CCC Synonyms-2003 Jul-Sep

CLOSE SYNONYMS OF THE WEEK

2003

July-September
(most recent first)

SEPTEMBER 29, 2003

LOOK FOR / SEEK

LOOK FOR (verb)—to search for a thing, a place or a person; to hope for or anticipate something [in these senses, LOOK must be followed by the preposition ‘for’]

SEEK (verb)—to try to find, obtain or achieve something [SEEK is somewhat poetic and is typically not used for trivial things, nor for searching for places or persons; it can take a preposition such as ‘to’, but it never takes the preposition ‘for’]

Note: This set of words is an example (2 of 5 to come) of close synonyms with virtually the same meaning that have specialized usages and/or particular grammatical patterns. Also note that these words have many additional meanings and applications.

SAMPLE SENTENCES:

He’s been looking for the button that fell off his shirt.

They’re looking for this reorganization to resolve some longstanding problems.

After years of service as a political subordinate, she is seeking higher office.

I finally gave up on it and sought [to obtain] the advice of a professional.

SEPTEMBER 22, 2003

WATCH / LOOK / SEE

WATCH (verb)—to observe something closely or carefully, to keep a lookout [more active than SEE]

LOOK (verb)—to focus the eyes on something, to search for something [more active than SEE]

SEE (verb)—to perceive something with the eyes [more passive than LOOK and WATCH]

Note: This set of words is an example (1 of 5 to come) of close synonyms with virtually the same, or very close, meaning that have specialized usages and/or particular grammatical patterns. Also note that these words have many additional meanings, as verbs and as other parts of speech.

SAMPLE SENTENCES:

Some parents limit the amount of time their kids watch TV.

I’ll watch for his arrival and let you know.

He’ll look at it as soon as possible.

I’ve been looking for my notes all morning.

She looked but couldn’t see it because of the fog.

We saw him yesterday, and he said he can’t wait to see the new film.

SEPTEMBER 15, 2003

VIRTUAL / VIRTUOUS

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

Common root: virtus (Latin—strength, efficacy)

VIRTUAL (adj)—being something in essence or effect, though not in fact
VIRTUALLY—adv

VIRTUOUS (adj)—being righteous, having moral goodness or beneficial power
VIRTUE—noun; VIRTUOUSLY—adv

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

SAMPLE SENTENCES:

While it may not be literally true that they violated the agreement, it is virtually true.

Is virtual reality any less ‘real’ than ordinary reality?

Before, people spoke only of the phenomenon of the ‘vicious’ [negative] cycle; now, there is also talk of a ‘virtuous’ [positive] cycle.

SEPTEMBER 8, 2003

REPUTATION / REPUTE / REPUTABLE / REPUTED

REPUTATION (noun)—the collective views held about someone or something [though often assumed to be good, technically neutral in itself—good or bad connotation depending on context]

REPUTE (noun)—a generally accepted assessment of character [refers mainly to persons; can be assumed to be favorable, but usually depends on context]

REPUTABLE (adj)—known to be reliable, honest or respectable [connotation always good]

REPUTED (adj)—generally believed to be true
REPUTEDLY—adv

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

SAMPLE SENTENCES:

They don’t appreciate the recent rumors—after all, their reputation is at stake.

This babysitter has a poor reputation and consequently gets few requests for her services.

‘House of ill repute’ is a well-known euphemism for an establishment in which sexual services are sold.

It is a highly reputable agency, with long years of proven service.

She is reputed to be among the most experienced candidates for the position.

SEPTEMBER 1, 2003

ECONOMIC / ECONOMICAL / ECONOMICS

ECONOMIC (adj)—relating to resources, goods, services or money

ECONOMICAL (adj)—thrifty, careful in making the best use of funds; costing comparatively less; efficient in the use of resources

ECONOMICS (noun)—social science of the production, distribution and consumption of goods and services

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

Related forms:

ECONOMY (noun)
ECONOMIST (noun)
ECONOMIZE (verb)
ECONOMICALLY (adv)

SAMPLE SENTENCES:

He refuses to acknowledge economic reality, disdaining purchases that would be more economical.

His brother is far more economical, appraising the overall economy and taking every opportunity to economize.

Perhaps her training in the field of economics has made their sister the most economically savvy of the three.

AUGUST 25, 2003

CAJOLE / COAX / SPUR / PROD

CAJOLE (verb)—to lightly persuade, possibly by flattery [almost playful in connotation]
CAJOLERY—noun

COAX (verb)—to gently sway or get something from someone [possible connotation of manipulate]; to patiently get something to a desired state

SPUR (verb/noun)—to stimulate or encourage to take action or make an effort [possibly strong connotation, as in using spiked spurs to quicken a horse]

PROD (verb/noun)—to incite or goad someone (group or organization) to take action [possibly including physically poking or pushing]

Note: Similar to the above, but much stronger, are the verbs: PERSUADE and CONVINCE.

Related synonyms:

WHEEDLE (verb)

SAMPLE SENTENCES:

Their grandmother is always trying to cajole the skinny twins into eating more.

If the bolts are tight, it’s better to coax them out a little at a time, rather than risk breakage.

Failing the first exam spurred him to study harder for the next one.

The police used electric prods to move the demonstrators out of the area.

AUGUST 18, 2003

EPOCH / EPIC

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

EPOCH (noun)—a distinctive (typically long, typically historical or geological) period of time
EPOCHAL—adj

EPIC (noun/adj)—a long narrative poem or story (typically in literary style) recounting a series of events or adventures / relating to such a poem or story
EPICAL—adj; EPICALLY—adv

SAMPLE SENTENCES:

The Renaissance is considered one of the greatest cultural epochs in European history.

The classical epics of Greece are often read by school children too young to appreciate their literary or historic value.

They told an epic tale of the difficulties they encountered upon being stopped at the border and mistaken for drug dealers.

AUGUST 11, 2003

LIBERAL / LIBERTARIAN / LIBERTINE

Common root: liber (Latin—free)

LIBERAL (noun/adj)—(one who is) tolerant of diverse views and behavioral standards; generous or large in amount; not limited to literal interpretation
   LIBERALISM—noun, LIBERALITY—noun; LIBERALLY—adv; LIBERATE—verb

LIBERTARIAN (noun/adj)—(one who believes that individuals should be) free from the control of an authority or state [political application only]
   LIBERTARIANISM—noun

LIBERTINE (noun)—one who is free of imposed limitations, who [typically male] indulges in what is considered to be immoral behavior [particularly sexual]
   LIBERTINISM—noun

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

SAMPLE SENTENCES:

Some societies demand strict conformance to established codes, others are more liberal.

At their extremes, there may be no discernible difference between right-wing libertarianism and left-wing libertarianism.

Oscar Wilde was (many feel unjustly) regarded as a libertine by Victorian standards.

AUGUST 4, 2003

SATISFYING / SATISFIED / SATISFACTORY

SATISFYING (adj)—providing contentment

SATISFIED (adj)—contented with something; convinced that something is true or correct; paid in full [Note SELF-SATISFIED is typically negative—satisfied with oneself or one’s life to the point of arrogance.]

SATISFACTORY (adj)—meeting relevant requirements [Note: with the connotation of just barely, or just good enough.]

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

Other forms: SATISFY (verb); SATISFYINGLY (adv), SATISFACTORILY (adv); SATISFACTION (noun), SATISFACTORINESS (noun)

SAMPLE SENTENCES:

Our vacation has been a very satisfying experience, we are more than satisfied with it.

I’m satisfied that the team has done the best job under the circumstances.

His air of self-satisfaction puts people off.

They’d prefer to have the report by Wednesday, but early Thursday will be satisfactory.

JULY 28, 2003

OBLIGATE / OBLIGE

OBLIGATE (verb)—to compel, legally or morally
OBLIGATION—noun; OBLIGATORY—adj

OBLIGE (verb)—to make it necessary to do something (such as return a favor) or cause someone to feel indebted, to do something helpful
OBLIGING—adj

Note that it is a change in suffix that alters the meaning. Also note that, while OBLIGATE and OBLIGE may be interchangeable when meaning ‘to compel,’ OBLIGATE is much stronger.

SAMPLE SENTENCES:

Citizens are obligated to pay taxes regardless of whether or not they agree with how the money is spent—taxes are indeed obligatory.

Students are obliged to register in advance.

I’m obliged to her for all the assistance she has given our family.

We had to leave early and they obliged us by returning sooner than planned.

He’s been very obliging in regard to resolving the recent difficulties.

JULY 21, 2003

LIABLE / RESPONSIBLE / ACCOUNTABLE

LIABLE (adj)—obligated by law; subject to the influence of a contingency or action; possible or likely [Note: LIABLE is not to be confused with the close homonym, LIBEL (noun/verb—a false and damaging statement, or the making of such a statement).]
   LIABILITY—noun

RESPONSIBLE (adj)—having authority over, or duty involving a person, decision, action or result; being the cause of something
   RESPONSIBILITY—noun; RESPONSIBLY—adv

ACCOUNTABLE (adj)—required to provide an explanation or assume responsibility for a decision, action or result
   ACCOUNTABILITY—noun; ACCOUNT—verb

Related synonyms:

ANSWERABLE (adj)

SAMPLE SENTENCES:

The guy who rear-ended my car is liable for the cost of repair.

The path is narrow and slippery—if you’re not careful, you’re liable to fall.

She’s picking up the documents and is liable to be late.

It can be seen as unjust that teenagers are considered responsible for paying income tax, but too irresponsible to vote.

According to the by-laws of the organization, she is accountable for the loss—however, so far she has failed to account for how it happened.

JULY 14, 2003

CRITIQUE / CRITICIZE

CRITIQUE (verb/noun)—to discuss, assess or comment upon the features or qualities of something (typically creative or political) / a discussion, assessment or comment, etc.

CRITICIZE / CRITICISM (verb/noun)—to comment, opine upon or draw attention to something or someone, usually regarding a fault or error / a comment, opinion or point, drawing attention to, etc.

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

SAMPLE SENTENCES:

Her colleague offered to critique her presentation to confirm that the data and logic are correct—and this critique has proven to be most valuable.

Citizens have been criticizing the local government’s inept handling of the crisis.

JULY 7, 2003

APPRECIATE

The following is an example of a single word having more than one distinct usage, such as to constitute multiple meanings within itself.

APPRECIATE—verb; APPRECIATIVE—adj, APPRECIATORY—adj, APPRECIABLE—adj; APPRECIATIVELY—adv; APPRECIATION—noun

APPRECIATE 1—to be grateful to someone or for something

APPRECIATE 2—to recognize, value or admire special qualities in someone or something

APPRECIATE 3—to fully understand the meaning or importance of something

APPRECIATE 4—to increase in value (particularly over time)

SAMPLE SENTENCES:

1. I have always been appreciative of his kindness toward my family.

2. She appreciates diligence in her students and is accordingly generous in assisting them.

3. He assured her that he appreciated the necessity of acquiring both versions, because there is an appreciable difference between them.

4. She believes her investments in real estate will appreciate faster than those in the stock market.