20 new English words to improve your vocabulary in 2024
Expanding your vocabulary not only enhances your communication skills but also allows you to articulate your thoughts more precisely. As we step into 2024, it’s the perfect time to discover and incorporate new words into your lexicon.
In this blog post, we’ll introduce you to 20 intriguing English words that can elevate your language proficiency. Let’s dive in!
Serendipity (noun)
Definition: The occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way.
Examples:
- I experienced serendipity when I found a rare book at the secondhand store.
- Our meeting was pure serendipity; we never expected to cross paths in that small cafe.
How to use it:
I hope to encounter some serendipity during my travels this year.
Mellifluous (adjective)
Definition: (of a voice or words) Sweet or musical; pleasant to hear.
Examples:
- Her mellifluous voice captivated the audience during the concert.
- The poet’s mellifluous verses resonated with the listeners.
How to use it:
The mellifluous melody of the song made it an instant favorite.
Ephemeral (adjective)
Definition: Lasting for a very short time.
Examples:
- The beauty of the cherry blossoms is ephemeral, lasting only a few weeks.
- His fame proved to be ephemeral after the incident.
How to use it:
Life’s most precious moments can sometimes feel ephemeral.
Pernicious (adjective)
Definition: Having a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way.
Examples:
- Gossip can have a pernicious impact on relationships.
- The pernicious influence of social media on mental health is a growing concern.
How to use it:
It’s essential to be aware of pernicious habits that can negatively affect your well-being.
Quixotic (adjective)
Definition: Extremely idealistic; unrealistic and impractical.
Examples:
- His quixotic vision of a utopian society faced criticism for its impracticality.
- Embarking on a quixotic quest, she aimed to change the world with kindness.
How to use it:
While his goals were noble, some considered them quixotic given the challenges ahead.
Nefarious (adjective)
Definition: Wicked, villainous, or criminal.
Examples:
- The nefarious plot of the movie’s antagonist kept viewers on the edge of their seats.
- Uncovering the nefarious activities of the criminal organization required extensive investigation.
How to use it:
The detective was determined to expose the nefarious schemes of the elusive mastermind.
Ineffable (adjective)
Definition: Too great or extreme to be expressed or described in words.
Examples:
- The view from the mountaintop was ineffable, leaving us in awe.
- The artist’s masterpiece conveyed an ineffable sense of beauty and emotion.
How to use it:
The joy of witnessing the sunrise over the ocean was truly ineffable.
Bibliopole (noun)
Definition: A person who buys and sells books, especially rare ones.
Examples:
- The bibliopole had an impressive collection of first editions and rare manuscripts.
- As a dedicated bibliopole, she scoured book fairs for hidden literary gems.
How to use it:
If you’re a book enthusiast, consider becoming a bibliopole and exploring the world of rare books.
Ephemeralize (verb)
Definition: To make or become increasingly efficient and concise, achieving more with fewer resources.
Examples:
- The company aimed to ephemeralize its production processes to reduce environmental impact.
- Innovations in technology often lead to the ephemeralization of once complex tasks.
How to use it:
The ongoing effort to ephemeralize our energy consumption is crucial for a sustainable future.
Sonorous (adjective)
Definition: Imposing or impressive in sound; having a full, deep, or rich sound.
Examples:
- The sonorous notes of the cathedral’s organ echoed through the grand hall.
- The actor’s sonorous voice lent gravitas to the Shakespearean soliloquy.
How to use it:
The sonorous melody of the orchestra filled the auditorium with a sense of grandeur.
Petrichor (noun)
Definition: The earthy, pleasant smell after rain.
Examples:
- The petrichor hung heavy in the air, mingling with the scent of blooming jasmine.
How to use it:
Walking in the rain after a long drought always brings a refreshing wave of petrichor.
Sonder (noun)
Definition: The realization that each passerby has a life as vivid and complex as your own.
Examples:
- The bustling city crowd swarmed around me, each face a vessel of sonder, a universe unto itself.
How to use it:
Lost in a train ride, I felt a wave of sonder, imagining the stories behind each closed eyelid.
Numinous (adjective)
Definition: Inspiring awe or spiritual elevation.
Examples:
- Standing beneath the star-studded sky, I felt a numinous reverence wash over me.
How to use it:
The ancient cathedral, bathed in candlelight, exuded a numinous atmosphere.
Weltschmerz (noun)
Definition: A melancholic longing for something unattainable, a deep sadness about the state of the world.
Examples:
- The artist poured her weltschmerz into her abstract paintings, expressing a yearning for a lost utopia.
How to use it:
Reading war poetry evoked a profound weltschmerz, a sorrow for the beauty lost in conflict.
Kerfuffle (noun)
Definition: A noisy commotion or fuss.
Examples:
- The classroom erupted in a kerfuffle as a squirrel scampered through the open window.
How to use it:
The lost keys caused a minor kerfuffle, but we eventually found them under the sofa.
Languid (adjective)
Definition: Pleasantly relaxed and sluggish.
Examples:
- She spent the afternoon languidly reclining in a hammock, swaying gently in the breeze.
How to use it:
After a long hike, I sank into a languid bath, feeling the tension melt away.
Vellichor (noun)
Definition: The scent of old books.
Examples:
- The library was infused with the intoxicating vellichor of ancient tomes and forgotten stories.
How to use it:
The smell of vellichor always transports me back to childhood afternoons spent curled up with a good book.
Mamihlapinatapai (noun)
Definition: A look shared by two people, each wishing that the other would initiate something they both desire but are unwilling to start.
Examples:
- A mamihlapinatapai passed between their eyes, conveying unspoken longing and unspoken hesitation.
How to use it:
Their fingers brushed as they reached for the same book, a mamihlapinatapai hanging in the air.
Mudita (noun)
Definition: Joy experienced at another’s good fortune.
Examples:
- Her heart swelled with mudita as she witnessed her daughter’s graduation, radiating pride and happiness.
How to use it:
Instead of envy, he felt a genuine mudita for his friend’s success, celebrating their accomplishment.
Kenopsia (noun)
Definition: The eerie, forlorn atmosphere of a place that is usually bustling with people but is now abandoned and quiet.
Examples:
- The empty amusement park, shrouded in shadows, emanated a strange kenopsia, sending shivers down my spine.
How to use it:
Walking through the deserted marketplace at dawn, I felt the unsettling kenopsia of a city holding its breath.
Incorporating these words into your vocabulary can not only make your language more vibrant but also help you express ideas more precisely. Experiment with these words in your daily conversations and writing to make them a natural part of your linguistic repertoire.
Happy learning!
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FAQ’s on New English words to improve your vocabulary
Where can I find more new words?
Dictionaries: Updated dictionaries often highlight “new words” or recent additions. Online dictionaries like Words coach and Oxford English Dictionary regularly add new entries.
Word of the Day apps and websites: These platforms offer daily vocabulary lessons with definitions, examples, and etymology. Try Wordtune, words coach, or wordcoach.co.
Language blogs and publications: Websites like The Oatmeal, Grammar Girl, and Language Log keep you updated on interesting new words and linguistic trends.
Reading and listening: Expose yourself to diverse writing styles and genres. Fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and audiobooks can all introduce you to new vocabulary.
How do I remember new words effectively?
Use them in conversation: Actively try to incorporate new words into your daily discussions. The more you use them, the better you’ll remember them.
Create flashcards or mind maps: Utilize visual aids to associate words with definitions and examples.
Write sentences and short stories: Practice using the new words in creative writing to solidify their meaning in context.
Play word games: Scrabble, crossword puzzles, and word-building games can make learning new words fun and engaging.
Are all “new words” actually new?
Not all words labeled as “new” are freshly invented. Some might be older words gaining popularity, foreign words entering the mainstream, or slang terms transitioning into general vocabulary. However, they still serve the purpose of enriching your language skills.
Is using too many new words bad?
Clarity and communication are paramount. While expanding your vocabulary is great, don’t force unnecessary complexity. Use new words thoughtfully, ensuring they enhance your message and don’t alienate your audience.
How can I avoid sounding pretentious?
Focus on naturalness and flow. Introduce new words when they genuinely resonate with the context, not just to show off. Strike a balance between expanding your vocabulary and being a clear and engaging communicator.
