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CLOSE SYNONYMS OF THE WEEK   Synonyms are words with the same or similar meaning. Once they’re brought to your attention, you’ll notice the varied usages of these words—slight differences in meaning or connotation, which synonyms are interchangeable and which are not, which are potentially confusing. In this way, you’ll be able to expand your vocabulary and express yourself in English with increasing security, accuracy, precision and subtlety. Read below about the abundance and importance of synonyms in English. And click SYNONYMS ARCHIVE for hundreds of interesting and useful examples. About Close Synonyms Practice SYNONYMS ARCHIVE   About Close Synonyms TOP With the abundant contributions of its many source languages, English has a lexicon of everyday words that is categorically larger than that of other major world languages. Among native speakers, the articulate use of a comprehensive vocabulary is a mark of intellect and education. However, among international speakers reaching a certain level of proficiency in English, it’s a common experience to be overwhelmed by the amount of available vocabulary, and especially by the number of synonyms—different words having the same or similar meaning. Definition and connotation are not necessarily the same Not only are there a lot of words, sooner or later, all international speakers of English discover significant disparities between dictionary definitions and the actual usage of these words. For example, the definition of pure includes ‘unadulterated,’ ‘chaste’ and ‘virtuous.’ Yet, none of the definitions indicate that this word is considered so extremely positive that it would be immodest, possibly offensive and almost ridiculous to describe oneself as ‘pure.’ Ambivalent, for instance, means ‘mixed, contradictory or fluctuating (feelings).’ However, in regard to usage, a ‘person’ can be ambivalent, even a ‘position’ can be ambivalent—but a ‘situation,’ though it can be ambiguous (‘having more than one possible meaning’), cannot be ambivalent. Definitions typically lack the nuances of usage. For example, the definitions of the words ‘delay,’ ‘postpone’ and ‘procrastinate’ do not indicate the general progression of increasing time, complication (and fault) connoted, respectively. Experience, however, does indicate such things. The definition of a word is its explicit, literal and specific meaning. Connotation, however, is meaning that is implied, suggested, associated. Typically, connotation is shared by members of the language group—all native speakers more or less know the connotations of everyday words. Yet, connotation is such that it can also be subjective—words and expressions being interpreted interactively, and sometimes differently, by different participants. Mood and potency Mood and potency are also very important factors to consider when choosing words. ‘Mood’ refers to the overall framework and context of communication. Mood can be active or passive; abstract, philosophical, literary, poetic, romantic, practical, or technical; formal, informal, or casual; professional, academic or legalistic; emotional or impassive. In regard to ‘potency,’ words and expressions can be generally considered somewhat, possibly, potentially, very, usually or always mild, strong, intense or extreme in their effects; for example, ‘bliss’ is inherently a strong word, but ‘ecstasy’ is even more intense. Good style Furthermore, it’s helpful to keep in mind that some synonyms are entirely interchangeable in all circumstances (such as ‘brave’ and ‘courageous’), while some are interchangeable only in some cases, and some are not interchangeable at all. Lastly, some ‘synonyms’ are essentially different forms of the same word (such as ‘testify’ and ‘attest’). Since English has so many synonyms to choose from, it may often seem fresher to use a synonym rather than identically repeating a word close upon its previous use—especially in writing. Keep in mind, however, that a given synonym may have a somewhat different connotation, and you’ll want to avoid potential confusion. Alternatively, you may wish to get around repeating the original word by subsequently using it as a different part of speech (for example, making it a noun instead of a verb, or using a pronoun in place of a noun). The same is true regarding set expressions (for instance, “in any case” and “in any event” are often interchangeable with no significant effect on meaning). You may want to avoid repeating even a similar syllable (for example, if ‘before’ has been used, it may seem repetitive to use ‘foremost’ too close by—so perhaps ‘primary’ or ‘leading’ will work instead of ‘foremost’). [Note that the sentences given to illustrate the various weekly synonym-sets may violate this suggestion (about avoiding repetition) for the sake of demonstrating a variety of usages.] A lot of synonyms It’s interesting to note that this huge vocabulary in English is both a strength and also a weakness. Other great languages get along fine without so much of it. For instance, a similarly alphabetic language like Hebrew, has no need of such an extensive choice of vocabulary because it has many ways of amending root words to cover a wide range of dynamic usage. A character-based language like Chinese, for example, does a splendid job of nuance without a multitude of synonyms because each character contains multiple meanings, connotations, moods and potencies in itself, automatically selected by context. In English, each synonym, so perfect for its specific usage, is relatively weak otherwise—imposing a burden on the user to pick wisely. To make the most of their power, you need to know exactly what the individual synonyms mean and how they’re used. Overcoming the limitations of basic all-purpose vocabulary, encountering an ever-expanding range of words, speakers of English experience a certain pressure to be precise and accurate in choosing them. This is the point at which it becomes essential to begin paying special attention to synonyms. Organic development Each person’s vocabulary can be divided into a three-part spectrum: 1)  what you already know and can use comfortably and accurately 2)  what you are peripherally aware of, but not sure of, and don’t as yet       use comfortably or accurately 3)  what appears to be the limitless array of English vocabulary       awaiting your discovery The easiest, fastest and most secure way to proceed is to build on what you already know by developing familiarity with words and expressions in the periphery of your attention. With experience, words in the periphery will firmly connect with those you already know and use, and words in the limitless array will enter your periphery in an ongoing mastery of English vocabulary. Tips Generally speaking, if two or more words with the same or similar meaning have survived, the reason is that there’s a subtle distinction between them. That’s what CCC’s weekly series of tips is about—assisting international speakers, as well as native speakers, to differentiate subtleties in definition, connotation, style and usage of close synonyms in English. Keep in mind that when it comes to close synonyms, it’s often hard to know where to determine limits. A word may have many meanings and applications in addition to the sense represented by any individual use, with synonyms for all of them. The same root can appear in different words, inherently suggesting a relationship. Even with synonyms with dissimilar roots (or from different source languages), there can be many more near or partial synonyms that can’t be referenced without becoming overwhelming. No compendium of English synonyms could ever claim to be complete. You’ll also want to be alert to antonyms, words that mean the opposite of the synonyms listed here—all of which, of course, have synonyms of their own. Additionally, each set of synonyms is listed with their various parts of speech, commentary on their connotation, potency and/or usage, and example sentences illustrating the context of their particular use.   Practice: TOP Make sentences using each of the close synonyms (or homonyms):    [Avoid overreaching your ability—yet do try to push your limit.] 1) Make each sentence complex—that is, the sentence should have at least two clauses with some form of separating punctuation [comma, semi-colon, colon, dash, parenthesis]. 2) Have the sentences express the unique connotation of the words being used [one should not be able to substitute non-synonyms for the target words]. 3) Have the style and tone of the sentences match the degree of formality or intensity of the usages associated with the target words. 4) Make sentences using the target words in their various parts of speech [noun, verb, adj., adv.].