speech big word

70+ Big Words That Will Make You Feel Smart

The biggest word in the English language is 189,819 letters long, and takes three hours to pronounce! More commonly used big words are several syllables long, and often make people feel smart when they say them out loud. Somewhat ironically, however, study after study has shown that using big words usually makes people sound dumb.

There is a time and a place for big words. If you’re a writer, you might want to be careful about how often you invoke long words that no one has ever heard of before. Mark Twain has a few good quotes about why writers should be economical and precise:

“Don’t use a five-dollar word when a fifty-cent word will do.”

“the difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter – it’s the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning.”.

With that said, below is a list of some of the biggest words in the English language, which you can choose to ignore, or insert into your writing and vocabulary. Remember, sometimes, a big word works better. Try to insert a new word into your vocabulary every day until you’re able to use them naturally, without thinking about it. Here are some big words that you can use to sound smart around your family and friends, along with their meaning so you use them in the correct way:

Big Words (A)

1. Abstentious

Self-restraining; also the longest word in the English language to use all five vowels in order once

2. Accoutrements

trappings, esp. related to apparel

3. Acumen — ability, skill

4. Anachronistic — a story that didn’t actually happen

5. Anagnorisis — the moment in a story when the main character realizes something that leads to a resolution

6. Anomalist — difficult to classify

8. Apropos — appropriate

9. Arid — dry

10. Assiduous — painstaking; taking great care through hard work

11. Auspicious — signaling a positive future

Big Words (B-C)

12. Behoove — something that is a personal duty

13. Bellwether — the first sheep in a flock, wearing a bell around its neck

14. C allipygian — having large, round, succulent buttocks

15. Circumlocution —the act of using too many words

16. Consanguineous — of the same blood or same ancestor

17. Conviviality — friendliness

18. Coruscant — sparkling

19. Cuddlesome — cuddly

20. Cupidity — greed

21. Cwtch — from the Welsh word for “hiding place”; the longest word in English to be entirely composed of consonants

22. Cynosure — center of attention

Big Words (D)

23. Deleterious — harmful

24. Desideratum — something needed or wanted

Big Words (E)

26. Enervating — exhausting

27. Equanimity — level-headedness

28. Euouae — a medieval musical term; the longest word in a major dictionary entirely composed of vowels

29. Excogitate — to plan

Big Words (F)

31. Florid — red and inflamed

32. Fortuitous — lucky

33 . Frugal — cheap, thrifty

Big Words (G-M)

34. Gasconading — bragging

35. Grandiloquent — verbally pompous

36. Hackneyed — clichéd

37. Honorificabilitudinitatibus — an extremely long-winded way to say “honorable”; at 27 letters, the longest word in the work of William Shakespeare; also the longest word in the English language featuring alternating consonants and vowels

38. Idiosyncratic — peculiar

39. Indubitably — without a doubt

40. Ivoriate — to cover in ivory

41. Lopadotemachoselachogaleokranioleipsanodrimhypo…pterygon  — (ellipsis used because the word is 182 letters long) an elaborate fricassee; coined word that appeared in the play Assemblywomen by Aristophanes

42. Methionylthreonylthreonylglutaminylalanyl…isoleucine … the chemical name for titin, the largest known protein; ellipsis used because at 189,819 letters, it’s the largest known word and takes over three hours to pronounce

43. Milieu — environment

Big Words (N-P)

44. Nidificate — to build a nest

45. Nonchalant — carefree and unbothered

46. Osculator — one who loves or is loved

47. Paradigm — model

48. Parastratiosphecomyiastratiosphecomyiodes — a species of fly native to Thailand

49. Parsimonious — cheap

50. Penultimate — second to last

51. Perfidious — treacherous

52. Perspicacious — perceptive

54. Proficuous — profitable

55. Predilection — preference

56. Pseudopseudohypoparathyroidism — an inherited thyroid disorder

57. Psychotomimetic – inducing psychotic alteration of behavior and personality

Big Words (Q-Z)

58. Querulous — fussy

59 Rancorous — bitter and argumentative

60. Remunerative — lucrative

61. Rotavator — a soil tiller; at 9 letters, the longest palindromic word in the English language (i.e., it’s spelled the same way backwards)

62. Saxicolous — something that lives on rocks

63. Sesquipedalian — involving long words, just like this article

64. Splendiferous — wonderful

65. Squirrelled — put away; the longest one-syllable word in the English language

67. Supercilious — when a person is arrogant

68. Synergy — extra energy generated by cooperation

69. Unencumbered — free

70. Unparagoned — without equal

Read more Creativity .

About the author

Jerome London

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Fifteen Big English Words To Help You Sound Smart

Are you looking for a way to fast-track your English vocabulary skills? If so, you’re in luck! We’ve compiled a list of fifteen advanced yet easy-to-use words that’ll help you speak like an eloquent English expert.

Table of Contents

• Extrapolate
• Juxtaposition
• Mellifluous
• Perspicacious
• Superfluous
• Trepidation

Have you ever found yourself amidst a conversation filled with words beyond your comprehension? It’s not a fun place to be, so to help you avoid that, we’ll teach you fifteen advanced English words that will make people believe you’re a human dictionary.

You can also try our Paraphrasing Tool to discover other advanced words that can help you express your meaning.

Are you ready? Let’s go!

Fifteen Big English Words

1. abdicate.

Abdicate is a verb that means “to give up or fail to complete one’s duties or responsibilities.”

Imagine a king who has ruled for many years but finds it increasingly difficult to manage the kingdom's affairs due to old age. After careful consideration, he might decide to abdicate the throne in favor of his heir.

Please note that the word isn’t only used to refer to monarchs; it can also be applied to everyday roles.

After the scandal, the CEO decided to abdicate her position.

2. Capricious

Capricious is an adjective that describes someone or something as “given to sudden changes in mood and behavior.”

For example, you might consider your two-year-old brother unpredictable and capricious because one day, he loves bananas, and the next, he cries at the sight of them.

Working for my last boss was nerve-racking, as his capricious and abrupt demeanor made it difficult for me to know what he wanted.

3. Embellish

To embellish something is to “make something more beautiful by adding decorations.” A pine tree is just a pine tree until you embellish it with lights and ornaments—then it becomes a Christmas tree.

One can embellish a story by adding false or exaggerated details to make it sound better.

The tables were embellished with gold-laced cloth and impressive crystal centerpieces.

4. Evocative

If something is evocative, it “brings to mind strong emotions, images, or memories.” Those sad commercials about the puppies and kittens stuck in animal shelters might be evocative enough to get you to adopt one of them.

I performed my most evocative song, and there was no dry eye in sight.

5. Extrapolate

To extrapolate is “to make an educated prediction about something based on the information you already have about something else.” If you’ve passed all your math tests throughout the semester with flying colors, you can extrapolate that you’ll do well in your final exam, too.

Based on last year’s data, we can extrapolate that consumers prefer to buy packages rather than individual products.

6. Frivolous

Frivolous is an adjective that describes something as “carrying little importance, purpose, or value.” Your best friend’s collectible action figures may seem frivolous to you , but to him, they’re the most valuable things in the world.

We rummaged through the attic and got rid of all the frivolous belongings we'd been storing for years.

7. Juxtaposition

Juxtaposition is when two opposite elements are presented side by side to create a contrasting effect. An ice-cold ice cream on a scorching summer day, a hot chocolate on a frigid night, and an elderly grandmother carrying her newborn granddaughter all contain elements of juxtaposition .

What struck me the most about the book is the subtle yet significant juxtaposition between individualism and collectivism.

8. Loquacious

Loquacious is an adjective that describes someone as “excessively talkative.” You may regret teaching your loquacious parrot all those words, as now you can’t get him to be quiet.

He is quite a loquacious person, but the surprise left him at a loss for words.

9. Mellifluous

If you’re having trouble going to sleep, you may want to listen to someone sing in a mellifluous —or sweet and soft—voice to help lure you to sleep.

I was enamored with her mellifluous voice , which filled the room.

10. Mitigate

Mitigate is a verb that means “to make something bad less severe, serious, or harmful.” If mom is almost home, and you haven’t done the chores she asked you to do, you’ll probably want to mitigate the punishment by telling her how pretty she is as soon as she walks through the door.

If we don’t start to mitigate climate change, future generations will suffer.

11. Perspicacious

A lawyer who understands body language and knows when someone is lying can be considered perspicacious , which means “having keen insight and being able to understand somebody or something quickly.”

She was perspicacious and, therefore, not surprised when she got the promotion.

12. Superfluous

Superfluous means “extra, unnecessary, or exceeding what one needs or wants.” Some might say the word superfluous is, well, superfluous.

My teacher read my paper and scratched out all the superfluous words with a red pen.

13. Trepidation

When it’s Halloween and you and your friends are walking through horrifying haunted houses, every turn you make and door you open will fill you with trepidation , or “worrying fear and anxiety about something that might happen.”

I’m usually excited for school to start, but this year, I was overcome with trepidation .

14. Vivacious

That cheerful teacher who always wears bright yellow dresses and maintains a positive attitude no matter what? Yeah, you can describe her as vivacious , which means “lively and animated in spirit and conduct.”

I was grumpy, but her vivacious personality made me crack a smile.

15. Vitriol

Stay away from people who express nothing but hateful comments and vitriol, or “bitter, cruel, and malicious remarks.”

The bully’s sudden fury of vitriol made the young student cry.

You can use LanguageTool's Grammar Checker to ensure you're using words like these correctly.

How To Easily Expand Your English Vocabulary

There you have it! Study this list, and you’ll find yourself less likely to feel trepidation and more likely to be perspicacious when your loquacious self is immersed in advanced conversations.

If you’re looking for a way to embellish your writing, LanguageTool can help. As an advanced multilingual writing assistant, not only does it check for spelling, grammar, and punctuation mistakes, but it also suggests more formal and advanced vocabulary to help you write powerful and evocative texts. Try it today!

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BIG WORDS in a Sentence Examples: 21 Ways to Use Big Words

Have you ever been intimidated by a text filled with big words? Big words, also known as sesquipedalian vocabulary, are lengthy and complex terms that can sometimes leave readers feeling overwhelmed. Despite their intimidating nature, big words can greatly enhance the depth and precision of our language.

Table of Contents

7 Examples Of Big Words Used In a Sentence For Kids

14 sentences with big words examples, how to use big words in sentences.

To use big words in a sentence effectively, beginners should follow these simple steps:

Choose the right word: Select a big word that accurately conveys your intended meaning. Avoid using big words just for the sake of sounding smart.

Provide context: Ensure that the big word you use makes sense in relation to the rest of your sentence.

Avoid overuse: While big words can enhance your writing, using them too frequently can make your sentences difficult to read. Balance is key.

Read widely: Reading books, articles, and other materials can expose you to a variety of big words used in context, helping you learn how to incorporate them into your own writing.

Remember, the goal of using big words is to enhance your communication and convey your ideas more effectively. With practice and patience, beginners can master the art of using big words in their sentences.

To ensure effective communication, it is important to strike a balance between utilizing a varied vocabulary and maintaining clarity. When using sentences with big words, it is essential to consider the audience and context to ensure that the message is understood by all. Ultimately, simplicity and clarity in communication often have a greater impact than verbosity and complexity.

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100+ Big Words To Enhance Your Vocabulary

Last Updated on August 9, 2024

Table of Contents

It’s true. Good vocabulary plays a huge role in polishing not only writing skills but speech quality as well. It makes you stand out in the crowd. Period! A couple of fancy words mouthed by an individual would leave a lasting impression, and one would automatically consider them to be smart!

Your speech and appearance are two factors that influence your personality. Why not add some grace to the former by learning a few words that would send out a strong signal? You need not be an avid reader or bookworm, just stay with us and we’ll get you to it.

We have the perfect list of vocabulary words that would make you look smart and sound appealing! For words that are too complex to understand will be used in sentences so that you can apprehend the meaning easily.

P.s: These words are exclusively hand-picked for you. I bet you won’t find a list as imposing as this!

104 Simple Words with Complex Meanings

Lean and haggard because of hunger or age.

Severe self-discipline. One who avoids self-indulgence.

Deserving blame.

A detective or investigator.

To make a whistling or ruffling sound, such as that of the leaves in wind.

Foreordained

To appoint something beforehand. For example, success can not be foreordained.

To criticize unfairly.

Of relating to practical affairs. Or one who is boring and dull. For example, returning to a mundane work routine is hard after a weekend.

Existing from the beginning of time . Or basic/fundamental needs.

Massive respect for something or someone.

Omniscience

The state of knowing everything. For example, God is omniscient.

Omnipresent

Being present everywhere at the same time. 

Moving in a turbulent or non-orderly manner. For example, the weltering group of cows.

Things that are formed by gradual growth or increase. For example, the accretion of cultures or financial assets.

To omit from speech. Or merge together. For example, eliding the scenes of a play. 

Denying any responsibility or knowledge of something. For example, disavowal of earlier statements in court. 

A practical and sensible approach rather than a theoretical one. For example, making pragmatic decisions about life.

Expressing opinions so strongly that they look like facts. For example, being dogmatically rigid in matters of choices.

Associated with massive respect. For example, a venerable teacher .

Making a harsh or loud noise.

Consecration

Declaring something sacred.

Aristocratic

Of belonging to an elite or supreme society/family.

Unusually thin or weak.

Reverberate

Having continuous or dire effects. Or the echoing of a voice. 

Being indifferent to pain or pleasure.

To support or strengthen.

Something of doubtful authenticity being circulated as the truth. For example, his apocryphal lies about me have shunned my confidence. 

Non-offensive and unharmful. For example, an innocuous remark.

Something that has the potential to attract envy or desire. For example, a job with a handsome salary would be enviable.

Pointless. For example, a futile effort .

Walking slowly with heavy steps. For example, trudging with exhaustion.

In a careful manner. For example, walking gingerly so that no one in the house wakes up.

Blasphemous or obscene language.

A strong or passionate feeling.

To reprimand severely. 

To ignore the complexity of an issue. To look at something only superficially. For example, a facile observation of his bruises leads to ambiguity in the investigation.

The primary part of a building facing a street/road. Or an outward appearance that is deliberately false (to give a wrong impression). For example, don’t fall for his smile for it is only a facade to mask his pain.

To sharpen something (such as a spear) or to perfect a skill. For example, she honed her skills to earn the title of the best graphic designer in her firm.

A strong liking or admiration for something. For example, she has a penchant for everything pink.

A sudden change of mood. For example, I fear hanging out with her because of her capricious personality.

Something terrible. Or something that causes moral revulsion. For example, the abominable acts of the corrupt government made the poor suffer.

Impertinence

Lack of respect or rudeness. For example, his inability to converse with other people was perceived as an impertinence. 

Range of experience or thought. For example, 

Risking someone else’s money . For example, he’s wagered all his father’s pension money on gambling and casinos.

Accepting something after initially declining it. For example, after catching his son red-handed he couldn’t help but concede the rumors.

Charming someone in a deceptive manner. For example, she is easily beguiled by looks and money.

Having a red complexion.

Looking after oneself without any help from others. For example, after the death of her parents, she had to fend for bread and butter.

Puzzled or confused.

The action of sending someone to prison or a psychiatric institution.

A person or thing that stands guard or watches. For example, the policeman sentinelled all the suspects until their bail was granted.

Resting or sitting on something high and narrow. For example, perching on the arms of a chair.

A loud roar.

To hit someone hard or to deal with someone harshly. For example, next time he misbehaves with me I’ll clobber him.

Taking a long step.

Favorable or something that indicates success. For example, a propitious consensus was reached once the meeting ended.

Developing a behavior or ability before age. For example, her reading habit lent her a precocious writing talent.

A young individual with exceptional talent. For example, she emerged as a child prodigy with those outstanding mathematical skills.

Capitulation

Ceasing to resist a demand or opponent. The act of surrendering. For example, the opposition had to capitulate to the demands of the government.

An agreement between two groups. For example: after a vicious battle, the two teams finally decided to reach a concord. 

Hesitant or doubtful. For example, I was dubious about purchasing such a shady property.

Unpleasant in taste or smell. For example, the acrid smoke from the chimney made me nauseous.

Rhythm or modulation of the voice. For example, she spoke with cadence and confidence at the international conference. 

Unfriendly and rude. For example, her surly behavior is the reason why she doesn’t have any friends.

Constantly moving from one place to another. For example, the roving life of a nomad.

Subliminally

Below the threshold of conscious perception. For example, commercials these days send out subliminal messages that manipulate the viewer.

Disagreeing or denying formally in a debate. For example, his accusations were met with a firm rebuttal.

To have a share in something.

Stupid or foolish.

An individual who attacks or criticizes personal beliefs and religion.

A loud and harsh sound. 

Someone who proposes or advocates something. For example, he was a strong proponent of legal trade policies.

Indulging or plunged. For example, his memories wallowed him.

Forbidden. For example, smoking was strictly illicit in the common room.

To get something. For example, eliciting a reaction.

Sulky or rude. For example, his petulant behavior offended me.

A travel log or a planned journey. 

A figurative or metaphorical use of an expression. 

To carry out something carelessly. For example, a botched surgery due to lack of experience of the clinician.

To discard.

An excessively proper manner.

Advantageous. For example, the recruiters were only going to hire expedient individuals.

Showing interest or concern. For example, teachers are always solicitous about their students.

A lengthy and aggressive speech.

Congenially

Pleasing or likable attributes because they are similar to one’s own. For example: due to his congenial personality, he has a large social circle.

A short and abrupt reply. For example, the cashier was brusque with the customers.

Prestige. Or a distinguishing mark. For example, this high-end cosmetic company has a cachet that attracts a lot of customers.

Relentlessly severe, stern, or gloomy. 

Mysterious.

Conciliation

Stopping someone from being angry. For example, they both were furious so someone had to conciliate. 

Deliberately created rather than arising naturally or with the flow. For example, the contrived ending of this movie made me dislike it entirely.

To have an unpleasant feeling or effect. For example, his loud munching jarred on my ears. 

Critical and full of rebuke. For example, the headmistress chided us for wearing dirty uniforms.

Ask Away: The FAQ Section

What are some good vocabulary words?

• Philandering
• Preemptively
• Vituperation
• Anachronism
• Exasperation

Which vocabulary word goes with similar?

• Comparable 

What are the four types of vocabulary?

Listening, speaking, reading, and writing are the four types of vocabulary.

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• 40 Useful Words and Phrases for Top-Notch Essays

To be truly brilliant, an essay needs to utilise the right language. You could make a great point, but if it’s not intelligently articulated, you almost needn’t have bothered.

Developing the language skills to build an argument and to write persuasively is crucial if you’re to write outstanding essays every time. In this article, we’re going to equip you with the words and phrases you need to write a top-notch essay, along with examples of how to utilise them.

It’s by no means an exhaustive list, and there will often be other ways of using the words and phrases we describe that we won’t have room to include, but there should be more than enough below to help you make an instant improvement to your essay-writing skills.

If you’re interested in developing your language and persuasive skills, Oxford Royale offers summer courses at its Oxford Summer School , Cambridge Summer School , London Summer School , San Francisco Summer School and Yale Summer School . You can study courses to learn english , prepare for careers in law , medicine , business , engineering and leadership.

General explaining

Let’s start by looking at language for general explanations of complex points.

1. In order to

Usage: “In order to” can be used to introduce an explanation for the purpose of an argument. Example: “In order to understand X, we need first to understand Y.”

2. In other words

Usage: Use “in other words” when you want to express something in a different way (more simply), to make it easier to understand, or to emphasise or expand on a point. Example: “Frogs are amphibians. In other words, they live on the land and in the water.”

3. To put it another way

Usage: This phrase is another way of saying “in other words”, and can be used in particularly complex points, when you feel that an alternative way of wording a problem may help the reader achieve a better understanding of its significance. Example: “Plants rely on photosynthesis. To put it another way, they will die without the sun.”

4. That is to say

Usage: “That is” and “that is to say” can be used to add further detail to your explanation, or to be more precise. Example: “Whales are mammals. That is to say, they must breathe air.”

5. To that end

Usage: Use “to that end” or “to this end” in a similar way to “in order to” or “so”. Example: “Zoologists have long sought to understand how animals communicate with each other. To that end, a new study has been launched that looks at elephant sounds and their possible meanings.”

Adding additional information to support a point

Students often make the mistake of using synonyms of “and” each time they want to add further information in support of a point they’re making, or to build an argument. Here are some cleverer ways of doing this.

6. Moreover

Usage: Employ “moreover” at the start of a sentence to add extra information in support of a point you’re making. Example: “Moreover, the results of a recent piece of research provide compelling evidence in support of…”

7. Furthermore

Usage:This is also generally used at the start of a sentence, to add extra information. Example: “Furthermore, there is evidence to suggest that…”

8. What’s more

Usage: This is used in the same way as “moreover” and “furthermore”. Example: “What’s more, this isn’t the only evidence that supports this hypothesis.”

9. Likewise

Usage: Use “likewise” when you want to talk about something that agrees with what you’ve just mentioned. Example: “Scholar A believes X. Likewise, Scholar B argues compellingly in favour of this point of view.”

10. Similarly

Usage: Use “similarly” in the same way as “likewise”. Example: “Audiences at the time reacted with shock to Beethoven’s new work, because it was very different to what they were used to. Similarly, we have a tendency to react with surprise to the unfamiliar.”

11. Another key thing to remember

Usage: Use the phrase “another key point to remember” or “another key fact to remember” to introduce additional facts without using the word “also”. Example: “As a Romantic, Blake was a proponent of a closer relationship between humans and nature. Another key point to remember is that Blake was writing during the Industrial Revolution, which had a major impact on the world around him.”

12. As well as

Usage: Use “as well as” instead of “also” or “and”. Example: “Scholar A argued that this was due to X, as well as Y.”

13. Not only… but also

Usage: This wording is used to add an extra piece of information, often something that’s in some way more surprising or unexpected than the first piece of information. Example: “Not only did Edmund Hillary have the honour of being the first to reach the summit of Everest, but he was also appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire.”

14. Coupled with

Usage: Used when considering two or more arguments at a time. Example: “Coupled with the literary evidence, the statistics paint a compelling view of…”

15. Firstly, secondly, thirdly…

Usage: This can be used to structure an argument, presenting facts clearly one after the other. Example: “There are many points in support of this view. Firstly, X. Secondly, Y. And thirdly, Z.

16. Not to mention/to say nothing of

Usage: “Not to mention” and “to say nothing of” can be used to add extra information with a bit of emphasis. Example: “The war caused unprecedented suffering to millions of people, not to mention its impact on the country’s economy.”

Words and phrases for demonstrating contrast

When you’re developing an argument, you will often need to present contrasting or opposing opinions or evidence – “it could show this, but it could also show this”, or “X says this, but Y disagrees”. This section covers words you can use instead of the “but” in these examples, to make your writing sound more intelligent and interesting.

17. However

Usage: Use “however” to introduce a point that disagrees with what you’ve just said. Example: “Scholar A thinks this. However, Scholar B reached a different conclusion.”

18. On the other hand

Usage: Usage of this phrase includes introducing a contrasting interpretation of the same piece of evidence, a different piece of evidence that suggests something else, or an opposing opinion. Example: “The historical evidence appears to suggest a clear-cut situation. On the other hand, the archaeological evidence presents a somewhat less straightforward picture of what happened that day.”

19. Having said that

Usage: Used in a similar manner to “on the other hand” or “but”. Example: “The historians are unanimous in telling us X, an agreement that suggests that this version of events must be an accurate account. Having said that, the archaeology tells a different story.”

20. By contrast/in comparison

Usage: Use “by contrast” or “in comparison” when you’re comparing and contrasting pieces of evidence. Example: “Scholar A’s opinion, then, is based on insufficient evidence. By contrast, Scholar B’s opinion seems more plausible.”

21. Then again

Usage: Use this to cast doubt on an assertion. Example: “Writer A asserts that this was the reason for what happened. Then again, it’s possible that he was being paid to say this.”

22. That said

Usage: This is used in the same way as “then again”. Example: “The evidence ostensibly appears to point to this conclusion. That said, much of the evidence is unreliable at best.”

Usage: Use this when you want to introduce a contrasting idea. Example: “Much of scholarship has focused on this evidence. Yet not everyone agrees that this is the most important aspect of the situation.”

Adding a proviso or acknowledging reservations

Sometimes, you may need to acknowledge a shortfalling in a piece of evidence, or add a proviso. Here are some ways of doing so.

24. Despite this

Usage: Use “despite this” or “in spite of this” when you want to outline a point that stands regardless of a shortfalling in the evidence. Example: “The sample size was small, but the results were important despite this.”

25. With this in mind

Usage: Use this when you want your reader to consider a point in the knowledge of something else. Example: “We’ve seen that the methods used in the 19th century study did not always live up to the rigorous standards expected in scientific research today, which makes it difficult to draw definite conclusions. With this in mind, let’s look at a more recent study to see how the results compare.”

26. Provided that

Usage: This means “on condition that”. You can also say “providing that” or just “providing” to mean the same thing. Example: “We may use this as evidence to support our argument, provided that we bear in mind the limitations of the methods used to obtain it.”

27. In view of/in light of

Usage: These phrases are used when something has shed light on something else. Example: “In light of the evidence from the 2013 study, we have a better understanding of…”

28. Nonetheless

Usage: This is similar to “despite this”. Example: “The study had its limitations, but it was nonetheless groundbreaking for its day.”

29. Nevertheless

Usage: This is the same as “nonetheless”. Example: “The study was flawed, but it was important nevertheless.”

30. Notwithstanding

Usage: This is another way of saying “nonetheless”. Example: “Notwithstanding the limitations of the methodology used, it was an important study in the development of how we view the workings of the human mind.”

Giving examples

Good essays always back up points with examples, but it’s going to get boring if you use the expression “for example” every time. Here are a couple of other ways of saying the same thing.

31. For instance

Example: “Some birds migrate to avoid harsher winter climates. Swallows, for instance, leave the UK in early winter and fly south…”

32. To give an illustration

Example: “To give an illustration of what I mean, let’s look at the case of…”

Signifying importance

When you want to demonstrate that a point is particularly important, there are several ways of highlighting it as such.

33. Significantly

Usage: Used to introduce a point that is loaded with meaning that might not be immediately apparent. Example: “Significantly, Tacitus omits to tell us the kind of gossip prevalent in Suetonius’ accounts of the same period.”

34. Notably

Usage: This can be used to mean “significantly” (as above), and it can also be used interchangeably with “in particular” (the example below demonstrates the first of these ways of using it). Example: “Actual figures are notably absent from Scholar A’s analysis.”

35. Importantly

Usage: Use “importantly” interchangeably with “significantly”. Example: “Importantly, Scholar A was being employed by X when he wrote this work, and was presumably therefore under pressure to portray the situation more favourably than he perhaps might otherwise have done.”

Summarising

You’ve almost made it to the end of the essay, but your work isn’t over yet. You need to end by wrapping up everything you’ve talked about, showing that you’ve considered the arguments on both sides and reached the most likely conclusion. Here are some words and phrases to help you.

36. In conclusion

Usage: Typically used to introduce the concluding paragraph or sentence of an essay, summarising what you’ve discussed in a broad overview. Example: “In conclusion, the evidence points almost exclusively to Argument A.”

37. Above all

Usage: Used to signify what you believe to be the most significant point, and the main takeaway from the essay. Example: “Above all, it seems pertinent to remember that…”

38. Persuasive

Usage: This is a useful word to use when summarising which argument you find most convincing. Example: “Scholar A’s point – that Constanze Mozart was motivated by financial gain – seems to me to be the most persuasive argument for her actions following Mozart’s death.”

39. Compelling

Usage: Use in the same way as “persuasive” above. Example: “The most compelling argument is presented by Scholar A.”

40. All things considered

Usage: This means “taking everything into account”. Example: “All things considered, it seems reasonable to assume that…”

How many of these words and phrases will you get into your next essay? And are any of your favourite essay terms missing from our list? Let us know in the comments below, or get in touch here to find out more about courses that can help you with your essays.

At Oxford Royale Academy, we offer a number of  summer school courses for young people who are keen to improve their essay writing skills. Click here to apply for one of our courses today, including law , business , medicine  and engineering .

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50+ Big Words to Sound Smart and Boost Your Elegance

Big Words to Sound Smart: Words are not just arbitrary symbols; they carry weight, nuance, and power. However, within the realm of language, there exists a curious phenomenon—a fascination with what is often colloquially termed “big words.” These are the words that adorn the speeches of politicians, the prose of scholars, and the conversations of the erudite. But do these big words truly make one sound smarter? And what exactly are they?

In this comprehensive exploration, we will help you understand their usage, and discern their impact on communication.

Table of Content

What are Big Words to Sound Smart?

List of 50 big words to sound smart, 50 examples of big words to sound smart.

“Big words” are fancy and complicated words that people sometimes use to sound smart. These words are usually long or not commonly heard in everyday talk, and they often come from different languages like Latin or Greek. For example, words like “sesquipedalian,” “circumlocution,” or “prestidigitation” fall into this category.

People like using big words because they can make them seem more knowledgeable and impressive. But it’s important to use them carefully because using too many can confuse others instead of helping them understand.

Knowing when to use big words depends on the situation and who you’re talking to. In places like school or work, where people understand specialised language, using big words can show that you know much about a subject. But in casual conversations or public speaking, it’s usually better to keep things simple and easy to understand.

Getting good at using big words takes practice and curiosity. You can read different kinds of books and articles to discover new words. It also helps to use tools like dictionaries or thesauruses to learn more words and understand how to use them. However, sounding smart isn’t just about using fancy words. It’s also about being clear, relevant, and genuine in what you say. So, while big words can make language more interesting, it’s more important to focus on communicating well and connecting with others.

Here’s a list of 50 big words to sound smart:

1. Pernicious

2. Ubiquitous

3. Quintessential

4. Ostentatious

5. Magnanimous

6. Ebullient

7. Serendipity

8. Cacophony

9. Ephemeral

10. Ubiquitous

11. Epiphany

12. Sagacious

13. Mellifluous

14. Resilient

15. Esoteric

16. Melancholy

17. Perseverance

18. Pragmatic

19. Superfluous

20. Enigmatic

21. Prolific

22. Alacrity

23. Ineffable

25. Vicarious

26. Audacious

27. Pernicious

28. Ambivalent

29. Fortuitous

30. Antithesis

31. Conundrum

32. Eloquent

33. Sagacity

35. Abstruse

36. Magnanimity

37. Quixotic

38. Serendipitous

39. Ostentatious

40. Ephemeral

41. Perspicacious

42. Ineffable

43. Equanimity

44. Salient

45. Exacerbate

46. Proclivity

47. Luminous

48. Surreptitious

49. Verbose

50. Ubiquity

Here’s a list of 50 examples of big words incorporated into sentences:

1. Pernicious: The pernicious effects of climate change are becoming increasingly evident.

2. Ubiquitous: Smartphones have become ubiquitous in modern society.

3. Quintessential: Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” is considered the quintessential tragedy.

4. Ostentatious : His ostentatious display of wealth was met with disdain by his peers.

5. Magnanimous: Despite the insult, he responded with a magnanimous gesture of forgiveness.

6. Ebullient: She greeted each day with an ebullient spirit that was infectious to those around her.

7. Serendipity : It was pure serendipity that led to their chance encounter at the bookstore.

8. Cacophony : The cacophony of traffic outside made it difficult to concentrate.

9. Ephemeral: The beauty of the sunset was ephemeral, fading into darkness all too quickly.

10. Ubiquitous: Social media platforms are ubiquitous in the lives of many young people today.

11. Epiphany: She had an epiphany while staring at the stars, realizing her true passion lay in astronomy.

12. Sagacious: His sagacious advice guided me through many difficult decisions.

13. Mellifluous : Her voice was mellifluous, captivating all who heard her sing.

14. Resilient: Despite facing numerous setbacks, she remained resilient in her pursuit of success.

15. Esoteric: Quantum physics can seem esoteric to those without a background in science.

16. Melancholy: The melancholy melody of the piano echoed through the empty room.

17. Perseverance: Through sheer perseverance, he overcame obstacles and achieved his goals.

18. Pragmatic: Taking a pragmatic approach, she focused on solutions rather than dwelling on problems.

19. Superfluous: His speech was filled with superfluous details, detracting from the main point.

20. Enigmatic: The Mona Lisa’s enigmatic smile has puzzled art enthusiasts for centuries.

21. Prolific: Shakespeare was a prolific writer, producing numerous plays and sonnets during his lifetime.

22. Alacrity: He accepted the challenge with alacrity, eager to prove himself.

23. Ineffable: The beauty of the landscape was ineffable, defying description.

24. Serene: She felt a sense of serene calm wash over her as she gazed out at the ocean.

25. Vicarious: Through reading, we can experience the adventures of others vicariously.

26. Audacious: His audacious plan to climb Mount Everest captured the world’s attention.

27. Pernicious: The spread of fake news can have pernicious effects on society.

28. Ambivalent: She felt ambivalent about the job offer, torn between excitement and uncertainty.

29. Fortuitous : Their fortuitous meeting at the conference led to a fruitful collaboration.

30. Antithesis: In many ways, she was the antithesis of her twin sister, outgoing where her sister was shy.

31. Conundrum: Solving the conundrum required creative thinking and perseverance.

32. Eloquent : His eloquent speech moved the audience to tears.

33. Sagacity: The wisdom of her grandmother’s sagacity was invaluable in times of trouble.

34. Cogent: His argument was cogent and well-reasoned, convincing even his staunchest critics.

35. Abstruse : The subject matter was abstruse, requiring extensive study to fully grasp.

36. Magnanimity: He showed magnanimity in victory, graciously congratulating his opponents.

37. Quixotic: His quixotic quest for world peace was met with skepticism by many.

38. Serendipitous: Their serendipitous encounter in the park led to a lifelong friendship.

39. Ostentatious: Her ostentatious display of wealth made her the talk of the town.

40. Ephemeral: The beauty of the cherry blossoms was ephemeral, lasting only a few short weeks.

41. Perspicacious: His perspicacious observation revealed the true nature of the problem.

42. Ineffable: The bond between mother and child is ineffable, impossible to fully describe.

43. Equanimity: Maintaining equanimity in the face of adversity is a sign of true strength.

44. Salient: The most salient point of the presentation was the need for urgent action.

45. Exacerbate: His criticism only served to exacerbate the situation, making matters worse.

46. Proclivity: She had a proclivity for adventure, always seeking out new experiences.

47. Luminous: The night sky was filled with luminous stars, twinkling in the darkness.

48. Surreptitious: His surreptitious glances across the room betrayed his true feelings.

49. Verbose: His verbose writing style made his essays tedious to read.

50. Ubiquity: The ubiquity of social media has changed the way we interact with one another.

Similar Reads How to Write a Research Hypothesis- Step-By-Step Guide With Examples List of 30 Common Literary Devices to Know: Definitions & Examples How to Become a Topper in Class 10 Exam- Know 25 Tips and Tricks!

Big Words to Sound Smart- FAQs

What are big words, and why do people use them to sound smart.

Big words are typically complex, lengthy, or uncommon words that are not commonly used in everyday conversation. People often use them to sound more intelligent or sophisticated, as they can convey a sense of erudition and authority. They may believe that using such words will garner respect or admiration from others.

Do big words always enhance communication?

While big words can sometimes add depth and nuance to communication, their effectiveness depends on the context and audience. In academic or professional settings where specialized language is common, using big words may be appropriate to demonstrate expertise. However, in casual conversations or when speaking to a general audience, simplicity and clarity are often more effective in conveying meaning.

How can I incorporate big words into my speech or writing without sounding pretentious?

The key to using big words effectively is to do so judiciously and with genuine intent. Make sure you understand the meaning and context of the words you’re using, and use them only when they add value to your message. Additionally, consider your audience and tailor your language to their level of understanding. Avoid using big words solely for the purpose of impressing others, as this can come across as insincere or pretentious.

Are there any downsides to using big words excessively?

Yes, using big words excessively can actually hinder communication rather than enhance it. It may alienate or confuse your audience, leading to misunderstandings or disengagement. Moreover, relying too heavily on complex language can create a barrier between you and others, making it difficult to connect on a meaningful level.

How can I improve my vocabulary and incorporate big words more naturally into my speech or writing?

Reading widely across different genres and disciplines is one of the best ways to expand your vocabulary. Pay attention to unfamiliar words and make an effort to look up their meanings and usage. Practice using new words in your own writing and speech, but be sure to do so in a way that feels authentic and appropriate to the context. Over time, incorporating big words into your communication will become more natural and seamless.

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