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Vocabulary Secrets for Thai English Learners: Using Context to understand new words.

Learning New Vocabulary

Do you want to improve your English language skills? Learning new vocabulary is key. However, instead of just memorising lists of words, it's important to understand how words are used. This will enable you to use new words naturally. Let's explore some important words as we weave it together.

Sensitive (adjective)

Sensitive means having the ability to respond to different colours, sounds, or feelings. It can also mean being easily affected by things. For example, some people are more easily affected by sad news than others. If a student in your class is having a tough time, you might say, "Please be careful how you tell the news. She is very sensitive." 

Think about art! When you visit the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, you might look at a painting and say, "The artist was very sensitive to light, look at how carefully he used brushstrokes to capture the reflection of the Chao Phraya River!" Even nature shows sensitivity.  Trees bend towards sunlight as they grow, and cuttlefish change colour to blend with their environment in order to avoid predators or during mating. These are all examples of being sensitive to surroundings.

Soothe (verb)

Have you ever had a sore throat? What did you do to soothe the pain? To soothe means to calm feelings or reduce pain. For instance, a sweet cough syrup can soothe your throat, making if feel better. But soothe isn't just for physical pain! When someone is sad or upset, comforting words can soothe their emotional pain, helping them feel better.

Select (verb)

when you select something, you are choosing from several options. In many Thai schools, students select elective courses to study in addition to their main subjects. Or when you go shopping at a fresh market, perhaps for a delicious watermelon, you might select the best one by tapping a few to find the sweetest and juiciest! You are making a careful choice.

Subconsciously (adverb)

Sometimes we do things without even realising it. We're not fully aware of what we're doing; it just happens! This is called doing something subconsciously. For example, you don't have to think about breathing all the time- it just happens subconsciously. It's the same thing with language learning. Your mind often picks up grammar rules and pronunciation patterns subconsciously. After a while, you might find yourself speaking English more fluently without actively thinking about every single grammar rule. 

Contentment (noun) 

Contentment is a wonderful feeling of happiness and satisfaction usually, it is connected to what you have or how your life is. Some people are always chasing money, a bigger house, or a different city. But when you feel happy and satisfied with your current life - your family, your home, your friends - that's contentment. It's about finding happiness and joy in your present situation. 

Pace (noun)

Pace refers to speed at which something happens or moves. If you jog at Lumphini park in the morning, your pace is the speed you run. But we also use pace for life itself. For example, the pace of life in Bangkok is often very fast, with many things happening quickly. In contrast, life in a quiet upcountry village like Nopittam in Nakhonsithammarat have a much slower pace. 

Stimulating (adjective) 

Do you enjoy activities that make you think or feel excited? If something is stimulating, it encourages your interest or enthusiasm. Many people find their morning coffee or tea stimulating because it helps them feel ready for the day. For you, maybe a lively discussion in your English lesson is very stimulating because it makes you want to learn more! 

Coincidence (noun)

Have you ever had a moment where two things happen at the same time, but there's no obvious connection? That's a coincidence. Imagine travelling all the way from Bangkok to Phuketh for a holiday, and then bumping into your classmate on the beach! You didn't plan to meet there, it just happened. That's a fun coincidence! 

Attitude (noun)

Your attitude is your settled way of thinking or feeling about something. What's your attitude about learning English? Do you believe you can achieve advanced reading and writing skills, or do you feel it's too difficult? If you think you will improve, you have a positive attitude. If you think it's a waste of time, that's a negative attitude. A positive attitude can really help you succeed in anything you do.

Ailment (noun)

Ailments are minor illnesses or physical problems. They are usually not serious diseases. For example. a common cold, a slight headache, or a small allergy might be called an ailment. Thai traditional medicine often uses herbal remedies to treat these everyday ailments.

Which of these words do you think you will try to use today? Let us know in the comments!

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