Words hold a lot of power, whether you realize it or not. Don't you find yourself respecting people more when they have a more expansive, eloquent vocabulary? That's because we value words and the ability to make our language sound beautiful. If you need some new vocabulary to add to your vault, here are some classy words that'll make you sound like a lady:
1. Piquant
The next time you eat a delicious meal, don't call it "yummy." Call it "piquant." It means the same thing, but it sounds way fancier, so you'll appear more intelligent.
2. Indubitably
Indubitably can be used to replace "certainly" or "definitely." It's something that you can say when you're positive about something, like how the gas prices will indubitably rise again this year.
3. Ergo
Ergo simply means "therefore." If you wanted to explain how well you're doing in school, you could say, "I study every single day, ergo, I get great grades."
4. Alas
Alas is "an expression of grief, pity, or concern." That means that you should only use it when something isn't going your way. You can say, "I love The Walking Dead. Alas, I forgot to tape the newest episode."
5. Veritably
This word is "used as an intensifier." Don't be confused by that definition, because it's basically just a synonym for indubitably, so you can use it in the same way.
6. Cherish
Cherish, of course, means "to hold something dear." So instead of telling your friends that you enjoy spending time with them, tell them that you cherish your evenings together.
7. Loathe
Loathe means "to feel intense dislike or disgust for." So the next time you see your arch nemesis, don't claim that you hate them. Say that you loathe them. It has a better ring to it.
8. Yearn
Yearning means "to have an intense feeling of longing for something." When you spend a week apart from your boyfriend, tell him that you're yearning to kiss his lips. How romantic!
9. Parry
This word means "to answer (a question or accusation) evasively." It'll be harder to use this one in daily conversations, but you'll find use for it sooner or later.
10. Becoming
Becoming means "flattering to a person's appearance." The next time your best friend takes you out to a party, tell her that she's wearing a becoming dress.
11. Eloquent
Eloquent means "fluent or persuasive in speaking or writing." It's a trait that's incredibly important to have. It'll help you get ahead in your career.
12. Fancy
Fancy means "to feel a desire or liking for." Instead of telling your crush that you like him, tell him that you fancy him.
13. Lilt
This means "a pleasant, gentle accent." When you love the sound of someone's voice, you can compliment them on their lilt. It'll be a compliment that they've never heard before.
14. Hence
Hence means "for this reason." This is an easy one! It's a synonym for "ergo" and "therefore," so you already know how to use it.
15. Fetching
Fetching simply means "attractive." It's just a more unique way of saying it, because the word isn't thrown around all that often.
It's important to expand your vocabulary so that you can come across as intelligent, fancy, or eloquent as you wish. What's your favorite word that makes you sound classy?
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why would someone want to use 'classy' words?
- Oh, using classy words can make you feel more confident and put-together. It’s like dressing up your vocabulary! Plus, it can help in social situations where you want to make a positive impression.
- What makes a word 'classy' or 'elegant'?
- Great question! Classy words often have a certain elegance and timelessness to them. They're words that convey your ideas with grace and sophistication. Think of words that aren't used in everyday conversations but have a rich history or sound nice when you say them.
- Can using classy words make me sound snobbish?
- Haha, well, it depends! Like anything, moderation is key. Sprinkle them in naturally instead of overloading your speech. It can be charming rather than snobby when used appropriately.
- How can I start incorporating more elegant words into my vocabulary?
- Start small and practice! Pick a few words you like and try to use them in your daily conversations. Reading books and listening to podcasts can also expose you to more elegant language.
- Do I need to change my whole vocabulary to sound like a lady?
- Absolutely not! It’s more about adding a few polished touches rather than changing your whole way of speaking. It's about enhancing, not replacing, who you are.