smart sounding words for essays

127 big fancy words to sound smart and boost your eloquence

Karolina Assi

Everyone wants to sound smart and come across as someone that can express their thoughts eloquently. And even though you might have this fantastic ability in your native language, you may feel limited doing this in English if you’re beginning your journey in expanding your vocabulary with unusual or rarer words.

Fortunately, the English language has thousands of big words that will make you sound instantly more eloquent and knowledgeable.

These words will help you express yourself in a more elegant way by substituting the basic, everyday words with their more fancy synonyms. Learning those “big” words in English is also a great way to impress those around you - whether it’s at school, at work, or during your next date.

To help you take your English vocabulary to the next level, we’re prepared a list of 120+ big words to sound smart, with their meaning and an example of how to use them in context.

The do’s and don'ts of using big words in English

Throwing in a few fancy words into your conversations or monologue is a good idea to sound more eloquent and impress everyone around you.

It’s also a great way to sound smart when you don’t know what to say on a specific topic but want to make a good impression and appear more knowledgeable than you are (like this English student during his literature class ).

But there’s a fine line between using fancy words that truly make you sound eloquent and those that make you sound like you’re trying too hard.

Sometimes, using big words to sound smart may backfire, especially if you don’t really know what they mean. Then, you may end up saying something that makes no sense and leaving everyone in the room perplexed. Plus, using complex words you don’t understand can make you sound pompous - so tread the line between careful and carefree.

Use them only if you truly understand their meaning and know what context to use them in. But don’t use them mindlessly as it will result in an opposite effect to what you intended.

Aside from learning those fancy words and their meaning, another challenge lies in their pronunciation. If you choose those big words that are also hard to pronounce , like “epitome” or “niche,” you might end up saying something that makes everyone laugh (it wouldn’t be such a bad scenario!).

The point is: if you’re going to use fancy words to sound smart, learn their meaning, understand how to use them in context, and practice their pronunciation first.

Big words to sound smart and their meaning

The smartest way of sounding more eloquent when expressing yourself in English is to change basic, everyday words for their fancier versions. For instance, instead of saying “very big,” say “massive.” Instead of saying “detailed.” say “granular,” and instead of saying “not interesting,” say “banal.”

See? Using the word “granular” in a sentence will inevitably add more elegance to your speech and make you appear more fluent and eloquent.

The words we’ve chosen to include in the tables below follow this exact principle. Most of them are just a fancier version of a basic, simple word you’d normally use. Others are words used in a professional or academic setting that simply add more articulacy to your statement.

Fancy words you can use at work

The question isn’t whether you should learn a couple of fancy words you can use at work to impress your boss and coworkers. The question is, how do you use them without coming across as a pompous know-it-all, irritating everyone around you?

Well, it’s all about using them wisely. Don’t cram 10 fancy words into a simple sentence just to sound smarter. Only use them when they help you get your message across. If they don’t bring any value to your sentence, simply don’t use them.

In other words - don’t force it! Be natural.

With that said, here are some big words you can use at work.

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Clever words you might use academically

The academic setting does not only encourage you to sound smart. It forces you to. To get higher grades and convince your professors of your knowledge and eloquence, you need to elevate your vocabulary.

Whether it’s in written or spoken assignments, these words will help you express yourself in a more intelligent and elegant way while impressing your colleagues and professors.

Big interesting words you might use socially

Being the smartest person among your friends is surely a great boost for your ego. It can help you gain their approval, receive compliments, and maybe even get a date or two while hanging out at the bar with your friends.

But the other side of the coin is that using overly sophisticated words in a casual, social setting can make you appear pretentious and out of place. That’s why you need to be careful and not overdo it! If you do, you might only end up humiliating yourself, and that’s a terrible place to be in.

Here are 20+ big words in English you can use in social situations with their meaning and an example of a sentence you could say.

Impressive words you might use romantically

Even if you’re not a very romantic person, some occasions require a bit of romanticism. Using elegant words in your expressions of love and affection can make your romantic conversations and gestures more special and memorable.

Still, don’t use big words if you don’t mean them! You should always be sincere and genuine in your expressions. Remember that words hold tremendous power in inspiring emotions in those who receive them.

With that said, here are 30 big words you can use in a romantic setting to express your love and affection for your significant other or to take your relationship with the person you’re currently dating to the next level (congrats!).

Sophisticated words you might use when discussing art and literature

Are you an art or literature? These two areas often require eloquent vocabulary to describe them. At least, that is the sort of language that people expect to hear from someone who’s an avid reader and art connoisseur.

You might want to express how the allegory in that poem made you feel or the way the plot of the book has enthralled you to keep reading but lack the right words to do it. If so, here’s a list of 20+ words you can use to talk about art and literature in different contexts.

Fancy words you might use when talking about your hobbies

When talking about our hobbies, we want to come across as more knowledgeable than others. After all, they’re our special interests, and we naturally possess a greater deal of expertise in these areas.

Whether you’re into literature, movies, or sports, here are some fancy words you can use to describe your interests.

Make the Thesaurus your new best friend

In this article, we’ve only covered 126 big words. Understandably, we can’t include all the fancy words you might need in one article. There are simply too many!

But luckily, there’s a free online tool you can use to find the synonyms of everyday words to expand your vocabulary and make yourself sound smarter.

Can you take a guess?

That’s right - it’s the online Thesaurus . You’ve surely heard about it from your English teacher, but in case you haven’t, Thesaurus is a dictionary of synonyms and related concepts. It’s a great way to find synonyms of different words to spice up your oral or written statements and avoid repeating the same old boring words time and time again.

Choose your words wisely

Whether you’re using simple, everyday words in casual conversations or those big, fancy words in a professional or academic environment, remember one thing: words have power.

They’re spells that you cast (there’s a reason why it’s called “spelling”) onto yourself and those who you speak them to. The words you speak inspire emotions and shape how other people perceive you. But they also influence your own emotions and shape how you perceive yourself.

So choose them wisely.

Learn more about the fascinating English language on our English language blog here.

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• 40 Useful Words and Phrases for Top-Notch Essays

To be truly brilliant, an essay needs to utilise the right language. You could make a great point, but if it’s not intelligently articulated, you almost needn’t have bothered.

Developing the language skills to build an argument and to write persuasively is crucial if you’re to write outstanding essays every time. In this article, we’re going to equip you with the words and phrases you need to write a top-notch essay, along with examples of how to utilise them.

It’s by no means an exhaustive list, and there will often be other ways of using the words and phrases we describe that we won’t have room to include, but there should be more than enough below to help you make an instant improvement to your essay-writing skills.

If you’re interested in developing your language and persuasive skills, Oxford Royale offers summer courses at its Oxford Summer School , Cambridge Summer School , London Summer School , San Francisco Summer School and Yale Summer School . You can study courses to learn english , prepare for careers in law , medicine , business , engineering and leadership.

General explaining

Let’s start by looking at language for general explanations of complex points.

1. In order to

Usage: “In order to” can be used to introduce an explanation for the purpose of an argument. Example: “In order to understand X, we need first to understand Y.”

2. In other words

Usage: Use “in other words” when you want to express something in a different way (more simply), to make it easier to understand, or to emphasise or expand on a point. Example: “Frogs are amphibians. In other words, they live on the land and in the water.”

3. To put it another way

Usage: This phrase is another way of saying “in other words”, and can be used in particularly complex points, when you feel that an alternative way of wording a problem may help the reader achieve a better understanding of its significance. Example: “Plants rely on photosynthesis. To put it another way, they will die without the sun.”

4. That is to say

Usage: “That is” and “that is to say” can be used to add further detail to your explanation, or to be more precise. Example: “Whales are mammals. That is to say, they must breathe air.”

5. To that end

Usage: Use “to that end” or “to this end” in a similar way to “in order to” or “so”. Example: “Zoologists have long sought to understand how animals communicate with each other. To that end, a new study has been launched that looks at elephant sounds and their possible meanings.”

Adding additional information to support a point

Students often make the mistake of using synonyms of “and” each time they want to add further information in support of a point they’re making, or to build an argument . Here are some cleverer ways of doing this.

6. Moreover

Usage: Employ “moreover” at the start of a sentence to add extra information in support of a point you’re making. Example: “Moreover, the results of a recent piece of research provide compelling evidence in support of…”

7. Furthermore

Usage:This is also generally used at the start of a sentence, to add extra information. Example: “Furthermore, there is evidence to suggest that…”

8. What’s more

Usage: This is used in the same way as “moreover” and “furthermore”. Example: “What’s more, this isn’t the only evidence that supports this hypothesis.”

9. Likewise

Usage: Use “likewise” when you want to talk about something that agrees with what you’ve just mentioned. Example: “Scholar A believes X. Likewise, Scholar B argues compellingly in favour of this point of view.”

10. Similarly

Usage: Use “similarly” in the same way as “likewise”. Example: “Audiences at the time reacted with shock to Beethoven’s new work, because it was very different to what they were used to. Similarly, we have a tendency to react with surprise to the unfamiliar.”

11. Another key thing to remember

Usage: Use the phrase “another key point to remember” or “another key fact to remember” to introduce additional facts without using the word “also”. Example: “As a Romantic, Blake was a proponent of a closer relationship between humans and nature. Another key point to remember is that Blake was writing during the Industrial Revolution, which had a major impact on the world around him.”

12. As well as

Usage: Use “as well as” instead of “also” or “and”. Example: “Scholar A argued that this was due to X, as well as Y.”

13. Not only… but also

Usage: This wording is used to add an extra piece of information, often something that’s in some way more surprising or unexpected than the first piece of information. Example: “Not only did Edmund Hillary have the honour of being the first to reach the summit of Everest, but he was also appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire.”

14. Coupled with

Usage: Used when considering two or more arguments at a time. Example: “Coupled with the literary evidence, the statistics paint a compelling view of…”

15. Firstly, secondly, thirdly…

Usage: This can be used to structure an argument, presenting facts clearly one after the other. Example: “There are many points in support of this view. Firstly, X. Secondly, Y. And thirdly, Z.

16. Not to mention/to say nothing of

Usage: “Not to mention” and “to say nothing of” can be used to add extra information with a bit of emphasis. Example: “The war caused unprecedented suffering to millions of people, not to mention its impact on the country’s economy.”

Words and phrases for demonstrating contrast

When you’re developing an argument, you will often need to present contrasting or opposing opinions or evidence – “it could show this, but it could also show this”, or “X says this, but Y disagrees”. This section covers words you can use instead of the “but” in these examples, to make your writing sound more intelligent and interesting.

17. However

Usage: Use “however” to introduce a point that disagrees with what you’ve just said. Example: “Scholar A thinks this. However, Scholar B reached a different conclusion.”

18. On the other hand

Usage: Usage of this phrase includes introducing a contrasting interpretation of the same piece of evidence, a different piece of evidence that suggests something else, or an opposing opinion. Example: “The historical evidence appears to suggest a clear-cut situation. On the other hand, the archaeological evidence presents a somewhat less straightforward picture of what happened that day.”

19. Having said that

Usage: Used in a similar manner to “on the other hand” or “but”. Example: “The historians are unanimous in telling us X, an agreement that suggests that this version of events must be an accurate account. Having said that, the archaeology tells a different story.”

20. By contrast/in comparison

Usage: Use “by contrast” or “in comparison” when you’re comparing and contrasting pieces of evidence. Example: “Scholar A’s opinion, then, is based on insufficient evidence. By contrast, Scholar B’s opinion seems more plausible.”

21. Then again

Usage: Use this to cast doubt on an assertion. Example: “Writer A asserts that this was the reason for what happened. Then again, it’s possible that he was being paid to say this.”

22. That said

Usage: This is used in the same way as “then again”. Example: “The evidence ostensibly appears to point to this conclusion. That said, much of the evidence is unreliable at best.”

Usage: Use this when you want to introduce a contrasting idea. Example: “Much of scholarship has focused on this evidence. Yet not everyone agrees that this is the most important aspect of the situation.”

Adding a proviso or acknowledging reservations

Sometimes, you may need to acknowledge a shortfalling in a piece of evidence, or add a proviso. Here are some ways of doing so.

24. Despite this

Usage: Use “despite this” or “in spite of this” when you want to outline a point that stands regardless of a shortfalling in the evidence. Example: “The sample size was small, but the results were important despite this.”

25. With this in mind

Usage: Use this when you want your reader to consider a point in the knowledge of something else. Example: “We’ve seen that the methods used in the 19th century study did not always live up to the rigorous standards expected in scientific research today, which makes it difficult to draw definite conclusions. With this in mind, let’s look at a more recent study to see how the results compare.”

26. Provided that

Usage: This means “on condition that”. You can also say “providing that” or just “providing” to mean the same thing. Example: “We may use this as evidence to support our argument, provided that we bear in mind the limitations of the methods used to obtain it.”

27. In view of/in light of

Usage: These phrases are used when something has shed light on something else. Example: “In light of the evidence from the 2013 study, we have a better understanding of…”

28. Nonetheless

Usage: This is similar to “despite this”. Example: “The study had its limitations, but it was nonetheless groundbreaking for its day.”

29. Nevertheless

Usage: This is the same as “nonetheless”. Example: “The study was flawed, but it was important nevertheless.”

30. Notwithstanding

Usage: This is another way of saying “nonetheless”. Example: “Notwithstanding the limitations of the methodology used, it was an important study in the development of how we view the workings of the human mind.”

Giving examples

Good essays always back up points with examples, but it’s going to get boring if you use the expression “for example” every time. Here are a couple of other ways of saying the same thing.

31. For instance

Example: “Some birds migrate to avoid harsher winter climates. Swallows, for instance, leave the UK in early winter and fly south…”

32. To give an illustration

Example: “To give an illustration of what I mean, let’s look at the case of…”

Signifying importance

When you want to demonstrate that a point is particularly important, there are several ways of highlighting it as such.

33. Significantly

Usage: Used to introduce a point that is loaded with meaning that might not be immediately apparent. Example: “Significantly, Tacitus omits to tell us the kind of gossip prevalent in Suetonius’ accounts of the same period.”

34. Notably

Usage: This can be used to mean “significantly” (as above), and it can also be used interchangeably with “in particular” (the example below demonstrates the first of these ways of using it). Example: “Actual figures are notably absent from Scholar A’s analysis.”

35. Importantly

Usage: Use “importantly” interchangeably with “significantly”. Example: “Importantly, Scholar A was being employed by X when he wrote this work, and was presumably therefore under pressure to portray the situation more favourably than he perhaps might otherwise have done.”

Summarising

You’ve almost made it to the end of the essay, but your work isn’t over yet. You need to end by wrapping up everything you’ve talked about, showing that you’ve considered the arguments on both sides and reached the most likely conclusion. Here are some words and phrases to help you.

36. In conclusion

Usage: Typically used to introduce the concluding paragraph or sentence of an essay, summarising what you’ve discussed in a broad overview. Example: “In conclusion, the evidence points almost exclusively to Argument A.”

37. Above all

Usage: Used to signify what you believe to be the most significant point, and the main takeaway from the essay. Example: “Above all, it seems pertinent to remember that…”

38. Persuasive

Usage: This is a useful word to use when summarising which argument you find most convincing. Example: “Scholar A’s point – that Constanze Mozart was motivated by financial gain – seems to me to be the most persuasive argument for her actions following Mozart’s death.”

39. Compelling

Usage: Use in the same way as “persuasive” above. Example: “The most compelling argument is presented by Scholar A.”

40. All things considered

Usage: This means “taking everything into account”. Example: “All things considered, it seems reasonable to assume that…”

How many of these words and phrases will you get into your next essay? And are any of your favourite essay terms missing from our list? Let us know in the comments below, or get in touch here to find out more about courses that can help you with your essays.

At Oxford Royale Academy, we offer a number of  summer school courses for young people who are keen to improve their essay writing skills. Click here to apply for one of our courses today, including law , business , medicine  and engineering .

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15 Words and Phrases That Will Make Your Essay Sound Smarter

As composing any piece of writing, it’s essential to use appropriate vocabulary to make your essay stand out. Plain language sounds boring and unappealing, so it’s really important to know how to write effective papers. Not only do some words can help you persuade the reader, grab their attention, but they can also make you sound smarter.

“It’s always the language, words and phrases that you use in your writing that make your paper sound smart. Your paper can be well-researched and insightful, but it won’t stand out if it’s written in plain, boring language,” says Adam Simon, a college student and contributor to LegitWritingServices essay writing service review and education blog.

So enjoy our list of 15 words and phrases that will be of great help to make you paper sound smarter. 

In other words

When to Use: To paraphrase something in a simpler manner, thus making it easier to understand;

Exemplary Sentence: Writing an essay isn’t as black as it’s painted. In other words , once you learn the general tips, all is left is the practice.

That is to say

When to Use: To provide additional explanation to your previous point, or to add information to sound more accurate;

Exemplary Sentence: To start writing an essay one needs to do research. That is to say , one should search for materials, read them, examine and take notes.

To that end

When to Use: A synonymous phrase meaning ‘in order to’ or ‘so’;

Exemplary Sentence: He wanted to get straight A’s. To that end , he has been mastering his writing skills recently.

Supporting points with additional info

And, and, and. Using ‘and’ throughout your essay to add points won’t make your paper sound smarter. There are tons of awesome expressions and here are the top of them.

Furthermore

When to Use: To provide additional points, used at the beginning of a sentence (don’t forget a comma);

Exemplary Sentence: Furthermore , you should proofread and polish your paper before handing out the final variant.

When to Use: To add additional information, or offering some ideas that support your point of view in a similar manner;

Exemplary Sentence: Planning the writing process is vital to avoid writer’s block and craft a well-thought paper. Likewise , it is essential to write an outline, so that your essay is well-structured.

Another key thing to remember

When to Use: If you have already overused the word ‘also’, it’s high time to use its synonymous phrase ‘another key thing to remember’;

Exemplary Sentence: When writing an introduction, make sure you hook the reader’s attention and arouse their interest. Another key thing to remember is that crafting an introduction last thing is often more effective, as you have already had the perfect grasp of the chosen topic.

Not only...but also

When to Use: To present two ideas while the latter is often more surprising than the former one. Keep in mind the inversion moment as well;

Exemplary Sentence: Not only should you support your topic idea with several additional ones, but you should also provide great examples to underpin your point of view.

Coupled with

When to Use: To examine two or more arguments at a time;

Exemplary Sentence: He soon realized that choosing the topic he was passionate about, coupled with following all the academic rules and standards, was the key to getting top grades for the essay.

Expressing contrast

It’s essential to present contrasting opinions in argumentative essays, as well as in any essay if you want to develop your point of view and make it sound strong. That is why, here are some phrases to use.

When to Use: To provide a contrasting point of view;

Exemplary Sentence: Putting off your essay until the last minute isn’t the greatest idea. However , there are some students who claim that they do better when they’re pressed for time.

When to Use: To give a contrasting point; often used at the beginning of a sentence for better emphasis;

Exemplary Sentence: Purchasing essays online is regarded as cheating by the majority of people. Yet some believe there is nothing wrong in asking for a bit of assistance with their papers.

On the other hand

When to Use: Often used along with another contrasting point, for example, there are two different interpretations of the same idea ‘on the one hand’ and ‘on the other hand’;

Exemplary Sentence: Crafting an essay may seem like the worst and the most daunting task. On the other hand , once you’ve finished it, you feel satisfied and have this pleasant sense of accomplishment.

Highlighting important information

Emphasizing particular points in your essay also require some useful vocabulary.

When to Use: A synonymous expression to ‘particularly’ or ‘significantly’ to highlight peculiar information;

Exemplary Sentence: After reading this article, one can notably improve their vocabulary and make their writing sound smarter.

Importantly

When to Use: Another synonym to the word ‘significantly’, suggesting a special meaning to the point;

Exemplary Sentence: Polishing her paper with high-brow vocabulary affected her grades importantly.

Providing examples

You won’t surprise you professor ‘for example’, while the following expression will boost your writing skills.

To give an illustration

When to Use: To provide an example that will best illustrate your point of view

Exemplary Sentence: To give an illustration of what I mean, let’s have a look at the final effective phrase to use.

All things considered

When to Use: In other words, ‘taking everything into account’

Exemplary Sentence: All things considered , writing a good essay may be time- and energy-consuming; it may require scrutinizing tons of academic rules and standards; it can be pressuring and scary. However, following some useful tips can ease the whole composing process. To give an illustration of what I mean, try enriching your vocabulary with these 15 words and phrases and see how smarter your paper sounds now.

Summarizing

If an effective essay was a building, it would have a great foundation (an introduction and a conclusion). An introduction grabs the reader’s attention and guides straight to the main body, while a conclusion has the final say that is supposed to leave an aftertaste. For this reason, it’s essential to use persuasive vocabulary when summarizing your ideas.

Words To Use In Essays: Amplifying Your Academic Writing

Use this comprehensive list of words to use in essays to elevate your writing. Make an impression and score higher grades with this guide!

Words play a fundamental role in the domain of essay writing, as they have the power to shape ideas, influence readers, and convey messages with precision and impact. Choosing the right words to use in essays is not merely a matter of filling pages, but rather a deliberate process aimed at enhancing the quality of the writing and effectively communicating complex ideas. In this article, we will explore the importance of selecting appropriate words for essays and provide valuable insights into the types of words that can elevate the essay to new heights.

Words To Use In Essays

Using a wide range of words can make your essay stronger and more impressive. With the incorporation of carefully chosen words that communicate complex ideas with precision and eloquence, the writer can elevate the quality of their essay and captivate readers.

This list serves as an introduction to a range of impactful words that can be integrated into writing, enabling the writer to express thoughts with depth and clarity.

Significantly

Furthermore

Nonetheless

Nevertheless

Consequently

Accordingly

Subsequently

In contrast

Alternatively

Implications

Substantially

Transition Words And Phrases

Transition words and phrases are essential linguistic tools that connect ideas, sentences, and paragraphs within a text. They work like bridges, facilitating the transitions between different parts of an essay or any other written work. These transitional elements conduct the flow and coherence of the writing, making it easier for readers to follow the author’s train of thought.

Here are some examples of common transition words and phrases:

Furthermore: Additionally; moreover.

However: Nevertheless; on the other hand.

In contrast: On the contrary; conversely.

Therefore: Consequently; as a result.

Similarly: Likewise; in the same way.

Moreover: Furthermore; besides.

In addition: Additionally; also.

Nonetheless: Nevertheless; regardless.

Nevertheless: However; even so.

On the other hand: Conversely; in contrast.

These are just a few examples of the many transition words and phrases available. They help create coherence, improve the organization of ideas, and guide readers through the logical progression of the text. When used effectively, transition words and phrases can significantly guide clarity for writing.

Strong Verbs For Academic Writing

Strong verbs are an essential component of academic writing as they add precision, clarity, and impact to sentences. They convey actions, intentions, and outcomes in a more powerful and concise manner. Here are some examples of strong verbs commonly used in academic writing:

Analyze: Examine in detail to understand the components or structure.

Critique: Assess or evaluate the strengths and weaknesses.

Demonstrate: Show the evidence to support a claim or argument.

Illuminate: Clarify or make something clearer.

Explicate: Explain in detail a thorough interpretation.

Synthesize: Combine or integrate information to create a new understanding.

Propose: Put forward or suggest a theory, idea, or solution.

Refute: Disprove or argue against a claim or viewpoint.

Validate: Confirm or prove the accuracy or validity of something.

Advocate: Support or argue in favor of a particular position or viewpoint.

Adjectives And Adverbs For Academic Essays

Useful adjectives and adverbs are valuable tools in academic writing as they enhance the description, precision, and depth of arguments and analysis. They provide specific details, emphasize key points, and add nuance to writing. Here are some examples of useful adjectives and adverbs commonly used in academic essays:

Comprehensive: Covering all aspects or elements; thorough.

Crucial: Extremely important or essential.

Prominent: Well-known or widely recognized; notable.

Substantial: Considerable in size, extent, or importance.

Valid: Well-founded or logically sound; acceptable or authoritative.

Effectively: In a manner that produces the desired result or outcome.

Significantly: To a considerable extent or degree; notably.

Consequently: As a result or effect of something.

Precisely: Exactly or accurately; with great attention to detail.

Critically: In a careful and analytical manner; with careful evaluation or assessment.

Words To Use In The Essay Introduction

The words used in the essay introduction play a crucial role in capturing the reader’s attention and setting the tone for the rest of the essay. They should be engaging, informative, and persuasive. Here are some examples of words that can be effectively used in the essay introduction:

Intriguing: A word that sparks curiosity and captures the reader’s interest from the beginning.

Compelling: Conveys the idea that the topic is interesting and worth exploring further.

Provocative: Creates a sense of controversy or thought-provoking ideas.

Insightful: Suggests that the essay will produce valuable and thought-provoking insights.

Startling: Indicates that the essay will present surprising or unexpected information or perspectives.

Relevant: Emphasizes the significance of the topic and its connection to broader issues or current events.

Timely: Indicates that the essay addresses a subject of current relevance or importance.

Thoughtful: Implies that the essay will offer well-considered and carefully developed arguments.

Persuasive: Suggests that the essay will present compelling arguments to convince the reader.

Captivating: Indicates that the essay will hold the reader’s attention and be engaging throughout.

Words To Use In The Body Of The Essay

The words used in the body of the essay are essential for effectively conveying ideas, providing evidence, and developing arguments. They should be clear, precise, and demonstrate a strong command of the subject matter. Here are some examples of words that can be used in the body of the essay:

Evidence: When presenting supporting information or data, words such as “data,” “research,” “studies,” “findings,” “examples,” or “statistics” can be used to strengthen arguments.

Analysis: To discuss and interpret the evidence, words like “analyze,” “examine,” “explore,” “interpret,” or “assess” can be employed to demonstrate a critical evaluation of the topic.

Comparison: When drawing comparisons or making contrasts, words like “similarly,” “likewise,” “in contrast,” “on the other hand,” or “conversely” can be used to highlight similarities or differences.

Cause and effect: To explain the relationship between causes and consequences, words such as “because,” “due to,” “leads to,” “results in,” or “causes” can be utilized.

Sequence: When discussing a series of events or steps, words like “first,” “next,” “then,” “finally,” “subsequently,” or “consequently” can be used to indicate the order or progression.

Emphasis: To emphasize a particular point or idea, words such as “notably,” “significantly,” “crucially,” “importantly,” or “remarkably” can be employed.

Clarification: When providing further clarification or elaboration, words like “specifically,” “in other words,” “for instance,” “to illustrate,” or “to clarify” can be used.

Integration: To show the relationship between different ideas or concepts, words such as “moreover,” “furthermore,” “additionally,” “likewise,” or “similarly” can be utilized.

Conclusion: When summarizing or drawing conclusions, words like “in conclusion,” “to summarize,” “overall,” “in summary,” or “to conclude” can be employed to wrap up ideas.

Remember to use these words appropriately and contextually, ensuring they strengthen the coherence and flow of arguments. They should serve as effective transitions and connectors between ideas, enhancing the overall clarity and persuasiveness of the essay.

Words To Use In Essay Conclusion

The words used in the essay conclusion are crucial for effectively summarizing the main points, reinforcing arguments, and leaving a lasting impression on the reader. They should bring a sense of closure to the essay while highlighting the significance of ideas. Here are some examples of words that can be used in the essay conclusion:

Summary: To summarize the main points, these words can be used “in summary,” “to sum up,” “in conclusion,” “to recap,” or “overall.”

Reinforcement: To reinforce arguments and emphasize their importance, words such as “crucial,” “essential,” “significant,” “noteworthy,” or “compelling” can be employed.

Implication: To discuss the broader implications of ideas or findings, words like “consequently,” “therefore,” “thus,” “hence,” or “as a result” can be utilized.

Call to action: If applicable, words that encourage further action or reflection can be used, such as “we must,” “it is essential to,” “let us consider,” or “we should.”

Future perspective: To discuss future possibilities or developments related to the topic, words like “potential,” “future research,” “emerging trends,” or “further investigation” can be employed.

Reflection: To reflect on the significance or impact of arguments, words such as “profound,” “notable,” “thought-provoking,” “transformative,” or “perspective-shifting” can be used.

Final thought: To leave a lasting impression, words or phrases that summarize the main idea or evoke a sense of thoughtfulness can be used, such as “food for thought,” “in light of this,” “to ponder,” or “to consider.”

How To Improve Essay Writing Vocabulary

Improving essay writing vocabulary is essential for effectively expressing ideas, demonstrating a strong command of the language, and engaging readers. Here are some strategies to enhance the essay writing vocabulary:

• Read extensively: Reading a wide range of materials, such as books, articles, and essays, can give various writing styles, topics, and vocabulary. Pay attention to new words and their usage, and try incorporating them into the writing.
• Use a dictionary and thesaurus:  Look up unfamiliar words in a dictionary to understand their meanings and usage. Additionally, utilize a thesaurus to find synonyms and antonyms to expand word choices and avoid repetition.
• Create a word bank: To create a word bank, read extensively, write down unfamiliar or interesting words, and explore their meanings and usage. Organize them by categories or themes for easy reference, and practice incorporating them into writing to expand the vocabulary.
• Contextualize vocabulary: Simply memorizing new words won’t be sufficient; it’s crucial to understand their proper usage and context. Pay attention to how words are used in different contexts, sentence structures, and rhetorical devices. 

How To Add Additional Information To Support A Point

When writing an essay and wanting to add additional information to support a point, you can use various transitional words and phrases. Here are some examples:

Furthermore: Add more information or evidence to support the previous point.

Additionally: Indicates an additional supporting idea or evidence.

Moreover: Emphasizes the importance or significance of the added information.

In addition: Signals the inclusion of another supporting detail.

Furthermore, it is important to note: Introduces an additional aspect or consideration related to the topic.

Not only that, but also: Highlights an additional point that strengthens the argument.

Equally important: Emphasizes the equal significance of the added information.

Another key point: Introduces another important supporting idea.

It is worth noting: Draws attention to a noteworthy detail that supports the point being made.

Additionally, it is essential to consider: Indicates the need to consider another aspect or perspective.

Using these transitional words and phrases will help you seamlessly integrate additional information into your essay, enhancing the clarity and persuasiveness of your arguments.

Words And Phrases That Demonstrate Contrast

When crafting an essay, it is crucial to effectively showcase contrast, enabling the presentation of opposing ideas or the highlighting of differences between concepts. The adept use of suitable words and phrases allows for the clear communication of contrast, bolstering the strength of arguments. Consider the following examples of commonly employed words and phrases to illustrate the contrast in essays:

However: e.g., “The experiment yielded promising results; however, further analysis is needed to draw conclusive findings.”

On the other hand: e.g., “Some argue for stricter gun control laws, while others, on the other hand, advocate for individual rights to bear arms.”

Conversely: e.g., “While the study suggests a positive correlation between exercise and weight loss, conversely, other research indicates that diet plays a more significant role.”

Nevertheless: e.g., “The data shows a decline in crime rates; nevertheless, public safety remains a concern for many citizens.”

In contrast: e.g., “The economic policies of Country A focus on free-market principles. In contrast, Country B implements more interventionist measures.”

Despite: e.g., “Despite the initial setbacks, the team persevered and ultimately achieved success.”

Although: e.g., “Although the participants had varying levels of experience, they all completed the task successfully.”

While: e.g., “While some argue for stricter regulations, others contend that personal responsibility should prevail.”

Words To Use For Giving Examples

When writing an essay and providing examples to illustrate your points, you can use a variety of words and phrases to introduce those examples. Here are some examples:

For instance: Introduces a specific example to support or illustrate your point.

For example: Give an example to clarify or demonstrate your argument.

Such as: Indicates that you are providing a specific example or examples.

To illustrate: Signals that you are using an example to explain or emphasize your point.

One example is: Introduces a specific instance that exemplifies your argument.

In particular: Highlights a specific example that is especially relevant to your point.

As an illustration: Introduces an example that serves as a visual or concrete representation of your point.

A case in point: Highlights a specific example that serves as evidence or proof of your argument.

To demonstrate: Indicates that you are providing an example to show or prove your point.

To exemplify: Signals that you are using an example to illustrate or clarify your argument.

Using these words and phrases will help you effectively incorporate examples into your essay, making your arguments more persuasive and relatable. Remember to give clear and concise examples that directly support your main points.

Words To Signifying Importance

When writing an essay and wanting to signify the importance of a particular point or idea, you can use various words and phrases to convey this emphasis. Here are some examples:

Crucially: Indicates that the point being made is of critical importance.

Significantly: Highlights the importance or significance of the idea or information.

Importantly: Draws attention to the crucial nature of the point being discussed.

Notably: Emphasizes that the information or idea is particularly worthy of attention.

It is vital to note: Indicates that the point being made is essential and should be acknowledged.

It should be emphasized: Draws attention to the need to give special importance or focus to the point being made.

A key consideration is: Highlight that the particular idea or information is a central aspect of the discussion.

It is critical to recognize: Emphasizes that the understanding or acknowledgment of the point is crucial.

Using these words and phrases will help you convey the importance and significance of specific points or ideas in your essay, ensuring that readers recognize their significance and impact on the overall argument.

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100 Words to Make You Sound Smart

Posted on: 10-14-2013 by: Brian Wasko

This is the next in our 100 Words series based on the best-selling books by American Heritage Dictionary . You’ll want to check out our previous posts:

• 100 Words Every High School Graduate Should Know
• 100 Words Every High School Freshman Should Know
• 100 Words Every Middle Schooler Should Know

Below is the list of words, complete with links to their definitions on the American Heritage site.

As always, this list is subjectively selected by the folks at American Heritage. You may or may not agree that these particular words are the 100 most likely to make you sound smart, but you’ve got to admit that most of them will sound impressive in a job interview or on an SAT essay–that is, if you use them correctly.

Check the list below. If you are not sure of a word’s meaning, click it and review the definition. I will soon be posting a quiz to test your knowledge.

You can also save the poster image below the list — feel free to pin it to a Pinterest board or post it on social media.

Even if you don’t care about projecting an intelligent persona, this is a great way to expand and enrich your vocabulary. Enjoy!

avant-garde

camaraderie

carte blanche

dilettante disheveled

fait accompli

Freudian slip

idiosyncratic

infinitesimal

junket kitsch

Machiavellian

non sequitur

nouveau riche

ostentatious

perfunctory

precocious propriety

quid pro quo

quintessential

red herring

scintillating

tête-à-tête

white elephant

Feel free to leave your comments below! Bonus points if you can finagle words from the list into your comment!

Categories:   Fun with Words Tags:   100 words , American Heritage , dictionary , intelligent , smart , vocabulary , word list , words

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About the author.

Brian Wasko Brian is the founder and president of WriteAtHome.com. One of his passions is to teach young people how to write better. View all posts by Brian Wasko

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Thanks a lot this really helped me especially in creative writing:-)

I was hoping for more difficult words. I have a fairly solid vocabulary, but I know 100% of these words.

The “insidious” link has been repaired. Thanks.

The link to insidious doesn’t work, or rather doesn’t yield a definition. Insidious is one of those words that I “think I know,” but if you press me, I couldn’t give a definition for it.

Kitsch, on the other hand, I know that word very well, but initially it was hard for me to define. I think the AH Dictionary completely misses the definition. It doesn’t mean popular. And “garish or overly sentimental” has nothing to do with it. “Uncultivated” is on the right track, but also wrong.

It’s about perspective. One man’s kitsch is another man’s treasure. If I say an item is kitsch, it means those who like it are cultivated in exactly the wrong culture. Their culture is narrow, poor and ill-informed. Yet it may also be charming, a fine example of this narrow, poor culture which I nevertheless admire.

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Powerful Vocabulary: English Words To Sound Smart

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Lesson overview.

Powerful English Words that will make you sound smart and professional at work.

I’ll share some intelligent collocations that will help you sound natural and intelligent.

Video Transcript Section 1 Well hey there I’m Emma from mmmEnglish!

Now learning powerful words is really great for your English vocabulary but if you can’t use them effectively, there’s just not really much point is there? And when I say use them effectively, I mean use them correctly in your sentences with the right supporting words to help it sound natural and relaxed and real.

For many English nouns, there are actually only a small number of verbs that can frequently be used with them, words that just sound right when they’re used together in sentences and we call these combinations of words ‘collocations’.

Now learning English collocations is so helpful if you want to sound more natural and intelligent when you speak and today it will focus on a particular set of intelligent words that will help you to talk about personal challenges.

So these words are going to be incredibly powerful in job interviews, in a professional context, when you’re sitting exams, the times when you need to reflect on your personal life experiences.

So if you’re ready to expand your vocabulary, stick around!

Before we get started, a super quick reminder to turn on the subtitles down here if you need to and if you feel like doing something lovely today then help me to translate this video so that other people in your country can watch it and can learn from it too. And of course, it’s going to be excellent English practice for you.

I think it’s fair to say that most of us are trying to improve ourselves in some way. That’s what you’re doing here watching me, isn’t it?

Now we are always trying to learn new skills and get better at things or try to tweak and improve our personal qualities a little to try and become better versions of ourselves. That’s why we set goals, that’s why we’re conscious or we’re aware of the things that we’re trying to improve. And this is called personal development.

So I want to know what are your personal goals right now? What are you working on in yourself?

For me, I’m trying to get conversational in Spanish and I’m really trying to work on my management and my leadership skills. See my team has grown really quickly over the last twelve to eighteen months and you know, I want to be the best leader that I can be for my team so I really want to improve these skills.

So what about you? What are you working on? My aim in this lesson is to help you expand your vocabulary around this topic and to help you to feel more confident when you’re using sophisticated language in English.

This vocabulary, it really is essential if you need to use English professionally or if you’re planning to use English at university, these are all great words and expressions to learn.

When we’re trying to improve ourselves, we’ve recognised that there’s a problem, something’s not working or something’s blocking us from getting to where we want to go and we call this thing that’s blocking us an obstacle.

Now it can be a physical thing like a tree that’s fallen across a path but it can also be a problem that prevents you or stops you from achieving something that you want to do.

So say you really want to apply for a job but in the application they said that you need five years of working experience. You only have two. So this is an obstacle, right? It’s a problem. It’s blocking you. It’s not completely impossible to get around that obstacle but you’ve got to work a little harder to make it happen, right?

So ‘obstacle’ is a countable noun, you can have an obstacle or you can have five obstacles and it’s most commonly used with the verbs hit, face and overcome. All of these verbs have slightly different meanings.

• We hit a significant obstacle when we found out we had no budget left.

So by using ‘hit’, we’re highlighting that moment that the obstacle stopped us, right?

• I can’t even imagine the obstacles you face in daily life.

So here the verb ‘face’ is highlighting that moment that you deal with the obstacle like you’re looking at it and you’re standing there ready to take it on.

• She had to overcome many obstacles on her journey to become CEO.

And ‘overcome’ here, it highlights that moment you got past the obstacle. It’s not blocking you anymore. We use these same verbs with the noun ‘challenge’ too. And really that’s just a synonym of ‘obstacle’.

• When I created my online English learning community, I had no idea how many challenges I’d face along the way.
• We’ve really overcome lots of challenges to reach the point where we are today.

We express this same idea by saying that we get over hurdles or we overcome hurdles.

• One of the biggest hurdles that we had to overcome with our community was connecting them across different time zones.

So what about you? Have you had to overcome any challenges in your job or in your personal life? I want you to practise using this language in the comments below this video.

Fear and doubt

Fears and doubts are things that hold us back. Often they are the reason why we don’t feel very confident at all. Our fears are our thoughts that we have when we’re frightened or we’re worried about something, we fear that something bad will happen.

And a doubt is a feeling of not being certain about something, being unsure about what will happen. So we have doubts about our ability to do things, about our choices, the decisions that we’ve made.

• I have some doubts about our ability to complete this project by Christmas.

In fact, you can use self-doubt here to make it clear that the doubts you have are with yourself.

Now we often use the verb ‘overcome’ again with ‘doubt’ and with ‘self-doubt’ and we use it to say, you know, when we stopped feeling uncertain. It’s also really useful to practise the verb ‘doubt’ as well.

• There were so many times when I doubted my ability to lead a team.

Let’s focus on fear for a minute or two. We all have to deal with fear, right? We have to learn how to manage fear. It’s a really natural and a really normal part of life. If we’re lucky enough, we find a way to harness fear in some situations. Have you heard of that expression?

Now we use the verb ‘harness’ when you find a way to use that fear to your advantage. The energy from that fear gives you the power to do something courageous or challenging and we actually often use that verb ‘harness’ with an emotion. We use it to say that we bring that emotion under control and then do something positive with it.

So for example. You might harness your team’s enthusiasm which means, you know, you want to make the most of their enthusiasm and get the best out of them.

We all have fears but what about those moments when we find the courage? We face our fears. We let our fears come right up to us and we stand our ground and we deal with those fears, right?

• I got called up on stage and at that moment, I was forced to face my fears .

Okay let’s not dwell on our problems and our fears for too long, we all like a happy ending, don’t we?

Be positive!

So how can we flip these negative situations and begin to make them more positive? Well let’s focus on some vocabulary that will help you to do that.

You’re all familiar with the word ‘opportunity’ right? You can be given an opportunity. You can receive an opportunity. You can receive an opportunity. But what if you want to emphasise your role in getting that opportunity? It’s much more powerful to say that you took the opportunity or you grabbed the opportunity. It tells us that you were in control of the situation.

• I grabbed the opportunity to introduce myself to the CEO.

Now an even stronger word is the verb ‘seize’. So this is when you take something really eagerly.

• I want to make sure our team seizes these opportunities in the future.

You can create an opportunity as well and this suggests that you made it possible through your actions to have that opportunity. You can take advantage of an opportunity. And that’s when you take that opportunity and use it for your own gain.

• When my boss announced his resignation, I took advantage of the situation and presented my paper at the conference in his place.

Good way to take advantage of a situation.

How many times has something or someone changed the way that you think about something or changed your point of view? Well it sounds much more intelligent to say “ change your perspective” or explain that something shifted your perspective.

So your perspective is a more intelligent way to talk about your way of thinking about things. And the verb ‘shift’ is used to say that something moved slightly.

• Working with high school students helped him to shift his perspective on the attitudes and work ethic of young people.

Okay we have to talk about the word ‘potential’ here, one of my favourite words because it’s full of possibility. It talks about the possibility to achieve something in the future. And the future is full of possibility. It’s full of potential. And when something that was once possible but is now true or real, we use the verb ‘realise’ with ‘potential’ here.

• I realised his potential as soon as he came into the interview.

We also use this verb with ‘dream’.

• My boss helped me to realise a long-term dream ; to present at an international conference.

So this is a much more professional way of saying that, you know, you made your dreams come true.

So can you tell me about a time that you seized an opportunity or you realised a dream? I’m really excited to see you using some of these words and collocations in the comments below. I’ll be coming down to check them out and give you some feedback on them soon.

Now I always make a point of giving feedback and writing comments for the first few days after my videos have been published so if you want feedback on your sentences then write them now right when we’re first watching this video.

And make sure that you’re subscribed with the notifications on so that you don’t miss out on any of my future lessons and opportunities to get feedback.

If you want to keep practising with me, you know where to go. I’ll see you in there!

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14 Grammar Tips to Make Your Writing Sound Smart

Zara Altair

Grammar Matters

Good grammar clarifies, 14 quick grammar tips, begin with good grammar.

Have you ever read a blog article or book with information you wanted to know, and it was almost impossible to read because the writer wanted to impress you with their intelligence?

That article or book was about them, not the subject matter. The author was trying to impress you with how smart they are. They used long words, technical terms without explanation, or worse, yet, words they made up so you could be an “insider.” They wrote long, complicated sentences. It wasn’t an informative read, and you probably didn’t finish it.

Don’t be that writer.

If you want to sound smart in your writing, be clear with your audience. Clarity is key to helping readers understand your text. Good grammar makes your sentences easy to understand. No matter how sophisticated your idea is, present it with clarity.

When you want to sound smart, using good grammar is important . Like common sense, grammar helps your reader understand without being baffled. When each sentence makes sense, it’s easy for your reader to understand your meaning.

From word choice to punctuation to citations, show your smarts by writing it right.

Tip 1: Alumnus

If you went to school but didn’t study Latin, referring to your fellow graduates can be tricky. You need to define whether they are masculine or feminine, and numbers count. One guy is an alumnus . One gal is an alumna . Many woman graduates are alumnae. And many men graduates are alumni . Following the Latin, men and women, all of them, are also alumni .

Tip 2: Affect and Effect

Affect is usually a verb that denotes making a change. Music affects my mood.

Effect is usually a noun naming the change. Newton’s third law of motion teaches that every action results in an equal and opposite effect.

But it’s not that simple. Affect also serves as a noun describing a person’s demeanor. Joe’s affect brightened after two cups of coffee.

And effect serves as a verb to make a change. My homeowner association voted to effect changes to parking access.

Tip 3: Compliment and Complement

The noun compliment denotes an act of giving praise. As a verb, compliment represents the act of giving praise: Jake complimented Agnes on her superb use of grammar.

As a noun or verb, complement implies completion:

• Her new bookcase complements her collection of reference books.
• The cider was the perfect complement to the Basque rabbit stew.

Tip 4: Example and Reference: e.g. or i.e.

These two abbreviations stand for Latin phrases. Use e.g. when referring to examples. The abbreviation represents the Latin exempli gratia , which means for example . Follow it with examples illustrating the previous statement: Various dog breeds are known for hip problems, especially large dogs, e.g. bulldogs, mastiffs, and retrievers.

When you want to restate a phrase, i.e. is Latin for that is , id est . Use it to restate or clarify: If your foundation has white marks, you may be in danger of structure settlement, i.e. a water-damaged foundation.

Tip 5: Further and Farther

These two are sometimes interchangeable, and sometimes your ear will guide your usage. There’s a grammatical adage to use farther for physical distance and further for figurative distance.

Modern speech prefers further as a verb. She took no prisoners with her cohorts to further her career. And it is the choice when used as an adverb to mean additionally. Further, I’d like to address the current invoicing procedures. As an adverb, further is also the modern choice. Since there were no further complaints, the detectives pursued their current criminal cases.

Tip 6: Quotation Marks or Italics for Titles

When you want to appear smarter, citing references is probably one step to verify your proposition. Italics and quotation marks set off your reference in a sentence, so your reader understands you are referring to a document. Use italics for longer works:

• Full-length plays
• Music albums
• Anything that has sections, like anthologies or collections
• Television and radio shows
• Ships (but the USS or HMS is not italicized)
• Spacecrafts
• Some scientific names
• Court cases
• Works of art
• Musical works like operas and musicals
• Computer and video games

Use quotation marks to set off:

• Short works like a poem or song
• Sections of longer works
• Episodes or scenes of a television show

And, sometimes you use neither:

• Constitutional documents
• Legal documents
• Traditional games (hopscotch, leapfrog)
• Commercial products (Cheerios)

Tip 7: Abbreviations

Don’t make your readers guess the meaning of an abbreviation. First, introduce what the abbreviation stands for before using it repeatedly in your text. You’ll help your reader understand the context. For example, Department of Aging or dead on arrival can both be abbreviated as DOA .

Your first use should include the entire phrase followed by the abbreviation or acronym: Home inspectors follow the Standard of Practice outlined by the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI).

ProWritingAid’s Acronym Report will tell you if you haven’t introduced an acronym, if you’ve introduced it multiple times, or if you’ve punctuated it in several different ways.

Tip 8: Dashes and Hyphens

Use hyphens to join words together: broken-hearted , four-fifths , brother-in-law .

A dash, also called an em-dash or m-dash, separates parts of a sentence. Use the dash to set off a clause in a sentence when the parts of the sentence that precede and follow the clause make sense without the “extra” clause.

If I told him once, I told him a thousand times—he should have known by now—to put the dirty clothes in the laundry hamper.

And you can use the dash in place of a colon, especially for emphasis.

His living room was filled with evidence of his fitness craze—barbells, an exercise bike, and a rowing machine.

Tip 9: Use Antecedents

Antecedents are a word, phrase, clause, or sentence to which another word (especially a following relative pronoun) refers. When you use pronouns like it , this , and that or even he , she , or they , you need a reference noun before them. Otherwise, your reader may wonder which report or who she is. Clear it up before you use the pronoun.

According to the K-lytics report on Christmas mysteries, authors heavily advertise in order to make money on low-priced books. This report highlights the seasonal popularity of those mysteries.

Tip 10: Who and Whom

Who is doing what to whom? That question sums it up.

Who is the subject in the sentence, the one that takes action. Whom is the object of the sentence, the one who receives the action.

• It was Jenna who said it.
• She saw the man with whom she had flirted wildly last Friday night.

Tip 11: No One Is Ever That

As a corollary, do not use that to refer to a person. They are not a thing. Use who or whom . It’s not the first man that walked on the moon . It’s the first man who walked on the moon . Enough said.

Tip 12: The Colon

A colon is used two ways: to make lists and to tell what you mean. When you use a colon, do not capitalize the first word after the colon.

You can use a colon to add a list to a sentence.

Novelists add the five senses to bring a scene to life: taste, touch, sight, smell, and hearing.

Colons can also be used to separate independent clauses when the second clause/sentence illustrates, explains, paraphrases, or expands on the first.

Jim realized his worst fear was coming true: his family would be homeless when they were evicted tomorrow.

Finally, you can use a colon to follow a salutation in a business or formal letter.

To the Tri-Valley Committee Chairman:

Tip 13: The Semicolon

Use a semicolon to separate two ideas (independent clauses) that are closely related.

Jane thought May was inviting her to a girls night in; it turned out, Mary was planning a surprise birthday party.

Also, use semicolons in a list when the list items contain commas.

Dave’s best high school buddies now lived far away: Tempe, Arizona; Union, New Jersey; Galveston, Texas; and Seattle, Washington.

Tip 14: Commas

Commas are the most frequently used, and misused, punctuation mark. When in doubt, look up your use. But here are four crucial guidelines to tame your comma use.

Use commas to separate items in a short list: Mary bought party favors, silly hats, and noisemakers for everyone at the surprise party.

Use a comma to separate two long independent clauses connected by a conjunction: Children labor over grammar rules in school, but they forget them later in life.

Use commas to set apart a parenthetical phrase (see em-dash in Tip 8 above): Your SEO practitioner, if he cares about your business, will tell you it may take months to gain organic traffic.

Use a comma after an informal introductory phrase: Dear John,

Good grammar helps your reader understand your concept. And, when you want to convey concepts, you also need to keep your syntax and vocabulary succinct. You’ll keep your reader from being confused.

In The Sense of Style , Steven Pinker said:

The key is to assume that your readers are as intelligent and sophisticated as you are, but that they happen not to know something you know.

Now, go share what you know.

Take your writing to the next level:

20 Editing Tips From Professional Writers

Whether you are writing a novel, essay, article, or email, good writing is an essential part of communicating your ideas., this guide contains the 20 most important writing tips and techniques from a wide range of professional writers..

Be confident about grammar

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Zara Altair writes traditional mysteries set in ancient Italy under Ostrogoths rule in The Argolicus Mysteries. She teaches mystery screenwriters and novelists at Write A Killer Mystery. She creates semantic web content for a select clientele.

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Big Words to Sound Smart and Impress Your Friends

By: Author ESLBUZZ

Posted on Last updated: September 6, 2023

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Are you looking to impress your friends and crush spelling bees? Look no further than these big words to sound smart! While using big words to sound smart is not recommended, having a strong vocabulary can enhance your communication skills and help you express yourself more effectively.

In this article, we will explore some essential big words to sound smart and improve your vocabulary. We will provide the meanings of these words and examples of how to use them in sentences. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of these words and be able to incorporate them into your writing and speech.

Big words – Image

Understanding Using Big Words to Sound Smart

The relationship between vocabulary and intelligence.

Research has shown that individuals with a larger vocabulary tend to have higher intelligence levels. This is because having a rich vocabulary is associated with better communication skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities. Additionally, a vast vocabulary enables individuals to express themselves more accurately and clearly, making them more effective communicators.

The Role of Vocabulary in Education

Vocabulary is a fundamental aspect of education. It is essential for students to develop a strong vocabulary to succeed in their academic pursuits. A robust vocabulary is necessary for reading comprehension, writing, and critical thinking. Students with a broad vocabulary can better understand complex texts, communicate their ideas effectively, and write compelling essays.

Using Big Words to Sound Smart

Many people believe that using big or fancy words makes them sound more intelligent. However, using complicated words unnecessarily can actually make communication less effective. It is essential to use appropriate words that accurately convey the intended meaning.

Building Your Vocabulary

Building your vocabulary is an ongoing process that requires consistent effort and practice. Here are some tips to help you improve your vocabulary:

• Read regularly: Reading is one of the most effective ways to improve your vocabulary. It exposes you to new words and their meanings in context.
• Use a dictionary: If you come across a word you don’t know, look it up in a dictionary. This will help you understand the word’s meaning and how to use it correctly.
• Learn root words: Many English words have Latin or Greek roots. Understanding these roots can help you decipher the meanings of unfamiliar words.
• Play word games: Word games such as crossword puzzles, Scrabble, and Boggle can be a fun way to learn new words and reinforce your existing vocabulary.

Examples of Big Words to Sound Smart

Here are some examples of big words that you can use to sound smart. However, remember to use them appropriately and in the right context:

List of Big Words to Sound Smart

Here are some examples of big words and their meanings:

Exploring Common Big Words to Sound Smart

Fastidious is an adjective that describes someone who is very attentive to detail and has high standards. It can also refer to something that is difficult to please or satisfy. For example:

• “She was fastidious about keeping her house clean and organized.”
• “The restaurant received a bad review from the fastidious food critic.”

Capricious is an adjective that describes someone or something that is unpredictable and subject to sudden changes. It can also refer to someone who is impulsive and prone to making sudden decisions. For example:

• “The weather in this city is capricious, one minute it’s sunny and the next it’s raining.”
• “She’s known for her capricious behavior, always changing her mind at the last minute.”

Ennui is a noun that describes a feeling of boredom and dissatisfaction with life. It can also refer to a sense of apathy or disinterest. For example:

• “He felt a sense of ennui after doing the same job for years.”
• “The party was full of ennui, everyone seemed bored and disinterested.”

Perfunctory

Perfunctory is an adjective that describes something that is done without care or interest. It can also refer to something that is done merely as a formality or routine. For example:

• “He gave a perfunctory apology, without really meaning it.”
• “The teacher gave a perfunctory lecture, without engaging the students.”

Sycophant is a noun that describes someone who flatters and praises others in order to gain favor or advantage. It can also refer to someone who is overly submissive and obedient. For example:

• “He’s always been a sycophant, sucking up to the boss in order to get ahead.”
• “She couldn’t stand the sycophants in her social circle, always trying to please others.”

Maudlin is an adjective that describes someone who is overly sentimental and emotional. It can also refer to something that is excessively sentimental or emotional. For example:

• “She became maudlin after watching a sad movie, crying uncontrollably.”
• “The poetry was maudlin, full of cliches and melodrama.”

Boondoggle is a noun that describes a project or activity that is wasteful and unnecessary. It can also refer to something that is done merely to give the appearance of being useful. For example:

• “The new highway was a boondoggle, costing millions of dollars and serving no real purpose.”
• “The company’s team-building exercises were a boondoggle, wasting valuable time and resources.”

Fait Accompli

Fait accompli is a noun that describes something that has already been done and cannot be changed. It can also refer to something that is presented as a done deal, without any opportunity for discussion or debate. For example:

• “The decision was a fait accompli, with no chance for further input or discussion.”
• “The merger was presented as a fait accompli, even though many employees were opposed to it.”

Glib is an adjective that describes someone who speaks in a smooth and easy manner, often without thinking or caring about the consequences. It can also refer to something that is superficial and lacking in depth. For example:

• “He gave a glib response to the difficult question, without really answering it.”
• “The politician’s speech was glib, full of empty promises and platitudes.”

Brogue is a noun that describes a strong and distinctive regional accent, often associated with Ireland or Scotland. It can also refer to a type of shoe that originated in Ireland. For example:

• “He had a thick brogue, making it difficult for others to understand him.”
• “She wore a pair of stylish brogues to the office, making a fashion statement.”

Teetotaler is a noun that describes someone who abstains from alcohol completely. It can also refer to someone who is opposed to alcohol consumption for moral or religious reasons. For example:

• “He’s been a teetotaler for years, preferring to drink water or soda instead.”
• “The organization was founded by teetotalers, who wanted to promote a healthy and sober lifestyle.”

The Art of Using Big Words to Sound Smart

Using big words can be a great way to sound smart and improve your vocabulary. However, it is important to use them correctly and in the right context. Here are some tips to help you master the art of using big words:

Know Your Audience

Before using big words, it is important to know your audience. If you are speaking or writing to a group of experts in your field, using technical jargon and big words may be appropriate. However, if you are speaking to a general audience, it is best to use simpler language that everyone can understand.

Use Big Words Sparingly

While big words can be impressive, using them too often can make you sound pretentious or even unintelligible. Use big words sparingly and only when they add value to your message.

Use Big Words Correctly

Using big words incorrectly can make you look foolish. Make sure you understand the meaning and context of the big words you use. Look up their definitions and use them in the right context to avoid any embarrassing mistakes.

Practice Using Big Words

The best way to master the art of using big words is to practice. Read books and articles that use big words and try to understand their meaning. Use big words in your writing and speaking and get feedback from others to improve your skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some sophisticated words to use in writing?

Sophisticated words can add depth and complexity to your writing. Some examples include:

What are some big English words that can make your writing sound more intelligent?

Using big words can make your writing sound more intelligent, but it’s important to use them correctly. Some examples include:

• Magnanimous
• Discombobulate
• Perspicacious

What are some fancy words with their meanings?

Here are some fancy words with their meanings:

What is a good number of words to have in your vocabulary?

The average English-speaking adult has between 20,000 – 35,000 words in their vocabulary, but the more words you know, the better. Aim to learn at least 10 new words a week to steadily expand your vocabulary.

What are some commonly used big words in arguments?

In arguments, big words can be used to sound more convincing. Some commonly used big words in arguments include:

• Epistemology
• Utilitarianism

"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What are some big English words that can make your writing sound more intelligent?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"

Using big words can make your writing sound more intelligent, but it's important to use them correctly. Some examples include:

"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What are some fancy words with their meanings?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"

"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What are some ways to improve your vocabulary?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"

Improving your vocabulary can be a fun and rewarding process. Here are some ways to get started:

• Read widely and regularly
• Keep a vocabulary journal
• Use flashcards or vocabulary apps
• Play word games like Scrabble or crossword puzzles
• Watch movies or TV shows with subtitles
• Take an online vocabulary course

"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What is a good number of words to have in your vocabulary?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"

The average English-speaking adult has between 20,000 - 35,000 words in their vocabulary, but the more words you know, the better. Aim to learn at least 10 new words a week to steadily expand your vocabulary.

"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What are some commonly used big words in arguments?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"

Remember, using big words alone won't make your argument stronger. Always make sure to use them correctly and effectively.

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16 Vocabulary Words To Make You Sound Smarter

Smart words

When we write or talk, most of us tend to use a lot of familiar, simple words to make communicating quick and easy. Usually, we focus more on what we’re trying to say rather than how we say it, and that’s just fine when you’re telling your friends about the wacky hijinks you got up to on the weekend or tweeting out another hilarious cat meme.

However, when you really want to impress your teacher or your boss, it is good to have a few extraordinary words on the tip of your tongue that you confidently know how to use. Of course, you can always use our amazing Thesaurus to guide you, but we’ve gathered up some great words you can bust out in the heat of the moment to show just what a masterful wordsmith you are. ( Hmm …  or perhaps you’d prefer to besprinkle your scintillating vocabulary with these scholarly  terms.)

Ennui often headlines lists like this one probably because it just sounds so fancy. Say it with us, [ ahn- wee ]. Ennui is “a feeling of weariness or discontent resulting from a lack of interest.”

The closest word in meaning to ennui is boredom , but ennui is also an exciting alternative to its synonyms, words like apathy , tedium , or disinterest .

• Jessica was overwhelmed by ennui as she listened to the long lecture about the different types of fertilizers.

A cacophony is a “discordant mixture of sounds.” A cacophony is not pleasant to listen to, and you’ll be rushing for some earplugs if you hear one.

However, cacophony will be music to your listener’s ears when you use it to replace words like noise , racket , crash , clamor , and clatter .

• The maestro dropped the instruments down the stairs and caused a terrible cacophony that could be heard across the street.

Cicadas are known for their cacophonous buzzing, and for being confused with locusts. Do you know the difference?

quintessential

Quintessential is an adjective that describes something as being of “the purest essence” or “perfect embodiment.” For example, a quintessential children’s story would be one that has everything a person would expect to find in the perfect children’s story, such as talking animals or an important life lesson.

Quintessential is the perfect example of an upgrade to words like ideal , typical , ultimate , classic , model , or textbook .

• The comic book was a quintessential Batman story: the caped crusader used his wits and gadgets to foil the Joker’s evil schemes in the nick of time.

Guile is a noun that refers to clever or crafty intelligence.

Guile is perfect when you want to perform a sneaky switcheroo and replace words like cleverness , slyness , trickery , cunning , or craftiness .

• Robin Hood used his guile to outwit and frustrate the Sheriff of Nottingham.

insinuation

An insinuation is an “indirect or covert suggestion.” An insinuation is something (often something negative) being implied without actually saying it.

Now, far be it from us to imply that insinuation is a good substitute for the words implication , hint , suggestion , or innuendo , but you may just want to think about it is all we are saying. (Hint, hint.)

• The coach was hammered by questions that were loaded with insinuations that his team lacked discipline.

Fortuitous is an adjective that means something is a result of chance or good fortune.

What great luck! Fortuitous just so happens to be the word we were looking for to replace words like lucky , fortunate , random , accidental , and coincidental .

• In a fortuitous turn of events, the replacement stuntwoman looked exactly like the lead actress.

How fortuitous that we have a collection of different ways to wish someone good luck!

Esoteric is an adjective that describes something as being “understood or meant for a select few with special knowledge” or being “limited to a small group.”

Keep it just between us that esoteric is an upgrade to the words obscure , mysterious , arcane , mystical , or cryptic .

• The newest book was full of esoteric callbacks and references that only the most dedicated fans would get.

Opulent is an adjective that means something displays or is made of riches or vast wealth.

Opulent is a first-class upgrade to words like rich , wealthy , luxurious , lavish , swanky , and lush .

• The neighborhood had many opulent mansions that only the wealthiest people in the country could afford to live in.

A menagerie is a collection of unusual animals or the place where they are kept.

Menagerie has a pretty unique meaning, but you could use it to colorfully describe a zoo , a farm , a circus , a petting zoo , or a house full of pets .

• My brother has a lot of pets: his menagerie includes a cat, a parrot, a turtle, a snake, three bunnies, and four guinea pigs.

Add these animal adjectives to your list as well , next time you’re describing a trip to the zoo … or your own household.

Propensity is a noun that means “a natural inclination or tendency.” For example, a social media influencer probably has a p ropensity to share everything and anything with their followers.

If you know what it means, you’ll be inclined to swap in propensity for words like inclination , tendency , habit , penchant , or leaning .

• My curious kitten has a propensity for getting stuck in cardboard boxes.  

ostentatious

Ostentatious is an adjective that describes something as being intended to draw attention or describes a person as wanting to draw attention to themselves.

Ostentatious is an attention-getting alternative to words like flashy , showy , gaudy , garish , and flamboyant .

• The pop singer liked to wear ostentatious tuxedos made out of purple and pink fabrics.

circumspect

Circumspect is an adjective that describes someone as thinking carefully and not taking risks.

Circumspect is a thoughtful back-up plan to words like cautious , careful , discreet , vigilant , or wary .

• The experienced hunter was circumspect as she entered the woods, keeping an eye out for any wild animals.

Take the time to cautiously review the difference between perspective and prospective.

Apropos is an adjective and an adverb that describes something as being relevant or appropriate. Apropos is also used in the phrase apropos of , which means “concerning” or “regarding.”

Apropos is a perfect selection if you want to upgrade words like relevant , opportune , fitting , suitable , and apt .

• With Easter right around the corner, it seemed apropos to find lots of bunnies at the petting zoo.

incongruity

Incongruity is a noun that refers to something that is incongruous or the act of being incongruous. As a bonus word, incongruous is an adjective that describes something as being out of place or having parts that don’t mix well together.

Incongruity won’t be out of place if you use it instead of the words discrepancy , inconsistency , inappropriateness , or mismatch .

• My little sister’s movie collection is an incongruity of romantic comedies and slasher films.

Spurious is an adjective that describes something as being fake or not true.

Spurious is an honest-to-goodness alternative to words like fake , false , counterfeit , phony , bogus , or not real .

• The director criticized the tabloid for spreading spurious rumors that he wasn’t getting along with his lead actor.

inconspicuous

Inconspicuous is an adjective that describes something as not being easily seen or noticed.

Inconspicuous is an easily overlooked upgrade to words like hidden , unnoticeable , low-profile , low-key , and subtle .

• Aladdin tried to remain inconspicuous as he snuck past the palace guards looking for him among the crowd.

Take the quiz

You’ve seen the words— now take the quiz. Are you ready to make these a part of your everyday vocabulary? If you need a refresher, find these words in a custom word list that also allows you to practice spelling and create flashcards.

Level up your skills with these untranslatable words from around the world that describe the indescribable in English.

Can you guess the definition?

[ noo-sh uh - tel ]

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Transition Words

As a "part of speech" transition words are used to link words, phrases or sentences. They help the reader to progress from one idea (expressed by the author) to the next idea. Thus, they help to build up coherent relationships within the text.

Transitional Words

This structured list of commonly used English transition words — approximately 200, can be considered as quasi complete. It can be used (by students and teachers alike) to find the right expression. English transition words are essential, since they not only connect ideas, but also can introduce a certain shift, contrast or opposition, emphasis or agreement, purpose, result or conclusion, etc. in the line of argument. The transition words and phrases have been assigned only once to somewhat artificial categories, although some words belong to more than one category.

There is some overlapping with prepositions and postpositions, but for the purpose of usage and completeness of this concise guide, I did not differentiate.

Linking & Connecting Words — Part 1/2

Agreement / Addition / Similarity

Opposition / limitation / contradiction, examples / support / emphasis, cause / condition / purpose, effect / consequence / result, conclusion / summary / restatement, time / chronology / sequence, space / location / place.

The transition words like also, in addition, and, likewise , add information , reinforce ideas , and express agreement with preceding material.

in the first place

not only ... but also

as a matter of fact

in like manner

in addition

coupled with

in the same fashion / way

first, second, third

in the light of

not to mention

to say nothing of

equally important

by the same token

identically

together with

comparatively

correspondingly

furthermore

additionally

Transition phrases like but , rather and or , express that there is evidence to the contrary or point out alternatives , and thus introduce a change the line of reasoning ( contrast ).

although this may be true

in contrast

different from

of course ..., but

on the other hand

on the contrary

at the same time

in spite of

even so / though

be that as it may

(and) still

even though

nevertheless

nonetheless

notwithstanding

These transitional phrases present specific conditions or intentions .

in the event that

granted (that)

as / so long as

on (the) condition (that)

for the purpose of

with this intention

with this in mind

in the hope that

to the end that

for fear that

in order to

seeing / being that

provided that

only / even if

inasmuch as

These transitional devices (like especially ) are used to introduce examples as support , to indicate importance or as an illustration so that an idea is cued to the reader.

in other words

to put it differently

for one thing

as an illustration

in this case

for this reason

to put it another way

that is to say

with attention to

by all means

important to realize

another key point

first thing to remember

most compelling evidence

must be remembered

point often overlooked

to point out

on the positive side

on the negative side

specifically

surprisingly

significantly

particularly

in particular

for example

for instance

to demonstrate

to emphasize

to enumerate

Some of these transition words ( thus, then, accordingly, consequently, therefore, henceforth ) are time words that are used to show that after a particular time there was a consequence or an effect .

Note that for and because are placed before the cause/reason. The other devices are placed before the consequences or effects.

as a result

under those circumstances

in that case

because the

consequently

accordingly

These transition words and phrases conclude , summarize and / or restate ideas, or indicate a final general statement . Also some words (like therefore ) from the Effect / Consequence category can be used to summarize.

as can be seen

generally speaking

in the final analysis

all things considered

as shown above

in the long run

given these points

as has been noted

for the most part

in conclusion

to summarize

by and large

on the whole

in any event

in either case

These transitional words (like finally ) have the function of limiting, restricting, and defining time . They can be used either alone or as part of adverbial expressions .

at the present time

from time to time

sooner or later

up to the present time

to begin with

in due time

in the meantime

in a moment

without delay

all of a sudden

at this instant

first, second

immediately

straightaway

by the time

occasionally

Many transition words in the time category ( consequently; first, second, third; further; hence; henceforth; since; then, when; and whenever ) have other uses.

Except for the numbers ( first, second, third ) and further they add a meaning of time in expressing conditions, qualifications, or reasons. The numbers are also used to add information or list examples . Further is also used to indicate added space as well as added time.

These transition words are often used as part of adverbial expressions and have the function to restrict, limit or qualify space . Quite a few of these are also found in the Time category and can be used to describe spatial order or spatial reference.

in the middle

to the left/right

in front of

on this side

in the distance

here and there

in the foreground

in the background

in the center of

adjacent to

opposite to 

List of Transition Words

Transition Words are also sometimes called (or put in the category of) Connecting Words. Please feel free to download them via this link to the category page: Linking Words & Connecting Words as a PDF. It contains all the transition words listed on this site. The image to the left gives you an impression how it looks like.

Usage of Transition Words in Essays

Transition words and phrases are vital devices for essays , papers or other literary compositions. They improve the connections and transitions between sentences and paragraphs. They thus give the text a logical organization and structure (see also: a List of Synonyms ).

All English transition words and phrases (sometimes also called 'conjunctive adverbs') do the same work as coordinating conjunctions : they connect two words, phrases or clauses together and thus the text is easier to read and the coherence is improved.

Usage: transition words are used with a special rule for punctuation : a semicolon or a period is used after the first 'sentence', and a comma is almost always used to set off the transition word from the second 'sentence'.

Example 1: People use 43 muscles when they frown; however, they use only 28 muscles when they smile.

Example 2: however, transition words can also be placed at the beginning of a new paragraph or sentence - not only to indicate a step forward in the reasoning, but also to relate the new material to the preceding thoughts..

Use a semicolon to connect sentences, only if the group of words on either side of the semicolon is a complete sentence each (both must have a subject and a verb, and could thus stand alone as a complete thought).

Further helpful readings about expressions, writing and grammar: Compilation of Writing Tips How to write good   ¦   Correct Spelling Study by an English University

Are you using WORD for writing professional texts and essays? There are many easy Windows Shortcuts available which work (almost) system-wide (e.g. in every programm you use).

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300 Words That Make You Sound Smart (The Ultimate List)

August 30, 2020 by admin Leave a Comment

Words To Make You Sound Smart

• 1.1 List Of Big Smart Sounding Words (Learn New Words)

The English language has been spoken now for over 1400 years. With the oldest language being Egyptian which dates back to 2690 BC!

The fact of the matter is, expanding our vocabulary is a great journey to go on. We can learn more about our language, and the more words we use, the more we are able to use. As we start noticing patterns in the language we speak. One word open up ten more possibilities!

Let’s start off then, with the longest world in any of the major languages for funs sake!

pneumonoultramiscroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis – A lung disease in which it is contracted due to the inhalation of very fine silica particles, specifically from a volcano!

As far as some fun facts about language .

The world “alphabet” is actually created from the summation of the two letters of the greek alphabet which are: “Alpha” and “Beta”.

Cambodia has the longest alphabet including 76 words!

There are actually over 7000 languages. Basque language is the only language spoken that has no relation at all whatsoever to any other language.

There is a language called “La Gomera” in which the language has no words, it is spoken in whistles!

Hawaiians have nearly 200 words that the use for rain.

The first printed book was in the German language.

About 2/3 of languages come directly from Africa and Asia.

Anyways, I am sure you will be using that sporadically throughout your day now, as there are SO MANY good times to use it during the average conversation you have with the check out clerk at the grocery store!

It also happens to be more intellectually attractive to the world, which can create a feeling of being more worthy to the world as well as allowing us to feel a sense of significance and growth in our lives.

The fact of the matter is, all words are not created equal. We can set ourselves apart very quickly once we learn words that most of the population have never even heard of.

It can make us ace interviews, give better presentations, sounds more attractive on dates as well as even make us smarter and change our brain in a positive manner, according to this extensive study !

And let’s face it, variety is the spice of life, am I right?? So the fact of the matter is, when you and I start to build out our vocabulary, I truly believe that it will sustain a much more colorful existence to where we are able to see the world and express how we feel about it, in multiple new different shades.

So let’s jump into the list so we can start to really milk the most out of this life through the expansion of vocabulary.

Really it is all about little tweaks, like for example instead of saying cartoons, we can say animation. Instead of saying crazy, we can instead say ludicrous.

These little tweaks can make our communication sound more poetic and captivating.

So here are some big words to use to make you sound smart or list of fancy words if you will!

List Of Big Smart Sounding Words (Learn New Words)

• Abdicate – To renounce one’s throne, failing to fulfill a undertake
• Absurdity – Utterly or obviously senseless, illogical, or untrue, contrary to all reason or common sense. Laughably foolish or false.
• Accolade – An award or privilege granted as a special honor or as an acknowledgement
• Abiogenically – Not produced by the action of living organism
• Abstruse – Hard to understand
• Absorb – Take in or soak up.
• Academia – The life, community or world of teachers, schools and education
• Advantageous – Affording advantage, favorable or beneficial
• Adversary – Relating to a person, place or thing where conflict is involved
• Advocate – To speak or write in favor of, support or urge by argument, recommend publicly.
• Anomaly – Something that deviates from what is standard, normal or expected.
• Altruistic – Showing disinterested and selfless concern for the well-being of others, unselfish.
• Annihilate – Destroy utterly, obliterate
• Antidisestablishmentarianism – Opposition to the withdrawal of state support or recognition from an established church
• Abbreviate – Shorten the duration of, cut short
• Acrimony – Bitterness or ill feeling.
• Accoutrement – Additional items of dress or equipment or other items carried or worn by a person or used in a particular activity.
• Agitated – Feeling or appearing troubled or nervous
• Allure – To entice by charm or attraction
• Ambiguous – Open to more than one interpretation, having a double meaning
• Amicable – Having a spirit of friendliness
• Amnesty – The act of an authority, by which pardon is granted to a large group of individuals
• Ample – Of large or great size, amount, extend or capacity.
• Animation – The preparation of animated cartoons
• Anomalistic – Departing from the normal. Irregular
• Anagnorisis – The point in the plot, especially of a tragedy at which the protagonist recognizes his or her true identity
• Angst – A feeling of deep anxiety or dread, typically an unfocused one about the human condition or the state of the world in general.
• Anomaly – Something that deviates from what is standard, normal or expected
• Antidote – A medicine taken or given to counteract a particular poison.
• Annihilate – Destroy utterly.
• Anachronistic – Belonging to a period other than that being portrayed.
• Antiquated – Old fashioned or outdated.
• Antagonist – A person who actively opposes or is hostile to someone or something. An adversary
• Aplomb – Self confidence or assurance, especially when in a demanding situation. Self assurance
• Apparatus – Items needed for the performance a task or activity
• Appalled – Greatly dismayed or horrified
• Appreciation – Grateful, thankful, recognition
• Apprehension – A suspicion or fear especially of future evil
• Apprenticeship – A person who works for another in order to learn a trade.
• Arbitrary – Existing or coming about seemingly at random or by chance
• Arsenal – A place where military arms are stored
• Arcane – Understood by few, mysterious, secret.
• Astronomically – Of or relating to astronomy, of enormous magnittude, immense
• Astonishment – A feeling of great surprise and wonder. The state of being astonished.
• Astute – Having or showing shrewdness and ab ability to notice and understand things clearly, mentally sharp or clever
• Auspicious – Conducive to success, favorable. Being a sign of future success.
• Austere – Severe in manner or appearance, strict, forbidding
• Avante Garde – People or works that are experimental, radical, or unorthodox, with respect to art, culture or society.
• Aversion – A strong feeling of dislike, opposition
• Baroque – relating to, or having the characteristics of a style of artistic expression prevalent especially in the 17th century.
• Belittle – To regard or portray as less impressive or important than appearances indicate, depreciate, disparage.
• Blunder – A stupid or careless mistake
• Bloviate – To speak or write verbosely and windily
• Bolster – To support or improve something or make it stronger
• Boondoggle – Work or activity that is wasteful or pointless but given the appearance of having value
• Bona fide – Made with earnest intent, neither specious nor counterfeit
• Bravado – A bold manner or a show of boldness intended to impress or intimidate
• Brunt – The main force of something unpleasant
• Bourgeois – Of or character of the middle class, typically with reference to it’s perceived materialistic values or conventional attitudes.
• Brutalize – Attack someone in a savage or violent
• Byzantine – Excessively complicated and typically involving a great deal of administrative detail.
• Cacophony – A harsh discordant mixture of sounds
• Camaraderie – A mutual trust and friendship among people who spend a lot of time together.
• Captivating – Charmingly or irresistibly appealing
• Carnage – The killing of a large number of people. Death and destruction
• Capricious – Given to sudden or unaccountable chances in mood or behavior
• Caustic – Able to burn or corrode tissue by chemical action
• Childrearing – One who raises a child
• Clattering – A continuous rattling sound as of hard objects falling or striking each other./
• Cognoscenti – People who are considered to be especially well informed about a particular subject
• Combustion – The act or process of burning,
• Concoction – A mixture or various ingredients of elements
• Connotation – The suggesting of a meaning by a word apart from the thing it explicitly names or describes
• Conspicuous – Standing out so as to be clearly visible. Attracting notice or attention.
• Contemptuous – Showing or expressing contempt, disdain, scornful, disrespectful.
• Contour – The outline of a figure or body, the edge or line that defines or bounds a shape or object.
• Contextualize – To place something, such as a word or activity in context.
• Convoluted – Twisted, coiled, complicated, intricately involved
• Cloying  – Disgust or sickening someone with an excess or sweetness, richness or sentiment
• Commendable – To express the approval of, praise, to represent as worth, qualified, or desirable.
• Composition – The nature of something’s ingredients or constituients, the way in which a whole or mixture is made up of.
• Congenial – Friendly and pleasant.
• Conformity – Correspondence in form, manner, or character
• Consensus – A generally accepted opinion or decision among a group of people.
• Correspondence – The agreement of things with one another
• Corrosion – The wearing away of
• Culprit – One accused of or charged with a crime
• Deceptive – Tending or having power to cause someone to accept as true or valid what is false or invalid, tending or having power to deceive
• Delighted – Feeling or showing great pleasure
• Depleting – To empty of a principle substance
• Depreciate – To reduce the value of .
• Destabilize – Upset the stability of, cause unrest in
• Dialogue – Conversation between two or more persons. Exchange of ideas or opinions.
• Diatribe – A harsh criticism
• Dichotomy – A division or contrast between two things that are or are represented as being opposite or different
• Dictation – The action of saying words aloud to be typed, written down or recorded. Arbitrary command
• Dilettante – Intended to entrap or beguile
• Disambiguate – Remove uncertainty of meaning from
• Disheveled – Hanging loosely or in disorder, unkempt
• Derision – Ridicule, mockery. An object of ridicule.
• Disbanded – To break up or dissolve. To disperse
• Discrepancy – A lack of compatibility between two or more facts. Displaying an unexpected or unacceptable difference.
• Disdain – A feeling of contempt for someone or something regarded as unworthy or inferior
• Disorderly – Lacking organization, untidy, confused.
• Distraught – Extremely worried, upset or confused.
• Dragoon – Coerce someone into doing something. A member of any of several cavalry regiments in the British Army.
• Earnest – Not playful, serious, important
• Echelon – A level of command, authority or rank. A level of worthiness, achievement or reputation.
• Ecstatic – Experiencing or marked by overwhelming pleasurable emotion
• Elaborate – Planned or carried out with great care, marked by complexity, fullness of detail, or orateness
• Elitism – Practice of or belief in a rule by an elite. Conscious of or pride in belonging to a select or favored group.
• Eloquence – Fluent or persuasive speaking or writing.
• Equivocate – Use ambiguous language so as to conceal the truth or avoid committing oneself.
• Euphemism – A mild indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing.
• Elucidate – To make something clear
• Epitome – A person or thing that is a perfect example of a particular quality or type.
• Esoteric – Intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with a specialized knowledge or interest.
• Espionage – The practice of spying or using spies, typically by governments to obtain political and military information.
• Enormity – An outrageous, improper or immoral act.
• Euphoric – Characterized or feeling intense excitement and happiness-
• Explicit – A fully revealed or expressed without vagueness, implication, or ambiguity, leaving no question as to meaning or intent
• Extravagant – Exceeding the limits of reason or necessity
• Erroneous – Wrong, incorrect, containing, error, mistaken. Straying away from what is moral.
• Exquisite – Very beautiful and delicate
• Fastidious – Very attentive to and concerned about accuracy and detail
• Fascination – The state of feeling an intense interest in something
• Faux Pas – An embarrassing or tactless act or remark in a social situation
• Fiasco – A thing that is a complete failure, especially in a ludicrous or humiliating way
• Finagle – To trick, swindle or cheat, manipulation.
• Flattery – lavish insincere praise and compliments upon someone, especially to further ones own interest.
• Flustered – In a state of agitated confusion
• Foibles – A minor weakness or eccentricity in someones character
• Foist – To pass something off as valuable when its not
• Foster – To promote the growth or development of.
• Futile – Incapable of producing any result, ineffective, useless, not successful.
• Glamorous – Full of glamour, charmingly or fascinatingly attractive, especially in a mysterious or magical way.
• Gargantuan – Very large, impressive in size
• Glib – Fluent and voluble but insincere or shallow.
• Guileless – Innocent, naive
• Harping – Talk or write persistently or tediously
• Harbinger – A person or something that foreshadows a future event. Something that gives an anticipatory sign of what is to come
• Hedonist – A person whose life is devoted to the pursuit of pleasure and self gratification
• Homogeneous – Of the same kind, alike, having the same properties
• Helm – The handle or wheel which controls the direction in which a ship or boat travels.
• Hostile – Unfriendly, antagonistic. Having or showing unwanted feelings.
• Idealistic – Unrealistic aiming for perfection.
• Idiom – An expression whose meaning is not predictable from the usual meanings of its constituent elements.
• Implicate – To bring into intimate or incrimating connection
• Impoverished – To make more, to deprive of strength or fertility by depleting or draining something essential
• Incisive – Intelligently analytical and clear thinkings.
• Indelible – That cannot be removed, washed away or erased.
• Infinitesimal – Extremely small, a value approaching zero
• Indenture – A legal agreement, contract or document.
• Inordinate – Exceeding reasonable limits.
• Irrepressible – No able to be controlled or restrained.
• Inebriated – Exhilarated or confused by alcohol.
• Irrelevant – Not connected with what you are discussing or dealing with. Not important.
• Insensible – Lacking sensory perception or ability to react
• Insentient – Lacking perception, consciousness, or animation
• Insidious – Unpleasant or dangerous and develops gradually without being noticed.
• Insignificant – Unimportant, especially because it is very small.
• Intelligentsia – Intellectuals or highly educated people as a group, especially when regarded or possessing culture and political influence .
• Intergalactic – Relating to or situated between two or more galaxies.
• Jejune – Naive, simplistic, superficial, very simply and childish, boring and not interesting.
• Junket – A trip made by an official at public expense.
• Kerfuffle – A fuss or commotion. A disturbance or commotion, typically caused by a dispute or conflict.
• Lavish – Produced in abundance
• Litany – A prayer consisting of a series of invocations and supplications by the leader with alternate responses by the congregation. A sizable series or set.
• Lollygag – To waste time in trifling or aimless activity, too fool around.
• Ludicrous – Causing laughter because of absurdity, provoking or deserving derision, laughable.
• Lucid – A clear understanding of.
• Lurid – Vivid and attention grabbing in a shocking, graphic, or horrible way.
• Malaise – A general feeling of discomfort, illness or unease
• Malevolent – Having or showing a wish to do evil to others
• Malignant – Very infectious
• Malinger – A pretend or exaggerate incapacity of illness
• Mantra – A word or sound repeated to aid concentration in meditation
• Marvelous – Superb, excellent, great. Such as to cause wonder, admiration, or astonishment.
• Maudlin – Drunk enough to be emotionally silly
• Memoir – An official note or report, a narrative composed from personal experience
• Merit – A praiseworthy quality
• Mercilessly – Cruel, Pitiless
• Mercenary – One that serves merely for wages, a soldier hired into foreign services.
• Methodical – Done according to a systematic or established form of procedure
• Misnomer – A wrong or inaccurate name or designation.
• Morale – The confidence, enthusiasm, and discipline of a person or group at a particular time.
• Mountainous – Resembling a mountain, containing many mountains
• Nidificate – To build a nest
• Non Sequitur – A conclusion or statement that does not logically follow from the previous argument or statement
• Notorious – Widely and unfavorably known
• Nouveau-riche – People who have recently acquired wealthy, typically those perceived as an ostentatious or lacking in good taste
• Nullify – To reder or declare legally void or inoperative.
• Obliterate – Wipe out, utterly destroy. Cause to become invisible, or indistinct, bewilder
• Obliged – To constrain by physical, moral or legal force
• Oblivion – The state of being unaware or unconscious of what is happening, the fact or condition of not remembering, a state of marked by lack of awareness or consciousness
• Obfuscate – Render obscure, unclear or unintelligible
• Obscure – No discovered or known about, uncertain. Keeping from being seen, conceal
• Orate – To speak in an elevated or often pompous manner
• Obstinate – Stubbornly adhering to an opinion, purpose, or course in spite of reason, arguments, or persuasion.
• Ostentatious – Characterized by vulgar or pretentious display, designed to impress or attract notice
• Ostracize – To exclude, by general consent from society, friendship or conversation, to banish
• Opportunistic – Exploiting chances offered by immediate circumstances without reference to a general plan or moral principle.
• Oratory – A small chapel, especially for private worship.
• Panacea – A remedy for all ills or difficulties
• Pedant – A person who is excessively concerned with minor details and rules or who is displaying academic learning.
• Peevish – Easily irritated, especially by unimportant things. Marked by an ill temper
• Pervicacious – Inflexible and self willed
• Perception – Awareness of the elements of environment through physical sensation.
• Periodically – From time to time, occasionally
• Pessimistic – Tending to see the worst aspect of things or believe that the worst will happen
• Phenomenal – Beyond stellar, greatness in all forms. Truely gifted and able.
• Philistine – One uninformed in a special area of knowledge
• Pitiless – Merciless, showing no pity, no sympathy
• Placate – Make someone less angry or hostile 
• Plebeian – A person, especially one from earlier history, who comes from a low social class
• Plethora – Excess, overabundance
• Pompous – Excessively elevated or ornate, having or exhibiting self importance.
• Precarious – Not securely held in position, dangerously likely to fall or collapse
• Prodigious – Remarkably or impressively great in extent, size or degree. Unnatural
• Perfunctory – Carried out with a minimum of effort or reflection.
• Precipitous -Dangerously high or steep, perpendicular, overhanging in rise or fall
• Prodigy – A person, especially a young one endowed with exceptional qualities or abilities.
• Prolix – Extended to great, unnecessary length, long or wordy
• Proficient – Well advanced in an art, occupation or branch of knowledge.
• Pretentious – Making usually unjustified or excessive claims
• Prone – Likely or liable to suffer from, or experience something regrettable or unwelcome
• Pusillanimous – Lacking courage and resolution, marked by contemptible timidity
• Quid Pro Quo – Something that is given or taken in return from something else
• Quintessential – Of the pure and essential essence of something
• Radiant – Sending our light, shining or glowing brightly
• Ratified – Sign or give formal consent to. To confirm by expressing consent
• Rebellion – An act of violent or open resistance to an established government or ruler. An instance of such defiance or resistance.
• Recherche   – Rare, exotic, or obscure. Excessively refined
• Reciprocate – To give and take mutually
• Recondite – Dealing with profound or difficult matter. Beyond ordinary knowledge or understanding
• Redemption – The action of saving or being saved from sin, error or evil.
• Red Herring – Something to divert attention from the real problem or matter at hand.
• Remorse – Deep regret or guilt for a wrong committed
• Retort – Say something in an answer or a remark or accusation typically in a sharp, angry or wittily incisive manner.
• Revel – Lively and noisy enjoyment, enjoy oneself in a lively or noisy way, especially with drinking and dancing.
• Rhetoric – The art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing, especially the use of figures of speech and other compositional techniques.
• Ridicule – Speech or action intended to cause contemptuous laughter at a person or thing
• Rococo – Ornate or elegant in architectural style
• Rollicking – A mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be to harsh or blunt when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing.
• Ruse – A trick intended to deceive someone
• Sarcastic – Marked by or given to using irony in order to mock or convey content
• Salubrious – Promoting health or welfare, healthful, wholesome, salutary
• Scatterbrained – A person who tends to be disorganized or lacking in concentration
• Scintillating – Shining brightly, sparkling.
• Scornful – Feeling or showing open dislike for someone or something regarded as undeserving or respect or concern.
• Schism – A split or division between strongly opposes sections or parties, caused by differences in opinion or belief.
• Skewed – Not accurate or exact
• Sleek – Smooth or glossy, as hair. Well fed, or well-groomed.
• Smattering – A slight or superficial knowledge of a language or subject.
• Smug – Contentedly confident of one’s ability, superiority, or correctness or complacent
• Specious – Having a false look or truth or genuineness, having a deceptive attraction or allure.
• Splendid – Excellent, or beautiful and impressive.
• Standardized – To bring into conformity with a standard, especially in order to assure consistency and regularity.
• Stimulating – Encouraging and arousing interest and enthusiasm.
• Stratospheric – Relating to the stratosphere, very high or great
• Stigma – A mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality or person.
• Streamlined – Having a contour designed to offer the least possible resistance to a current of air, water, optimally shaped for motion or conductivity.
• Strewn – To let fall in separate pieces or particles over a surface, scatter or sprinkle.
• Stern – Very serious or strict
• Stupefaction –
• Stupor – A condition of greatly dulled or completely suspended sense or sensibility.
• Subdued – Lacking in vitality, intensity, or strength
• Subvert – Undermine the power and authority of, to pervert or corrupt by an undermining of morals, allegiance or faith
• Supplications – The action of asking or begging for something earnestly or humbly
• Svengali – A person who completely dominates another, usually with selfish or sinister motives
• Sycophant – Self seeking flatter. A person who acts obsequiously toward someone important
• Systematically – Characterized, based on, or consulting a system.
• Repugnance – Strong distaste, aversion or objection
• Tedious – Long and tiresome, so as to cause werryness or boredom
• Teetotaler – Someone who never drinks alcohol
• Tete-a-tete – A meeting in private between two people
• Thrive – To prosper, be fortunate or successful
• Tumultuous – Marked by disturbance and uproar. Raising great clatter or commotion.
• Turbulent – Characterized by conflict, disorder, or confusion, not controlled or calm.
• Tirade – A long, angry speech of criticism or accusation.
• Trifling – Small or unimportant, tiny, insignificant.
• Truce – A suspension for hostilities for a specified period of time by mutual agreement, an agreement
• Tyrant – Cruel ruler or authority figure
• Tryst – A planned meeting, a plan to meet at a certain time
• Ubiquitous – Present, appearing, or found everywhere.
• Umbrage – Offense or annoyance
• Undaunted – Undismayed, not discouraged, not forced to abandon purpose or effort
• Unduly – To an unwarranted degree, inordinately. Harsh punishment.
• Unsystematic – No done or acting according to a fixed plan or system
• Untenable – No able to be defeated, not able to be occupied.
• Utterly – Complete, absolute manner.
• Vamoose – Depart hurriedly.
• Vile – Morally despicable or abhorrent, physically repulsive
• Vignette – A brief evocative description, account or episode. A small illustration or portrait photograph which fades into it’s background without a definitive border.
• Vigorous – Strong, actie, robust, energetic, forceful
• Vitriolic – Something said or written that is caustic or biting
• Vivid – Very strong, producing a clear impression on the senses
• Wage – To carry on (Wage a war)
• Wield – To exercise power, authority, influence as in a ruling or dominating way
• Zealous – Enthusiastic or eager.

Conclusion To Big Words That Make You Feel Smart

So look at it this way, using big words that make you sound smart should bring you and I no shame. Forget about the people telling you thfat you are just “trying” to sound smart.

The fact of the matter is, you and I are growing as people when we are learning, even if it is for vanity or selfish reasons. The bi-product is more growth and utilization the language we use everyday!

Nothing wrong with that.

I hope you enjoyed this article and learned so cool new words that you can use to impress your friends or that special person!

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