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Source: https://writers.stackexchange.com/a/32165
License name: CC BY-SA 3.0
License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

 **Also, write, write, write.**

As you write a new word in appropriate context, you are putting it into your working vocabulary.

**Don't discount a thesaurus.**

There are some online.

You have ideas, and you can articulate your ideas. Let's say you have a character that needs to go to a particular place. You might have a good idea in your mind of what that place is, but perhaps you are struggling to find the right words.

"Lorenzo went to the place."

But that's too simplistic. How did he go? Where? He drove. To the lake. But you want something more precise, or slightly less simplistic. Here's where a thesaurus can come in handy.

Look up synonyms for drive online (just type 'drive synonym' into google.). If you actually do this - you'll see a _ton_ of information about the word 'drive', and you will come away not only with an alternative word for drive but also a much wider understanding of all the ways the word can be used, and its roots (etymology).

From that exercise, let's use 'motored.'

Now, look up synonyms for 'lake.' (Same exercise as above.) I see a word I haven't used before - 'tarn.' It means a small mountain lake (defined on google.).

"Lorenzo motored to the tarn."

^^That's a very different image than the first one.

Through this exercise you can expand your vocabulary and also increase your facility with the words you already know.

**The only caveat I'd add here is to avoid using fancy words if you don't need them.**

Don't say "he motored to the tarn' just because it sounds unusual. The point is to find the right word and the best word, and to practice using words.

As you read, and practice writing, it all gets stronger and better, like peddling a two-wheeled conveyance.

Original score: 9