11 Intelligent Sounding Words You Can Easily Slip into a Conversation Today ...
By Holly • 11 Comments
By Holly • 11 Comments
It's easy to sound smart by dropping intelligent sounding words into casual conversations. You just have to make sure that you don't use them incorrectly, or you could end up embarrassing yourself. But don't worry--it shouldn't take you long to get the hang of using the following intelligent sounding words. Try them all out today, and you'll be a pro by tomorrow.
Proclivity means that one has a "tendency to do something regularly." It's one of the intelligent sounding words that you can throw into conversations often, because you can use it to describe your friend with a proclivity for drama or your sister with a proclivity for music.
Proclivity is a common word used to describe someone's inclination or tendency towards a particular behavior or activity. It is often used to describe someone's natural aptitude for a certain activity or subject. For example, a person may have a proclivity for mathematics, or a proclivity for playing sports. Proclivity is also used to describe someone's inclination towards certain types of behavior, such as a proclivity for drama or a proclivity for taking risks. Proclivity is a useful word to describe someone's natural tendencies, and is often used in both professional and social contexts.
Quintessential represents the 'perfect example' of something. For instance, you can say that your boyfriend is the quintessential athlete, because he's so talented, fit and works hard to achieve.
The word is particularly useful when you want to highlight the most characteristic or typical attributes of a person or concept in a flattering light. Imagine praising a coworker by commenting, "She is the quintessential professional, always arriving early, dressed impeccably, and with an impeccable work ethic." By using this term, you elevate your language, making your compliment sound sophisticated and perceptive.
People seldom use the word 'seldom.' It means the same thing as 'rarely' or 'infrequently,' which you probably use often in everyday life. It should be easy to slip 'seldom' into one of your conversations today, so give it a try.
While 'seldom' might sound a bit more formal or literary, its rarity in common dialogue adds a layer of sophistication to an exchange. For instance, when discussing habits, you might say, "I seldom find the time to indulge in a good book," rather than "I rarely have the time for reading." Such a subtle switch can perk up ears and demonstrate a careful selection of language that reflects a well-crafted vocabulary. Challenge yourself to replace more common synonyms with 'seldom' and observe how it subtly elevates the texture of your conversations.
Exorbitant means 'unreasonably high.' With the rising prices recently, it shouldn't be difficult to use this word in a sentence. Tell your friends that the gas prices are exorbitant, and they'll know exactly what you mean.
Exorbitant doesn't just apply to gas prices—it's perfect for those moments when you're window shopping at a boutique and stumble upon a handbag with a price tag that makes your eyes pop. You can quip, "Honestly, $500 for a clutch? That's completely exorbitant!", and you’ll not only sound wise to the woes of wallet-watchers but also like someone who knows the value of a dollar. And at your next dinner outing, when the topic of rent comes up, chime in about the exorbitant cost of living—a concern that'll surely resonate with many.
Instead of saying that something happened, say that it 'transpired.' It's a simple change of words that will make you sound more intelligent. So the next time you have a conversation with your crush, be sure to tell your friends what transpired between you two.
Incorporating transpired into your daily lingo isn't just about upping the ante in the vocabulary stakes, it adds a dash of mystery and sophistication to your tales. Picture weaving the details of your latest endeavor into a narrative that captivates, simply because you chose a word less ordinary. As the intrigue unfolds in conversations, transpired has that slightly historical charm that paints any anecdote with strokes of elegance and intellect. No longer does your story settle for the mundane; it now holds an air of gravitas that leaves your audience hanging onto your every refined word.
Ornery means bad-tempered and grouchy. If your siblings are annoying you one day, and they won't stop getting angry at you, tell them that they're being ornery.
Ornery is an adjective used to describe someone who is bad-tempered or grouchy. It is typically used to describe an individual's behavior and is not meant to be taken as an insult. Ornery behavior is often characterized by irritability, stubbornness, and a tendency to be easily provoked. It can also be used to describe someone who is difficult to please or to get along with. Ornery behavior can be caused by stress, fatigue, or other underlying issues. It is important to recognize the signs of ornery behavior and to address it in a constructive manner.
If something takes a lot of hard work to complete, then it is toilsome. So instead of saying that your homework or job is difficult, say that it is toilsome. The word itself sounds rough and tough, so even people that haven't heard the word before will understand what you mean.
Comeuppance means "a punishment that someone deserves." It's almost the same idea as karma. If someone cheats on you, and then gets their heart broken by someone else, it's their comeuppance for hurting you.
Emphasizing the weight of one's actions, "comeuppance" carries a sense of poetic justice. It's as if the universe keeps a ledger of our deeds, doling out consequences with a fair but firm hand. For instance, imagine someone who continuously gossips about their friends; eventually, they might find themselves ostracized, a textbook case of comeuppance. In this way, the term serves as a reminder that our actions, good or bad, often circle back to us. Slip this into a chat, and you'll not only sound wise but also subtly hint at the importance of integrity and fairness in interpersonal relationships.
Eclectic means "deriving ideas, style, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources." If you like the Backstreet Boys as much as you like Eminem, then your music taste is eclectic.
An eclectic approach isn't limited to music; it can apply to all sorts of preferences and interests. For instance, if your bookshelf houses both classical literature and modern-day thrillers, or if your wardrobe consists of vintage dresses alongside the latest fashion trends, you're embracing an eclectic lifestyle. It's a celebration of variety, a reflection of a curious and open-minded spirit. By weaving this term into your conversation, you're not just showcasing your broad tastes but also encouraging a dialogue about personal uniqueness and the joy of mixing different cultural elements.
A dalliance is a "casual romantic or sexual relationship that is brief and not serious." If you're ever in one of these situations, it's best to describe your partner as a dalliance, because it sounds fancy. People might not even know what you're talking about, so you'll have the upper hand.
Using the word dalliance imparts a touch of sophistication to your storytelling, as if you’re sipping tea in an English garden rather than gossiping over a cup of coffee. You can effortlessly weave this term into a chat about your latest romantic escapades without dwelling on the mundane details. Imagine confiding in a friend, “Oh, it was merely a dalliance, nothing to pen a novel about.” You'll sound intriguingly nonchalant and wise, leaving an aura of mystery and intelligence in your wake.
Coerce means to "persuade someone by using force or threats." While you should never coerce someone into doing something they don't want to do, you can use the word in conversation by saying: "Don't make me coerce you into finishing your homework."
Once you get used to these words, you won't add them into conversations awkwardly. They'll flow right out of your mouth without you even thinking about them. What's your favorite word in the English language?
Sources: merriam-webster.com