Vocabulary is a basic component of language proficiency. It provides the basis for learners’ performance in different skills such as speaking, reading, listening, and writing. Having a good stock of vocabulary is very important.
Here are three apps that would help us to increase vocabulary.
1. Vocabulary.com: The Vocabulary.com app not only serves as a good dictionary but also helps us to memorize words in interesting ways. It has an option named “Start learning this word”. Clicking on this option puts the word to your learning list. Saved words in the Vocabulary.com account is reintroduced in the apps word quizzes. If you haven’t saved any words you can start making your vocabulary by selecting from the predefined list in the app.
2. Kindle Vocabulary Builder: If you use any kindle device you might have noticed the kindle vocabulary builder, a word-learning feature of the app. Turn it on and any word that you look up while reading is added to your word list. It provides a good option to review the word list any time and this is a quick way to build up a personal vocabulary list
3. Anki or Quizlet for Old-School Word Learning (Web, iOS, Android, Windows, Mac): If you need to learn a particular set of words, or just prefer the familiar flashcard experience, try Anki or Quizlet. Both offer vast libraries of shared flashcard decks, such as Anki’s “4000 Essential English Words” and Quizlet’s “Computer Engineer English Vocabulary II.” Moreover, they support media like images and sound, too. Where the two apps differ, however, is the use of spaced repetition—a feature offered only by Anki.
Learning new words can take time and effort, but these apps and resources make it a fun, easy process. When you set out to expand your vocabulary, however, keep in mind that you might find a new technique that works for you.