The Big Book of Words You Should Know Over 3,000 Words Every Person Should Be Able to Use - A Few You Probably Shouldn’t

Oct 13, 2026

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Big reference volume compiling over 3,000 English words meant to strengthen everyday communication and help readers avoid embarrassing gaps in vocabulary. Organized by parts that distinguish essential words, lesser-known terms, commonly misunderstood usages, and foreign idioms. The book also includes guidance on words people use to sound overly educated and a final section warning against words that are better avoided, with each entry offering definition and usage in context through short examples.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryGeneral

FormatPDF

Pages286

Reading Time1 h 40 min

AccessFree to download

Contents

Part I Words You Absolutely Should Know

Part II Words Most People Don’t Know

Part III Words You Should Know but Probably Don’t

Part IV Foreign Idioms You Should Know

Part V People and Place Words You Should Know

Part VI Words You Should Know to Sound Overeducated

Part VII Words You Probably Shouldn’t Know

THE BIG BOOK of WORDS You SHOULD KNOW Over 3,000 Words Every Person Should Be Able to Use (And a Few That You Probably Shouldn’t) David Olsen, Michelle Bevilacqua, and Justin Cord Hayes Avon, Massachusetts Copyright © 2009 by F+W Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form without permission from the publisher; exceptions are made for brief excerpts used in published reviews. Published by Adams Media, an F+W Media Company 57 Littlefield Street, Avon, MA 02322. U.S.A. [www.adamsmedia.com](www.adamsmedia.com) ISBN 10: 1-60550-139-5 ISBN 13: 978-1-60550-139-0 eISBN: 978-1-44052-077-8 Printed in the United States of America. J I H G F E D C B A Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available from the publisher. This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information with regard to the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional advice. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional person should be sought. —From a Declaration of Principles jointly adopted by a Committee of the American Bar Association and a Committee of Publishers and Associations Many of the designations used by manufacturers and sellers to distinguish their product are claimed as trademarks. Where those designations appear in this book and Adams Media was aware of a trademark claim, the designations have been printed with initial capital letters. This book is available at quantity discounts for bulk purchases. For information, please call 1-800-289-0963. CONTENTS PART I Words You Absolutely Should Know PART II Words Most People Don’t Know PART III Words You Should Know but Probably Don’t PART IV Foreign Idioms You Should Know PART V People and Place Words You Should Know PART VI Words You Should Know to Sound Overeducated PART VII Words You Probably Shouldn’t Know PART I Words You Absolutely Should Know If you pride yourself as a good communicator, you absolutely must know the words in this section. If items on this list are unfamiliar to you, learn them immediately or risk being at an embarrassing loss for words! abacus (AB-uh-kuss), noun A device used to figure arithmetic equations by moving beads along rods. Mrs. Danvers thought that the ABACUS, with its brightly colored beads, would entertain the first graders while illustrating the basic principles of addition and subtraction. abdicate (AB-di-kate), verb To formally give up a position or responsibility. To abdicate means to step down from a high government office or other powerful position. Originally, the word referred primarily to royalty. The King, as we all know, ABDICATED rather than give up the woman he loved. abet (uh-BET), verb To encourage or assist a plan or activity. To abet is to entice or help, usually in a misdeed. An accomplice to a robbery abets the crime. Though Michael did not participate in the actual kidnapping, he left himself open to charges of ABETTING the perpetrators by hiding them from the police. abbreviated (uh-BREE-vee-ate-ud), adjective Shortened. Because the hour is late, I will limit myself to an ABBREVIATED version of my intended speech. abduct (ub-DUCT), verb To take a person away secretly and illegally, often by use of force; to kidnap. My sister Ellen used to take such long showers that Dad would jokingly ask if she’ d been ABDUCTED by aliens. abject (AB-ject), adjective Reduced to a low state or condition; also, demonstrating hopelessness. I gave up golf when I realized I was an ABJECT failure on the green. abominate (uh-BOM-ih-nate), verb To loathe or hate; to view with extreme hostility. Miss Green ABOMINATED the notion of children working twelve-hour days, and sought legislation forbidding companies from hiring minor wo

FAQs

How is the word content organized in the book?

The contents are divided into seven parts, separating essential vocabulary, lesser-known words, likely misunderstood words, foreign idioms, people and place terms, words used to sound overeducated, and words to avoid.

What does each word entry typically include?

Entries provide the word’s definition and supporting context, often using short illustrative sentences to show how the word can be used.

What is the purpose of the sections like “Words Most People Don’t Know” and “Words You Probably Shouldn’t Know”?

They aim to expand vocabulary beyond common knowledge while also warning readers about terms that may be inappropriate, confusing, or better avoided.

Oct 13, 2026

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