1. Learn in Context
Read regularly: Books, articles, short stories, and even social media posts.
Watch movies/shows in English: Note how words are used in real conversations.
Listen to podcasts/audiobooks: Hearing new words in context helps cement them.
2. Use Active Learning Techniques
Keep a vocabulary notebook or app: Write the word, its meaning, an example sentence, and pronunciation.
Use flashcards: Apps like Anki or Quizlet help with spaced repetition.
Make example sentences: Use new words in your own sentences.
Group words by theme: E.g., travel words, academic words, emotions, etc.
3. Review Regularly
Use spaced repetition: Review words after 1 day, 3 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, etc.
Test yourself: Quiz yourself weekly using your flashcards or notebook.
4. Use the Words
Write essays, messages, or journal entries using new vocabulary.
Speak with others (language partners, tutors, or apps like HelloTalk or Tandem).
Try shadowing: Listen to a native speaker and repeat after them using the same vocabulary.
5. Use Tools and Apps
Dictionary apps: Oxford, Cambridge, Merriam-Webster.
Learning platforms: Duolingo, Memrise, Babbel.
Browser extensions: Use tools like "Google Dictionary" to learn new words while browsing.
Extra Tips
Focus on high-frequency words first (e.g., from the General Service List or Academic Word List).
Learn collocations (words that go together, like “make a decision”).
Avoid cramming. Daily exposure and practice work better than trying to memorize long lists.