This method is based on the levels-of-processing effect, which basically states that words that are processed more deeply are remembered better. (Click here to read a summary of a research study that illustrates this effect.)
Most people don’t put any effort in remembering a word. When looking up a word in the dictionary, they just simply read the definition once. It is called shallow processing and it’s a bad way to remember anything.
So let’s use this simple method instead. I’m going to show you how it works. Suppose I want to remember the word forfeit, which means lose or be deprived of (property or a right or privilege) as a penalty for wrongdoing. Here’s what I will do:
First, I’ll analyze the visual appearance of the word by asking myself these questions: