(Video Transcript)
How to have High English Proficiency
Do you have a high level of English proficiency? What about your English vocabulary skills - would you say you have a strong grasp of advanced vocabulary that showcases your command of the English language?
This video will give you that answer. I scoured the internet to find the top twelve words that every speaker of English should know, and when these essential vocabulary words are used correctly, they can demonstrate that you have excellent English skills.
So get ready to find out if you have excellent English skills by testing your knowledge of these twelve essential vocabulary words.
How to Test Your English Vocabulary Skills
To do this vocabulary test, I’m going to show you a word on the screen. I want you to answer the following questions for each word:
Number one: What is the definition of this word?
Number two: Can you use this word in a sentence? If yes, please write a sentence now.
Number three: How do you pronounce this word?
Number four: How often do you encounter this word either in written English or when listening to other people talking?
And number five: How often do you use this word in your own speech or writing?
Your answers to these five questions will determine how proficient you are at English and how extensive your English vocabulary is at this moment in time.
Highly proficient and skilled English users will most likely respond to these questions as follows:
Number one: They’ll know the definition of the word and can say the definition out loud.
Number two: They can correctly use the word in a sentence and can write the sentence now.
Number three: They can pronounce the word clearly.
Number four: They encounter the word often in the things they read every day or the conversations they have every day.
And number four: They also use the word often in their own speech and writing.
It’s not enough to just recognize the word, to say, “Oh yes, I’ve seen that word before or I’ve heard that word before.” I’m sure that most of you will have seen these words before…but do you really know the words? Are these words part of your working vocabulary?
To really know a word means you read it and hear it all of the time, that you frequently use that word in your own speech and writing, and that you can easily explain its definition to another person and use it in a sentence.
So, are you ready to begin?
How to Pronounce Ambiguous
Here is the first word.
I’ll give you a few minutes to answer these questions:
What is the definition of this word?
Can you use this word in a sentence? If yes, please write a sentence now.
How do you pronounce this word?
How often do you encounter this word either in written English or when listening to other people talking?
How often do you use this word in your own speech or writing?
This word is ambiguous. Ambiguous means the meaning is unclear or open to more than one interpretation.
The instructions were ambiguous, leading to confusion.
His response to the question was so ambiguous that no one could tell whether he agreed or disagreed with the proposal.
The ending of the movie was intentionally ambiguous, allowing the audience to interpret it in different ways.
Here’s the IPA of the word ambiguous. /æmˈbɪɡ.ju.əs/
Imitate after me in the pauses.
Ambiguous.
da-DA-da-da
Ambiguous
da-DA-da-da
Ambiguous
Let’s hear how other native speakers use this word in conversations:
How to Pronounce Consequence
Here is word number two.
I’ll give you a few minutes to answer these questions:
What is the definition of this word?
Can you use this word in a sentence? If yes, please write a sentence now.
How do you pronounce this word?
How often do you encounter this word either in written English or when listening to other people talking?
How often do you use this word in your own speech or writing?
This word is consequence. Consequence means a result or effect of an action or condition.
Every decision has a consequence, whether positive or negative.
The consequence of not studying for the exam was a much lower grade than she expected.
As a consequence of the company’s poor financial management, many employees were laid off.
Here’s the IPA of the word consequence. /ˈkɑn.sə.kwəns/
Imitate after me in the pauses.
Consequence
DA-da-Da
Consequence
DA-da-Da
Let’s hear how other native speakers use this word in conversations:
How to Pronounce Cohesive
Here is word number three.
I’ll give you a few minutes to answer these questions:
What is the definition of this word?
Can you use this word in a sentence? If yes, please write a sentence now.
How do you pronounce this word?
How often do you encounter this word either in written English or when listening to other people talking?
How often do you use this word in your own speech or writing?
This word is cohesive. Cohesive describes something that holds together well.
Her essay was clear and cohesive, with each point building on the last.
The team’s efforts were cohesive, resulting in a well-executed project that impressed the clients.
A cohesive design strategy ensures that all branding materials align with the company’s image and message.
Here’s the IPA of the word cohesive. /koʊˈhi.sɪv/
Imitate after me in the pauses.
Cohesive
da-DA-da
Cohesive
da-DA-da
Let’s hear how other native speakers use this word in conversations:
How to Pronounce Substantiate
Here is word number four.
I’ll give you a few minutes to answer these questions:
What is the definition of this word?
Can you use this word in a sentence? If yes, please write a sentence now.
How do you pronounce this word?
How often do you encounter this word either in written English or when listening to other people talking?
How often do you use this word in your own speech or writing?
This word is substantiate. Substantiate means to provide evidence to support or prove a claim.
He couldn’t substantiate his argument with any data.
The lawyer provided documents to substantiate her client’s claims in court.
The researcher conducted experiments to substantiate the theory proposed in her paper.
Here’s the IPA of the word substantiate. /səbˈstæn.ʃiˌeɪt/
Imitate after me in the pauses.
Substantiate
da-DA-da-Da
Substantiate
da-DA-da-Da
Let’s hear how other native speakers use this word in conversations:
How to Pronounce Alleviate
Here is word number five.
I’ll give you a few minutes to answer these questions:
What is the definition of this word?
Can you use this word in a sentence? If yes, please write a sentence now.
How do you pronounce this word?
How often do you encounter this word either in written English or when listening to other people talking?
How often do you use this word in your own speech or writing?
This word is alleviate. Alleviate means to make something less severe or to relieve pain or suffering.
The medicine helped to alleviate her symptoms.
They implemented new policies to alleviate the stress caused by heavy workloads.
A warm bath can help alleviate muscle tension after a long day.
Here’s the IPA of the word alleviate. /əˈli.viˌeɪt/
Imitate after me in the pauses.
Alleviate
da-DA-da-Da
Alleviate
da-DA-da-Da
Let’s hear how other native speakers use this word in conversations:
How to Pronounce Nuance
Here is word number six.
I’ll give you a few minutes to answer these questions:
What is the definition of this word?
Can you use this word in a sentence? If yes, please write a sentence now.
How do you pronounce this word?
How often do you encounter this word either in written English or when listening to other people talking?
How often do you use this word in your own speech or writing?
This word is nuance. Nuance means a subtle difference in meaning, expression, or sound.
The translator captured every nuance of the original text.
Understanding the cultural nuances of language can greatly improve communication between people from different backgrounds.
Her argument had a lot of nuance, showing that she considered all aspects of the issue before forming her opinion.
Here’s the IPA of the word nuance. /ˈnu.ɑns/
Imitate after me in the pauses.
Nuance
DA-da
Nuance
DA-da
Let’s hear how other native speakers use this word in conversations:
How to Pronounce Prevalent
Here is word number seven.
I’ll give you a few minutes to answer these questions:
What is the definition of this word?
Can you use this word in a sentence? If yes, please write a sentence now.
How do you pronounce this word?
How often do you encounter this word either in written English or when listening to other people talking?
How often do you use this word in your own speech or writing?
This word is prevalent. Prevalent means widespread or commonly occurring.
This belief is prevalent in many cultures around the world.
Smoking was much more prevalent in the past, but health campaigns have significantly reduced its occurrence.
Social media use is particularly prevalent among younger generations.
Here’s the IPA of the word prevalent. /ˈpɹɛv.əl.ənt/
Imitate after me in the pauses.
Prevalent
DA-da-da
Prevalent
DA-da-da
Let’s hear how other native speakers use this word in conversations:
How to Pronounce Diligent
Here is word number eight.
I’ll give you a few minutes to answer these questions:
What is the definition of this word?
Can you use this word in a sentence? If yes, please write a sentence now.
How do you pronounce this word?
How often do you encounter this word either in written English or when listening to other people talking?
How often do you use this word in your own speech or writing?
This word is diligent. Diligent means showing care and conscientiousness in one’s work or duties.
She was a diligent student, always completing her assignments ahead of time and with great attention to detail.
The diligent worker earned praise from his boss for consistently delivering high-quality results.
To succeed in a competitive field, one must be both talented and diligent in pursuing their goals.
Here’s the IPA of the word diligent. /ˈdɪl.ə.dʒənt/
Imitate after me in the pauses.
Diligent
DA-da-da
Diligent
DA-da-da
Let’s hear how other native speakers use this word in conversations:
How to Pronounce Inevitable
Here’s word number nine.
I’ll give you a few minutes to answer these questions:
What is the definition of this word?
Can you use this word in a sentence? If yes, please write a sentence now.
How do you pronounce this word?
How often do you encounter this word either in written English or when listening to other people talking?
How often do you use this word in your own speech or writing?
This word is inevitable. Inevitable means something is certain to happen or something is unavoidable.
Failure was inevitable without proper preparation.
As the dark clouds gathered, it became clear that rain was inevitable.
Aging is an inevitable part of life, but staying active can help maintain health and vitality.
Here’s the IPA of the word inevitable. /ɪnˈɛv.ə.ɾə.bəl/
Notice how the T becomes the flap in this word. Imitate after me in the pauses.
inevitable
da-DA-da-da-da
inevitable
da-DA-da-da-da
Let’s hear how other native speakers use this word in conversations:
How to Pronounce Mitigate
Here’s word number ten.
I’ll give you a few minutes to answer these questions:
What is the definition of this word?
Can you use this word in a sentence? If yes, please write a sentence now.
How do you pronounce this word?
How often do you encounter this word either in written English or when listening to other people talking?
How often do you use this word in your own speech or writing?
This word is mitigate. Mitigate means to make something less severe, serious, or painful.
The government implemented new policies to mitigate the effects of the economic downturn.
Installing proper drainage systems can help mitigate the risk of flooding in the area.
To mitigate the damage caused by the mistake, the company offered compensation to affected customers.
Here’s the IPA of the word mitigate. /ˈmɪ.ɾəˌɡeɪt/
Notice how the first T becomes the flap in this word. Imitate after me in the pauses.
mitigate
DA-da-Da
mitigate
DA-da-Da
Let’s hear how other native speakers use this word in conversations:
How to Pronounce Sophisticated
Here’s word number eleven.
I’ll give you a few minutes to answer these questions:
What is the definition of this word?
Can you use this word in a sentence? If yes, please write a sentence now.
How do you pronounce this word?
How often do you encounter this word either in written English or when listening to other people talking?
How often do you use this word in your own speech or writing?
This word is sophisticated. Sophisticated means having a refined knowledge or complexity in thought, style, or systems.
Her sophisticated analysis impressed everyone in the room.
The restaurant’s menu was incredibly sophisticated, offering a fusion of international flavors and unique ingredients.
The software is so sophisticated that it can analyze complex data sets in just a few seconds.
Here’s the IPA of the word sophisticated. /səˈfɪs.təˌkeɪ.ɾɪd/
Notice how the second T becomes the flap in this word. Imitate after me in the pauses.
sophisticated
da-DA-da-Da-da
sophisticated
da-DA-da-Da-da
Let’s hear how other native speakers use this word in conversations:
How to Pronounce Eloquent
And here is the twelfth essential vocabulary word.
I’ll give you a few minutes to answer these questions:
What is the definition of this word?
Can you use this word in a sentence? If yes, please write a sentence now.
How do you pronounce this word?
How often do you encounter this word either in written English or when listening to other people talking?
How often do you use this word in your own speech or writing?
This word is eloquent. Eloquent means being able to use language to express ideas or opinions clearly and well, so that they have a strong effect on others.
The speaker was so eloquent that the audience hung on every word.
Her eloquent writing style made even complex topics easy to understand and engaging to read.
He gave an eloquent response during the debate, effectively conveying his point of view with clarity and grace.
Here’s the IPA of the word eloquent. /ˈɛl.ə.kwənt/
Imitate after me in the pauses.
eloquent
DA-da-da
eloquent
DA-da-da
Let’s hear how other native speakers use this word in conversations:
So…how did you do? How well did you know these words, know how to pronounce these words, and know how to correctly use these words in your speech and writing?
If some of these words were new to you, then that’s great - you have a wonderful opportunity to learn them and focus on incorporating them into your daily conversations. Mastering these words, along with their correct usage, will reflect a strong and sophisticated command of the English language, showing not only advanced vocabulary but also precision in communication.
American Accent Training Resources
If you’re looking for more in-depth guidance and coaching on your American English skills, then I’d be happy to work with you in English Pro, my online accent training program. You’ll receive training in all areas of the American accent, including the pronunciation of important vocabulary words like these in this video, plus you can attend weekly live English classes and work with me, one-to-one, in the class. Check out the description for links to learn more about English Pro.
Don’t forget that I also have a free Sounds of American English Guidebook, where you’ll learn how to pronounce every sound of American English with audio recordings, pictures, MRIs, IPA charts, and more. It’s a fantastic, free resource that will really help boost your American English pronunciation skills, so check out the links in the description below.
Thanks for watching everyone! If you found this video helpful, please give it a thumbs up and subscribe to my channel for more pronunciation tips. That’s a fantastic, no-cost way that you can show your support and let me know that you liked this video and want me to make more just like it. You can also leave a comment below to let me know what techniques have helped you with your English vocabulary skills, and I'll make sure to cover them in future videos.
Keep practicing, and I’ll see you next time.
