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We nearly live on words, especially in the information age. Here are a few ideas to improve and expand your vocabulary.
 Read widely. Studying words in context. Read a variety of material: the newspaper, novels, historical narratives, memoirs, mysteries, classics. You can even read the dictionary; hey, Emily Dickinson would do it. It’s interesting stuff.
Carry a portable dictionary. This way, whenever you come across a word you don't fully comprehend, you can quickly look it up. Don't forget to check the pronunciation guide as well.
Make flashcards. Write down words you come across that you don’t know, and use index cards to make flash cards after looking up the definition. Carry the flashcards around with you, and quickly run through them when you have free moments during the day.
Make conversation. Talk with a wide variety of people; listen to how they use and pronounce their words. Try some of your flashcard words on them.
Study books like Usage and Abusage by Eric Partridge. Learn the different between accept and except, immigrate and emigrate, irony and coincidence. We all misuse words from time to time, but misuse them too often and your speech will sound sophomoric.
Don't be afraid to ask. If someone uses a word you don't understand, ask what it means.
Play games. As extra practice, play crossword puzzles, word searches, and parlor games like Scrabble, Balderdash, Boggle, Outburst, Malarky, Password, Concentration, and Taboo.
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