10 Simple and Proven Ways to Learn New Words

Expanding your vocabulary can feel like a superpower. Whether you're trying to impress people with a clever word in a conversation, looking to sharpen your writing, or just want to understand more of what you read, learning new words can open up a world of possibilities. But if memorizing lists of words sounds boring, don’t worry—there are fun, practical, and easy ways to make it stick. In this post, I’ll share 10 proven strategies to help you pick up new words and actually remember them!

Flashcards are a classic method for a reason—they work! Write the word on one side and the meaning (plus maybe an example sentence) on the other. But here’s where it gets smarter: use a system called spaced repetition to review them. This means reviewing them over gradually increasing intervals and reviewing harder words more often and easier ones less frequently. Apps like Anki and Quizlet automate this, so you can just focus on learning. It’s a quick way to master vocabulary and make sure it sticks in your long-term memory.

Want an easy way to learn new words? Read, read, and then read some more! The more you read—whether it’s novels, blogs, news articles, or even Reddit threads—the more words you’ll naturally come across. But don’t just skim past unfamiliar words. Keep a small notebook or use a notes app to jot them down, and make a habit of looking them up later. If you don’t want to pause while reading, you can circle back at the end of a chapter or article. The context from reading helps you understand how words are used in real life, making it easier to remember them.

It’s much easier to remember a word when you learn it in context rather than on its own. When you stumble upon a new word, pay attention to the sentence or situation where it’s used. Let’s say you come across the word “prolific.” If you see it in a sentence like, “She’s a prolific writer, publishing three books a year,” you’ll instantly get that it means someone who produces a lot. That’s way better than just memorizing a definition! The more you see words in their natural setting, the more their meanings and uses will sink in.

Some words are just hard to remember. That’s where mnemonics come in—basically little tricks or stories to help you recall something. For example, to remember the word gregarious (which means sociable), think of Greg, the life of the party, who’s always hanging out with friends. The weirder or funnier your association, the better! Mnemonics turn dry vocabulary into something fun and easy to remember, so don’t be afraid to get creative.

Want to learn words and have fun at the same time? Word games are the way to go! Games like Scrabble, Boggle, and even trendy ones like Wordle or Crossword puzzles help you think critically about words and their meanings. It’s a playful way to challenge your brain while expanding your vocabulary. Plus, when you’re playing, you’re more likely to remember those tricky words because you learned them while having fun, not studying.

Here’s the secret to locking in a new word: use it in real life. Once you’ve learned a word, try to slip it into your conversations, texts, or even your Instagram captions. This forces your brain to actively retrieve the word, which helps it stick in your memory. Plus, when you use a word in context, you’re reinforcing how it should be used properly. Before you know it, it’ll be part of your regular vocabulary, and you’ll feel more confident using it.

English words often come from roots, prefixes, and suffixes, which can give you a clue about what they mean—especially when you come across new words. For example, knowing that the prefix “anti-” means “against” can help you understand words like antibiotic, antidote, or antifreeze. Once you get the hang of these word parts, you’ll be able to figure out the meaning of words on the fly. It’s like having a secret decoder for tricky vocab!

Instead of trying to memorize every word you come across, why not make your own personalized word list? Pick words that are actually useful or interesting to you. You can organize them by themes like work, travel, hobbies, or whatever makes sense in your life. This way, you’re focusing on words that you’re more likely to use, which makes the whole process more relevant (and fun). Plus, it feels more like a personal project rather than an assignment.

There are tons of apps that make learning new words more interactive and even a bit addictive. Vocabulary.com, Memrise, and even Duolingo help you learn words through quizzes, challenges, and repetition. These apps track your progress and personalize your learning, so you can focus on the words you’re struggling with most. Some even send you daily reminders or word challenges to keep you motivated. It’s a great way to make sure you’re constantly building your vocabulary, even in small bursts.

Believe it or not, learning a second language can actually improve your vocabulary in your native language, too. Many English words come from Latin, French, or Spanish, so learning a new language helps you see connections between words. Plus, it forces your brain to think about how words work in general, making you more aware of language. Apps like Babbel, Rosetta Stone, or even language exchange apps can help you immerse yourself in a new language and boost your word knowledge in two languages at once!