Forgetting a new word days after you learn it is a common frustration. You spend time looking up definitions and examples, only for the term to vanish from your memory when you need it. The solution isn't studying harder; it's studying smarter with a technique called Spaced Repetition.
This guide explains how to use this powerful memorization method to build a lasting vocabulary. It's a simple system that digital flashcard apps are built on, and you can start using it in minutes.
What is Spaced Repetition?
Spaced Repetition is a learning technique that involves reviewing information at increasing intervals. Instead of cramming a word by looking at it 20 times in one night, you review it strategically over days and weeks.
Here’s the core idea:
- When a word is new, you review it frequently (e.g., after one day, then three days).
- As you remember it correctly, the time between reviews gets longer (e.g., one week, two weeks, one month).
This process interrupts the natural forgetting curve, signaling to your brain that this information is important and should be moved from short-term to long-term memory.
How to Use Spaced Repetition for Vocabulary in 3 Steps
You don’t need complex software to get started. All you need are flashcards—digital or physical—and a simple plan.
Step 1: Create Simple, Effective Flashcards
For each new word, create one flashcard. Keep it minimal and focused.
- Front: The vocabulary word (e.g., "Ephemeral").
- Back: A short, clear definition and a simple example sentence (e.g., "Lasting for a very short time. His success as a singer was ephemeral.").
Avoid putting multiple words or long paragraphs on a single card. The goal is quick recall, not in-depth reading.
Step 2: Follow a Review Schedule
The key is the timing. When you learn a new word, you'll review its flashcard on a schedule that gradually increases the time between sessions. A basic schedule could look like this:
- Review 1: 1 day after learning.
- Review 2: 3 days after the last review.
- Review 3: 7 days after the last review.
- Review 4: 16 days after the last review.
If you get a word wrong, you simply reset its schedule. This is where apps excel, as they automate this entire process for you.
Step 3: Prioritize Active Recall
Don't just flip the card over and read the back. Practice active recall:
- Look at the word on the front of the card.
- Try to state the definition and use it in a sentence out loud.
- Flip the card to check if you were right.
This act of retrieving the information from your brain is what builds strong memory pathways. It’s far more effective than passively reading the definition.
Build a Lasting Vocabulary, One Day at a Time
Spaced repetition works best when applied consistently. Trying to learn 50 words in one day can be overwhelming, but learning and reviewing 5–10 words daily is manageable and highly effective.
With a daily Word of the Day feature, you can get a new, interesting word delivered to you each morning. You can instantly create a flashcard for it and add it to your review schedule, making vocabulary growth an effortless part of your routine.
By focusing on a proven method like spaced repetition, you can finally stop the cycle of learning and forgetting. You'll build a robust vocabulary that you can actually use, whether for an exam, a new language, or clearer communication.