5 tips to decode foreign words used in English

The English language borrows substantially from other languages. It is, therefore, common to find foreign words along the passages as you study for any discipline. Such words will describe objects, actions, or be names.

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The appearance of a foreign word is likely to throw you off balance, causing confusion as you read. How can you decode the words to make meaning of the passage you are reading? Here are excellent tips on how to decode foreign words used in English passages.

1. Use a Dictionary

The English dictionary has accommodated thousands of words borrowed from other languages. New words are added each year to the English dictionary to fill gaps as the language grows. The dictionary will, therefore, provide an answer whenever you need to understand the meaning of the new words.

Dictionaries are now available online. Some are in the form of apps that also operate offline. This allows you to check the word anytime and anywhere you are studying.

At the same time, the dictionaries come with explanations on the origin of the words. You will find other aspects of the word like different tenses, synonyms, and antonyms. Such detailed coverage makes it easier to understand the words and passages you may be covering.

2. Check Online

The internet has advanced enough to provide answers to almost all questions you may ask. Without going to a specific website, you will find a straight answer on the search results.

If you are looking for English homework help online, the internet will provide. The answers provided are also reliable because they are generated from websites run by institutions with a reputation to protect.

The wealth of language available online will also help you to learn about the origin of words, history of its adoption into English language, and other areas such words can be used. Such understanding ensures that you can use such words somewhere else in the future to enrich your writing.

3. Look at the Context

Words are used in a stream of thoughts. The context can be used to accurately estimate the meaning of a word to avoid diverting from the flow of ideas.

Check the meaning of the word within the sentence. If the meaning proves difficult to decode, you can check within the paragraph. This is a didactic approach to finding the meaning.

The preceding arguments can result in the use of the word. In other cases, the meaning will be found in the passage or words that follow.

In some of the instances, the words are used as an emphasis or in addition to the ordinary English words. Within the larger context, you will find the meaning of the words in the passage.

4. Break the Word Down

Breaking down a word into different parts makes it easier to understand the meaning. A lot of words in different languages are made from a combination of verbs.

For instance, a word like ‘entertainer’ can be broken down into ‘entertain’ and ‘er’. The first part gives the root while the second explains the verb. The same trick applies to foreign languages. Break down the words into their root form to help you to understand them easily.

5. Guess

It is allowed to guess the meaning of a word within the context of use. Without checking online or struggling with the context, one word cannot stop you from understanding a context.

Based on the flow of ideas, guess the meaning and continue reading based on the assumption you have made. The passage will be understood either way.

Foreign words in English passages should not hinder you from comprehending the discussion. Use a dictionary and other online sources to decode the meaning. The context is sometime the best trick to understand the meaning of foreign words.