Here's why:
* Creating links: Word association helps you create links between new words and words you already know. This makes it easier to remember the meaning and use of the new word.
* Building a web of knowledge: By associating a new word with several other words, you build a web of knowledge around it, making it more accessible in your mind.
* Understanding context: Word association helps you understand the context in which a word is used. For example, if you associate the word "serene" with "calm" and "peaceful," you'll understand its meaning in a sentence like "The serene lake reflected the blue sky."
So, the fundamental principle behind word association in vocabulary building is making connections between new words and your existing knowledge.