In today’s world, having a rich and varied vocabulary is essential for effective communication. The ability to express oneself clearly and precisely contributes to success in academic and career pursuits. The English language constantly evolves, and new words are being added daily.
English is the language of the internet. The vast majority of online content is in English, including social media, news websites, and e-commerce platforms. A good understanding of the language is essential to navigate and engage with this content.
There are several ways to improve vocabulary. Reading extensively is one of the most effective ways to build a strong vocabulary. Learning new words and their meanings through dictionaries, and online resources can also enhance vocabulary.
A strong vocabulary is particularly important for standardised tests like the SAT, TOEFL, and IELTS. Every exam has its own set of rules and there is a difference between IELTS and TOEFL. These words can significantly enhance one’s chances of achieving a high score. A diverse and nuanced vocabulary is crucial for performing well and excelling on standardised exams.
List of new words in English to improve your vocabulary:
Word | Meaning |
abolition | n. the act of ending an activity or practice |
avowed | adj. stated or admitted |
amateur | n. a person unskilled in a particular activity |
barren | adj. unable to produce anything new |
bugbear | n. a thing or activity that annoys or upsets you |
bustle | v. to do things in a hurried and busy way |
candour | n. being honest, sincere and frank |
chagrin | n. being upset or angry because of a failure or mistake |
chafe | v. to make or become sore by rubbing |
colossal | adj. extremely large or on a grand scale |
daunt | v. discourage someone about their ability to achieve |
decipher | v. to decode something hard to understand or hidden |
dither | v. to be very nervous or hesitant to make a decision |
embellish | v. to decorate something to make it more exciting |
epochal | adj. a significant time or event involving a great change & evolution |
extenuation | v. to try to lessen the seriousness of a wrong act by making excuses |
extravagant | adj. spending too much money or using many resources unreasonably |
feasible | adj. can be achieved, reasonable, or is possible |
ferocity | n. the state of being frightening, violent and brutal |
frolic | v. to play or behave in a cheerful and lively way |
gleeful | adj. full of joy, excitement, happiness, or pleasure |
gravitas | n. seriousness, dignified, and importance of manners |
guile | n. cunning and intelligent but often use it to deceive others |
hedonistic | adj. living life according to one’s beliefs and enjoying oneself |
heist | n. a crime of stealing valuables, often violently, from a place or person |
hoax | v. to deceive someone, especially by playing tricks |
hysteria | n. exhibiting uncontrollable emotions like fear, anger, excitement, etc. |
impish | adj. childish behaviour, mischievous and slightly naughty |
ineffable | adj. too great and emotional that it is inexpressible in words |
inquisitive | adj. eager to acquire knowledge; overly interested in other’s lives |
jaunty | adj. feeling confident, happy and pleasure |
jibe | n. an insulting or mocking remark to make someone look stupid |
juxtapose | v. placing dissimilar things next to each other |
kindred | adj. similar nature or character; related |
knack | n. skill or ability to do something effortlessly |
klatch | n. a social gathering held for people to meet socially to talk |
laudable | adj. praiseworthy, admirable |
limpid | adj. clear, transparent and easily understood |
lucrative | adj. producing a surplus; profitable |
maverick | n. an independent person who thinks and acts differently from others |
meticulous | adj. very precise and great attention to every detail |
meander | v. follow a winding course or proceed aimlessly |
munificent | adj. displaying great generosity, liberal and bountiful |
nascent | adj. beginning to come into existence and likely to emerge in the future |
nemesis | n. a person or thing that causes one’s downfall, especially as a punishment |
nuance | n. a slight variation in expression, meaning, appearance, etc. |
obsequious | adj. excessively attentive and too eager to obey or please someone |
omniscient | adj. having complete knowledge, awareness, or understanding |
opulent | adj. showing great wealth and luxury; rich in appearance |
panacea | n. a remedy that will solve all problems or diseases |
plausible | adj. likely to be possible, seemingly credible |
prowess | n. great ability or skill in a particular activity or field; remarkably brave |
quaint | adj. unusual and especially old-fashioned, but it’s attractive & pleasant |
queasy | adj. feeling nauseous or sick; feeling nervous and uneasy |
quintessence | n. the most perfect or typical example of something |
rejuvenate | v. to give new strength or energy; feel young and energetic again |
renege | v. to go back on one’s word, promise or commitment |
ruminate | v. thinking deeply and carefully for a long period about something |
recalcitrant | adj. resisting authority or control; unwilling to obey orders |
scrupulous | adj. doing everything carefully and exactly as it should be done |
serendipity | n. an unplanned but fortunate discovery that happens by accident |
sedulous | adj. careful, diligent, persistent and puts in a lot of effort |
spurious | adj. not genuine; false or fake, although plausible |
tranquillity | n. the absence of disturbance or stress; peacefulness |
temerity | n. reckless boldness; excessive confidence; foolish bravery |
tumult | n. a state of confusion or disorder due to loud noises, often involving a crowd |
ubiquitous | adj. being or seeming to be everywhere at the same time |
uncanny | adj. in a strange and mysteriously unsettling way; surprising or difficult to understand |
utopian | n. someone who aspires to impracticable perfectibility of society; visionary |
vagary | n. unpredictable change in a circumstance or someone’s behaviour |
valiant | adj. showing courage, bravery or determination; heroic |
virtuoso | n. someone who is extremely skilled in a particular field |
wallow | v. to stay in the same state of emotion without changing; to roll in a lazy |
wrangle | n. a quarrel or dispute which is intense, long, angry and noisy |
xenophobia | n. dislike or fear of foreigners, their culture, etc. |
xenagogue | n. a tour guide; a guide book |
xeric | adj. habitat, which is extremely dry and lacks humidity and water |
yield | n. the quantity of something produced; profit |
zealot | n. someone with strong opinions or passion about their belief or ideals |
zenith | n. peak; the point on a celestial body directly above a particular location |