Tired of using the same words over and over? Want to sound more articulate, expressive, or just a little more interesting? You’re in the right place. This article dives into rare English words that are not only real but perfect for impressing your friends—or even improving your Google ranking when used wisely in content.
These aren’t just “big words”—they’re smart, expressive, and underused gems that deserve a comeback.
1. Quixotic
Meaning: Unrealistically optimistic; pursuing lofty but impractical ideals.
Example: “His quixotic plan to build a floating city was charming, but doomed.”
Origin: From the novel Don Quixote, a character known for chasing impossible dreams.
2. Sesquipedalian
Meaning: A person who uses long words, or a long word itself.
Example: “That sesquipedalian speech confused the entire class.”
Pro tip: Ironically, this word is often used to describe itself!
3. Pulchritudinous
Meaning: Physically beautiful.
Example: “The pulchritudinous sunset painted the sky with fire.”
Origin: Latin pulchritudo meaning “beauty.”
4. Pernicious
Meaning: Harmful in a gradual or subtle way.
Example: “The rumor had a pernicious effect on his reputation.”
5. Epistolary
Meaning: Relating to letters or written correspondence.
Example: “Her novel has an epistolary format, told through journal entries.”
6. Defenestrate
Meaning: To throw someone or something out of a window.
Example: “He wanted to defenestrate his laptop after the system crash.”
Fun Fact: Originates from the 1618 “Defenestration of Prague.”
7. Mellifluous
Meaning: Sweet or musical; pleasant to hear.
Example: “Her mellifluous voice made the speech unforgettable.”
Origin: Latin mel (honey) + fluere (to flow).
8. Cacophony
Meaning: A harsh, discordant mixture of sounds.
Example: “The city street was alive with the cacophony of traffic.”
9. Numinous
Meaning: Suggesting the presence of the divine or the spiritual.
Example: “The cathedral had a numinous glow at sunset.”
10. Ineffable
Meaning: Too great to be described in words.
Example: “The beauty of the northern lights was ineffable.”
🎥 Related YouTube Video: Learn Rare English Words
📺 20 Rare English Words You Should Use More Often
A simple and engaging video walking through beautifully rare English terms.
Tips for Using Rare Vocabulary
Using rare words isn’t about sounding pretentious—it’s about communicating better. Here’s how to use them wisely:
- Know your audience – Some contexts (blogs, emails, tweets) require simpler language.
- Don’t overuse them – A rare word every now and then stands out. Five in one sentence? Not so much.
- Learn their pronunciation – Tools like Forvo can help.
- Use them to express nuance – Many rare words are more specific than common ones.
Where to Find More Rare Words
- 📚 The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows
- 🧠 Oxford English Dictionary’s “Word of the Day”
- 🎧 Vocabulary-building podcasts like Lexicon Valley
- 📘 Follow Twitter threads or Reddit’s r/logophilia
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re writing a blog, crafting a tweet, or just trying to sound smarter at dinner, rare vocabulary words can elevate your message and differentiate your voice. Plus, they’re fun. Words like mellifluous, pulchritudinous, or numinous aren’t just elegant—they open up new dimensions of meaning.
So go ahead—flex a little with your vocabulary. Google (and your friends) just might be impressed.
