Language is one of the first aspects of a person that others notice. During each interaction you have, your speech helps to depict your intelligence. Of course, being book-smart doesn’t necessarily mean you talk like Shakespeare. However, using strong vocabulary can help others see you as smarter. By working in a couple of high-level, yet simple, words into your everyday conversations, you can start sounding smart.
Simply put, expanding your vocabulary is all about balance. You want to come across as intelligent, but not someone who dusts off old words no one uses anymore. Replacing useless filler words with descriptive alternatives lets others know you take pride in understanding the English language. It can also make you feel more confident in meetings or even out with friends. When you use smarter language, people will be sure to pay attention to what you have to say.
The Power of Intellectual Precision
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Quintessential
Let’s say you’re trying to find the word that means something is the perfect example of its kind. The word quintessential is what you are looking for. Instead of using “typical,” you can say that something is quintessential. Not only will people understand what you are trying to say, but they will be impressed that you were able to pinpoint that specific word. You might describe that dress she’s wearing as quintessential fall if it’s brown and flowing.
Conundrum
Life is filled with problems, but the next time you find yourself in a tricky situation, refer to it as a conundrum. Conundrum means a problem that is difficult to solve. Not only will you sound smart when you use this word, but you’ll also seem like someone who has everything under control. Conundrum gives the problem you’re facing a less complaining connotation. Your listeners will thank you when you start viewing challenges as brain teasers.
Fastidious
Want to let someone know you pay attention to details? Tell them you’re fastidious when working on a task. Fastidious means having or showing careful attention to accuracy and detail. You can tell your boss you’re a hard worker, but if you tell them you are fastidious about your work, they might just take notice. You want them to know you don’t miss small mistakes. Furthermore, using words like fastidious helps define who you are as a professional.
Nuance
Arguments are rarely black and white. Someone could be upset with you, and nuance could be the reason. Nuance is a slightly different variation of an idea that can change someone’s opinion. If you use that word in your next argument, others will see you as intelligent because you caught something most people would have missed. You were able to identify the nuances in their plan, which is why you couldn’t agree.
Communicating Elegantly
Ephemeral
We’re sure you have heard the words temporary or short-lived, but have you heard ephemeral? Ephemeral is another word you can use to sound smart when someone else isn’t. Whether you’re talking about a trending topic on Twitter or how flowers are blooming, use ephemeral. By throwing that word into any conversation about something that won’t last, you’ll sound incredible. You’ll appear wise because you know a word most people don’t realize they’re forgetting.
Evince
There may come a time when you have to explain that someone truly demonstrated something to you. When that moment comes, you will know the word evince and can use it. Evince is a verb that means to show clearly. Everyone else would say they showed strength, but you can say they evinced strength. Not only will you sound smart, but you’ll also sound like someone who doesn’t speak emotionally. Using evince will help you sound professional while getting your point across.
Superfluous
If you want to tell someone something is unnecessary, superfluous is how you say it. Superfluous means not needed or necessary. Telling your team there is something superfluous in the report sounds a lot better than unnecessary. Everyone on your team will think you sound intelligent when discussing ways to make the process more efficient. The next time you have to edit something for your team, throw some of these words into your revision.
Audacious
When you find someone or something that is incredibly bold, describe it as audacious. Audacious is an amazing way to tell someone they did something daring impressively. If they think you think they’re stupid, they’ll never realize you were actually complimenting them. By calling something audacious, you know someone was fearless when confronting the problem. You pick up on things that others aren’t bold enough to notice.
Perfunctory
Last but not least, we have perfunctory. If something was done quickly and with little effort, it was perfunctory. Describe that last meeting as perfunctory if nobody cared about what was being discussed. Once you use that word in a sentence, your coworkers will know you pay attention. You want them to know you can tell when someone isn’t putting forth effort. Everyone loves a person who cares about doing their job right.
