Tamil Proverbs - அரிய தமிழ் பழமொழிகள்

Understanding the Structure of Tamil Proverbs

Tamil proverbs are often simple yet powerful. They use everyday imagery and relatable situations to get a message across. For those of you learning Tamil, paying attention to the words and their individual meanings in each proverb will be a great exercise. You can also refer to our other guide, “Learn Tamil Through English”, for more fundamental concepts.

The beauty of a proverb lies in its ability to summarize a complex idea in a few words. This section will help you understand how they are formed and how to use them correctly in a conversation.

Part 1: Proverbs on Hard Work and Effort

Hard work and perseverance are highly valued in Tamil culture. Many proverbs emphasize the importance of putting in the effort to achieve success.

1. உழைப்பவன் ஒருநாள், உண்பவன் ஒருநாள்.

Literal Translation: The one who works, one day; the one who eats, one day.

Meaning: This proverb highlights that the rewards of labor might not be immediate. The person who works hard today will reap the benefits tomorrow. It’s a testament to the principle of “sowing and reaping.”

2. முயற்சி திருவினையாக்கும்.

Literal Translation: Effort will create wealth.

Meaning: A direct and powerful proverb that states that persistent effort is the key to prosperity and success. It is a very popular proverb used to motivate people.

3. காற்றுள்ள போதே தூற்றிக்கொள்.

Literal Translation: Winnow while there is wind.

Meaning: This is a call to seize opportunities. Just as a farmer must winnow their grains when the wind is favorable, one should make the most of an advantageous situation when it presents itself.

4. கல்லுக்கட்டிப் பாறையிலே கண்ணீரைக் கரைக்காதே.

Literal Translation: Don’t melt tears on a stone.

Meaning: It means don’t waste your effort or emotions on someone who is unfeeling or on an unchangeable situation. Your efforts will not yield any results.

5. ஆளில்லா ஊருக்கு இலுப்பை பூ சர்க்கரை.

Literal Translation: For a town with no people, the Iluppai flower is sugar.

Meaning: This proverb means that something of little value can be considered a great treasure in the absence of anything better. It talks about the relativity of value.

Part 2: Proverbs on Wisdom and Knowledge

Wisdom is revered in Tamil culture, and many proverbs focus on the importance of learning and common sense.

6. ஆழம் அறியாமல் காலை விடாதே.

Literal Translation: Don’t put your foot down without knowing the depth.

Meaning: This is a warning to not get into a situation or make a decision without proper knowledge and consideration of the consequences. It’s a call for carefulness and planning.

7. கற்றது கைம்மண் அளவு, கல்லாதது உலகளவு.

Literal Translation: What you have learned is a handful of soil; what you haven’t is the size of the world.

Meaning: A classic proverb that humbles the learned person. It means that no matter how much you know, there is always an infinite amount more to learn. It encourages continuous learning and acknowledges the vastness of knowledge.

8. அகழ்வாரைத் தாங்கும் நிலம்போல, தம்மை இகழ்வார்ப் பொறுத்தல் தலை.

Literal Translation: To bear with those who despise us is as a virtue as the earth bearing with those who dig into it.

Meaning: This is a famous couplet from the Thirukkural. It emphasizes the importance of patience and tolerance, comparing it to the earth’s ability to withstand being dug up and still provide for life.

9. அறிவுடையாரை நாடினால், அவர்கள் அறிவு நம்மை உயர்த்தும்.

Literal Translation: If you seek the wise, their wisdom will lift you up.

Meaning: This proverb underscores the importance of seeking out and associating with wise people, as their knowledge and insights will positively influence and uplift you.

10. அரைகுறை வைத்தியன் ஆளையே கொல்லுவான்.

Literal Translation: A half-doctor will kill the patient.

Meaning: This proverb warns against incomplete knowledge. It suggests that a little bit of knowledge can be dangerous, especially in critical situations. It advocates for expertise and complete learning.

Part 3: Proverbs on Relationships and Society

Proverbs often reflect social dynamics, family values, and how people interact with each other.

11. தாயும் பிள்ளையும் ஆனாலும் வாயும் வயிறும் வேறு.

Literal Translation: Even if they are mother and child, their mouths and stomachs are different.

Meaning: This proverb signifies that while family ties are strong, each individual has their own needs, opinions, and desires. It’s a reminder that everyone is an independent entity.

12. சுவரிருந்தால் தான் சித்திரம் வரையலாம்.

Literal Translation: You can paint a picture only if there is a wall.

Meaning: This proverb is a reminder that to do anything, you must have the basic necessities or the right foundation. For instance, to be successful, you must have good health.

13. யானைக்கு ஒரு காலம் வந்தால் பூனைக்கு ஒரு காலம் வரும்.

Literal Translation: If an elephant has its time, a cat will also have its time.

Meaning: A proverb about the cyclical nature of life. It means that fortune is not permanent. Even a small or insignificant person (like a cat) will have their moment of glory, just as a powerful person (like an elephant) has theirs.

14. ஐந்தில் வளையாதது ஐம்பதில் வளையுமா?

Literal Translation: Will something that doesn’t bend at five, bend at fifty?

Meaning: This emphasizes the importance of early learning and character building. A habit or character trait that is not developed in youth will be very difficult to change in old age. It’s similar to the English proverb “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.”

15. குலத்தை கெடுப்பவன் நடுவீட்டில் குடியிருப்பான்.

Literal Translation: The one who ruins a family will live in the middle of the house.

Meaning: This proverb warns that the person who brings ruin to a family or group is often one of them, from within the inner circle, not an outsider. It highlights the potential for betrayal from within.

Part 4: Proverbs on Money and Economy

Money and financial prudence are common themes, reflecting a pragmatic and wise approach to wealth.

16. வரவுக்கு மிஞ்சிய செலவு, ஒருநாளும் பயன் இல்லை.

Literal Translation: Spending beyond income is never useful.

Meaning: A straightforward proverb on financial wisdom. It advises against overspending and living beyond one’s means, as it will lead to no good.

17. ஒரு கை தட்டினால் ஓசை வராது.

Literal Translation: One hand cannot clap to make a sound.

Meaning: This is a very common proverb that means it takes two to tango. Conflict or a situation cannot be created by a single person; it requires participation from at least two parties. It also speaks to the importance of teamwork.

18. காற்றுள்ளபோதே தூற்றிக்கொள்.

Literal Translation: Winnow while there is wind.

Meaning: This one is a classic and can be used in different contexts. In the context of money, it means to make and save money while you can, or to make use of opportunities to earn income when they arise.

19. உச்சித் தலைப் பித்தளை போலப் பளபளக்கிறது.

Literal Translation: The top of the head shines like brass.

Meaning: This refers to an extravagant or show-off person who may not have a lot of wealth but tries to show off as if they do. It’s a subtle mockery of superficiality.

20. செலவழிக்கும் அளவுக்குச் சம்பாதிக்க வேண்டும்.

Literal Translation: One must earn as much as one spends.

Meaning: A basic principle of financial management. It’s a simple reminder to live within your means and ensure your earnings can cover your expenses.

Part 5: Proverbs on Patience and Waiting

Patience is a virtue in many cultures, and Tamil proverbs beautifully illustrate its importance.

21. பொறுமை கடலினும் பெரிது.

Literal Translation: Patience is greater than the ocean.

Meaning: This proverb extols the virtue of patience, suggesting that it is a quality of immense and immeasurable value, surpassing even the vastness of the ocean.

22. அவசரக்காரனுக்குப் புத்தி மட்டு.

Literal Translation: The hasty person has less sense.

Meaning: This is a warning against acting impulsively. It implies that people who rush into things often make mistakes due to a lack of careful thought and deliberation.

23. ஆறு போற போக்கு அரிவாள் போற போக்கு.

Literal Translation: The way the river goes, the way the sickle goes.

Meaning: This proverb means that things will happen as they are meant to, or that it is best to go with the flow. The “sickle” here refers to its natural curve and path, just as a river follows its course. It is about accepting the natural course of events.

24. பழுத்த மரத்தின் மீது கல்லெறிதல்.

Literal Translation: Throwing a stone at a ripe tree.

Meaning: This proverb suggests that people will only target those who are successful and have something to offer. It is often used to describe how a successful person attracts both admirers and critics.

25. காலம் பொன் போன்றது.

Literal Translation: Time is like gold.

Meaning: A simple and universal proverb that highlights the value of time. It encourages people to use their time wisely and not waste it, as it is an invaluable resource.

Part 6: Proverbs on Health and Well-being

Tamil culture places a high value on health, and this is reflected in many proverbs that offer advice on well-being.

26. நோயற்ற வாழ்வே குறைவற்ற செல்வம்.

Literal Translation: A disease-free life is a wealth without deficiency.

Meaning: This is one of the most famous health proverbs. It emphasizes that good health is the greatest form of wealth. Without health, all other riches are meaningless.

27. உணவே மருந்து.

Literal Translation: Food is medicine.

Meaning: This proverb highlights the importance of a healthy and balanced diet for maintaining good health and preventing illness. It is a cornerstone of traditional Siddha and Ayurvedic medicine.

28. உடல் ஆரோக்கியம் மன ஆரோக்கியம்.

Literal Translation: Physical health is mental health.

Meaning: This is a modern take on an old idea, emphasizing the close link between physical and mental well-being. A healthy body often leads to a healthy mind.

29. காலை எழுந்தவுடன் படிப்பு, மாலை எழுந்தவுடன் நடைபயிற்சி.

Literal Translation: Reading upon waking in the morning, walking upon waking in the evening.

Meaning: This proverb suggests a balanced daily routine for both intellectual and physical health. It recommends starting the day with learning and ending it with exercise.

30. தலைக்குத் தண்ணீரைத் தெளி, உடலுக்குத் தண்ணீரை ஊற்று.

Literal Translation: Sprinkle water on the head, pour water on the body.

Meaning: This is a traditional piece of advice on how to cool down the body, emphasizing the importance of head care in the tropical climate of Tamil Nadu.

Part 7: More Tamil Proverbs with Meanings

Here is a larger collection of popular Tamil proverbs to further enrich your learning. We encourage you to try and use these in your conversations.

31. ஆசை அறுபது நாள், ஆருடம் அறுபது நாள்.

Meaning: Desire lasts for sixty days, and destiny for another sixty days. It means that desires are temporary, and so are our predictions about the future.

32. இக்கரைக்கு அக்கரை பச்சை.

Meaning: The other side of the river is green. It means the grass is always greener on the other side.

33. இல்லையென்ற சொல்லை இகழ்ந்தான்.

Meaning: He despised the word “no.” It means that a person is determined to achieve something and will not take no for an answer.

34. உத்தமனைக் கண்டால் ஒதுங்கிவிடு.

Meaning: If you see a good person, stay away. This is used sarcastically to mean that you should be wary of people who are too good to be true.

35. ஊர் வம்பு உலக வம்பு.

Meaning: Town gossip is world gossip. It means that small town gossip can spread and become a bigger issue.

36. எரிகிற கொள்ளியில் எண்ணெயை ஊற்றாதே.

Meaning: Don’t pour oil on a burning coal. It means don’t add fuel to the fire.

37. ஏமாறுகிறவன் இருந்தால் ஏமாற்றுகிறவன் இருப்பான்.

Meaning: If there is a person who gets fooled, there will be one to fool them. It means that fraudsters exist because there are people who are easily gullible.

38. ஒரு நாள் கூத்துக்கு ஒருவன் ஓடிவருவான்.

Meaning: For a one-day play, one person will come running. It means people will gather for a short-term spectacle or event, but not for long-term commitment.

39. ஒற்றைக் காலில் நிற்பவன் ஒன்றுக்கும் உதவ மாட்டான்.

Meaning: The one who stands on one leg will be of no help. It means a person who is indecisive or unstable cannot be relied upon.

40. கடலைப் பிடிக்கிறவன் கையைத் தூக்கு.

Meaning: The one who grabs a chickpea, raise your hand. It means that a person who is overly possessive or greedy will reveal themselves.

41. கறந்த பாலும் கலந்த நீரும்.

Meaning: Milked milk and mixed water. It means two things that are mixed and cannot be separated, referring to an inseparable bond or relationship.

42. கிணற்றை வெட்டிப் பூதம் குதித்தது.

Meaning: A ghost jumped into the well after it was dug. It means a great effort went into something, but the result was a disaster.

43. கிளியைக் கையில் வைத்தவன் குரங்குக்கு ஆடுவான்.

Meaning: The one with the parrot in his hand will dance for the monkey. It means that one who possesses something valuable will have to dance to the tune of others to protect it.

44. கூரையில்லா வீட்டிலே கோடிக் கணக்கில்.

Meaning: Millions in a roofless house. It means that wealth is useless if you don’t have the basic necessities.

45. கேட்டா குடை, இல்லாட்டி கோடை.

Meaning: If you ask, it’s an umbrella; if not, it’s a scorching sun. It means a person is helpful only when you ask them, but if you don’t, they are of no use.

46. கெட்டுப்போனவன் கேட்டான், கெட்டவன் கொடுத்தான்.

Meaning: The one who was ruined asked, and the bad one gave. It means that a bad situation is often made worse by receiving help from the wrong person.

47. கோதுமை உள்ளவர் கோழியைத் தின்றால், அரிசி உள்ளவர் ஆட்டினைத் தின்பார்.

Meaning: If the wheat owner eats a chicken, the rice owner will eat a goat. It means that if someone with more wealth indulges, someone with lesser wealth will also try to indulge, leading to financial trouble.

48. சத்தமில்லா சத்தம்.

Meaning: Silent sound. It means something that is done secretly or without making a fuss. It can also refer to gossip.

49. சித்திரமும் கைப்பழக்கம்.

Meaning: A picture is a habit of the hand. It means that skill, like drawing, is gained through practice and repetition. Practice makes perfect.

50. சும்மா இருப்பவன் சுதந்திரமானவன்.

Meaning: The one who is idle is independent. It’s used sarcastically to suggest that a lazy person is free from responsibilities and work.

51. சேவகனுக்குச் சமையல் வேலை கொடுத்தால், சேவகம் தெரியுமா?

Meaning: If you give a servant a cooking job, will he know service? It means that you should assign a task to a person who is skilled in that area.

52. சொப்பனத்தில் கண்ட பணம் சோறு ஆகுமா?

Meaning: Will money seen in a dream become rice? It means that imagination or wishful thinking will not fulfill a real need.

53. தான் பாவம் செய்தால் தானாகவே தெரியும்.

Meaning: If one commits a sin, one will know it on one’s own. It means that a guilty conscience will always reveal the truth.

54. தம்பிக்குத் தாயும் தந்தையும் தாய் மாமன்.

Meaning: For a younger brother, the mother and father are the maternal uncle. It means that a person’s protector and guide can be an unexpected relative.

55. தாயைக் கண்டால் பிள்ளையைக் கண்டது போல.

Meaning: To see the mother is like seeing the child. It means that the characteristics of a child often reflect those of the parent.

56. திரை கடலோடித் திரவியம் தேடு.

Meaning: Cross the seas to seek wealth. This is an ancient proverb encouraging people to travel far and wide to earn a living and find prosperity.

57. தன்னைத் தானே புகழ்ந்துகொண்டால், புதையல் தானாகக் கிடைக்கும்.

Meaning: If one praises oneself, a treasure will be found by itself. This is used sarcastically to mock those who boast about themselves, implying that self-praise is useless.

58. தர்மம் தலைகாக்கும்.

Meaning: Righteousness will protect the head. It means that doing good deeds will protect you and keep you from harm.

59. நண்டைக் கண்டால் நடுக்கம்.

Meaning: A crab, if seen, causes a tremor. It refers to someone who is cowardly and gets scared easily, even at the sight of something small.

60. நாய் குலைத்தால் பன்றி குலைக்குமா?

Meaning: If a dog barks, will a pig bark? It is used to say that people of different nature will react differently to the same situation.

61. நிழலின் அருமை வெயிலில் தெரியும்.

Meaning: The value of shade is known in the sun. It means that you will not appreciate something until you have to go without it.

62. பதினெட்டாம் படியில் இருந்து விழும் குதிரை.

Meaning: A horse falling from the eighteenth step. It refers to a person who is at the peak of their success and falls from a great height.

63. பல்லில்லாக் குட்டிக்கு பால் கொடு.

Meaning: Give milk to a toothless calf. It means that you should give help to those who are in a helpless state.

64. பாலில்லா பூனை எலியைப் பிடிக்குமா?

Meaning: Will a cat without milk catch a rat? It questions how one can perform a task without the necessary resources.

65. புலி பசித்தாலும் புல்லைத் தின்னாது.

Meaning: Even if a tiger is hungry, it will not eat grass. This proverb signifies that a person of integrity will not compromise their principles, even in the most difficult situations.

66. பெற்ற தாயும் பிறந்த மண்ணும்.

Meaning: The mother who gave birth and the land one was born in. This proverb is a tribute to the love for one’s mother and one’s homeland.

67. மகனைக் கண்டால் தந்தையைக் கண்டது போல.

Meaning: Seeing the son is like seeing the father. This refers to the similarities in character, appearance, or behavior between a father and son.

68. மாமியார் வீட்டுக்குப் போனா மாமியார் வீட்டு விசேஷம்.

Meaning: If you go to the mother-in-law’s house, it’s a special occasion for the mother-in-law. It’s a humorous proverb that highlights the fact that a person’s presence can be a burden on others.

69. முன்குறிப்புக்கு ஒருநாள், பின் குறிப்புக்கு ஒருநாள்.

Meaning: A day for the preface, a day for the epilogue. It means that every beginning has an end, and every effort will eventually have a conclusion.

70. மெல்லத் தின்றால் கல்லும் மெல்லலாம்.

Meaning: If you eat slowly, even a stone can be eaten. This proverb means that with patience and persistence, even the most difficult tasks can be accomplished.

71. யானைக்கு ஒரு காலம் வந்தால், பூனைக்கும் ஒரு காலம் வரும்.

Meaning: If a time comes for an elephant, a time will also come for a cat. It means that everyone will have their moment of glory.

72. வந்ததும் போவதும் வாழ்க்கையில் இயற்கை.

Meaning: Coming and going are natural in life. It signifies the transient nature of life, where everything is temporary.

73. விடியும் பொழுது தூங்குபவனுக்கு வாழ்க்கை தெரியாது.

Meaning: The person who sleeps at dawn does not know life. It means that a lazy person who wastes their time will not be successful in life.

74. வெள்ளியாயும் வெள்ளிபோலவும்.

Meaning: Like a Friday and like a Friday. It refers to the belief that Fridays are auspicious, and it means that a person or thing is always good and lucky.

75. விட்ட குறை தொட்ட குறை.

Meaning: The effort left and the effort started. It refers to a person’s destiny and how they will continue from where they left off in their previous life.

76. விளைந்த பயிர் செழிக்கும்.

Meaning: A ripe crop will flourish. It means that a person who has the right skills and knowledge will be successful.

77. வேலையற்றவனுக்கு ஒருவன், அவனுக்கு இருவன்.

Meaning: To an idle person, one is two. It means that an idle person will find a lot of work to do, but an industrious person will have no time.

78. வீட்டைக் கட்டாதவன் வீதியிலே நிற்பான்.

Meaning: The person who doesn’t build a house will stand on the street. It is a cautionary proverb that advises people to build their own homes for security.

79. வேலைக்காரனைச் சோதிப்பவன் வீணாகச் சாகிறவன்.

Meaning: The one who tests a servant will die in vain. It means that a person who is too demanding or critical of their employees will not have a peaceful life.

80. வெள்ளமும் கரையற்ற வெள்ளம்.

Meaning: A flood without a bank. It refers to a person who has an overwhelming and unmanageable personality.

81. வெற்றிலை வெற்றிலை போட்டால் கசக்குமா?

Meaning: Will a betel leaf taste bitter if you put it on a betel leaf? It is a rhetorical question that means something is already good, and you don’t need to add anything to it.

82. வீணான சொல் விளையாடு.

Meaning: A useless word, play. It means that a person’s words are meaningless and will not have any impact.

83. விட்டதற்குக் கெடுமதிப்பு.

Meaning: A bad reputation for something that has been left. It means that a person who abandons a task will be seen as unreliable.

84. விலையில்லாத பொருள் விலைபோகாது.

Meaning: A priceless thing will not be sold. It means that something of great value cannot be bought with money.

85. வேலிக்கு வேலி, காலுக்குக் கால்.

Meaning: Fence to fence, foot to foot. It means that a person should be careful in their actions and not cross boundaries.

86. வேலைக்காரன் வேலைக்காரனைப் போடு.

Meaning: A servant puts a servant. It means that an employer should not trust a servant with the task of hiring another servant.

87. வேங்கை வித்தை பார்த்தால், பூனை வித்தை பார்க்குமா?

Meaning: If a tiger learns a trick, will a cat learn a trick? It is used to compare a person’s intelligence and say that not everyone is capable of the same things.

88. வீட்டைக் கட்டாதவன் வீதியில் நிற்பான்.

Meaning: The one who doesn’t build a house will stand in the street. This means a person who is not prepared for the future will have to face hardships.

89. வெள்ளத்தின் அருமை வெள்ளம் வரும்போது தெரியும்.

Meaning: The value of a flood is known when it comes. It means that the importance of something is known only when you face a difficult situation.

90. விபரீத புத்தி விநாசகாலே.

Meaning: A strange mind at the time of destruction. It means that a person with a negative mindset will face ruin.

91. வேலியிலே விளைந்த கம்பு, வேலியிலேதான் இருக்கும்.

Meaning: The millet that grew on the fence will stay on the fence. It means that a person who is born into a certain family or class will remain in that class.

92. வேலைக்காரன் வேலையிலே இருந்தால், அவனுக்கு வேலையிலே.

Meaning: If a servant is at work, he is at work. It means that a person who is diligent will be successful in their work.

93. விட்டது போனது.

Meaning: What is left is gone. It means that something that has been lost is gone forever.

94. வீட்டில் இருக்கும் பணம் வேலிக்கு உதவும்.

Meaning: The money in the house will help with the fence. It means that the money you have saved will be useful in times of need.

95. விட்ட குறை தொட்ட குறை.

Meaning: The effort left and the effort started. It refers to a person’s destiny and how they will continue from where they left off in their previous life.

96. வெற்றிலை வெற்றிலை போட்டால் கசக்குமா?

Meaning: Will a betel leaf taste bitter if you put it on a betel leaf? It is a rhetorical question that means something is already good, and you don’t need to add anything to it.

97. வீணான சொல் விளையாடு.

Meaning: A useless word, play. It means that a person’s words are meaningless and will not have any impact.

98. விட்டதற்குக் கெடுமதிப்பு.

Meaning: A bad reputation for something that has been left. It means that a person who abandons a task will be seen as unreliable.

99. விலையில்லாத பொருள் விலைபோகாது.

Meaning: A priceless thing will not be sold. It means that something of great value cannot be bought with money.

100. வேலிக்கு வேலி, காலுக்குக் கால்.

Meaning: Fence to fence, foot to foot. It means that a person should be careful in their actions and not cross boundaries.

அடிக்கடி கேட்கப்படும் கேள்விகள் (FAQs)

Q1: What are Tamil proverbs called?

Tamil proverbs are called பழமொழிகள் (Pazhamozhigal). The word is a combination of பழம் (Pazham), meaning ‘old’ or ‘ancient’, and மொழி (Mozhi), meaning ‘language’ or ‘saying’.

Q2: Why are Tamil proverbs important for a language learner?

Tamil proverbs are crucial for language learners because they offer a deeper understanding of the culture, values, and thought processes of native speakers. They help you sound more fluent and connect with the language on a more meaningful level.

Q3: Do Tamil proverbs have literal meanings?

Many Tamil proverbs have a literal meaning, which is often a simple observation from daily life. However, their true value lies in their figurative or metaphorical meaning, which conveys a moral lesson or a piece of wisdom.

Q4: How can I use Tamil proverbs in my daily conversations?

You can use proverbs to add emphasis to your points, offer advice, or express a universal truth. For example, if someone is being impatient, you can say, “அவசரக்காரனுக்குப் புத்தி மட்டு” (The hasty person has less sense) to gently remind them to be patient.

Q5: Are Tamil proverbs still used today?

Yes, Tamil proverbs are very much alive and are frequently used in both formal and informal conversations, especially by elders. They are a significant part of Tamil oral tradition and continue to be passed down through generations.

Q6: What is the most famous Tamil proverb?

One of the most famous and widely used proverbs is “நோயற்ற வாழ்வே குறைவற்ற செல்வம்” (A disease-free life is a wealth without deficiency), which emphasizes the importance of health over material wealth.

Q7: Can I find proverbs in ancient Tamil literature?

Yes, many proverbs and wisdom sayings are found in ancient Tamil works like Thirukkural, which is considered a moral and ethical guide. The proverbs we use today often have their roots in such ancient texts.

Q8: How do proverbs help with my Tamil vocabulary?

Proverbs often use a combination of simple and complex words. By studying them, you will learn new words and understand how they are used in a meaningful context. This will help you build your vocabulary more effectively than just memorizing word lists.