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 b chamel 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 lan; 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.

Have an interest in words? From the meaning of prefixes and suffixes to word origins and trivia, this book can help you build your vocabularySomeone just called you captious. Should you be flattered? Considering your extreme lactose intolerance, is it a good idea to orderveau au béchamelfrom 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--andVocabulary For Dummiesoffers 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 readVocabulary For Dummiesdoesn'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 moreVocabulary For Dummiesmakes 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 1Part 1: Getting Your Bearings 7Chapter 1: figuring out how words work 9Chapter 2 Building your vocabulary 17Chapter 3 Picking up meaning 37Chapter 4 Using the right word 51Part II: Mastering the Basics 63Chapter 5: Getting to the root of the matter 65Chapter 6: Starting off with prefixes 81Chapter 7: Ending well: Suffixes 101Part III: Expanding Your Base 119Chapter 8: Shading meaning: Synonyms, Antonyms, Connotations, Denotations 121Chapter 9: Hear your homonyms and homophones here 131Chapter 10: Compounding words 151Chapter 11: Romancing English: Words from French, Spanish, and Italian 167Chapter 12: Borrowing from the neighbors: Words from other languages 183Part IV: Getting Savvy with Vocabulary 197Chapter 13: Trying your skills on standardized tests 199Chapter 14: Taking care business vocabulary 215Chapter 15: Mutterings on money matters 227Chapter 16: Speaking legalese 237Chapter 17: Doctoring your words: Medical terms 251Chapter 18: Acquiring shopping and eating language 263Chapter 19: Expanding the language: Recent additions 273Chapter 20: Exploring words from real and mythical people and places 287Part V: The Part of Tens 301Chapter 21: Don't go there: Language to Avoid 303Chapter 22: Distinctions worth making 307Chapter 23: Ten techniques for nonnative speakers 315Index 321