I don't think people should try to memorize words from the dictionary. A person does not use most of the words you find in there. You use the dictionary when you don't understand the meaning of words, or want to find a synonym so you don't always use the same word over and over. When I don't understand a word, I do use the dictionary. Look up words when you find a new one, and write it down so you will remember it. Your vocabulary will grow if you keep reading.

I am a native English speaker learning Mandarin. For language learning I try to focus on learning new words in context. Rather than memorize lists of words, I try to learn them by using them in sentences. This helps if you are engaging in conversations with a friend as you can learn in the context of conversation. When I encounter a new word in Mandarin I try to create a number of sentences with that word, using it in the grammar structures I have previously learned, and in conversation with a friend. Once you learn a new word, try to use it as much as possible! I also use a flashcard program called Anki to help remember all the new vocabulary: www.ankisrs.net/ I hope this helps. Feel free to message me with any questions. Thanks!

From what I know there are two types of vocabulary, the active and the passive. The passive is more of those words which you know but are not in every day use. It's like you are familiar with the word or you know what it means whenever you encounter that but is not a part of your every day words. The active one is more of those words which you know and are being used in a daily basis. Both can be enhanced. Whenever you encounter a word and you don't know the meaning, consult the dictionary. That'll enhance your passive vocabulary. In order to improve your active vocabulary, try to use new words constantly. Whenever you come across with an unfamiliar word, look for its meaning, use it and familiarize with how it is used by creating sentences. Repetition is a good way for retention. And eventually, you wouldn't notice that it's already a part of your active English vocabulary. Hope this helps. :)

To help memorize my hanzi, I have been using a free flashcard program called mnemosyne (http://www.mnemosyne-proj.org/). It really helps you maximize your efficiency, because the more times you get a word correctly, the longer it waits before it asks you again. So you spend most of your time studying new words, and the ones you keep forgetting.

In order to remember your English vocabulary you can follow 2 methods. First is the repetition-based method, where you learn English words by writing them several times or saying them repeatedly until you remember them all. If you patiently follow the process, you will see your vocabulary extended very well. Secondly, you also need have to have a notebook with your own note-taking rules. Each time you log onto Italki, note down any new words in the Questions and Answers section. The only problem is whether you want a rich vocabulary or not. Your plan should answer 4 questions. 1.How many words will you learn a week: 5, 10, 15 or more? 2. When will you learn them? Every other morning or anytime you feel like learning? 3. How often will you review what you have learnt: weekly, monthly or before a test ? 4. What areas of English will you focus on? Sports, music, games or sciences? The answers may vary from one person to another depending on memory, schedules and interest. You can gain a big vocabulary and improve your English by determining what field of words to learn, making a plan of learning, choosing a learning method and regularly practising your plan and method. Daily vocab learning is better than weekly or monthly. Memorize words by drawing small pictures next to them. Example: for the phrase "make up" draw a coloured picture of a woman's face with lipstick, eye shadow and mascara. "Make up" also means to make friends again after an argument so you need to draw 2 people shaking hands. . http://quizlet.com/subject/english/ is a website with flashcards, memory games etc. Also have a look at www.freerice.com