Intelligent Words Used by Smart People

You have been learning different and new words on a regular basis. But have you ever thought which of them would actually make you sound smart? We always try to make use of sophisticated words instead of plain words. It helps us to stand out from the crowd. It will leave your audience wanting more of your enriching vocabulary. Moreover, it will make the conversation more convivial.

We have prepared a list of more than 30 words that are very stylish in a way they sound. We hope you’ll like them.

English Words to Make You Sound Smart

accoladean award or privilege granted as a special honor or as an acknowledgment of merit.
acrimonybitterness or ill-feeling.
angsta feeling of deep anxiety or dread, typically an unfocused one about the human condition or the state of the world in general.
anomalysomething that deviates from what is standard, normal, or expected.
avant-gardenew and experimental ideas and methods in art, music, or literature.
antidotemedicine is taken or given to counteract a particular poison.

 

baroquehighly ornate and extravagant in style
bonafidegenuine; real
boondogglean unnecessary, wasteful, or fraudulent project.
bourgeoisbelonging to or characteristic of the middle class, typically with reference to its perceived materialistic values or conventional attitudes.
bravadoa bold manner or a show of boldness intended to impress or intimidate.
broguea strong outdoor shoe with ornamental perforated patterns in the leather.
brusqueabrupt or offhand in speech or manner.
byzantinecharacterized by deviousness or underhand procedure
carte blanchecomplete freedom to act as one wishes.
cacophonya harsh discordant mixture of sounds.
camaraderiemutual trust and friendship among people who spend a lot of time together.
capriciousgiven to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior.
causticsarcastic in a scathing and bitter way.
charismacompelling attractiveness or charm that can inspire devotion in others.
déjà vua feeling of having already experienced the present situation.
dichotomya division or contrast between two things that are or are represented as being opposed or entirely different.
dilettantea person who cultivates an area of interest, such as the arts, without real commitment or knowledge.
disheveledmake (a person’s hair or clothes) untidy.
élanenergy, style, and enthusiasm
ennuia feeling of listlessness and dissatisfaction arising from a lack of occupation or excitement.
epitomea person or thing that is a perfect example of a particular quality or type.
equanimitycalmness and composure, especially in a difficult situation.
equivocateuse ambiguous language so as to conceal the truth or avoid committing oneself.
esotericintended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with specialized knowledge or interest.
euphemisma mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing.
fastidiousvery attentive to and concerned about accuracy and detail.
faux pasan embarrassing or tactless act or remark in a social situation.
Fiascoa complete failure, especially a ludicrous or humiliating one.
Finagleobtain by dishonest or devious means.
Elucidatemake (something) clear; explain.
Obfuscatemake obscure, unclear, or unintelligible.
Perfunctory(of an action) carried out without real interest, feeling, or effort.
Insidiousproceeding in a gradual, subtle way, but with very harmful effects.
Machiavelliancunning, scheming, and unscrupulous, especially in politics
OblivionIt is the state of being unaware or unconscious of what is happening around one.
ScintillatingSomeone who is brilliantly and excitingly clever or skillful.
ParadoxBasically, a paradox is a seemingly absurd or contradictory statement or proposition which when investigated may prove to be well-founded or true.
VicariousIt is experienced in the imagination through the feelings or actions of another person.

Idyllic

simple and serene

Indelicate

indecent, offensive, or improper

Junket

made of sweetened milk coagulated with rennet

Litany

prayer led by priesthood with responses from audiences

Malaise

mild sickness or depression feeling

Mantra

A sacred utterance or poetic hymn in Vedism

Maud in

insincerely emotional

Mercenary

person hired to fight for another country

Minimalist

conservative advocating only minor reforms in government

Misnomer

An incorrect and unsuitable name

Narcissist

Someone who is excessively self-centered

Nirvana

A climate beyond the rebirth cycle

Non Sequitur

An answer that has nothing to do with what preceded it

Oblivion

A state of neglect or forgetfulness

Ogle

Stare or look, especially for romantic purposes

Ostentation

It is intended to attract attention and impress others

Ostracize

Dismiss from the community or group

Panacea

A proven remedy for all ailments or diseases

Paradox

Self-contradictory statement

Peevish

Easy irritability

Perfunctory

Ignoring details; not entirely

Philistine

Someone who is not interested in pursuing wisdom

Picayune

Small and insignificant

Precocious

It is characterized by premature development

Propriety

Proper behavior

Quid Pro Quo

Something given instead of another

Quintessential

Represents an excellent example of class or quality

Red Herring

Something is intended to distract attention from the main subject

Revel

Take delight in

Rhetoric

A study of strategy for effective use of language

Scintillating

Having short glittering points or a glow of light

Spartan

Do not hold back or compromise with discipline or judgment

Stigma

A sign of shame or insult

Suave

Having a sophisticated charm

Supercilious

To be either to show arrogance or to be arrogant

Sycophant

Someone who tries to please someone in order to benefit

Teetotaler

A person who does not drink alcohol

Tirade

Speech of suspicion of violence

Tryst

Secret dating, especially romance

Ubiquitous

Being everywhere at once

Unrequited

Not returned by type

Untenable

Inability to protect oneself or to be forgiven

Verbose

Using or containing too many words

Vile

Moral suspicion

Zealous

Marked by active interest and enthusiasm

Conclusion:

Working on some interesting and sophisticated words does not mean that you have to memorize all those words and start using them all at once. The aim is to strengthen your vocabulary in a more creative way. It will be the first thing that will help you on your quest. 

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