroughly read are my lecture notes and assignment outlines. One aspect that I miss about reading is the opportunity to learn new words and expand my vocabulary. Words are the basic building blocks of any language and are indicative of an individual’s education and professional status. The incorporation of more descriptive words, in place of fillers such as “things,” can help add value to the message you are trying to get across.
Here are a few words that will help spice up your everyday vocabulary:
1. Capricious [kuh-prish-uhs]
Subject to, led by, or indicative of a sudden, odd notion or unpredictable change; erratic.
“She’s such a capricious manager I never know how she’ll react.”
2. Epitome [ih-pit-uh-mee]
A person or object that is typical of or possesses to a high degree the features of a whole class.
“Sarah is the epitome of a wholehearted individual.”
3. Faux pas [fo-pa]
An embarrassing or tactless act or remark in a social situation.
“I was walking through the park and was demolished by a flying frisbee – it was years before I could share my faux pas with my friends.”
4. Finagle [fi-nag-el]
To act in a devious or dishonest manner.
“Ryan attended all the volleyball games he could finagle tickets for.”
5. Narcissist [nar-cis-cist]
A person who has an excessive interest in or admiration of themselves.
“He was so narcissistic that he would check himself out every time we walked by a reflective window.”
6. Ogle [oh-gul]
To stare at someone amorously, flirtatiously, or impertinently.
“She made no attempt to conceal her ogling of Lucas.”
7. Revel [rev-uhl]
To take great pleasure or delight.
“Sam revelled in glory when she saw her perfect LSAT scores.”
8. Scintillating [sin-tl-ey-ting]
Animated; vivacious; effervescent.
“Mark is a scintillating conversationalist.”
9. Ubiquitous [yoo-bik-wi-tuh s]
Existing or being everywhere, especially at the same time; omnipresent.
“As I was heading out to work this morning, there was a ubiquitous fog settling down in the neighbourhood.”
10. Vicarious [vahy-kair-ee-uh s]
Felt or enjoyed through imagined participation in the experience of others.
“Let me live vicariously through you!”