<p>Why is it that I spend so much time studying these vocab words and then I feel so intimidated to use them around ppl. And it's not b/c I'm not sure about the definition.</p>
<p>yeah, I have that problem too! I know interesting words, but I never actually use them!</p>
<p>Same thing here, I just hate to sound pretentious.</p>
<p>pretentious? what does that mean?</p>
<p>hahah just kidding.</p>
<p>hm.. use it in a sentence when you learn them? i think it's easier to just start using words when you read them in context.</p>
<p>I just use them and because they sound so weird, i always end up giggling after sentences. and they laugh too. We all have a good laugh about it.</p>
<p>I knew this one girl and she wasn't the best student but always thought she had an awesome vocab. She would use some big word and say "Dont ask me how i know that!" EVERYTIME!!!</p>
<p>Don't TRY to use "fancy" words... just talk, and if the word fits into your vocabulary, it'll pop up and sound natural, appropriate, or intentionally amusing, depending on the context. If you make a conscious effort to sound smart, you'll sound stupid, or like you're trying too hard. There's no reason to start blathering in thesaurus-speak.</p>
<p>My less-than-academically-inclined-friends usually give me a tough time about my vocab. My advice (If you want to use all the vocabulary you can) is to use advanced NOUNS, rather than verbs and especially adjectives and adverbs. No one ever really calls you on this because most of the time a good noun has no synonym that can be easily substituted. You're just using a more specific word. Whereas there are hundreds of less pretentious synonyms for "plethora" and "cornicopia," there are very few for "precipice" or "cornice."</p>
<p>I like using advanced vocab, it's much more classy.</p>
<p>Example:</p>
<p>SHUT THE HELL UP.</p>
<p>replace with</p>
<p>Please refrain from speaking. :)</p>
<p>See now doesn't that sound a lot more civilized . . .</p>
<p>i like to flaunt my use of the word "jumentous."</p>
<p>I like flabbergasting, I often use it with sarcasm
haha</p>