Personal Meaning


When you try to remember people that you've met a long time ago, say, classmates in first grade, you will probably remember the names and faces of people who have been relatively important to you, like your best friend, your teacher, the kid who used to bully you. You will have a harder time recalling the name of the kids you didn’t talk to a lot, or those who were not that relevant to your first-grade existence.

In the same way, words that have a significant meaning to you will stay in your memory longer than words you just encounter in passing. If you make words relevant to you by making associations with familiar things, the chance that you will remember them will be much higher. There are a lot of vocabulary software programs that can help you in giving relevance to words.

Apply words to your daily life

When learning new words, vocabulary software programs suggest that you make your own sample usage of the words, based on your own experiences. For example, take the word magnanimous (generous in sentiment or conduct toward others) and think of your "magnanimous Aunt Vicky" who makes sure she gives alms to every homeless person she meets on the street.

Also, try using your newly-learned words when talking to people. You will seem more educated when you start using your new words, and it will help you master your words faster.

Create your personal definitions

If you look up a word in the dictionary, you are sure to find a clear definition for it. Even if you study the definition, or even memorize it, it won't guarantee that you will retain that information in your memory, because it is not personally relevant to you.

One of the tricks to give relevance to words, as suggested in many vocabulary software programs like Ultimate Vocabulary, is to create your own definitions for words. Instead of memorizing the given meaning of "magnanimous," you can just define it as "kind-hearted Aunt Vicky who loves everyone."