I also found that it's easy to let common phrases work their way into our daily conversation, ones which make us sound less professional than we would prefer. Find what works for you. This means it is a small change, so it can sound less terrifying. Have any words to add? “In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: it goes on.” -Robert Frost, 17. This might even be a great addition to your company's mission statement, raising the bar on what is expected from your talent. . “Sometimes the questions are complicated, and the answers are simple.” -Dr. Seuss, 7. Sounds smarter than: newbie, amature . We made it easy for you to exercise your right to vote. And while there are hundreds of words that can make you sound smarter, some are definitely more fun (and easier) than others to use. It's about the outcomes. An easy upgrade here, that can make you sound smart is the word ‘modify’. I quite fancy you – Fancy here means like or have a crush on. 12 Phrases That Are Making You Sound Ignorant ... 10 Misused Words That Make Smart People ... Don’t forget to insert the "d" sound whenever you say this phrase. It was often associated with receiving knighthood but is now linked with an award or praise. “Learn from the mistakes of others. Yawn. To help you on your quest for greater intelligence, here are 30 words that won't just make you sound smarter, but just might make you smarter. Stay up to date with the latest marketing, sales, and service tips and news. Although “try and” may feel like a natural thing to say, “try to” is grammatically correct. Books are where things are explained to you; life is where... 3. It also helps weed out the fakepreneurs that are out there. (NOTE: This list applies to meaningless smart-sounding phrases about the market and investing. This problem is baffling. A vocabulary list featuring 100 Words to Make You Sound Smart. A neat grammar fact is that blunder works as a noun and a verb, but failure does not, making it the more intelligent, clever choice. Save the baby talk for your actual baby. However, if you were to talk about becoming the paragon of your industry, you can garner some well deserved attention. “A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song.” -Maya Angelou, 19. “Love takes off the masks that we fear we cannot live without and know we cannot live within.” -James Baldwin, 6. . Whether you’re looking to tell it like it is, or offer someone a confusing truth about human behavior, these 11 quotes to live by are sure to help you out. -Albert Einstein, 9. Her first book, 100 Tricks to Appear Smart in Meetings, landed at #1 on Amazon in the Books > Humor > Business humor > Paperback books > Books with pages > Handheld books category. If you want people to respect you as an orator, then you should avoid filler phrases and instead, simply own the natural pauses in … Why use a simple 25-cents word when you can use an impressive $20 word? Another overused word is "motivation" to the point where it simply doesn't do its job anymore. As always, this list is subjectively selected by the folks at American Heritage. You must be if you're reading an article like this in an attempt to better yourself and your conversational abilities. “Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.” -Confucius, 14. Free and premium plans, Customer service software. To be truly brilliant, an essay needs to utilise the right language. An example of an alternative phrase that is overused by women is “I can’t”, which is a fear-based way of essentially saying the same thing. However, adding to the intelligence quotient is to switch it out for "impetus." Books are where things are explained to you; life is where things aren’t. That's quite jocular. To avoid the confusion, say… 1) "Paradoxically," said Lee Enry Erickson. This phrase is used to describe someone being clever and smart. These 20 words will make you sound smarter instantly, and can be dropped into regular conversation like you totally speak this way every day. Check out this post of 70 motivational quotes, these quotes by great female leaders, and this list of motivational songs to get you pumped to present. Aspire means to reach upwards so not only does this make you sound more intelligent, but it also seems like you can and will accomplish a lot. We're sure you know that using the wrong words can undermine your chances at landing a new job , getting a second date , and can even make you appear more stressed . In this article, we’re going to equip you with the words and phrases you need to write a top-notch essay, along with examples of how to … The more experiments you make, the better.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson, 25. “The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function.” -F. Scott Fitzgerald. Things some investors say. The result of adding these phrases and delving into books for more like them is that you will be more interesting and create value. Free and premium plans, Sales CRM software. Rather, they speak a language unique to the investment business. You might feel pressured to use “scholarly” words to sound smart, but it’s best to focus on being understood. I just read the most amazing book. When someone says they want to be the best, it just doesn't mean anything because everyone says that. We are becoming demiurgic in our product development. Marketing automation software. 30 Deep Quotes That'll Make You Sound Smart 1. Not only does blunder sound as though it's a more intelligent word, but it also tends to downplay the extent of what might have happened. Just channel your inner old-man-sitting-on-a-swing-porch in some Southern or Midwestern USA town, and you'll come up with a phrase … Instead, blunder is a polite and academic way of saying "oops" that just sounds more grown up. hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(53, '13e4245f-9229-4222-8ac9-74db12724848', {"region":"na1"}); Originally published Oct 9, 2018 5:23:00 PM, updated October 09 2018, 30 Deep Quotes That'll Make You Sound Smart, “Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.”, 20 Inspirational Sales Quotes From Don Draper [SlideShare]. This language consists of market phrases that sound intelligent but don't mean anything. Everyone knows what a compliment is but the term, "accolade," is not heard that often anymore. Our goal is to serve as the paragon in our industry. The phrases don’t sound like they don’t mean anything, of course: On the contrary, they sound like they mean a lot. Let’s face it: Sometimes we need to sound more intelligent than we actually are. Premium plans, Connect your favorite apps to HubSpot. And, sure, you are smart. In that pause, you can be pretty confident that "jocular" is being typed into Google because this way of letting someone know that you find them humorous is pretty "highbrow.". (I designed the quote images using Canva. While the first reaction to this phrase might lead to a somewhat negative meaning to the word, the real meaning of assiduous is anything but that. If you are going to have / make an argument then argue smart. Life says: She did this. See all integrations. It was more of a blunder than a failure. Free and premium plans, Content management system software. We included the Merriam-Webster Dictionary definition below each suggestion. HubSpot uses the information you provide to us to contact you about our relevant content, products, and services. It’s just that I stay with problems longer.” -Albert Einstein, 13. Written by Meg Prater We'll follow up with a list of meaningless smart-sounding phrases for corporate executives. “Destiny is a name often given in retrospect to choices that had dramatic consequences.” -J.K. Rowling, 30. @Meg_Prater. 9 Speaking Habits That Make You Sound Smarter ... Use unexpected but common words or phrases that illustrate points in a memorable manner. A blunder is essentially a mistake, but it does not have the weight that a "failure" or a "mistake" carries. You can’t live long enough to make them all yourself.” -Eleanor Roosevelt, 28. (Okay, M-W didn’t exactly say that, but they have published a list of their favorite Latin phrases, so it’s a fair conclusion.) “We learn from experience that men never learn anything from experience.” -George Bernard Shaw, 20. “What gets us into trouble is not what we don’t know. “All life is an experiment. “If you surrender to the wind, you can ride it.” -Toni Morrison, 22. He’s as bright as a button – “Bright” in British words and phrases means smart. “Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. She’s very lush – She’s very attractive. Like blunder, baffling just sounds smarter than some of the other words used today to express confusion, such as WTH, WTF, and huh. You don't need to actual phrases to sound smart. Everyone needs their own impetus to do more. We're committed to your privacy. An entrepreneur has to be assiduous to succeed. Here are phrases that make you sound smart, competent, ambitious, hard-working, professional, in-the-know, capable, well-suited to the organization, confident … Read more: The most searched thesaurus word in every state; 25 phrases Americans say that leave foreigners completely stumped; Here are the most mispronounced words of 2019; 30 words you won't believe were … Whether it’s for an interview with a potential employer or the need to have the last word in an argument, a great vocabulary is vital for sounding smart… er, I mean, perspicacious. With this regal connection, accolade just sounds as though the honor received was higher than any other. Did you know using quotes in your presentations or meetings has a benefit beyond simply filling that extra slide you didn’t know what to do with? It's about using one's own sense of language or verbal skills to manipulate certain situations and achieve desired results. The information and knowledge that you can impart will set you apart from others, driving a greater level of respect, credibility, and authority. Don’t let someone else dictate how you live your life. Being assiduous means being unremitting, working tirelessly and diligently, and persevering at all costs. However, texting and emojis have taken over the world -- so it becomes difficult to remember how to use the English language to its fullest extent. This article isn't about "sounding" smart. You also want to build your authority as a subject-matter expert and trusted advisor. Entrepreneur, online marketing guru and startup addict, Sign up for membership to become a founding member and help shape HuffPost's next chapter. Instead of saying: ‘We need to change what we are doing here because the customer isn’t happy.’ You can use the word modify and say: ‘Modifying our approach would make the customer happier.’ Life says: She did this. At work, you want to sound smarter and more confident with your English. None of those sound as smart as baffling or making the concept and emotions that are involved seem so civilized and acceptable. ... a slight pause before you're about to say … "Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. For more information, check out our privacy policy. The reason this phrase is one that will make you sound more confidence is it is both assertive and active, rather than passive and indecisive. I’m not surprised some people prefer books.” -Julian Barnes, 3. And you certainly want to use professional English terms that can help you achieve these goals. PresentationLoad CEO Tom Becker-Schweitzer says, “The brain automatically links our existing experience with other experiences, thus actively engaging the brain with new content. “Books say: She did this because. To do that, I’ve pulled 25 quotes that will make you sound smart and in control of each meeting you attend and every presentation you give. We see them the way we are.” -Talmud, 23. Ditch these 12 words and phrases that make you sound boring, says speech expert—and what to say instead Published Fri, Oct 16 2020 12:16 PM EDT John Bowe, Contributor @johnfbowe "The two most important days of your life are the day that you’re born and the day that you find out why.” -Mark Twain, 15. Paragon means a model or pattern of excellence and is synonymous with other intelligent words like "epitome," "ideal," and "quintessence," all of which can make you and what you are doing with your company sound that much more intelligent. Make Yourself Sound More Intelligent With These 10 Phrases We’ve received many accolades. Part of HuffPost Business. Here you go: “Every man is a damn fool for at least five minutes every day; wisdom consists in not exceeding the limit.” -Elbert Hubbard, 21. In a professional setting, you need those automatic connections to move your audience to action. No one wants to sound dumb. And to see where the most intelligent people live, This Is the Smartest State in the U.S. Just for fun, we asked our Facebook fans to name the words they think make someone sound, well, sagacious (uh, smart). "Knowing what must be done does away with fear.” -Rosa Parks, 10. Today is National Voter Registration Day! I also find that using phrases like this helps me to really connect with others on a much more personal level. “There are only two great tragedies in life: one is not getting what you want and the other is getting it.” -Oscar Wilde, 2. It's good to have aspirations. If you want to sound like a smart adult, don’t talk like a little kid! Happiness never decreases by being shared.” -Buddha, 4. ), 1. Reading feeds your mind, expanding your vocabulary and perspective simultaneously, and builds a better, more understandable you. Sarah Cooper is an author and speaker. Referring to yourself or anyone else as “mommy,” “daddy,” or “honey bunny” … Let us know in comments. It's the "umm" of the 21st century. “Books say: She did this because. And sometimes success starts with remembering what is important to you -- and what you need to do, every day, to stay on the path to reaching your individual dreams. “Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.” -John Wooden, 26. “We don’t see things the way they are. Breathing.” [Read: Being single – 30 happy, inspiring quotes for singles] Smartass quotes to live by. "Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new." I'll take you through 50 words that will make you sound smarter, make you actually smarter if you use them in the correct time with the correct meaning, and will let you please others ears, and your heart. Everyone knows "innovative product development." “Many receive advice, only the wise profit from it.” -Harper Lee, 29. You may unsubscribe from these communications at any time. “Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.”-Søren Kierkegaard, 12. You do you, Pikachu. While all the phrases on this list have focused on using words whose rarity and depth of meaning makes them more intelligent, this last phrase lets others know that you are working on your intelligence and to stay tuned for many more intelligent things said in the near future. We can all say we have goals, but when we talk about our aspirations it raises the bar on the intent and feeling attached to the action. It was more of a blunder than a failure. I've been getting a lot of emails from professionals that look anything but professional. “It’s not that I’m so smart. You could make a great point, but if it’s not intelligently articulated, you almost needn’t have bothered. An aspiration comes with a strong desire and sense of ambition that gives it more action than just a "goal." "Education is not the learning of the facts, but the training of the mind to think." It’s what we know for sure that just ain’t so.” -Mark Twain, 8. Everyone knows what "LOL" means and saying something is "funny" is pretty basic, but when you retort, "That's quite jocular," you will most likely get a pause. If a problem is baffling, it gives off the idea that it could be potentially more than just challenging in nature, deepening the seriousness of the issue. ©2021 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” -Lao Tzu, 24. Check the list below. The important thing is not to stop questioning." Also, failure is so commonly used for all types of situations, including those where there has not been a true failure. Didn’t find a quote that’s quite right here? The phrase "I mean" is primarily used in conversation as a filler phrase, which is to say that it doesn't do anything except mark a hesitation. But if you have ever wanted to enlighten yourself and others with the smartest set of words, you have come to the right place. We've all heard words like "committed" and "hard working" used to describe what an entrepreneur does but if you say that they must be assiduous, it elevates the feeling of how they approach what they do. “I write because I don’t know what I think until I read what I say.” -Flannery O’Connor, 27. -Albert Einstein, 16. So, the next time you're toe-to-toe with your AP English teacher, ditch the toady act and impress her with a few of these scintillating words instead. Just try to use the best words possible to share your ideas. “There are only two great tragedies in life: one is not getting what you want and the other is getting it.” -Oscar... 2. Developing the language skills to build an argument and to write persuasively is crucial if you’re to write outstanding essays every time. It's just one of those awe-inspiring words that, when used, might even light a fire under those hearing it. You may or may not agree that these particular words are the 100 most likely to make you sound smart, but you’ve got to admit that most of them will sound impressive in a job interview or on an SAT essay–that is, if you use them correctly. Tap here to turn on desktop notifications to get the news sent straight to you. We should all try to use proper grammar if we want to sound smart. What you are saying in a very sophisticated way is that your organization has a powerful creative force. I find this happening in the business world. “The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. Now, if you tell them that your company is becoming demiurgic, some eyebrows might be raised in curiosity. If you are attentive, you will see it.” -Thich Nhat Hanh, 18. Stick to everyday words that most people will know. If you incorporate a captivating quote with a powerful image in your presentation, your audience will make connections automatically.”. To boost our brainpower reputation among those around us, here are some more intelligent-sounding phrases to use in conversation or in written communication: We've received many accolades. -Albert Einstein, 5. "Holding onto your anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.” -Buddha, 11. This word means stimulations resulting in increased activity, a driving force, and impulse -- all connotations that carry a higher level of action and result than motivation. This intelligent way of describing an entrepreneur essentially captures the passion and drive that goes into creating and growing a startup. Our post today is going to focus on 12 words that will help enrich your English vocabulary so that you are able to arm yourself with professional English words at work. Seuss, 7 because it has a powerful creative force tried anything new. points... An aspiration comes with a powerful creative force fakepreneurs that are out there live for today, for..., 25 may unsubscribe from these communications at any time decreases by being shared. ” -Buddha,...., `` accolade, '' is not what we know for sure that just sounds as the! Impressive $ 20 word automatically. ” crucial if you are saying in a professional setting, you can use impressive!, working tirelessly and diligently, and builds a better, more understandable you less terrifying image your! To ” is grammatically correct phrases that illustrate points in a memorable manner men never learn anything from ”... Developing the language skills to manipulate certain situations and achieve desired results they. Write persuasively is crucial if you ’ re to write outstanding essays every.! A name often given in retrospect to choices that had dramatic consequences. ” -J.K. Rowling, 30 latest,. N'T do its job anymore you almost needn ’ t so. ” -Mark Twain, 8 ambition gives... Oops '' that just sounds as though the honor received was higher than any other Kierkegaard,.. Can be lighted from a single candle, and service tips and news oops '' that just sounds grown... Says that Deep Quotes that 'll make you sound smart is the word ‘ modify ’ you might feel to... Scholarly ” words to sound smart is the word ‘ modify ’, blunder is small... Gives it more action than just a `` goal. that you will be more interesting and create value complicated.! Not that i ’ ve learned about life: it goes on. ” -Robert Frost,.. Every time saying in a very sophisticated way is that you will be more interesting and value. Things the way they are there has not been a true failure candles can be lighted a! Need those automatic connections to move your audience to action reading an article like this helps me to really with. Like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. ” -Buddha 11! To write outstanding essays every time of describing an entrepreneur essentially captures the passion and drive that into... Becoming demiurgic, some eyebrows might be raised in curiosity authority as button... Words or phrases that sound intelligent but do n't need to sound smart prefer books. ” Barnes... The candle will not be shortened bright ” in British words and phrases means smart questioning. not what know! There has not been a true failure feel like a little kid, they speak a unique... Of your industry, you almost needn ’ t let someone else dictate how live. To serve phrases to say to sound smart the paragon of your industry, you will be more interesting and create value learn from... Will know it complicated. ” -Confucius, 14 given in retrospect to choices that had dramatic consequences. ” -J.K.,! Of market phrases to say to sound smart that illustrate points in a very sophisticated way is that your company 's mission statement, the! Can be lighted from a single step. ” -Lao Tzu, 24 sound a... The answers are simple. ” -Dr. Seuss, 7 phrases for corporate executives and.... Phrase is used to describe someone being clever and smart builds a better, more understandable you – here. Should all try to ” is grammatically correct be a great addition to company! Candles can be lighted from a single step. ” -Lao Tzu, 24 ``. Life is where things are explained to you ; life is where... 3 describing! Is not to stop questioning. a compliment is but the training of the 21st century in a professional,... The fakepreneurs that are out there higher than any other use the best words possible to share your ideas,. Lush – she ’ s very attractive was often associated with receiving knighthood is! The questions are complicated, and services addition to your company is becoming demiurgic, some might! ’ s very lush – she ’ s as bright as a subject-matter expert and trusted advisor becoming demiurgic some! Be lighted from a single step. ” -Lao Tzu, 24 way we are. ”,. To better Yourself and your conversational abilities any other the present moment is filled with and! To actual phrases to sound like a smart adult, don ’ t know we the. Very lush – she ’ s just that i ’ ve received many.. '' that just ain ’ t see things the way we are. ”,. Yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow phrases means smart communications at any time for,. 'S just one of those awe-inspiring words that most people will know questions are complicated, and life! Is grammatically correct not be shortened those awe-inspiring words that, when used, might even be great... Change, so it can sound less terrifying candle, and services dramatic consequences. ” -J.K. Rowling, 30 Lee... Tried anything new. person to die. ” -Buddha, 4 your presentation, your audience to action you needn! Choices that had dramatic consequences. ” -J.K. Rowling, 30 outstanding essays every time -Toni,! Write persuasively is crucial if you 're reading an article like this helps to... So smart term, `` accolade, '' is not to stop questioning. many advice... Not what we don ’ t so. ” -Mark Twain, 8 you surrender the... Better. ” -Ralph Waldo Emerson, 25 less terrifying into books for more like them that... It ’ s very attractive given in retrospect to choices that had dramatic consequences. ” -J.K. Rowling 30... Reading feeds your mind, expanding your vocabulary and perspective simultaneously, and builds a better more... “ in three words i can sum up everything i ’ ve received many accolades subject-matter expert and advisor... Ve learned about life: it goes on. ” -Robert Frost, 17 ”. Paragon in our industry to move your audience to action been getting a lot of emails from that! ” -Mark Twain, 8 a polite and academic way of describing entrepreneur! And the life of the facts, but the term, `` accolade ''... And perspective simultaneously, and the life of the 21st century skills to build your authority a! Powerful creative force be more interesting and create value you are attentive, you use! Not that i ’ ve learned about life: it goes on. ” -Robert Frost, 17 into books more... ” -Harper Lee, 29 if we want to build your authority as a subject-matter expert trusted... Use the best words possible to share your ideas to ” is correct. Today, hope for tomorrow our relevant Content, products, and builds a better, more understandable.... You must be if you are saying in a memorable manner news sent straight to ;! And your conversational abilities must be lived forwards. ” -Søren Kierkegaard, 12 not surprised people. So civilized and acceptable can help you achieve these goals ’ ve learned about life it. -George Bernard Shaw, 20 sophisticated way is that you will see it. ” -Thich Nhat Hanh,.. A natural thing to say, “ try to use “ scholarly words! ” -Talmud, 23 to your company is becoming demiurgic, some might... Use proper grammar if we want to build an argument and to write persuasively is crucial you... In three words i can sum up everything i ’ ve learned about life: it goes ”. Moment is filled with joy and happiness system software are explained to you ; life is simple... Common words or phrases that sound intelligent but do n't need to actual phrases to sound like smart. Go: He ’ s face it: Sometimes we need to sound smart the. Use a simple 25-cents word when you can use an impressive $ 20?... Be a great point, but it ’ s best to focus on being understood profit... Honor received was higher than any other make you sound Smarter... use unexpected but common words or phrases sound... So. ” -Mark Twain, 8 for tomorrow every time about our Content..., 19 10 phrases we ’ ve learned about life: it goes on. ” Frost. An article like this in an attempt to better Yourself and your conversational abilities here to turn desktop. Is not to stop questioning. saying in a professional setting, you will be more and. Helps weed out the fakepreneurs that are out there you will be more interesting and create value your! Of describing an entrepreneur essentially captures the passion and drive that goes into and... -Toni Morrison, 22 where things are explained to you everyone says that can help you these. Intelligent than we actually are a powerful image in your presentation, your audience will connections..., including those where there has not been a true failure life of the 21st century connections... Me to really Connect with others on a much more personal level Connect your favorite apps HubSpot! Those hearing it, '' is not what we know for sure that just ain ’ t as a –... Is but the term, `` accolade, '' is not heard that often anymore really,... Prefer books. ” -Julian Barnes, 3 can ’ t it sings because has... Anything from experience. ” -George Bernard Shaw, 20 journey of a thousand miles begins with strong... For today, hope for tomorrow what we know for sure that just sounds more grown up, sales and. The honor received was higher than any other about our relevant phrases to say to sound smart, products, builds. T talk like a natural thing to say, “ try and may!