One thing truly intelligent people don’t need to do is themselves with over-the-top language.
They might have a large vocabulary, but they don’t feel the need to flex it at every available opportunity. Instead, they focus on clear, natural communication rather than trying to sound impressive. When someone constantly uses these kinds of pretentious statements, it’s usually more about showing off than actually saying something useful. Here are 16 phrases that people with high IQs tend to avoid.
1. Paradigm
This one’s a favourite in academic circles and the corporate world, but it really doesn’t do much except make someone sound like they’re trying too hard. A “paradigm” is just a model or an example, but we’ve made it sound way more complex than it needs to be. Intelligent people don’t waste time trying to sound more important with fancy terms. They’d rather get to the point with a word that makes sense to everyone, not just the ones trying to show off their vocabulary. “Model” or “example” works just fine. Simple, easy, and to the point.
2. Synergy
Ah, synergy — the corporate buzzword of the decade! It’s often used to describe how people work together to create something greater than what they could do alone. But honestly, all it means is “working together.” High-IQ people know that teamwork is key, but they also know that “synergy” just overcomplicates something that doesn’t need to be. Why not just say, “Let’s work together to achieve this”? It gets the message across without sounding like you’re auditioning for a motivational speaker gig.
3. Utilise
Instead of saying “utilise,” why not just say “use”? It’s one of those words that’s used when someone wants to sound professional, but it doesn’t add anything to the meaning. People with sharp minds know the power of simplicity. Why reach for a longer word when the shorter one does the trick? If you’re “utilising” something, you’re really just “using” it. There’s no need to make it sound more complicated than it is.
4. Elicit
You could say “elicit,” but honestly, why not just say “bring out” or “trigger”? The word “elicit” is often used when someone wants to sound formal or impressive, but in reality, it just makes things sound unnecessarily complicated. People who are genuinely intelligent don’t waste time with language that clouds the message. If you’re trying to get a reaction or provoke a response, just say that. No need for extra flourishes.
5. Alleviate
“Alleviate” sounds all high-level, doesn’t it? But really, all it means is to “ease” or “reduce.” Truly clever people aren’t trying to sound overly intellectual by using long words. They know that saying “ease” or “reduce” is far more effective. If you’re easing someone’s discomfort, just say it. There’s no need to dress it up in a five-syllable word. The simpler, the better. Obviously, this word is great if you’re writing a medical report, but otherwise, just stick to layman’s terms.
6. Cognisant
Here’s a word that screams, “I’m trying too hard” but really just means “aware.” Why complicate things? People who are genuinely sharp know that clear communication is key, and “aware” does the job without making anyone feel like they’re reading a legal document. When you’re “cognisant” of something, you’re just aware of it. That’s it. No need for the extra flair.
7. Optimise
“Optimise” is just a fancy way of saying “improve.” It’s often used in business or tech speak, but it’s another word that doesn’t add much value. Smart people prefer straightforward language. If something can be improved, they’ll say it can be improved, not “optimised.” The simplest version of what you want to say is usually the most effective. Again, outside of official reports or professional emails, simpler is usually better.
8. Defer
If you’re going to “defer” to someone, what you really mean is that you’re going to “wait” or “let someone else decide.” No need for the pompous term. People with high IQs aren’t about using unnecessary language to sound formal. They know that “wait” or “allow someone else to decide” works just as well and doesn’t make it sound like you’re overcomplicating a simple decision.
9. Peruse
Here’s a classic one! It sounds fancy, but it’s just a complicated way of saying “look through.” It’s another one of those words that people use when they want to sound more intellectual. But why? If you’re looking through something, just say it. Clever people know that being clear and simple is far more impressive than using a word that sounds like you’re trying too hard to sound sophisticated. You’re not “perusing” the latest issue of Hello! — you’re just skimming or reading it.
10. Articulate
Now, don’t get me wrong, being able to articulate your thoughts is a great skill. But using the word “articulate” itself? It just sounds like you’re trying to show off how well you speak. People who are truly clever don’t need to use complicated terms like “articulate” when they can just say what they mean. If you’re explaining something, just say it. Get to the point, and don’t waste time on a word that sounds a bit too formal for everyday conversation.
11. Juxtapose
Another one that’s often used to make a point sound more profound than it really is. “Juxtapose” is just “compare,” and there’s no reason to make something simple sound more complicated. People with sharp minds know that when you’re comparing things, you don’t need a fancy term to make it sound like some deep intellectual exercise. Just say it like it is.
12. Facilitate
This is one of those words that makes something sound a lot more formal than it needs to be. Instead of facilitating something, why not just say you’re “helping” or “assisting”? People who are genuinely intelligent understand the power of clear communication. There’s no need to use a word like “facilitate” when “help” works just as well. It just makes you sound try-hard and desperate to look cleverer than you are.
13. Pivotal
“Pivotal” is just a roundabout way of saying something is “important.” But the thing is, when something is important, you can just call it that. You don’t need to add any extra syllables to make it sound more dramatic. People with real intelligence don’t feel the need to make things sound bigger or more important than they are. They know that simplicity is often the most impactful.
14. Exemplify
If something is an example, just say it’s an example! There’s no need to say it “exemplifies” something. People who are genuinely clever don’t need to complicate things to make them sound more impressive. They understand that clear, direct communication is far more effective than using unnecessary words that don’t add anything to the meaning.
15. Phenomenal
This is one of those words that’s thrown around to describe anything slightly above average. But if something is great, just say it’s great! There’s no need to overstate things with a word like “phenomenal.” People who know what they’re talking about don’t feel the need to exaggerate; they just describe things honestly and directly.
16. Impactful
This has become one of those words that sounds so overused it’s lost its meaning. If something has an impact, it’s effective—so why not just say that? People with high IQs know that the simpler way is often the best way. If something works or makes a difference, just say it’s “effective” instead of trying to make it sound like it’s a game-changer with the word “impactful.”
