There’s a strong link between the words we use and our intelligence.
Simply put, a substantial vocabulary often suggests a sharp mind. It’s not about dropping fancy, complicated words into every conversation but rather, being able to measure and vary your language in specific ways.
Above-average intelligent people frequently use certain words that might seem common but the way they use them can make all the difference.
So, are you curious to find out if these ten words are part of your lingo? If they are, give yourself a pat on the back because you likely possess an above-average level of intelligence. Let’s dive in!
1) Perception
Perception isn’t just about how we see the world, it’s about understanding it from different angles.
Uncannily, people with above-average intelligence often use this word. Not to appear smart, but because they have a multi-faceted understanding of things. Their perception goes beyond what’s visible to the naked eye, delving into the underlying motives, reasons, and outcomes.
If you’re frequently using the word ‘perception’ in your conversations, it reflects an inherent ability to analyze and dissect information. It signifies that you know that the world around you isn’t one-dimensional.
This doesn’t just mean you understand what perception is. You recognize that it varies from person to person. This awareness puts you a step ahead of the crowd. You’re realizing that everyone sees the world in their own unique way.
In essence, by using this word, you showcase not just your vocabulary, but also your ability to perceive and understand the diversity of thought thriving around you. A nifty sign of above-average intelligence.
2) Empathy
Next up is ’empathy.’ Now, demonstrating true empathy goes way beyond just understanding another person’s point of view. It’s about connecting with their emotions, their perspective, and their experiences on a deep level.
I remember a certain instance when I used this word effectively.
I was talking with a friend going through a tough time, struggling with a personal issue. Instead of offering solutions or advice, I simply said, “I can’t fully understand what you’re going through right now, but I want you to know that I have empathy for your situation.”
Just by using that one word, ’empathy’, I was able to convey to my friend that I wasn’t just sympathizing from the sidelines. I was there WITH her, trying to feel and share her emotional burden. I wanted her to know that she was not alone, and that I was ready to stand beside her.
If ’empathy’ is a frequent part of your conversations, it paints a picture of someone who doesn’t merely understand others but truly resonates with their emotions and experiences. That’s an unequivocal sign of high emotional intelligence and a well-rounded personality. Two quintessential traits of individuals with above-average intelligence.
3) Euphemism
‘Euphemism’ isn’t your everyday word. It’s a linguistic tool used to turn a harsh, severe, or crude truth into something more palatable and pleasant to hear.
Consider the phrase ‘passed away’ as a euphemism for ‘died.’ It’s not about avoiding the truth; it’s about expressing it in a way that’s less directly harsh to hear, especially when dealing with sensitive situations or a difficult audience.
Interestingly, the word ‘euphemism’ itself is a Greek derivative. In Greek, ‘eu’ means ‘good’ while ‘pheme’ means ‘speak’. Essentially, a euphemism is a ‘good speech’ or a ‘pleasant expression.’ Quite fitting, isn’t it?
If ‘euphemism’ regularly features in your speech, it discloses much about your linguistic prowess as well as your sensitivity. It shows an ability to communicate truth without causing undue discomfort – a subtle but important part of effective communication. And of course, it subtly reveals a heightened level of intelligence too.
4) Intrinsically
Are you someone who uses ‘intrinsically’ in your conversations? If yes, you’re likely to be better at probing deeper into matters and extracting their true essence, going beyond surface-level evaluations.
The word ‘intrinsically,’ much like its meaning, reveals what lies at the core. It helps to express that you’re not just concerned about what’s apparent, but more about what’s essentially true and fundamental.
Let’s take an example. Instead of saying, “I love painting,” you might say, “I am intrinsically drawn to the world of colors and expression that painting allows.” This not only hints towards your inclination to painting but also subtly expresses that this inclination is deeply rooted within you.
Using ‘intrinsically’ in your discourse, thus, discloses a penchant for digging deeper into things, a characteristic ingrained in intellectually advanced individuals.
5) Paradox
Life is full of paradoxes, and using this term shows you acknowledge and understand the complexities it presents.
The word ‘paradox’ signifies a situation or a statement that though seems self-contradictory, often holds a hidden or unexpected truth. For instance, the more you learn, the more you realize how little you know.
If you frequently use ‘paradox’ in conversation, it’s a sign that you have the capacity to appreciate and comprehend contradictions in existence, likely making you a good problem solver. It suggests that you’re not afraid of complexities but are adept at entwining them into provocative and enlightening dialogues.
In essence, using ‘paradox’ in your daily vocabulary mirrors your intellectual prowess along with an ability to identify and confront life’s complexities head-on.
6) Compassion
A word that holds a world of emotion within itself – ‘compassion.’ This isn’t just a term; it’s a way of life for some people, myself included.
The presence of the word ‘compassion’ in your vocabulary reveals not just your sensitivity, but also your humanity. It indicates your capacity to not just sympathize, but also empathize with others, a trait that speaks volumes about your emotional intelligence.
Compassion means to suffer together, to be able to feel someone’s pain as if it’s your own, and reciprocate that feeling with love, understanding, and assistance. It makes us more human, more connected, and more emotionally mature.
If you meet someone who’s in pain and you tell them, “I’m filled with compassion for you,” it’s a reassurance that you’re there for them, understanding their pain and sharing their burden.
Incorporating ‘compassion’ in your daily speech is, therefore, not just a reflection of significant vocabulary, but also indicative of a loving and caring heart. And who can deny that such emotional profundity is a hallmark of intelligence like no other?
7) Introspection
‘Introspection’ – a term that signifies an inward examination of one’s own thoughts and feelings.
There have been nights when sleep eludes me, when my mind is a whirlwind of incessant thoughts and unanswered questions. Those are the moments when I turn to introspection. Do I know who I am? Why did I react in a certain way? Are my actions aligning with my values?
If you too find yourself using ‘introspection’ regularly, it suggests a deep sense of self-awareness, a potent trait of people with higher-than-average intelligence.
It reflects an inherent desire to seek self-improvement and personal growth. It’s about recognizing weaknesses and turning them into stepping stones for growth – a process seemingly simple, yet powerfully transformative.
So, if ‘introspection’ is something that’s comfortably housed in your day-to-day vocabulary, it’s a clear testament to an above-average level of intelligence. Because it takes wisdom to look within and question who we are and, more importantly, who we aspire to be.
8) Simplistic
We typically relate intelligence to complexity, isn’t it? But it’s ‘simplistic’ where the real magic lies.
Those boasting a higher-than-average intelligence often embrace this word. ‘Simplistic’ isn’t about seeing things in a simplified or naive manner. Instead, it’s all about understanding the complexity and then breaking it down to its simplest form.
Albert Einstein famously quipped, “If you can’t explain it to a six-year-old, you don’t understand it yourself.” He was spot on the buck. The ability to simplify the complicated is a key indicator of true understanding and hence, a higher intelligence quotient.
If ‘simplistic’ is among your frequently used words, that’s a noteworthy quality. It suggests that you probably have the ability to uncomplicate the complicated, making you an excellent communicator and problem-solver. Two traits invariably linked to high intelligence.
9) Creativity
‘Creativity’ might seem like an obvious word, but its usage in day-to-day conversation reflects more than just artistic inclinations.
When you often find yourself discussing ‘creativity’, it indicates that you think beyond boxed norms and conventions. It suggests that you’re unafraid to explore unconventional solutions or pave unique pathways. More often than not, people who regularly use ‘creativity’ in their conversations are known to be excellent at problem-solving.
Remember, creativity isn’t confined only to ‘arts.’ It’s a broader phenomenon. It could be creativity in problem-solving, in developing strategies, or even in everyday communication.
So, if ‘creativity’ is a word you find yourself using a lot, you’re undoubtedly showcasing your intelligence. After all, being able to ‘think outside the box’ is a clear signpost of intellectual prowess.
10) Resilience
The word ‘resilience’ doesn’t imply mere survival, it’s about thriving in the face of adversity.
If ‘resilience’ is a part of your vocabulary, it shows that you embrace challenges as learning opportunities. It’s about acknowledging the downs with strength and grace, and rising again with added determination.
Possessing resilience isn’t just a testament to your strength of character, it’s a surefire sign of emotional intelligence. It subtly represents your ability to comprehend and manage your emotions, and to use adversity as a stepping stone to growth.
In truth, resilience is a remarkable trait, and the capacity to express and understand it is indeed indicatory of significant intellectual prowess. Being resilient is a sign of not just higher-than-average intelligence but also emotional maturity, depth, and wisdom.
Reflecting on Words and Wisdom
Naturally, humans express their thoughts, ideas, and emotions through languages. And vocabulary serves as a powerful tool, an insightful window into our minds, revealing subtle nuances about our personalities, and of course, our intelligence.
Words like ‘introspection,’ ’empathy,’ ‘resilience,’ that we discussed, say a lot more about an individual than most of us might presume. These words hint at deep-seated personality traits, underlying awareness, and most importantly, a broader, richer perspective towards life and experiences.
British philosopher, Ludwig Wittgenstein, captured this beautifully when he said, “The limits of my language are the limits of my world.” Words, inadvertently, shape our world, and the ability to pick specific, insightful words often signals a higher-than-average intelligence level.
As you continue to use and understand these words, remember, it’s not just about personal or intellectual growth. It’s about realizing that words aren’t just about explaining our world; they are powerful tools to understand ourselves better, to introspect, empathize, and eventually, to evolve.
So, ponder on your words, the ones you use and the ones you’re about to learn, and remember, your vocabulary, like your mind, is ever-expanding.