Vocabulary For Dummies

Have an interest in words? From the meaning of prefixes and suffixes to word origins and trivia, this book can help you build your vocabulary

Someone just called you captious. Should you be flattered? Considering your extreme lactose intolerance, is it a good idea to order veau au béchamel from a French menu? Calumny is to slander as obloquy is to a) flattery, b) sermon, or c) invective? You've just heard that your new boss is a real martinet. Should you be worried or excited about this new addition to your workplace? Your partner says you have no élan; does that mean you're all out of yogurt? Starting to wish you'd paid more attention in English class? Don't worry, it's never too late to develop a million-dollar vocabulary—and Vocabulary For Dummies offers you a fast, fun, and easy way to do it.

Whether you're preparing for standardized tests, or you want to feel more knowledgeable at work or more comfortable in social situations, this book is for you. In no time you'll:

• Dramatically expand your vocabulary
• Speak with style
• Write with panache
• Make a better impression at work or school
• Dine out with confidence
• Have the right words for formal occasions and ethnic events
• Get more out of what you read

Vocabulary For Dummies doesn't overwhelm you with endless word lists. Instead, it gives you a complete vocabulary-building program that familiarizes you with words from all areas of life as they're used in context—from bar mitzvahs to business meetings, PCs to politics—with a host of fun features, including:

• Word tables organized by common features, such as language of origin, professional or social contexts, similarities, and more
• Sample conversations that incorporate new terms and define related ones
• Before-and-After examples that show how to replace old, general terms with new, specific vocabulary
• Pointers that reinforce understanding with examples of correct and incorrect usage
• Chapters on terms from finance, law, medicine, eating and shopping, history and mythology, various languages, and more

Vocabulary For Dummies makes it easier than ever for you to learn difficult words that impress your friends and coworkers. Grab your own copy and get ahead at school, at work, and in life.

Introduction 1

Part 1: Getting Your Bearings 7

Chapter 1: figuring out how words work 9

Chapter 2 Building your vocabulary 17

Chapter 3 Picking up meaning 37

Chapter 4 Using the right word 51

Part II: Mastering the Basics 63

Chapter 5: Getting to the root of the matter 65

Chapter 6: Starting off with prefixes 81

Chapter 7: Ending well: Suffixes 101

Part III: Expanding Your Base 119

Chapter 8: Shading meaning: Synonyms, Antonyms, Connotations, Denotations 121

Chapter 9: Hear your homonyms and homophones here 131

Chapter 10: Compounding words 151

Chapter 11: Romancing English: Words from French, Spanish, and Italian 167

Chapter 12: Borrowing from the neighbors: Words from other languages 183

Part IV: Getting Savvy with Vocabulary 197

Chapter 13: Trying your skills on standardized tests 199

Chapter 14: Taking care business vocabulary 215

Chapter 15: Mutterings on money matters 227

Chapter 16: Speaking legalese 237

Chapter 17: Doctoring your words: Medical terms 251

Chapter 18: Acquiring shopping and eating language 263

Chapter 19: Expanding the language: Recent additions 273

Chapter 20: Exploring words from real and mythical people and places 287

Part V: The Part of Tens 301

Chapter 21: Don’t go there: Language to Avoid 303

Chapter 22: Distinctions worth making 307

Chapter 23: Ten techniques for nonnative speakers 315

Index 321

Laurie E. Rozakis, PhD, teaches English at the State University of New York, Farmingdale, and is the author of more than 100 books. Get a handle on difficult words and get ahead at school, at work, in life

• Effective communication
• Word Selection
• Delivery and tone
• Tailor for audience

Packed with sample conversations and usage examples

Talk (and write) your way to success with better vocabulary
Don't be intimidated by unfamiliar words ? make them your own! Filled with over 7,500 great vocabulary words along with fun facts and lots of everyday examples and tips, Vocabulary For Dummies shows you word by word how to write with panache (flair), speak with &eacutelan (style), and get ahead, whether you're in school or out in the work world.

THE DUMMIES WAY^TM
Explanations in plain English

• "Get in, get out" information
• Icons and other navigational aids
• Tear-out cheat sheet
• Top ten lists
• A dash of humor and fun

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