There’s a fine line between sounding intelligent and trying too hard.
Too often, we use big words or jargon, thinking it’ll make us sound smarter. But the truth is, simplicity and clarity are signs of true intelligence.
When we overuse certain words, we risk sounding pretentious or even confusing our listener.
I’ve compiled a list of 10 words you might want to consider dropping from your vocabulary if you want to sound more intelligent.
Let’s dive in and see which words should be given the boot.
1) Literally
We’ve all been guilty of using this word excessively. The problem is, the word “literally” has lost its impact due to overuse and misuse.
Originally, “literally” was used to emphasize a point in a factual or concrete way. However, it’s frequently used these days to stress a point, even when the statement isn’t factual.
For instance, saying “I’m literally dying of laughter” is not only incorrect (unless you really are dying), but it also diminishes the word’s true meaning.
To sound more intelligent, consider using “actually” or “really” instead. Or better yet, let your statement stand on its own without unnecessary emphasis.
2) Very
I’ll confess, this one’s a personal challenge for me. The word “very” creeps into my sentences more than I’d like to admit.
Using “very” before an adjective is a lazy way of intensifying it. Instead of saying “very good,” why not say “excellent”? Instead of “very big,” why not “huge”?
I remember when I was writing an email to my boss, and I found myself typing, “I’m very excited about this project.” I paused, deleted “very excited” and replaced it with “thrilled.”
And you know what? It did make me sound more intelligent and professional. It’s a small change, but one that makes your language more vibrant and engaging. Give it a try!
3) Irregardless
Here’s something to mull over: “irregardless” isn’t technically a word. It’s a blend of “regardless” and “irrespective”, and it’s widely considered incorrect in formal writing and speech.
Usage of “irregardless” can signal to your listener or reader that you’re unaware of standard English vocabulary. It’s also redundant, as both “regardless” and “irrespective” already convey the intended meaning of “irregardless”.
Instead of saying “irregardless”, stick to using either “regardless” or “irrespective”. Your communication will be clearer, more correct, and you’ll sound a lot more intelligent.
4) Honestly
“Honestly” is often used to add emphasis or to convince someone of our sincerity. But think about it, does it imply that the rest of our sentences are not honest?
Using “honestly” too frequently can create doubt in the listener’s mind about the authenticity of your statements. It also weakens your point rather than strengthening it.
Instead of relying on “honestly” to persuade others, let your facts, actions, and results speak for themselves. This way, you’ll sound more confident and intelligent.
5) Just
The word “just” is a sneaky little word. It seems harmless, but it can subtly undermine your authority and confidence.
Consider the difference between “I just think that…” and “I think that…”. The first sentence sounds hesitant and apologetic, while the second is more assertive.
By eliminating “just” from your sentences, you’ll speak with more authority and sound more intelligent. Plus, your points will be clearer and more direct.
6) Try
Using the word “try” often implies a lack of commitment and confidence. It subtly suggests that you’re not certain you can achieve the task at hand.
I’ve found that replacing “try” with more action-oriented words can make a world of difference. Saying “I will” instead of “I’ll try” not only sounds more intelligent but it also instills confidence in others about your capabilities.
After all, as the wise Yoda once said, “Do or do not, there is no try.” And who are we to argue with Jedi wisdom?
7) Maybe
“Maybe” is a word I’ve struggled with, especially in professional settings. It’s a word that can make you sound indecisive, as if you’re not sure about your thoughts or decisions.
There was this one time when I had to make a tough call at work. Instead of saying, “Maybe we should try this…” I took a deep breath and said, “I recommend we do this…”. That small change made me sound more confident and decisive.
Instead of hiding behind “maybe”, be bold. Make a decision, express your opinion, or suggest a course of action. You’ll sound more intelligent and assertive.
8) Always/Never
“Always” and “never” are definitive words that can cause you to come across as close-minded or inflexible. They imply that there are no exceptions, which is rarely the case in our complex world.
For instance, saying “You always forget to call” or “This never works” eliminates the possibility of exceptions. It can sound harsh and lacks understanding of the nuances of situations.
By replacing these words with less definitive terms like “usually” or “often”, your statements become more accurate, fair, and intelligent-sounding.
9) Stuff/Things
“Stuff” and “things” are vague words that can make you sound less intelligent than you are. They don’t provide clear information and can leave your listener or reader confused about what you’re referring to.
For example, “We need to discuss some things” is less clear than “We need to discuss the budget and project timeline”.
By being specific and using precise language, you’ll communicate more effectively and sound more intelligent.
10) Like
Our final word to cut from your vocabulary is “like”. Overusing “like” can make you sound unsure and less intelligent. It’s often used as a filler word, giving us time to think about what we’re going to say next.
However, using “like” too much can disrupt the flow of your conversation and diminish the impact of your words.
Practice pausing instead of filling the silence with “like”. Your speech will become more thoughtful, clear, and you’ll sound far more intelligent.
Words and wisdom
Language is an extraordinary tool. It’s not just a means of communication, but a reflection of our intellect and personality.
Yet, it’s easy to fall into linguistic traps that diminish our perceived intelligence. We resort to unnecessary fillers, overused words, or incorrect vocabulary that can cloud our message and our image.
Just as the right words can make us sound smarter, the wrong ones can do the opposite. But remember, sounding intelligent isn’t about using complex vocabulary or jargon. It’s about clear, effective communication.
As George Orwell once said, “Don’t use a five-dollar word when a fifty-cent word will do.”
Eliminating these ten words from your vocabulary is a simple step towards achieving that goal. So reflect on your language habits. Make small changes. And watch how it transforms not just how others perceive you, but how you perceive yourself.
Because in the end, language is not just about speaking or writing; it’s about expressing who we truly are.
