Vocabulary
A complete list of words used in a specific language is called vocabulary. It includes not only words but also the meanings, and usage of those words. It includes antonyms, synonyms, homophones, homonyms, one-word substitutions, etc.
Importance of vocabulary
- Enhances Reading comprehension: Vocabulary is key to understanding what you read. Without knowing the meaning of words, readers can't fully understand the text.
- Improves Communication: Vocabulary helps you express yourself clearly and communicate with others.
- BringsaAcademic success: Vocabulary is the foundation for academic success, especially for children.
- Enhances confidence: A strong vocabulary is an asset and builds confidence.
- Masters a language: It helps to master a language.
- Expresses ideas effectively: It helps to express ideas and thoughts effectively.
- Select proper words: It helps to choose the appropriate words for expressing ideas with maximum impact.
- Reduces repetition: A rich vocabulary reduces repetitive and boring discussions.
- Helps the receiver: It enables a receiver to process information in a better way.
- Creates Impression: It helps to create a good impression.
Vocabulary includes the following-
1. Antonyms: A word that gives an opposite meaning to a word is called an antonym. For example-
4. Homographs- ‘Homo’ means same and ‘graph’ means structure (spelling). The words that have the same spellings but different sounds are called Homophones. Examples-
5. Homonyms-‘Homo’ means same and ‘nyms’ means name. The words that have the same spellings and the same sound are called Homonyms. Examples-
6. Root words- A root word is the most basic form of a word that cannot be further divided into meaningful segments. Example-
7. Prefixes- A letter or group of letters that are placed at the beginning of a word are called prefixes. Example-
8. Suffixes- A letter or group of letters that are placed at the end of a word are called suffixes. Examples
a. Give appropriate words as directed:
1. Antonyms: A word that gives an opposite meaning to a word is called an antonym. For example-
- good and bad are antonyms
- Happy and sad are antonyms
- Good and nice are synonyms
- Happy and glad are synonyms
- Son and sun
Son (male child)- I have two sons.
Sun- (the biggest star of our solar system)- The sun rises in the East.
- Weak and week
Weak (not strong)- Now, I am weak due to fever.
Week (seven days)- Please submit your report within two weeks.
4. Homographs- ‘Homo’ means same and ‘graph’ means structure (spelling). The words that have the same spellings but different sounds are called Homophones. Examples-
- Live and Live
Live (in real time)- I could not see live match.
Live (stay) – I live in Meerut for three weeks.
- Minute and minute
Minute (small)- I sheet has a very minute hole.Minute (fraction of time)- Please wait for a minute.
5. Homonyms-‘Homo’ means same and ‘nyms’ means name. The words that have the same spellings and the same sound are called Homonyms. Examples-
- Bat and bat
Bat (an animal)- bats cannot fly in the night.Bat (sports item)- I purchased a new bat.
- Bank and bank
Bank (place to keep money)- I deposited rs 5ooo in my bank.
Bank (area near river)- I found many shells at the bank of river.
6. Root words- A root word is the most basic form of a word that cannot be further divided into meaningful segments. Example-
- Root words-Happy
New Words-happiness, happily, unhappy, etc.
- Root words-anti
New Words-antisocial, antifungal, etc.
7. Prefixes- A letter or group of letters that are placed at the beginning of a word are called prefixes. Example-
- Prefix-un
Root words-happy New word-unhappy
- Prefix-il
Root words-legal New word-illegal
8. Suffixes- A letter or group of letters that are placed at the end of a word are called suffixes. Examples
- Suffix-ment
Root words-appoint New word-appointment
- Suffix -ly
Root words-legal New word-legally
Exercise
a. Give appropriate words as directed:
1. Enormous (Give Synonym) 2. Initiate (Give Antonym)
b. Differentiate the following: 1. There 2. Their
c. Give appropriate word as directed and use that word in a sentence:
1. Fragile (Give Antonym), 2. Niche (Give Synonym)
d. Differentiate the followings and make sentence: 1. Heir 2. Hare
e. Write one antonym and one synonym of the word ‘native’.
f. Give Antonyms of the following: (i) Cautious (ii) Crooked (iii) Optimist (iv) Generous
g. Change the following word into adverbs-
possessive, reflective, astonishing, integral, fanciful, imposing, bonded,
h. Change the following words into nouns-
honest, manage, restrict, directed, excite, form, confuse, attract, endanger
i. Change the following words into adjectives-
Symbol, proportion, marvel, architecture, management, restriction, direction, speed.
j. Change the following words into verbs-
Excessive, confusing, attractive, dangerous, noticeable, various, stressful, economic.
