20 Unusual English words to enrich your vocabulary!

Why are unusual English words necessary for improved vocabulary?

Whether reading, speaking, or writing, your sentences are made up of words in your vocabulary. They are the ultimate building blocks of your expression. Underestimating them is a big mistake. What’s more? If you plan on attempting an English language test like TOEFL or IELTS, you must build up your vocabulary with these unusual English words. 

When tackling a new language, we often seek methods to enhance our vocabulary. Whether through reading books or watching movies, the goal remains the same – to sharpen our language skills. Even with limited knowledge of a language, having a handful of generic words in our vocabulary can facilitate effective communication.

Benefits of learning unusual English words for good vocabulary!

#1. Enhanced vocabulary aids good grades

No matter what stream of study you plan on taking up, you will still need the best vocabulary level to pass the entrance exams. Examiners generally test language skills. One of the most critical aspects of language skills is vocabulary. Knowing unusual English words will help you set the parameter high for your writing test. Additionally, it will aid your reading and comprehension skills. 

#2. It helps comprehend better communication

How will you communicate if you don’t receive a piece of communication effectively? You need to understand what your colleague is saying to you or what the next question means in an examination to answer well. Reading is a skill that you will consistently require all your life. Without decent comprehension skills, you are sure to be left behind. Refer to the various unusual English words guide online to gauge your knowledge.

#3. You can write like a professional!

Writing like a professional is just a few steps away. Build a good vocabulary, and half your job is done! Imagine what a plethora of unusual English words at your disposal could mean when writing your thoughts and ideas. They will help you express yourself better. It will create a great impression on the readers.

#4. It helps quit being monotonous with words

A robust vocabulary allows you to escape the monotony of repetitive expressions. Aren’t you weary of using the same words for every emotion? Instead of always saying you’re “fantastic” when happy or “depressed” when sad, why not find more accurate and varied terms? Enhancing your word choice can lead to more precise and engaging communication.

#5. You can become a great salesperson

Don’t take that statement literally! Even if you are not interested in taking up sales as a professional career and only require a list of unusual English words, you will still need good selling skills. Good selling skills will aid you in persuading others and getting things done the way you like them. You want to be able to articulate your thoughts well and place your opinion forward. This ability comes with good vocabulary. 

#6. It enhances your confidence to the next level

Good communication skills are essential to success in every aspect. It doesn’t matter if you talk about your relationship or work life; practical communication skills eliminate misunderstandings and promote a healthy environment. When you control things around you, you automatically feel confident. And these unusual English words indeed add up to your confidence!

Tips for building a good vocabulary

Mastering a wide range of words is not as easy as it sounds. Our words are powerful. However, our brains take time to store them in our memories. While your brain may have contained it in your memory, it will take time for you to understand to use it in the appropriate situations. Here are some tips to keep in mind –

#1.  Make a vocabulary notebook 

When you hear or read a word that you find interesting, add them to your vocabulary notebook! Be it while watching movies or reading a book, always keep your notebook and a pen next to you. Don’t just let them sit in your notebook; be sure to practice them as you get the chance. Note down new words by writing the word, the word form, and the meaning. Books on various unusual English words and so on are handy.

#2. Connect the dots

As you build your library of words, you will notice that many words have similar meanings. The English language is vast. There are endless words that mean the same thing. Handle this situation intelligently by grouping words that mean the same thing in one section. This way, you will have varied unusual English words at your disposal at once.

#3. Start using them in your daily life

Take your own sweet time to express yourself. Start developing the habit of using unusual English words in your daily life. You may take a while thinking about using a particular word at first. As time passes and you practice this habit more regularly, you will realize that the words will start coming to you easily.

20 unusual English words that you must know of!

To get you started, we have a list of 20 unusual English words that you can add to your vocabulary; check them out here –

Word	Type	Meaning
Sweltering	Adjective	When it is extremely hot
Accolade	Noun	Recognition or privilege bestowed upon someone
Bonafide	Adjective	Authentic or true without the intention of deceiving
Epitome	Noun	Representation or essence
Facetious	Adjective	Using inappropriate humor during a serious situation
Faux pas	Noun	A mistake or an awkward situation caused by a mistake
Hedonist	Noun	Someone who is a pleasure-seeker
Heresy	Noun	An opinion that goes against what is generally accepted
Ogle	Verb	Staring and constantly looking at someone/something
Paradox	Noun	Something that is absurd
Precocious	Adjective	Working in advance
Scintillating	Adjective	Bright shine
Tirade	Noun	An endless angry speech
Tryst	Noun	A rendezvous
Unrequited	Noun	When not reciprocated
Verbose	Adjective	Using more words
Vile	Adjective	Unpleasant or offensive
Zeal	Noun	A high level of energy
Glum	Adjective	Sad or depressed
Jovial	Adjective	Happy or jovial.

Key takeaways

• Vocabulary is crucial as it can serve as the stepping stone to fluency in communication. 
• An enhanced vocabulary is essential not just in your daily interactions but also for your language proficiency tests.
• If you practice your language proficiency tests with the above-given list of words, rest assured your confidence will build up effortlessly. 
• Dedicate enough time to improve your vocabulary with these unusual English words. 
• That said, don’t stop focusing on the other aspects of language-building skills. 

Also, contact us today if you need more assistance in your test prep for studying abroad!

Liked this blog? Then read A comprehensive guide to IELTS preparation | Tips included!

FAQs

Question 1: How can I improve my vocabulary? 

Answer: The best ways to improve vocabulary are practicing daily, maintaining a diary, and regularly adding unusual English words to the diary.

Question 2: Why is a good vocabulary important?

Answer: Vocabulary forms the basis of all communication in this world. The better your vocabulary, the better you can express yourself. 

Question 3: What does vocabulary mean?

Answer: Vocabulary refers to the list of words that make up sentences. They may include nouns, verbs, and adjectives.