CCC Synonyms-2003 Jan-Mar

CLOSE SYNONYMS OF THE WEEK

2003

January-March
(most recent first)

MARCH 31, 2003

SIMPLE / SIMPLIFIED / SIMPLISTIC

SIMPLE (adj)—uncomplicated, easy; innocent, naive; modest, plain; fundamental, unmixed [typically neutral, however can have the negative connotation of ‘stupid’ or ‘retarded,’ as in ‘simple-minded’]
   SIMPLY—adv; SIMPLIFY—verb [see next]; SIMPLICITY—noun,
   SIMPLETON—noun [note that SIMPLETON has a negative connotation]

SIMPLIFIED (adj/verb)—made simple [can have the somewhat negative connotation of having been reduced in difficulty to suit less capable or impaired persons]
   SIMPLIFYING—adj/verb; SIMPLIFICATION—noun; SIMPLIFIER—noun

SIMPLISTIC (adj)—unduly simple, over-simplified [always has a negative connotation]
   SIMPLISTICALLY—adv

SAMPLE SENTENCES:

The process has been designed to be simple, much simpler than last time.

The instructions were simplified so that non-specialists can understand them.

He misspoke when he said the machinery is simplistic to use—he meant it’s simple to use. Indeed, it was simplistic of him to think he could explain it.

Simplicity is usually considered a good thing.

MARCH 24, 2003

CONSCIOUS / CONSCIENCE / CONSCIENTIOUS

This edition focuses on some CLOSE HOMONYMS: words that are the same or similar in sound but not necessarily the same in meaning.

Common prefix: con- (together or with)

CONSCIOUS (adj)—aware [literally, (having) shared knowledge]; awake
CONSCIOUSLY—adv

CONSCIOUSNESS—noun form of CONSCIOUS

CONSCIENCE (noun)—a sense of the rightness or wrongness of one’s own conduct [though technically neutral in itself, the implication is that one’s CONSCIENCE should urge one to do right]

CONSCIENTIOUS (adj)—diligent, meticulous; governed by the dictates of CONSCIENCE [technically adjective form of CONSCIENCE, but with its own extended meaning]
CONSCIENTIOUSLY—adv

CONSCIENTIOUSNESS—noun form of CONSCIENTIOUS

Note that it is a change in suffix that alters the meaning.

Related homonyms:

UNCONSCIOUS / SUBCONSCIOUS (adj/noun)—[while CONSCIOUS is rarely used as a noun, UNCONSCIOUS is both an adjective (in a coma, unintended) and a noun (that aspect of mind not illuminated by CONSCIOUSNESS); SUBCONSCIOUS is strictly a psychological term, though the prefix ‘sub’ can tend to imply ‘under,’ with potentially negative connotation]

UNCONSCIONABLE (adj)—beyond reasonable consideration; devoid of conscience [customarily used only in the negative]

SAMPLE SENTENCES:

I wonder if they’re conscious of the effects of their actions.

His low level of consciousness is such that he may not even be aware of mistreating his children.

Her conscience is clear in regard to criticisms surrounding her promotion. However, if she had any conscience at all, she wouldn’t have accepted it under such circumstances.

He’s the most conscientious organizer on the team.

Their conscientiousness in meeting the deadline is certain to be appreciated.

MARCH 17, 2003

UPSET/ DISCOURAGED / DISTRESSED / DISTRAUGHT

Related to (and completing) the previous two sets (GLUM / MELANCHOLY / SAD; DEJECTED / DESPONDENT / DEPRESSED), these synonyms are listed more or less in order of potency, from mild to strong. They also have different qualities.

UPSET (adj/verb/noun)—emotionally stressed; disordered, disrupted; unwell / to induce such stress, etc. / the state of being stressed, etc. [generally mild in potency unless modified]
   UPSETTING—adj

DISCOURAGED (adj)—disappointed, pessimistic, lacking confidence, unmotivated
   DISCOURAGING—adj; DISCOURAGINGLY—adv; DISCOURAGE—verb;
   DISCOURAGEMENT—noun

DISTRESSED (adj)—subject to great strain or difficulties [more emotional than DISCOURAGED]
   DISTRESSING—adj; DISTRESSINGLY—adv; DISTRESS—verb/noun

DISTRAUGHT (adj)—extremely emotionally or mentally agitated [connotes active anxiety]
   DISTRAUGHTLY—adv

Note the prefix dis, meaning not, reverse.

SAMPLE SENTENCES:

It’s natural for children to get upset when parents quarrel.

People become discouraged when a poor economy deters realization of their plans.

He was surprised and distressed to be told his wife wished a divorce.

She is utterly distraught about the eviction, as relocation may be prohibitively expensive now that rents have soared.

MARCH 10, 2003

DEJECTED / DESPONDENT / DEPRESSED

Building on the previous set (GLUM / MELANCHOLY / SAD), these synonyms are listed more or less in order of potency, from mild to strong. They also have different qualities.

DEJECTED (adj)—pessimistic, lacking hope [especially due to a disappointment]
   DEJECTEDLY—adv; DEJECTION—noun; DEJECT—verb

DESPONDENT (adj)—extremely discouraged [with the connotation of hopeless]
   DESPONDENTLY—adv; DESPONDENCE—noun

DEPRESSED (adj)—severely and unremittingly unhappy and/or apathetic; clinically diagnosed as suffering the psychiatric disorder depression [indicating passive loss of hope and potential functional breakdown; note that DEPRESSED can have other meanings not associated with emotions]
   DEPRESSING—adj; DEPRESSINGLY—adv; DEPRESSION—noun; DEPRESS—verb

Related synonyms:

DOWNCAST (adj)

DEFLATED (adj)

MOROSE (adj): MOROSELY—adv

DISHEARTENED (adj): DISHEARTENING—adj; DISHEARTEN—verb

SAMPLE SENTENCES:

Ever since he failed the exam, he’s been dejected about his future.

My co-worker is despondent over being laid off at such a bad time.

The whole company is depressed, paralyzed by conditions they can’t seem to overcome.

MARCH 3, 2003

GLUM / MELANCHOLY / SAD

These synonyms are listed more or less in order of potency, from mild to strong. They also have different qualities.

GLUM (adj)—mildly unhappy, low-spirited [not for serious matters, similar to gloomy]
   GLUMLY—adv; GLUMNESS—noun

MELANCHOLY (adj/noun)—pensively moody in an unhappy way / a thoughtful sadness [poetic/romantic in connotation]
   MELANCHOLIC—adj; MELANCHOLIA—noun [Note: It can be a melancholy day,
   but only people and animals can be either melancholy or melancholic; melancholia
   is an old term for a psychiatric disorder.]

SAD (adj)—feeling unhappy or grief-stricken [can cover a range of intensity from mild to strong]
   SADLY—adv; SADNESS—noun; SADDEN—verb

Related synonyms:

WISTFUL (adj): WISTFULLY—adv

SORROWFUL (adj): SORROWFULLY—adv; SORROW—noun

SAMPLE SENTENCES:

The kids have been a little glum about the game being cancelled.

She was reminded of that melancholy early morning walk through the park on the way to school.

Sad to say, she’s still not feeling well.

FEBRUARY 24, 2003

This edition focuses on some CLOSE HOMONYMS: words that are the same or similar in sound but not necessarily the same in meaning.

Along with close synonyms, international speakers of English are often challenged by close homonyms. The best thing to do to master them is to hear the words as distinctly as possible, while grasping their sense from the context in which they occur. It’s also useful to pay attention to any changes in part of speech (noun, adjective, etc.), as well as any differences in spelling.

ADEPT / ADAPT / ADOPT

Common prefix: ad- (to or toward)

ADEPT (adj/noun)—highly skilled, proficient / a highly skilled individual
Note that syllable stress changes pronunciation from adjective (emphasis on second syllable) to noun (emphasis on first syllable).

ADAPT (verb)—to change or modify in order to suit particular conditions or purposes

ADOPT (verb)—to take up an idea, plan or cause; to (legally) raise a non-biological child as one’s own; to assume a particular attitude or behavior; to use a new name or title; to accept a decision or resolution

Note: These three close homonyms are very similar in sound, with a difference of only one vowel—a good example of the value of distinct pronunciation.

SAMPLE SENTENCES:

She is adept at minding her own business.

Hong Kong is home to many well-known adepts in the science of feng-shui.

We’ll need to adapt the new program for it to run on the old system.

Since his promotion, he’s adopted an attitude of superiority over his former colleagues.

FEBRUARY 17, 2003

GENUINE / AUTHENTIC / REAL / ACTUAL

GENUINE (adj)—having the qualities claimed [generally positive connotation]
   GENUINELY—adv

AUTHENTIC (adj)—pertaining to the thing itself or to the original [generally positive connotation]
   AUTHENTICALLY—adv; AUTHENTICITY—noun; AUTHENTICATE—verb

REAL (adj)—existing as fact, verifiable, honest; not artificial
   REALISTIC—adj [though not necessarily real]; REALLY—adv [often used for
   emphasis],    REALISTICALLY—adv; REALITY—noun, REALISM—noun,
   REALIST—noun; REALIZE—verb

ACTUAL (adj)— existing as fact, occurring at the time [often used for emphasis]
   ACTUALLY—adv; ACTUALITY—noun; ACTUALIZE—verb

Related synonyms:

TRUE (adj/adv/verb): TRUTHFUL—adj; TRULY—adv, TRUTHFULLY—adv;
TRUTH—noun, TRUISM—noun

FAITHFUL (adj): FAITHFULLY—adv; FAITH—noun

VERITABLE (adj): VERITABLY—adv; VERITY—noun

BONA FIDE (adj)

SAMPLE SENTENCES:

It’s often difficult to distinguish genuine diamonds from good imitations.

Attempts to authenticate the manuscript are proving futile.

Though unrelated by blood, she felt her mother’s second husband was her real father.

Despite ideology to the contrary, in actuality, people often feel they have no control over politics.

FEBRUARY 10, 2003

EXACT / PRECISE / SPECIFIC / PARTICULAR / VERY

EXACT (adj)—the same in all respects; in strict conformity with a fact, model, standard or detail
   EXACTLY—adv; EXACTNESS—noun, EXACTITUDE—noun; EXACTING—adj

PRECISE (adj)—indicating the distinct thing or aspect referred to, to the point of minute detail
   PRECISELY—adv; PRECISION—noun, PRECISENESS—noun, PRÉCIS—noun

SPECIFIC (adj/noun)—relating to a distinct aspect or thing and no other
   SPECIFICALLY—adv; SPECIFIED—adj, SPECIFIABLE—adj; SPECIFY—verb;
   SPECIFICATION—noun

PARTICULAR (adj/noun)—relating to one thing or aspect among several; characteristically distinct from any other; especially [also possible in a sarcastic disparaging sense]; careful and attentive to detail; demanding, exacting / an individual item, fact, detail or instance [often used in the plural]
   PARTICULARLY—adv; (IN) PARTICULAR—noun [as a means of emphasis],
   PARTICULARITY—noun;    PARTICULARIZE—verb

VERY (adj)—emphasizing the same or a particular thing

Note: All these synonyms share the quality of being unequivocal; with the exception of VERY (and PARTICULAR in its use as demanding), they can, for example, be modified by ‘rather’ but not by ‘somewhat.’

SAMPLE SENTENCES:

It is an exact replica in every respect.

The precision of its tenses is a strength, yet also a difficulty, of English.

She specified that she preferred to recover without the use of drugs.

He said that breed, in particular, survives well in cold climates.

Despite his own opinion of himself, he’s not a particularly good driver.

The witnesses did not agree on all the particulars of the case.

It’s the very chair I saw downtown at twice the price.

FEBRUARY 3, 2003

ACCURATE / CORRECT / RIGHT

ACCURATE (adj)— free from error, giving a truthful representation [neutral in connotation]
   ACCURATELY—adv; ACCURACY—noun

CORRECT (adj/verb)—free from error; to check for and/or rectify error [can have more of a moral connotation than ACCURATE]
   CORRECTIONAL—adj, CORRECTIVE—adj; CORRECTLY—adv;
   CORRECTION—noun, CORRECTITUDE—noun

RIGHT (adj/verb/noun)—consistent with facts or moral assumptions; to rectify error
    RIGHTFUL—adj, RIGHTEOUS—adj, UPRIGHT—adj; RIGHTLY—adv
    [The words ‘righteous’ and ‘upright’ imply more of a moral aspect than that
    conveyed simply by ‘right’—note that ‘self-righteous’ has a distinctly negative
    connotation.]

Note: Other synonyms, such as exact and precise, are often given for the above words, though they suggest a rather different meaning. Also keep in mind that a word, such as ‘right,’ may have many meanings and applications in addition to the sense represented by any particular use.

SAMPLE SENTENCES:

Her report was accurate in all details and also in the general description of the situation.

It is necessary to take corrective measures before the problem gets worse.

He rightly suggests that consensus is necessary before action is taken.

The students are organizing to right the wrongs in the current admissions policy.

The flood victims were righteously enraged to discover that officials had embezzled relief funds.

We know we’re in the right, so we’ll keep going until the situation is improved.

JANUARY 27, 2003

ACCORD / CONCORD / CORDIAL

Common root: cord (Latin—heart)

ACCORD (verb/noun)—to reconcile [with the connotation of willingly, more willingly than connoted by, for example, ‘conform’]; to grant / harmony, rapport; agreement; compact
   (IN) ACCORDANCE (WITH)—noun; ACCORDINGLY—adv; ACCORDING TO—prep

CONCORD (noun)—agreement; amicable relations; peace
   CONCORDANCE—noun; CONCORDANT—adj; CONCORDAT—noun

CORDIAL (adj/noun)—amicable, genial [cordial can be somewhat less warm than ‘friendly’]; a stimulating (usually alcoholic) drink
    CORDIALITY—noun, CORDIALNESS—noun; CORDIALLY—adv

SAMPLE SENTENCES:

Eastern philosophy suggests that being in accord with the forces of the universe is more productive of success than ignoring, resisting or defying them.

They signed the accord, but their subsequent actions don’t accord with what they signed.

According to Tom, these are the best manuals available.

The United Nations was established to promote concord among nations.

We used to be close friends, but now relations are just cordial.

JANUARY 20, 2003

BOISTEROUS / RAMBUNCTIOUS / RAUCOUS / ROWDY

BOISTEROUS (adj)—noisily lively, bustling, possibly wild [connoting energetic; possibly, but not inherently, negative in connotation]
   BOISTEROUSNESS—noun; BOISTEROUSLY—adv

RAMBUNCTIOUS (adj)—actively excited [with the connotation of youthful, playful or possibly uncontrollable; for animate beings only (not events); less potentially negative than BOISTEROUS]
   RAMBUNCTIOUSNESS—noun; RAMBUNCTIOUSLY—adv

RAUCOUS (adj)—loud, coarse or unpleasant-sounding [pertains to sound rather than behavior; mild negative connotation]
   RAUCOUSNESS—noun; RAUCOUSLY—adv

ROWDY (adj/noun)—roughly noisy and unruly [associated with adolescents; potentially strong negative connotation]
   ROWDINESS—noun, ROWDILY—adv

SAMPLE SENTENCES:

The boisterous crowds greeted the winning team at the airport.

Pre-school kids can get rambunctious at times.

The negotiators raucously demanded that the contract be respected.

Teenagers are often rowdy, but usually harmless.

JANUARY 13, 2003

BENEFICIAL / BENEFICENT / BENEVOLENT / BENIGN

Common root: bene (Latin—well)

The words beneficial, beneficent, benevolent and benign are all adjectives from the same root. Yet, they have slightly different meanings and usages.

BENEFICIAL (adj)—having good or positive effect
BENEFICIALLY—adv; BENEFIT—noun/verb; BENEFICIALNESS—noun, BENEFACTOR—noun, BENEFACTION—noun, BENEFICIARY—noun, BENEDICTION—noun

BENEFICENT (adj)—generously charitable [poetic and elevated in usage; pertains only to human and divine beings; so positively connoted that it can’t be used to describe oneself]
BENEFICENCE—noun; BENEFICENTLY—adv

BENEVOLENT (adj)—kindly and good, [extending to] selfless
BENEVOLENCE—noun; BENEVOLENTLY—adv

BENIGN (adj)—gentle, harmless, without significant effect
BENIGNANT—adj; BENIGNANTLY—adv; BENIGNITY—noun

SAMPLE SENTENCES:

The good weather has been beneficial for the garden.

Without their beneficent bequest, we would have had to close the school.

Can there be such a thing as a benevolent dictator?

She was relieved when tests indicated the tumor was benign.

JANUARY 6, 2003

SIMILAR / LIKE / ALIKE / SAME / CLOSE / COMPARABLE / AKIN

SIMILAR (adj)—more or less identical, or identical in some way(s), but generally not exactly identical
   SIMILARLY—adv; SIMILARITY—noun, SIMILITUDE—noun [more abstract and
   formal than SIMILARITY]

LIKE (prep/adj/conj)—same as SIMILAR

ALIKE (adj/adv)—somewhat stronger than LIKE

SAME (adj/noun)—[potentially confusing]—sometimes means exact and sometimes means almost exact; one-and-the-same, self-same

CLOSE (adj)—almost the same
   CLOSELY—adv

COMPARABLE (adj)—similar enough to be compared, as good as
   COMPARABLY—adv

AKIN (adj)—related [somewhat old-fashioned, but useful]

SAMPLE SENTENCES:

Fraternal twins look similar but not exactly the same.

Her son is very much like her father.

When they were younger, they always dressed alike.

This is the same suit I wore when I went to London.

I’ll meet you at the same time as last week.

They said he hasn’t been the same since changing jobs.

Those who love languages appreciate the difference between close synonyms.

Though less expensive than the previous model, the quality is comparable.

The Japanese shakuhachi is akin to the Western flute.