Word history helps in memorization

Consider a situation - you have a new word to memorize, which you feel hard to do, try to get the word history or the break-down of it. You will see its very helpful. Similarly, if you know the break-down or history of the word, you can use it more appropriately. You can put it in the best possible and perfect position.

Lets take an example and see how it works.
Exaggerate (-ted) : To represent as greater than is actually the case; overstate
Now see the break-down : Latin exaggerāre, exaggerāt-, to heap up, magnify : ex-, intensive pref.; see ex– + aggerāre, to pile up (from agger, pile, from aggerere, to bring to : ad-, ad- + gerere, to bring).]

So we now know its piling up something, that is enough to get the best meaning of this word. This method will also help in introducing new words to you. Better understanding of the word history and its break-down will not only help in memorizing it but also to know your language better.