Discover the Words That Make You Sound Smarter

Vocabulary can reflect aspects of our personality, and it certainly affects first impressions. Many people would prefer to sound intelligent, so the team at Preply examined which words Americans think make other people sound smarter. Regardless of findings, remember that context matters the most when it comes to vocabulary! People react well to skilled communicators and sometimes big words needlessly complicate your message. But if you want to learn some new words and spice up your vocabulary, look no further than Preply’s fun and fascinating findings.

Click below to zoom.

The team asked Americans which words they use to sound smarter and these were the top ten results:

• Ambiguous
• Articulate
• Exacerbate
• Aesthetic
• Dichotomy
• Conundrum
• Plethora
• Ambivalent
• Frivolous
• Embellish
• Mitigate

As for who uses “big words” and how often, results varied. Half of Americans reported using complex vocabulary multiple times a week. A little over half of Americans admitted that they’ve purposely used complex words to create an impression of intelligence. Gen Z was the most likely to report using vocabulary to appear smarter. 24% even admitted to using a big word, even though they didn’t know the meaning.

People report using impressive words at work, school, and home. Many Americans say they’re impressed by people who use big words at work. 58% of people have used them in job interviews or while networking to give the impression of knowledge and skill. Only 17% of the team’s survey respondents said they automatically assume complex words indicate that someone has more money and success.

35% of survey takers used complex words as a tool of intimidation and said they use them during fights and arguments. Apparently, big words mean power to some people. As for vocabulary choices on a date, the picture shifts. 34% of respondents said they use complex words on a date, but that might be a misstep. 35% of people feel their dates are pretentious when they use lofty language. 27% of daters say they are attracted to people with an impressive vocabulary, so, like all things in dating, you have to find the right person. Gen Xers are the most likely to be impressed by their date’s vocabulary. Big words are no deal breakers. Only 16% of people say that overusing complicated words would ruin the date.

There’s such a thing as taking your vocabulary too far. Half of Americans say they’re annoyed by people who use complex words in everyday conversation. 29% of people said they have tried to end a conversation with someone using unnecessarily complicated words. These were words survey takers thought made the speaker sound pretentious:

• Capricious
• Equanimity
• Sycophant
• Ephemeral
• Ubiquitous
• Dichotomy
• Juxtapose
• Quintessential
• Fastidious
• Incongruous

Notice that some of these words also appeared on the list of words that make others sound smart, so bear in mind that what impresses one person can irritate another. Learning new words is a positive pursuit that can inspire and broaden your horizons, but remember to consider the right time and place for more unusual words.