Are you one of those English speakers who often uses the same word to describe different situations? ‘Special’ anyone? Do you feel your vocabulary is a little thin, lacking or non existent? Or do you just want to improve your command of the English language to appear more intelligent, thoughtful or erudite?
What’s the newest English word you’ve learnt? .. Me? Ermm… Actually it was ‘malodorous’ meaning a bad smell but I admit I’m a bit lazy when it comes to learning new words in either my own language or in Czech. (I’m a very passive Czech learner so if there are any Czech Language teachers who would like to help me out please let me know).
OK so we all use Google translate or Seznam now and I’m sure there are some good Czech English specific translators (Slovnik Online) but how often do you remember that new word or phrase? And what about enhancing your vocabulary, enriching and enlarging it? (By the way remember that vocabulary is not pluralised unless referring to the vocabularies of more than one language)
So here without further ado are the 4 websites that every Czech English learner needs to do just that. Some of them also have apps for your favourite toy… your phone I mean 😉
Vocabulary.com is a brilliant website I recently found. You can search for lists of related words by topic and even upload your own lists. There are lists of new words for all subjects and even words to specifically help you better understand certain books and films for example there is a list of words for The Hunger Games books, by chapter.
Dictionary.com will tell you exactly what words mean (in English of course) giving you a definition, origin and first use and helpful examples of how to use the word correctly in a sentence. You can also hear the word pronounced though I hasten to add it’s U.S. pronunciation and not always to my liking.
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Thesaurus.com is the sister site of Dictionary.com and is the best site I have found for synonyms (similar words) and antonyms (opposites). Perfect for relieving yourself of that ‘special’ word!
And finally the excellent HelpForEnglish site which gives you explanations of English grammar in perfect Czech.
The first three of these sites recommend new words every day and have some very interesting and underused words, expressions and phrases. I am looking forward to hearing my one to one students use some newly garnered words and phrases but I’d like YOU right now to leave a comment below with two words:
- Your favourite or most overused English word that you need to find an alternative for and…
- The new word you have found as an alternative to it.
Be brave.
Hi,
I am fighting tooth and nail to wean an universal adjective “interesting” from my head. It’s a curse! 🙂
Instead If I tried to say that is extraordinarily remarkable or It has totally inspired me I would use an adjective as “compelling” or “sapid”. What do you think? 🙂
Hi Blahos, ‘compelling’ is an excellent alternative in the right situation for example ‘that was a very compelling arguement’ meaning interesting and persuasive.
Hi Richard, I think that my most used word or at least word I really like is “interest” or “mean”.
I found that I could use word “concern” which in many situations can be more suitaible.
I wondering that I can use word “intend” in some situations where I often using word “mean”.
Thank you for links to these websites!
Yes Richard, I intended to reply to you sooner.