Quiz: English Vocabulary

A rich vocabulary will always stand you in good stead. Hopefully, this word quiz will either confirm that you already have an awesome command of the English language, or it will serve to increase your vocabulary by a word or two.

After all, nobody really has a total "command" of language, if for no other reason than that it is constantly changing and evolving. And, as Evelyn Waugh said:

"One forgets words as one forgets names. One's vocabulary needs constant fertilizing or it will die."

Considering that all human endeavor involves communication on some level, having a good vocabulary is essential if one wants to do well in life, and can be rewarding, not only socially and intellectually, but also financially. Various studies have shown a strong correlation between the richness of one's vocabulary and the level of their professional success--and resulting salary.

Of course, a "good" vocabulary is not one made up of words chosen mainly for their impressive length. For example, "polysyllabic" is not necessarily superior to "long" as a description of such words. In a sarcasm-laden comment on William Faulkner's tendency to use long words, Hemingway said:

"Poor Faulkner. Does he really think big emotions come from big words? He thinks I don't know the ten-dollar words. I know them alright. But there are older and simpler and better words, and those are the ones I use."

Personally, I like both Hemingway and Faulkner. One way to explain the difference in their writing styles is that Faulkner was partial to the more mellifluous Greek and Latin words that make up over 60% of modern English vocabulary, while Hemingway preferred the more direct words of Germanic and Norse origin. That being said, many writers would tend to agree with Hemingway. The second of George Orwell's 5 rules for effective writing is, "Never use a long word where a short one will do." I would say that is generally true, but still, word choice is more a matter of ear and taste than of following set rules. This quote from Jonathan Swift is a very concise and accurate description of writing style:

"Proper words in proper places, make the true definition of a style."

When comes to the actual length of words, perhaps Winnie the Pooh said it best:

"I am a Bear of Very Little Brain, and long words Bother me."

Image by Canadafirst