The vocabulary at rest, languishes; and so, too, the mind its structure informs. Like other familiar analogous circumstances, one’s vocabulary is most useful when skillfully employed.

Although it is useful to learn to recognize and understand a vast array of terms and possible usages — it is far more beneficial and intelligent to develop one’s capacity to creatively employ language itself. In this case, the unique structure and potential of one’s vocabulary then becomes a crucial practical and developmental asset — but one whose internal evolution we should not confuse with success. The acquisition of the powers of recognition of terms and structures is at best, but preparation for the ongoing process of learning to employ them artfully and effectively.