Ways to memorise vocabulary

Having a large vocabulary is one of the most important points of learning English or any other foreign language. Whether we care about communicating, watching our favourite TV series or reading books in a foreign language, knowing the vocabulary of the language is a pillar of understanding the message.

Each of us has our own predispositions, pace and ways of learning that work for us. You can be a "visual learner", for example, and then image-based methods will be most suitable. Whether you are a visual learner, an auditory learner or a kinesthetic learner, you are sure to find vocabulary learning techniques (mnemonics) that suit you.

Regardless of your level in a language, e.g. English, it is always a good idea to expand and consolidate the vocabulary you have already learned. Let's face it, there is no method that will teach you vocabulary or language in an incredibly short time. However, there are techniques that make it very easy to learn new vocabulary. Read on and you may find ways to memorise vocabulary for yourself.

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The "in-context" method

One of the best ways to learn new vocabulary is to use a word in a sentence. In this way, we see how a word functions in context and how it 'behaves' when combined with other words.

As, in English, one word can have many meanings, using this technique we see the word "in action".

It is important to remember that when learning single words, we do not see how the word functions in a sentence, in combination with other words or in a given context, so we do not have a jumping-off point for us to remember the word in the long term.

Using this method, we learn more vocabulary "by the way".

For example, the word "break" - here we have one word (with multiple meanings), but using it in a sentence/context, e.g. "I went for a break to the park" - in this sentence we see how the word "break" interacts with other words, in addition we have the expression "for a break." Conversely, when we use the word in another sentence, e.g. "Give me a break, will you?" the meaning of the word itself changes, as do the words "interacting" in the sentence.

Simply put, we don't just learn one word, we instantly remember more words, the context, the correct usage and sometimes the whole sentence. Not only do we memorise a word more easily, learn to use it, we also (incidentally) learn more of the language.

Even if we use another method it is probably combined with this way of learning.

How to use this method

• If you have a new word yourself, find an example sentence on the internet (e.g. an online dictionary); create your own sentence based on this (it will be very helpful if you write the sentence down).

• You see or hear a new word (e.g. in an article or video) try to remember the sentence itself and use the word in your sentence.

• If you know your favourite song by heart then you already know how a word functions in a sentence and a given context. In the same way, you can pay attention to words and whole sentences when listening to music (and if you're not sure, look up the lyrics online).

The "translational" method

This method involves translating sentences or whole paragraphs from a foreign language into the native language (or vice versa). Using this method, you learn more than just vocabulary, but also grammatical rules and how the language works. It is not a method for everyone, although it does allow us to learn the target language in its natural environment, as well as the differences between the foreign language in question and our mother tongue.

This is probably a familiar learning method for you, as it is often used in school textbooks (e.g. translation tasks).

The "translational" method

The "card" method

If you prefer more traditional ways of learning new vocabulary, then this method may be right for you.

In this case, we write down new vocabulary on small pieces of paper. On one side we write down the word we want to learn (you can even add an example sentence with the word); and on the other side we write down the translation of the word (or an explanation of the meaning, e.g. in English).

We divide the cards into three "piles."

The first is for new words. A short time after creating the fiche, take it in your hand and check if you remember the meaning of the word (remember, you can always do it the other way around, see the explanation and check if you remember the word). Repeat checking the meaning of the word as needed until you get it right (every day or every other day). If you already know the meaning of the word put this fiche in the second "stack."

The second stack is for vocabulary words that you have already memorised. After a week or two, check if you still remember the word. If not, put the fiche in the first "stack." Conversely, if you remember the meaning of a word, put it in the third stack.

The third "stack" of vocabulary is for words you have already mastered. After a month, check to see if you remember the word. If you have missed a word put it back in the first "stack." And if the word has been remembered without error then congratulations - the word has been stored in your long-term memory.

The "environmental" method

Create an English environment. 

This way involves creating an English-speaking environment to the limit, so that we surround and immerse ourselves in English. We can change the language settings on our devices to English; watch films or TV series in the original language (possibly supported by subtitles); read books, blogs or articles in English; write a shopping list in English; find a friend with whom we can speak or write in English (or sign up for language conversations), etc.

The "mind map" method

A sheet of paper and a pen are the best tools when using this method. We can use this method in the most varied ways (writing vocabulary and expressions, drawing pictures, using colours, etc.).

For example, we want to learn vocabulary related to theatre.

In the middle we write the word "theatre" (BrE) or "theater" (AmE) from this we draw a line and write "stage" and now who we can find on stage... "actors," etc.

The "mind map" method

The "memory palace" method

When using this method, you need to have a developed spatial imagination.

In order to remember new words using this method we imagine a palace, a house, a room or just some place.

Suppose we imagine a house. We are in this house, walking around it, touching and manipulating objects - all the things we do in real life.

For example, we want to remember the word "chest of drawers." We imagine a chest of drawers (we see all its details) and pronounce the name of the chest of drawers in our mind, we can even stick an imaginary card with the name of this object on it. In this way, we already have a "hook" in our mind regarding this word.

If we want to learn other object names, for example, "trousers" and "socks," we imagine these objects in the same way, hold them in our hands and hide them in the "chest of drawers." And so, we already have a few vocabulary words in our "memory palace."

Such a place we can always and everywhere visit, check what, where it is and recall the words in question.

The "word diary" method

All we need here is a small notepad. We divide the page into two columns; e.g. in the left-hand column we write the word we have encountered and want to learn, in the right-hand column we write the translation or explanation (if we are at a slightly higher level it is a good idea to write the explanation in English or a synonym we already know).

Each page should contain about 10 words to help us learn new words every day. If you remember a new word, you can put a tick or dot next to it. It is a good idea to come back to a page after a while, e.g. after a month, until you are sure that you have mastered the words on that page.

The "application" method

There is no in-depth philosophy in this method. It uses modern technological solutions.

If your smartphone is constantly accompanying you, why not use it?

To learn vocabulary, you can use mobile apps or websites that offer the possibility of such learning. What's more, most such apps have a fun/game-based learning function.

You can use apps such as Quizziz, Quizlet, Memrise, Fiszkoteka or a specially developed app for learning vocabulary from our courses (iLINGUA) DLL Dictionary.

These apps will help you learn new vocabulary and phrases in a simple, effective and enjoyable way. In addition, these apps are easy to use and most of their functions are free.

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You can use the mnemonic techniques presented here however you like! You can use several techniques at once, modify them, or even create your own technique for remembering new words inspired by the techniques presented (you can share with us the technique you use to remember new vocabulary). (Remember that we have presented here only a few of the many possible mnemonic methods).

However, the most important thing is that you learn new words effectively and efficiently, right? What is also important is the regularity of your learning; without systematic study and effort, even the best method can be ineffective. It is through this regularity and effort that new vocabulary no longer feels so new.

So what... time to memorise a new word?