Word Work

Reading is an excellent way to build your vocabulary, with studies showing that consistent reading can introduce approximately 2,250 new words annually. A broader vocabulary enhances communication skills and makes individuals more hirable, as it improves comprehension in new environments. Reading also allows words to be learned in their natural context, much like observing animals in their natural habitat rather than in a zoo.

To avoid being overwhelmed by new words, use a three-step process: first, 'look inside the word' by examining its parts and any familiar elements; second, 'look outside the word' by using context clues within the text; and third, 'confirm your definition' with a dictionary. This method ensures you make an educated guess about the word's meaning before consulting a dictionary, which often presents multiple definitions.

Using the word 'encroaching' from 'The Hunger Games' as an example: 'Inside the word,' the '-ing' suffix identifies it as an action, and the 'en-' prefix suggests being 'around or in something.' 'Outside the word,' the phrase 'encroaching seas that swallowed up so much of the land' suggests the seas are rising or flooding. Finally, 'confirming' with a dictionary shows that the first definition, 'advancing beyond proper, accepted, or usual limits,' aligns perfectly with the context, indicating rising or flooding seas.

The video encourages viewers to apply this three-step process to the word 'sustenance.' The speaker reveals that 'sustenance' relates to food, nutrition, or elements necessary for life, emphasizing the effectiveness of this strategy for expanding vocabulary.