It is a continuation article. The beginning you can find here: How get to know words better? Part 1.
Understand meaning
I learn by getting to know the deeper meaning of the word in its native language. So when I come across a new word I try to understand it’s the dictionary definition. Obviously it’s a long process to understand the word and sometimes I need to understand another word before I fully understand the one I was looking up. However, I have noticed the learning process is quicker.
Of course, you can learn new words by translating them. It’s a faster way to understand, but in my opinion direct translation makes it harder to memorize. It’s like fast food. You don’t need a long time to understand, it’s cheap and yummy. You experience instant gratification by immediate understanding. Your input of effort is low.
I know that my method could seem extreme. It’s difficult to understand the meaning of the foreign word using their native language definition. Of course, it is hardest at the beginning when You don’t know a lot of words.
You can understand vocabulary by looking at its Google graphics, by pictures is easier why than use a dictionary. I can recognize a word in a simple sentence, story, when I get to know it’s surrounding idioms or metaphors.
Try to understand vocabulary in another way other than just translating words if you want to learn more productively.
Memorize the meaning
Is understanding the end? You know it’s not. We learn words to use them, so you need to practice using them. The practical experience is more productive than just repeat definitions to yourself. Try to use them in real life, in conversation, writing or visualize a situation and create a fiction discussion with yourself.
In repeat-session is important to focus on the words which you don’t understand. It’s boring when you learn words you already know. Use the tools that help you focus on words you understand and establish a way to learn new words step by step.
Recently, I'm using Quizlet. You should try it and see if it will be helpful for you Discovering new words is simple, but understanding and use them requires effort. How effort will be required depends on how you learn. Try choosing words more consciously. Have fun with new words before you translate them into your native language, use them and repeat them with breaks in between.
