When writing an essay, you might want to impress your professor or reader with your vocabulary. Using big words can make you sound smart and knowledgeable, but be careful not to overdo it. Here are some big words that you can use in your essay:
1. Ubiquitous
Ubiquitous means something that is everywhere or present everywhere at the same time. For example, you can say that smartphones are ubiquitous in our society today.
2. Esoteric
Esoteric means something that is difficult to understand or only understood by a few people. For example, you can say that quantum physics is an esoteric subject that requires a lot of knowledge to understand.
3. Magnanimous
Magnanimous means generous or forgiving, especially towards a rival or less powerful person. For example, you can say that Nelson Mandela was a magnanimous leader who forgave his oppressors and worked towards reconciliation.
4. Pedantic
Pedantic means someone who is too concerned with minor details or formalities, especially in teaching. For example, you can say that your English teacher is pedantic and always corrects your grammar mistakes.
5. Idiosyncratic
Idiosyncratic means something that is peculiar or unique to an individual. For example, you can say that your friend has an idiosyncratic sense of humor that not many people understand.
6. Ephemeral
Ephemeral means something that lasts for a short time or is temporary. For example, you can say that the beauty of cherry blossoms is ephemeral and only lasts for a few weeks.
7. Cogent
Cogent means something that is clear, logical, and convincing. For example, you can say that your argument for legalizing marijuana is cogent and supported by scientific evidence.
8. Visceral
Visceral means something that is based on instinct or emotions rather than intellect. For example, you can say that your fear of spiders is visceral and irrational.
9. Disparate
Disparate means something that is different or dissimilar. For example, you can say that the two novels you read for class are disparate in style and theme.
10. Pernicious
Pernicious means something that is harmful or destructive, especially in a gradual or subtle way. For example, you can say that social media has a pernicious effect on mental health and self-esteem.
11. Ostensible
Ostensible means something that appears to be true or real but may not be so. For example, you can say that the ostensible reason for the war was to promote democracy, but the real reason was to gain control over oil reserves.
12. Anachronistic
Anachronistic means something that is out of place in time or belongs to a different era. For example, you can say that using a typewriter in the digital age is anachronistic and inefficient.
13. Euphemistic
Euphemistic means something that uses polite or indirect language to avoid offense or harshness. For example, you can say that the term “passed away” is a euphemistic way of saying someone died.
14. Capricious
Capricious means something that is impulsive or unpredictable. For example, you can say that the stock market is capricious and affected by many factors beyond our control.
15. Ineffable
Ineffable means something that cannot be expressed in words or too great to be described. For example, you can say that the feeling of love is ineffable and beyond language.
16. Malleable
Malleable means something that is easily shaped or influenced. For example, you can say that children’s minds are malleable and can be molded by their environment and experiences.
17. Histrionic
Histrionic means something that is overly dramatic or theatrical. For example, you can say that your friend’s reaction to a small problem is histrionic and exaggerated.
18. Inscrutable
Inscrutable means something that is difficult to understand or interpret. For example, you can say that the motives of a politician are inscrutable and hard to discern.
19. Mellifluous
Mellifluous means something that is sweet or musical to the ear. For example, you can say that the voice of a singer is mellifluous and pleasant to listen to.
20. Obsequious
Obsequious means someone who is excessively eager to please or obey someone in authority. For example, you can say that the waiter was obsequious and constantly checked on your table to earn a bigger tip.
In conclusion, using big words in your essay can make you sound smart and sophisticated, but be careful not to use them excessively or incorrectly. Choose words that fit the context and tone of your essay, and make sure that your message is clear and understandable to your readers.
