Five Words That Make You Sound Smarter

Here are five awesome words that everyone can implement into their day to day vocabulary. Read away and impress your friends with your knowledge!

Usageaster

Everyone knows a usageaster. They’re self-proclaimed grammar masters who usually exhibit their skills via social media.

What the dictionary says it means: (Noun) A self-styled authority on language usage.

What it really means: A word that describes the type of person that calls you out on your grammar mistakes.

How to use it in a sentence: “Lizzy is such a usageaster on Twitter. She’s always commenting on people who mess up two/too/to and they’re/their.

Vehement

Ever feel super passionate about something or see someone going on a rant about a subject they love or value?

What the dictionary says it means: (Adjective) Marked by forceful energy.

What it really means: Describes intense passion about something.

How to use it in a sentence: “Ashley screamed at me after I threw my water bottle in the trash and not the recycling bin. I didn’t realize she felt so vehemently about that!!”

Ubiquitous

Have you ever found yourself wondering if someone can teleport from place to place because you literally see them everywhere?

What the dictionary says it means: (Adjective) Existing or being everywhere, especially at the same time; omnipresent.

What it really means:  Seemingly everywhere at all times.

How to use it in a sentence: “That girl Paxton seems to have a ubiquitous presence on campus. I feel like I see her everywhere I go!”

Mitigate

Everybody has a friend who knows how to handle a weird situation with ease.

What the dictionary says it means: (Verb) To lessen in force or intensity, to make less severe.

What it really means: To diffuse a situation such as awkwardness; to alleviate.

How to use it in a sentence: “During a time of crisis, Chrissy always seems to mitigate the bad vibes with some sort of humorous display.”

Inebriate

You’ve seen it, heard it, and perhaps experienced it.

What the dictionary says it means: (Adjective) affected by alcohol.

What it really means: Drunk, not sober.

How to use it in a sentence: “Instead of using the word ‘drunk,’ Megan prefers to say inebriated because she thinks it makes her sound classy and smart.” 

• Bentley Blog