CCC Synonyms-2004 Jul-Sep

CLOSE SYNONYMS OF THE WEEK

2004

July-September
(most recent first)

SEPTEMBER 27, 2004

INSTANT / INSTANCE

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

INSTANT(noun/adj)—a very brief period of, or particular moment in, time/ happening quickly
INSTANTLY—adv; INSTANTANEOUS—adj; INSTANTANEOUSLY—adv

INSTANCE(noun)—an occurrence, or (serving as) an example of an occurrence [infrequently also used as a verb]

Note: These homonyms are extremely close, both in pronunciation and meaning.

SAMPLE SENTENCES:

The instant I heard it, I called her. (noun)

He loves instant pudding since it’s so easy to make. (adj)

In this particular instance I believe he was right. For instance, he said the documents were out of date.

SEPTEMBER 20, 2004

INCIDENT / INCIDENCE

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

INCIDENT(noun)—an event
INCIDENTAL—adj; INCIDENTALLY—adv

INCIDENCE(noun)—an occurrence (or the frequency thereof)
COINCIDENCE—related noun

Note: These homonyms are extremely close, both in pronunciation and meaning.

SAMPLE SENTENCES:

After the disturbance, I realized how shocking the entire incident had been.

The incidence of cancer appears to increase among populations exposed to toxic wastes.

SEPTEMBER 13, 2004

VICIOUS / VISCOUS

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

VICIOUS(adj)—dangerous, malicious or violent
VICIOUSLY—adv; VICIOUSNESS—noun, VICE—noun

VISCOUS(adj)—thick and sticky (as in fluids resistant to flowing)
VISCOSITY—noun

Note: Pay close attention to the spelling of these close homonyms.

SAMPLE SENTENCES:

Some breeds of dog are known to be more vicious than others.

The word ‘viscous’ can be applied to things like motor oil, but is not used to describe such things as milk shakes.

SEPTEMBER 6, 2004

RALLY / DEMONSTRATION / PROTEST

RALLY(noun/verb)—a gathering or assembly/ to gather or assemble [Usage is typically neutral unless modified, as in ‘protest rally.’]

DEMONSTRATION(noun)—a rally, parade, march or sit-in [Note the separate (neutral) usage as ‘display’ or ‘presentation;’ however, in a political context, connotation is more intense.]
DEMONSTRATE—verb; DEMONSTRATOR—noun

PROTEST(noun/verb)—a politically motivated rally, parade, march or sit-in [most intense connotation] objecting to an issue or action; to engage in these acts
PROTESTOR—noun

SAMPLE SENTENCES:

All freshman are scheduled to rally in front of the main auditorium.

Union members will be demonstrating outside the convention hall all week.

The protest organizers were denied permission to demonstrate within sight of the summit meeting venue.

AUGUST 30, 2004

LOUD / ALOUD / OUT LOUD

LOUD(adj/adv)—high in sound volume, noisy (with the possible connotation of vulgar) (also, by extension, bright, bold or garish in visual design); in a loud manner
LOUDLY—adv

ALOUD(adv)—audibly or loud (usually referring to the voice, compared to silently in the head)

OUT LOUD(adv)—similar to ALOUD, though seeming to suggest more volume or projection

Note: In choosing among the above, be careful as to whether the grammar of the sentence calls for an adjective or an adverb.

SAMPLE SENTENCES:

I was reading aloud in a loud voice when I heard someone call my name out loud.

Emile Zola, the French writer, is known to have said: You ask me what I came into the world to do—I came to live out loud.

AUGUST 23, 2004

The Suffix ‘IVE’

For a bit of a departure from the usual, this edition focuses on how the adjective suffix ‘ive’ can significantly alter the meaning of a word in other of its adjective forms--such that they become not synonyms, but close homonyms.

For example:

APPRECIABLE—significantly large
APPRECIATIVE—having or expressing gratitude

EXHAUSTING—inducing fatigue
EXHAUSTIVE—thorough

COMPREHENSIBLE—understandable
COMPREHENSIVE—all-inclusive

RESTFUL—inducing relaxation
RESTIVE—impatient, uneasy

SAMPLE SENTENCES:

I was appreciative of her comment, as it corrected an appreciable error.

They found his report so exhaustive that it was exhausting to listen to it.

The lecture, though said to be comprehensive, was unfortunately incomprehensible.

The kids became so restive on this trip, we were glad to have a restful night at the motel.

AUGUST 16, 2004

COMMAND / COMMEND / COMMENCE / COMMENT

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

COMMAND(verb/noun)—to order
COMMANDMENT—noun

COMMEND(verb)—to praise
COMMENDATION—noun

COMMENCE(verb)—to begin
COMMENCEMENT—noun

COMMENT(verb/noun)—to state
COMMENTATOR—noun

Note: These close homonyms are very similar in sound, with just a slight change in vowel or consonant (and, in COMMENT, the shift of syllable stress from the second syllable to the first)—a good example of the value of distinct pronunciation.

SAMPLE SENTENCES:

The soldiers under his command were commended for bravery.

Please commence with your comments.

AUGUST 9, 2004

INFORMANT / INFORMER

INFORMANT(noun)—one who provides information

INFORMER(noun)—one who provides information to police or the state or some other authority

Note that it is a change in suffix that alters the meaning. Note too that INFORMANT is neutral in connotation, though INFORMER is generally negative in connotation regardless of the situation in question.

Related forms:

INFORM (verb)
INFORMATION (noun)
INFORMATIVE (adj)
INFORMATIONAL (adj)

SAMPLE SENTENCES:

In order for anthropological data to be useful, informants must be reliable.

Many people regard George Orwell as the foremost prophet of our times, while others consider him a loathsome informer for divulging the names of people associated with the Communist Party.

AUGUST 2, 2004

INFORMATIVE / INFORMATIONAL

INFORMATIVE(adj)—providing information

INFORMATIONAL(adj)—relating to an interview the purpose of which is to share information, rather than produce a specific result (Note that this usage, unlike that of INFORMATIVE, is limited to a particular situation.)

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

Related forms:

INFORM (verb)

INFORMATION (noun)

INFORMANT (noun)

INFORMER (noun)

Note that INFORMAL (adj) has the unrelated meaning of ‘casual.’

SAMPLE SENTENCES:

She is an expert in the field and her lecture was highly informative.

They aren’t hiring right now, but said he could comein for an informational interview.

JULY 26, 2004

SANCTION

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

SANCTION1—approve / approval; permit / permission

SANCTION2—coerce / coercion; punish / punishment (for violating a rule or law)

Note that SANCTION has other more specific meanings.

SAMPLE SENTENCES:

1. This organization has an excellent reputation and would never sanction misconduct on the part of its members. (verb)

2. Political and economic sanctions against them have long been in effect, but they have managed some development in spite of this. (noun)

JULY 19, 2004

SANCTITY / SANCTIMONY

SANCTITY(noun)—the state of being sacred or holy
SANCTIFY—verb

SANCTIMONY(noun)—exaggerated, affected or hypocritical piousness
SANCTIMONIOUS—adj; SANCTIMONIOUSNESS—noun; SANCTIMONIOUSLY—adv

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

Related forms:

SANCTUARY (noun)

SANCTION (noun/verb)

SAMPLE SENTENCES:

The sanctity of the mosques has been violated by both government troops and insurgents.

People who are markedly sanctimonious in espousing their religion often have economic or political rather than spiritual motives.

JULY 12, 2004

PROMISE

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

PROMISE(noun-1)—an indication that something good can be expected

PROMISE(noun-2)—strong (supposedly inviolate) assurance of something

PROMISE(verb)—to strongly assure or pledge

Note that PROMISE as a verb has other less common meanings.

SAMPLE SENTENCES:

They’re very talented and show considerable promise. (noun-1; no article)

Everything is ready and the situation is quite promising. (adj)

I expect them to do it because they’ve made a promise. (noun-2; note article ‘a’)

They promise to do it. (verb)

JULY 5, 2004

SUBORDINATE / SUBSERVIENT

Common prefix: sub- (under, secondary)

SUBORDINATE(adj/noun/verb)—of lower rank orsecondary importance
SUBORDINATELY—adv; SUBORDINATION—noun

SUBSERVIENT(adj)—in a secondary or support position; overly eager to serve, please or follow
SUBSERVIENTLY—adv; SUBSERVIENCE—noun

Note: If someone (or something) is subordinate, he (it) holds a position below, or less important than, someone/something else—the connotation is neutral. However, subservient implies not only subordination, but also fawning, and even obsequiousness (excessive eagerness to serve, flatter or please).

SAMPLE SENTENCES:

The issue of his performance is subordinate to that of his character. (adj)

She doesn’t enjoy being the subordinate of such a belligerent CEO. (noun)

The board subordinated that goal for another considered more immediately relevant. (verb)

In traditional societies, women are generally still subservient to men. However, they are becoming increasingly less agreeable to such subservience.