This piece is part of my 2016–2026 archive migration. Some original formatting, content, and external links may be missing, changed, or not be optimized.
On writing with lesser-known words
Mostly, I include basic vocabulary, but now and then, I throw in words that I feel fit best.
Grammarly’s Thoughts
Even Grammarly suggests I use other words that are more common and known in English.
Word choice is all about context. Often, it’s quite subjective. A fancy word that’s perfectly appropriate for literary audiences may be hard for younger readers or non-native English speakers to understand. In a casual piece of writing that mostly uses everyday vocabulary, an overly complex word may seem awkward or pretentious when a simpler synonym is available. Consider your audience and the tone of your writing when deciding which word to use (Source: Grammarly)
But why?
Why not allow others to ingest and acquire a more multifarious vocabulary than what they’ve been exposed to?
It’s not pretentious, and I don’t think withholding vocabulary is fair. I enjoy it when people use new words I’m unfamiliar with because it helps me expand my vocabulary.
So I choose to write however and whatever I like.
Besides, it’s been proven that the more extensive your vocabulary, the larger your bank account.
Language is power.
Some of the wealthiest people in the world are the best and most skilled communicators.
Key Message: If you want to use some “fancy” words, use them. Hoarding knowledge is the worst thing to do with it. What’s the point of learning new words if you never use them? The better you can express yourself, the more people you can access.
One of the reasons many people have such limited vocabulary is that people choose to refrain from using words out of fear of how people may respond to their usage.
As Grammarly mentioned above, you’re immediately labeled pretentious or insensitive when you’re simply trying to express yourself in a way that one word does better than a more common or familiar word.
The Easiest Way To Expand Your Vocabulary
If you’re interested in becoming a better writer and expanding your vocabulary, there is no better way to do it than reading/listening to books.
The more you read, the more knowledge and vocabulary you expose your mind to, which helps you learn how to express yourself more efficiently.
I’ll be forever thankful to my parents, who set a thirty-minute timer every day that required my siblings and me to read books. Not only did we end up falling in love with reading, but education also.
My siblings are some of the most intelligent people I know.
Your Life Will Improve Radically
Do you think it’s pretentious to use less common vocabulary? Leave your thoughts in the comments below. I’d love to hear your opinion on this topic.
This content is for informational purposes only — not professional advice. Consult a qualified professional before making any major decisions.