1. Choose a word. This can be a new word you're trying to learn, or a familiar word you want to explore further.
2. Think of related words. Write down any words that come to mind when you think of the chosen word. These can be synonyms, antonyms, words that describe the word, words that share a common root, or words that you associate with the word in any way.
3. Explore the connections. Examine the relationships between your chosen word and the words you've associated with it. This will help you understand the nuances of the word's meaning and its connections to other concepts.
4. Repeat the process. Choose a new word from your list of associated words and repeat the process. This helps you build a network of connected vocabulary and strengthen your understanding of each word's meaning.
Example:
* Word: Courage
* Associations: bravery, fearlessness, boldness, confidence, determination, risk, vulnerability, strength
By thinking about these related words, you begin to understand the various facets of courage and its connection to other emotions and actions.
Word association is a fun and engaging way to build vocabulary and explore the richness of language. It helps you learn words in context and create meaningful connections between them.