Catalog / Vocabulary & Tools Flashcards Cheatsheet
Vocabulary & Tools Flashcards Cheatsheet
A comprehensive cheat sheet for vocabulary and tools, designed for quick reference and learning through flashcard-style information.
Vocabulary Basics
General Terms
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Term: Lexicon |
Definition: The vocabulary of a person, language, or branch of knowledge. |
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Term: Semantics |
Definition: The study of meaning in language. |
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Term: Syntax |
Definition: The arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences in a language. |
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Term: Morphology |
Definition: The study of the forms of words. |
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Term: Pragmatics |
Definition: The branch of linguistics dealing with language in use and the contexts in which it is used. |
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Term: Etymology |
Definition: The study of the origin of words and the way in which their meanings have changed throughout history. |
Figurative Language
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Term: Metaphor |
Definition: A figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable. |
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Term: Simile |
Definition: A figure of speech involving the comparison of one thing with another thing of a different kind, used to make a description more emphatic or vivid. |
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Term: Personification |
Definition: The attribution of a personal nature or human characteristics to something nonhuman, or the representation of an abstract quality in human form. |
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Term: Hyperbole |
Definition: Exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally. |
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Term: Irony |
Definition: The expression of one’s meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic effect. |
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Term: Understatement |
Definition: The presentation of something as being smaller or less good or important than it really is. |
Tools for Vocabulary Building
Digital Tools
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Tool: Quizlet |
Description: A web-based tool for creating and studying flashcards. |
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Tool: Anki |
Description: A spaced repetition software for efficient learning. |
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Tool: Memrise |
Description: A language learning platform that uses spaced repetition and mnemonics. |
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Tool: Vocabulary.com |
Description: A website that adapts to your learning progress and provides definitions, usage examples, and quizzes. |
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Tool: Merriam-Webster Dictionary |
Description: An online dictionary providing definitions, pronunciations, and etymologies. |
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Tool: Thesaurus.com |
Description: A website for finding synonyms and antonyms of words. |
Traditional Tools
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Tool: Flashcards (Paper) |
Description: Physical cards with a word on one side and its definition or usage on the other. |
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Tool: Notebooks |
Description: For writing down new words, definitions, and examples. |
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Tool: Dictionaries (Physical) |
Description: Printed dictionaries for looking up word definitions and etymologies. |
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Tool: Thesauruses (Physical) |
Description: Printed thesauruses for finding synonyms and antonyms. |
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Tool: Books |
Description: Reading extensively to encounter new vocabulary in context. |
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Tool: Newspapers/Magazines |
Description: Staying current with vocabulary used in news and current events. |
Advanced Vocabulary
Nuances and Connotations
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Term: Connotation |
Definition: The feeling or idea that a word invokes in addition to its literal or primary meaning. |
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Term: Denotation |
Definition: The literal or primary meaning of a word, in contrast to the feelings or ideas that the word suggests. |
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Term: Euphemism |
Definition: A mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing. |
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Term: Dysphemism |
Definition: A derogatory or unpleasant term used instead of a neutral or positive one. |
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Term: Oxymoron |
Definition: A figure of speech in which apparently contradictory terms appear in conjunction. |
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Term: Paradox |
Definition: A statement or proposition that, despite sound reasoning from acceptable premises, leads to a conclusion that seems senseless, logically unacceptable, or self-contradictory. |
Word Roots, Prefixes, and Suffixes
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Root: -port- (carry) |
Example: Transport, export, import. |
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Prefix: pre- (before) |
Example: Preview, prearrange, prewar. |
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Suffix: -ology (study of) |
Example: Biology, geology, psychology. |
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Root: -dict- (say) |
Example: Dictate, predict, contradict. |
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Prefix: anti- (against) |
Example: Antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, antisocial. |
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Suffix: -ism (doctrine, belief) |
Example: Idealism, pragmatism, socialism. |
Practical Application
Effective Study Techniques
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Spaced Repetition: Reviewing vocabulary at increasing intervals to improve retention. Contextual Learning: Learning words in the context of sentences and passages. Active Recall: Testing yourself on vocabulary to actively retrieve information from memory. Mnemonic Devices: Using memory aids to help remember new words. |
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Example Sentences: Creating your own sentences using new vocabulary words. Reading Widely: Exposing yourself to diverse texts to encounter new words. Keeping a Vocabulary Journal: Recording new words, definitions, and usage examples. |
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Word Associations: Linking new words to related concepts or images. Teaching Others: Explaining new words to someone else to reinforce your understanding. |
Integrating New Vocabulary
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Writing: Incorporating new vocabulary into your written work. Speaking: Using new words in conversations and presentations. Listening: Recognizing new words when listening to others speak. Reading Comprehension: Understanding how new words are used in written texts. |
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Vocabulary Games: Playing word games to reinforce vocabulary learning. Crossword Puzzles: Using crossword puzzles to test your knowledge of vocabulary. Using Flashcards Regularly: Reviewing flashcards to reinforce vocabulary learning. |
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Reviewing Regularly: Consistent review of new words is crucial for long-term retention. Applying in Real Life: Try to use the words in relevant real-life situations to solidify understanding. |