Word Of the Week: Esperance

We’ll do a case study of how I build my vocabulary. This way, you’ll learn a new word, learn how I think about words, and develop some good habits for understanding how to use the word in your repertoire.

Step #1. Finding a New Word.

Usually, I’ll look on Dictionary.com for inspiration. Dictionary.com has a Word of the Day that makes it easy to regularly build your vocabulary. Some words are more obscure than others but the main point I want you to make is to pick or identify words you would actually use.

Step #2. You’ve Found a Word. Now What?

Let’s take the word: Esperance. Let’s break down what you should consider.

Step #3. How Functional Is This Word?

Ask yourself whether you will ever actually use the word. It’s fun to learn words that are big, complex, or intimidating, but the goal isn’t to have the most obscure language. That would make you stand out like a sore thumb even more. Instead, you want to grow your English communication skills to use words effectively and just like a native English speaker. What that means is you should aim for words you hear others use regularly but you do not use.

In the case of the word ESPERANCE, it is an obsolete word now but we’ll use it for example. Other considerations besides functionality include considerations on how fun the word is and whether you like the word.

Although it’s weird to think about fun and preference of words, these subtle things can have immeasurable impact on your desire to learn and enjoy the language. And the more you can have fun on your language learning journey, the less it feels like a struggle.

Step #4. Figure Out How Many Syllables Long The Word Is.

For es-per-uhns, it is 3 syllables long. Furthermore, the first syllable is bolded, identifying it as the primary stress.

Step #5. Considering the IPA For Pronunciation

The first syllable has the ‘, which signifies that the primary stress appears on the first syllable, confirming the bolded syllable. If you haven’t learned it before, look back on my IPA posts to figure out the symbols and respective pronunciations for [ɛ] and [ə].

Step #6. Considering the Word Type And Use Cases.

Make sure you know what kind of word it is (in this case, a noun) as well as finding some use cases. You want to build multiple associations to your word map so you can understand similarities, differences and nuances between words.

In the case of esperance, some synonyms include: hope and optimistic belief.

Contemporary use cases are not available because the word is now obsolete. However, some older uses include:

O son of Adam! what hath befooled thee in this long esperance? -The Book of The Thousand Nights And A Night 2006

To be worst, The lowest and most dejected thing of fortune, Stands still in esperance, lives not in fear. -Shakespeare: King Lear

Step #6. Add It To a List For Review.

Now, you should create a word list for review. I’ve talked about Anki and Notion as options but regular review of your word list can help create better recall and use of the words.