As always, Lewis adds a section in which he explains the etymology of these internationalisms, as well as many tests for self-assessment. Here you’ll learn the names of some of the more important explorers of knowledge – i.e., the names (and meanings: always meanings) of many different scientific disciplines: “an anthropologist,” “a geologist,” “an entomologist,” “a semanticist,” “a sociologist,” etc. This is the chapter in which you’ll be able to enrichen your vocabulary with some words such as “orthodontist” and “optometrist,” “podiatrist” and “gerontologist.” Also, here you’ll get acquainted with many related words and start becoming more and more conscious of how words work.
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In chapter four you’ll learn many words related to both childhood diseases and skeletal deformities, heart and skin ailments, as well as disorders of the nerves and the mind. Well, here’s your chance to act smart in front of your friends! Have you ever noticed yourself skipping through the boring hospital talk in every second House episode? Lewis caps off the three sections of this chapter with the joyful revelation that, through them, you’ve probably already learned more words than you would have in a single year.Īnd we’re merely at the beginning. Through great examples, you’ll be able to pick up the difference between an egoist and an egotist, to learn what an ambivert is and that “misogamist” is also a word. In chapter three, you’ll be able to learn numerous words “that describe all kinds and sorts of people, including terms for self-interest, reactions to the world, attitudes to others, skill and awkwardness, marital states, hatred of man, of woman, and of marriage.” So, what does that tell you about the necessity of learning new words?Įven though the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis is perhaps an exaggeration, its’s undeniable that building your vocabulary will enrich your thinking.īecause words are pictures of things, and because the more things you can name, the clearer you see – and can communicate – the world.
If not, it states that language determines your thoughts in other words, a Russian actually distinguishes more shades of the blue than an American only because there are more words for the nuances in the Russian language.
Have you ever heard of the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis? Let’s just say that we don’t want to share our score with you. The first chapter of Lewis’ book is basically a string of tests aimed at helping you discover whether your current vocabulary is “below average, average, above average, excellent, or superior in range, verbal speed, and responsiveness.” Look no further for the answer to this question. Put that in the form of a simple equation: more words = more money.Īnd how many words do you currently know? Lewis answers this question straight away by pointing out that there exists ample evidence in favor of a close relationship between vocabulary and success. Now, why would you care about your vocabulary? Well, because we’ve had many people asking us what’s the deal with this book and should they get a copy of it.Īnd because we really want to tell them that this is one of those books you’ll never get tired of, a book which, just like A Dictionary, you’ll never regret buying – since it will certainly come in handy to you at least from time to time.Īnd here’s our overview of its content, which, we are aware, doesn’t do this book – by the way, rife with very helpful quizzes, tests, and progress checks – enough justice. So why would we even bother summarizing Word Power Made Easy? Learning, real learning, goes on only through active participation. Well, the truth is, you can’t: just like Norman Lewis advises in the second sentence, the only thing you can do with a book such as Word Power Made Easy is to work with it, to “ talk aloud to it, talk back to it,” to “use your voice, not just your eyes and mind.” How do you read – let alone -summarize – a book the first sentence of which is: “ Don’t read this book”? Word Power Made Easy was first published in 1949 and has gone through several editions since then. Norman Lewis was an American grammarian and lexicographer, one of the leading authorities on English-language skills.ĭuring his life he published many books on language-related topics, some of which – such as Roget’s New Pocket Thesaurus in Dictionary Form and 30 Days to a More Powerful Vocabulary – are perennial bestsellers. So, if that’s your goal – this is a book you don’t want to miss. Who Should Read “Word Power Made Easy”? And Why?Īs it states under its subtitle, Norman Lewis’ Word Power Made Easy offers a simple step-by-step method aimed at increasing your knowledge and mastery of the English language.
Then Norman Lewis’ Word Power Made Easy is the book you’ve been looking for. Want to find out what “circumlocution” and “perspicacious” mean?Īnd want to be sure to never forget their meanings. 9 min read ⌚ The Complete Handbook for Building a Superior Vocabulary
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