Big Words Make You Sound Smart, Don’t They?

Many people think that they sound smarter when they use big words. The truth of the matter is that smart communicators use words that (a) they understand and (b) their readers are likely to understand.

The purpose of writing is to communicate. Communication is the process by which meaning is created and exchanged. If the person who reads your writing doesn’t understand what you are trying to say, no communication occurs when he or she reads your writing.

In order to communicate effectively, you have to use language properly, and you have to use language that people are likely to understand.

Lately I have noticed many people misusing the word “detrimental” when what they really mean is “instrumental” or “important.” For example, I read a memo that someone wrote requesting permission to attend a meeting. The memo said, “It is detrimental that I go to the meeting next week.”

Ironically, the misuse of the word implies the exact opposite of what the person meant. Detrimental implies that some negative outcome would be associated with the person’s attendance at the meeting. What the writer meant was “important.”

A misused big word has the opposite effect of making you sound smart! A big word used correctly, but unnecessarily, has the effect of making you sound pedantic. If you have to go get a dictionary to see what “pedantic” means, I have made my point!

Mary on June 9, 2007 Subscribe to our RSS Feed

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12 Responses to “Big Words Make You Sound Smart, Don’t They?”

Jack Book on June 13th, 2007 7:34 am

really nice writing,
thanks ms mary.
i love it
C. Grey on June 19th, 2007 12:05 am

That’s a good point. I’m guilty of that sometimes and it was a daily encounter in college papers (if used incorrectly). But how can you expect people to expand their vocabulary when they’re constantly writing for people who see the same words over and over again? Throwing in a few words, that require a brief flip of the dictionary, can only be beneficial.
Simon Raybould on July 26th, 2007 1:02 pm

It’s not just about making sure you use the right word correctly! It’s about making sure you use an appropriate word.

By that I mean that because writing (or presenting, which is what I do) is not about you, it’s about your audience, it’s important to use the kinds of words that they can understand.
quench on August 1st, 2007 12:10 am

The problem is that most people who misuse “big” words actually think they KNOW what the word means. They’re not usually reaching for something to make them sound smart. The example you give sounds like it’s an instance of this. In my office, people misuse phrases all the time - but they have ready (incorrect) definitions for them. I was amazed when I found this out. The problem can’t be fixed by asking people to be humble in their word choices, since they don’t know what they don’t know.
praveen on October 10th, 2007 9:41 am

do not fear to negotiate, and don’t negotiate without fear.
Joy-Mari Cloete on November 1st, 2007 10:58 am

I think there is a very fine line between using the precise word, and using a word that sounds important.

I would much rather use the precise word to describe a situation, than to settle on another word that just doesn’t convey the same feeling.
lynz on November 28th, 2007 11:27 pm

anyone can say big words. however, doing so does not prove your intelligence. infact, it’s more of how you speak and use your words.
Jessie on March 6th, 2008 12:20 am

I don’t remember exactly when, but an old teacher of mine was telling me how if you use “big words,” generally people will listen to you LESS because they don’t understand what you are saying. Or they have to much pride to admit they don’t know what you are saying so will be even more confused.
Just a thought to chew on.
Hannah on March 6th, 2008 7:49 am

quite the detrimental point you have made.
XD
Tina on March 8th, 2008 1:43 am

Great article!
allison on June 20th, 2008 11:28 am

I completely agree and am afraid to say that i have done this many a time to impress my piers but more often than not, it has the opposite effect. I do however, find it hilarious how people use the the term “ironic” completely inappropriately when in fact the situation is merely coincidence. Then agen i also agree with some of the comments above, if you dont use words that people cant understand then they wont ever learnt he meaning of them and stick to the restricted vocabulary that they have. Im aware that i probably sound like a complete idiot so im going to stop typing now.