Suggested by Nithin:
I’ve always wondered what other people do when they come across a word/phrase that they’ve never heard before. I mean, do they jot it down on paper so they can look it up later, or do they stop reading to look it up on the dictionary/google it or do they just continue reading and forget about the word?
This is an interesting question.
Most of the times, I will just continue with my reading. But if I am working on a computer, I will make it a point to google it. However, there are times that some words just rouse my curiosity (be it the pronunication or the spelling) and I will stop my reading and check with the dictionary, otherwise I will check the words whenever I have the chance if I still remember them.
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I admit I do ignore words I don't understand pretty much all the time. If my husband is home I will ask him if he knows, but other than that I just keep reading.
Hi Melody, if I'm in front of the PC at the time of reading, I'll look up www.dictionary.com. If not, I usually make a quick guess of the meaning and move on immediately with the reading... (A lazy person's way to read LOL)
woops... the link didn't work... here's another attempt: www.dictionary.com
Me too - unless I'm super-curious or right by a dictionary I just keep reading. Your answer reminded me that sometimes I'll google things I come across in books (especially historical stuff) if it sounds interesting.
I've never done it, but it might be interesting (read: good way to entertain ourselves) to try and use one of thise "newly discovered" words in a sentence within 24 hours of discovering it ... or does that scream "word nerd"?
Sounds like a sensible approach... letting your curiosity dictate when you stop reading to look up a word!
If I can't figure it out in the context, I use online resources.
I tend to ignore words I don't know as well, both in my language and in English. Most of the times I can figure out the meaning from the context, but even when I can't, I'm afraid it takes repeated encounters with an unknown word for me to finally look it up. I really need to stop being so lazy, especially when it comes to English, because how else am I going to increase my vocabulary?
Rhinoa - Yes, I'm like that too, hehe.
Alice - I look up the words on that link too!! I admit I'm lazy to pick up a dictionary just to find out the meaning, moreover it ruins the reading plesure. ;)
Jennifer - Historical stuff can be so interesting. I think I'll do that too if something has piqued my curiosity.
Paula - I think it's fun in a way to use a newly discovered word after finding out its meaning. After all, we've learnt something new!! ;)
Writer2b - Yes, sometimes my curiosity gets over my mind, then again there're times I'm just plain lazy, hehe.
Jaimie - Ah...I've forgotten about the context, sometimes they help too.
Nymeth - Yep, another reader using the context concept! ;) I think your vocabulary is excellent because you write so well!
It really depends on where I am when I am reading, whether I have the means to look an unknown word up or at least ask someone near me what it might mean. I sometimes will jot them in the journal to look up later, but I usually end up forgetting.
I like learning new words personally and so I try not to let one slip by too frequently.
I go on with my reading. Ido look up foreign words. I am pleased if the author provides a glossary at the end!
Here is my BTT post!
Wendy - I'm like you as it'll depend on where I am and if I'm working on a computer. But I don't have the habit of jotting them down on list... I'm just too lazy, hehe.
Gautami - I agree! It'd be nice if the authors will provide a glossary at the end, but then it'll add the thickness to the book. ;P