Types of Vocabulary and Ways to Turn Passive Vocabulary into Active Vocabulary

Active Vocabulary vs. Passive Vocabulary

Active Vocabulary consists of words a person can recall and use correctly in speaking or writing. These words come to mind immediately when you want to express yourself. Active Vocabulary represents the words you are comfortable with in daily use, indicating greater mastery over those words.

Passive Vocabulary includes words that a person understands when they hear them or see them in writing but cannot use actively in their speech or writing. This Vocabulary is recognised and understood in context but is not readily accessible for active use. Passive Vocabulary is usually larger than active Vocabulary because it includes many words that are recognised but not actively used.

Difference Between Active and Passive Vocabulary

The main difference lies in the usage: active Vocabulary is readily used in speech and writing, while passive Vocabulary is recognised but not used in active expression. Active Vocabulary requires a deeper understanding and comfort with the word, including its connotations, appropriate contexts, and collocations, whereas passive Vocabulary requires only recognition and a basic understanding of meaning.

Ways to Turn Passive Vocabulary into Active Vocabulary

To convert passive Vocabulary into active Vocabulary, one can employ various strategies:

1. Frequent Usage: Integrate passive vocabulary words into daily use by speaking or writing practice using new words in sentences, conversations, or journal entries.
• Example: If you understand the word "prodigious" but rarely use it, start incorporating it into descriptions of impressive things ("She has a prodigious memory").
2. Contextual Learning: Learn and practice words in context rather than isolation. Understanding how a word is used in sentences or specific scenarios can help you add it to your active Vocabulary.
• Example: Learn "elucidate" by seeing it in a sentence: "The professor elucidated complex concepts with simple examples."
3. Synonyms and Antonyms: Connect new words with synonyms and antonyms you already actively use. This association can help trigger recall.
• Example: For "fastidious," remember it by associating it with "meticulous" (a synonym) and "careless" (an antonym).
4. Flashcards: Create flashcards with the word on one side and a definition, sentence, or picture on the other. Regular review can move words from passive to active memory.
• Example: Flashcard with "ephemeral" on one side and "lasting a very short time" with a sentence like "The rainbow's beauty was ephemeral" on the other.
5. Engagement with Media: Engage actively with media (reading, listening to podcasts, watching films) in your learning language. Pause when you recognise passive vocabulary words and try using them in sentences.
• Example: While reading a novel that uses the word "taciturn," pause to make your sentence like "My brother is quite taciturn, preferring to listen rather than talk."
6. Language Games: Participate in word games and language apps that challenge you to use a wide range of Vocabulary. These can make learning more engaging and memorable.
• Example: Play Scrabble or Words with Friends using a dictionary to learn new words as you play.
7. Writing Exercises: Regular writing exercises that use new Vocabulary can help. Challenge yourself to write essays, stories, or diary entries using words from your passive Vocabulary.
• Example: Write a short story using "insidious," "venerate," and "ubiquitous."
8. Speaking Practice: Practice speaking with friends, language exchange partners, or tutors, focusing on using words from your passive Vocabulary in conversation.
• Example: Talk about technology trends using words like "obsolete" and "innovative."
9. Feedback and Correction: Seek feedback on your writing and speaking from teachers or native speakers who can correct your usage, helping you learn the proper contexts and nuances.
• Example: Write an essay on environmental conservation using words like "sustainable" and "biodiversity," then have it reviewed by a teacher.
10. Mnemonic Devices: Create mnemonic devices or stories around words to better remember their meanings and applications.
• Example: Remember "pandemonium" (chaotic situation) by picturing a "panda in a monsoon" to trigger the word's meaning and context.

By actively engaging with passive Vocabulary through these strategies, learners can significantly expand their active Vocabulary, improving their comprehension and expressive capabilities in the language.