Using A Brobdingnagian Vocabulary
March 30, 2017
Utilizing a cultivated lexicon is one of the numerous modus operandi for appearing more perspicacious and educated. However, many of our fellow intellectuals are susceptible to manipulating vocabulary ineffectively. A superior term to chronicle this most devastating affliction is “sesquipedalian loquaciousness”, or the use of unnecessarily long words. In writing, there is nothing more humiliating than using gargantuan words without the slightest conception of their definitions.
Sesquipedalian loquaciousness tends to become visible during circumstances in which one must portray oneself to be more insightful in speech or on paper than in reality. In spite of the impressive nature of sizable words, the use of a Brobdingnagian vocabulary is not invariably the optimal decision. As a matter of fact, the incorrect application of such words frequently leads to incomparably disgraceful grades or intense social mortification. In order to punctiliously pontificate or compose splendid essays, one must be heedful of precise denotations.
Manifestly, one can wield the all-powerful thesaurus. However, in this contemporary technology-based world, it is abundantly easier to simply look things up online. Basically, look words up before you use them. I wouldn’t use huge, professional-sounding words just to use them. Your choice of vocabulary should enhance the quality and message of your writing or speech, and it should not make anything too long-winded or verbose. Nobody likes to read circumlocutory essays.
Nevertheless, if you insist on or prefer a periphrastic manner of writing, there are techniques to minimize the blatant pretentious nature of it. Firstly, it is of paramount importance that your locutions are appropriate for the situation. To illustrate, during a discussion in history class, it would be indescribably impractical to use upwards of ten words to say “dictator”, particularly when the one term could be used in its stead. It would be more rational to flaunt your impressive lexicon at alternative junctures, such as in a satirical essay about using large words.
When venturing to achieve marks worthy of your acclaimed reputation, additional grandiose words should be attached to sections of extensive description and imagery. Just make sure that people can comprehend the point that you are attempting to get across. That’s always the most crucial component.
To recapitulate, it is not consistently a brilliant mastermind scheme to be flamboyant or extravagant with your word choice. It is ideal to only display your elephantine lexicon at suitable times. If not, then all of your strenuous toil is for naught. It will simply read as a jumble of “stuff”.