Young Writers discussion

As a writer, it is undoubtedly important to have a wide vocabulary, as it keeps your writing interesting and engaging. If you're making your readers reach for the dictionary every once in a while, you're doing it right!

To start a good habit, on my phone I've made a little note of all words I've found in books that I didn't understand, and then learnt the definitions for them. I recommend you do this to as I've found it very helpful!

So, to get to the point, this discussion can basically be adding 'ambitious vocabulary' with a definition for other writers to take note of and use. A useful exercise for all which is bound to improve your writing!

And one final note before I reveal my word; there is no need for anyone to be nasty about anybody's choices of vocabulary. Your diction may be higher than somebody else's in the group, but this does not need to be pointed out. See point 4) of Rules for Young Writers (I'm not saying this in a condescending way, but I want to make sure people learn from this thread rather than become humiliated.)

And without further ado, my first addition to this thread:

SAGACIOUS (adj)- having or showing keen mental discernment and good judgement; synonyms include wise and shrewd.

I don't think that you should use the most unique words in your writing and make your readers have to have a dictionary right by them. I really hate it when I have to do that 24/7 and usually end up dropping the book. Sure, some weird words are okay, but a lot? It gets seriously annoying.

I'm agreeing on one thing here; it's fun for people to ask you what the definition of a word is, but it's not fun when you're talking like a British English professor.

I'll participate anyway, this seems fun.

Juxtaposition: the fact of two things being seen close together with a contrasting effect. Example: it was so cold outside that it was hot.

I agree with you, it is annoying when every second line contains a foreign word. However, I like it when I learn new words from books that I occasionally find.

Since I've commented again, I guess I better add another word!

EBULLIENT (adj) - cheerful and full of energy.

Oh, yes. I like it when I learn new words.

DELIRIOUS: Basically mentally imbalanced or insane.

Learning words is a charm!

Arcana (plural of Arcanum): Secrets or Mysteries (it's very easy to use, but sounds beautiful).

The arcana of the universe are vast.

i·ro·ny

/ˈīrənē,ˈiərnē/

noun

noun: irony

the expression of one's meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic effect.

•a state of affairs or an event that seems deliberately contrary to what one expects and is often amusing as a result.

"The irony of the situation was almost amusing--if it wasn't so serious."

I agree with Allison that one shouldn't constantly use the most complex words in one's vocabulary, but I also agree that it's nice to have a select few sprinkled throughout a novel.

CACOPHONY: ca·coph·o·ny [kuh-kof-uh-nee]
1. harsh discordance of sound; dissonance: a cacophony of hoots, cackles, and wails.
2. a discordant and meaningless mixture of sounds: the cacophony produced by city traffic at midday.
3. Music. frequent use of discords of a harshness and relationship difficult to understand.

DARKLE:
verb
1. to appear dark; show indistinctly.
2. to grow dark, gloomy, etc. (basically the opposite of "sparkle"

And I just have to do one from my Spelling Bee days...

CHIMERICAL:
adj. Highly unrealistic; wildly fanciful

Ennui (en-WEE): Laziness/lethargy.

The ennui of humans has caused many a person to be late for work.

williwaw
\ WIL-ee-waw \ , noun;
1. a violent squall that blows in near-polar latitudes, as in the Strait of Magellan, Alaska, and the Aleutian Islands.

"The williwaw sounded creepy."

Haha these are some great words! I love it!

Bibliophile: A person who collects and/or has a great love of books.

(guilty)

(Lol, also guilty of bibliophile)

cachinnation: Loud or hysterical laughter

charientism An artfully veiled insult

eccedentesiast One who fakes a smile, as on television

Ecstatic: Overly excited or overjoyed.