CCC Synonyms-2006 Apr-Jun

CLOSE SYNONYMS OF THE WEEK

2006

April-June
(most recent first)

JUNE 26, 2006

SYNTHETIC (adj/noun)

Though most words in English have only one general meaning, there are many that have distinct and separate applications--including entirely unrelated usages. This series highlights a few of the more common and confusing of such words. The following is an example.

(adj)
SYNTHETIC 1—artificially made (especially through a chemical process), man-made

(adj)
SYNTHETIC 2—imitation, fake, insincere

Note that the literal meanings of SYNTHETIC (1) can, by extension, suggest the meanings given in SYNTHETIC (2).

Related forms:

SYNTHETICALLY (adv)
SYNTHESIS (noun)
SYNTHESIZE (verb)
SYNTHESIZER (noun)

SAMPLE SENTENCES:

1. My son likes various types of synthetic music, but I still prefer acoustic instruments.

2. There’s something about her appearance that is too contrived, too synthetic.

JUNE 19, 2006

RIGHT AWAY
AT ONCE / IMMEDIATELY
AS SOON AS POSSIBLE (ASAP)

All expressions meaning: to happen or be done without delay.

Note: Although more or less interchangeable, the above expressions are listed in increasing order of urgency or imperativeness, as there are slight differences.

Note too that AS SOON AS POSSIBLE (ASAP), especially as an acronym, should be used only when necessary; otherwise, it can seem rude in anything but the most casual communication. One workaround, if ASAP is too strong, is to use AS SOON AS CONVENIENT or AS SOON AS YOU CAN.

SAMPLE SENTENCES:

Since it’s now spring, I suggested the gardener plant the annuals right away.

Since it’s already late spring, I asked the gardener to plant the annuals at once [or immediately].

Since it’s almost summer, I instructed the gardener to plant the annuals ASAP.

JUNE 12 , 2006

COUNSEL / COUNCIL

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

COUNSEL (noun/verb)—a lawyer, someone who acts as an advisor; knowledgeable advice / to advise

COUNCIL (noun)—an appointed or elected body formed to govern, administer or advise; an assembly or meeting for such purposes

Note: although spelled differently, these homonyms are pronounced virtually the same.

SAMPLE SENTENCES:

She is highly experienced and has counseled me on this subject in the past—that’s why I’m seeking her counsel now.

The council was formed ten years ago to advise those in leadership positions.

JUNE 5 , 2006

HUMBLENESS / HUMILITY / MODESTY / MEEKNESS

HUMBLENESS (noun)—unpretentiousness, lack of self-importance (Note: neutral connotation)
HUMBLE—adj/verb; HUMBLY—adv

HUMILITY (noun)—a quality of reserve and lack of presumption (Note: can have connotation of chagrin or shame)
HUMILIATE—verb; HUMILIATION—noun

MODESTY (noun)—lack of pridefulness; unwillingness to show off or to expose one’s body or to discuss sexual matters; moderate in scope (Note: can have connotation of primness)
MODEST—adj; MODESTLY—adv

MEEKNESS (noun)—the quality of having a mild, unassuming or reticent nature (Note: can have connotation of timid submission)
MEEK—adj; MEEKLY—adv

Note that the word HUMILITY may seem to be a different form of the verb HUMILIATE and the noun HUMILIATION. However, these latter two forms involve an element of shame that is not necessarily applicable to HUMILITY, but which can nevertheless color it. In which case, it may be best to choose HUMBLENESS instead, to avoid any misleading connotation.

SAMPLE SENTENCES:

They come from a humble working-class background, so their academic achievements are all the more noteworthy.

Though American politicians are humiliated by the current outcome of their attack on Iraq, they lack the humbleness to admit the fraudulence of their initial justifications.

The employees put together a modest proposal—not too costly or time-consuming—but they were too meek to bring it up at the meeting, so no action was taken.

MAY 29, 2006

WAR

For a bit of a departure from the usual, in honor of the Memorial Day holiday honoring those in the armed forces who have died in combat, this edition focuses on various words relating to war.

WAR (noun/verb)
WARFARE (noun)
HOSTILITIES (plural noun)
COMBAT (noun/verb)
BATTLE (noun/verb)
SKIRMISH (noun/verb)
FIGHT (noun/verb)
FIGHTING (noun)
CONFLICT (noun/verb)
CONTEND (verb)
CONTENTION (noun)
STRUGGLE (noun/verb)
FRAY (noun)

MAY 22, 2006

MISINFORM / DISINFORM

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

MISINFORM (verb)—to inform incorrectly (mistakenly)
MISINFORMATION—noun; MISINFORMATIVE—adj

DISINFORM (verb)—to deliberately inform incorrectly for the sake of an ulterior purpose
DISINFORMATION—noun; DISINFORMATIVE—adj

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

SAMPLE SENTENCES:

Due to faulty testing, the pharmaceutical conglomerate misinformed the public about the side-effects of the drug.

Due to commercial priorities, the pharmaceutical conglomerate disinformed the public about the side-effects of the drug.

MAY 15, 2006

CONTEMPORARY (adj / noun)

(adj)
CONTEMPORARY 1—existing at the same time period as someone or something else

CONTEMPORARY 2—existing now (at the same time as now)

CONTEMPORARY 3—of approximately the same age as someone else

CONTEMPORARY 4—modern

Note that these close meanings may easily cause confusion—especially between definitions 1 and 2—in which case, make sure the context of your statement makes the intended meaning clear.

(noun)
CONTEMPORARY 5—referring to a person (in any of the above contexts)

Related forms:

CONTEMPORANEOUS (adj)
CONTEMPORIZE (verb)

SAMPLE SENTENCES:

1. This painting is contemporary with other 18th century pieces he has collected. (adj)

2. This painting is contemporary—totally up-to-date—unlike the18th century pieces he has collected. (adj)

3. Those two are contemporary—born around the same time. (adj) Those two are contemporaries—born around the same time. (noun)

4. I have always liked contemporary architecture, the more recent the better.

5. Shakespeare and Marlowe were contemporaries, leading some to allege that the famous plays may not be entirely the work of the former. (noun)

MAY 8, 2006

WORKABLE / WORKING / WORKED

WORKABLE (adj)—able to be manipulated or accomplished; feasible

WORKING (adj)—usable as a basis for work in progress; operational

WORKED (adj)—produced through the application of skill

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

SAMPLE SENTENCES:

This is a workable alternative—her first idea could not be implemented.

This is just a working model, the final plan has not yet been approved.

He bought a worked leather belt, much more expensive than the one made of plain leather.

MAY 1, 2006

WORK

For a bit of a departure from the usual, in honor of the International Workers Day holiday, this edition focuses on various forms of the word WORK.

WORK (noun/verb)
WORKER (noun)
WORKINGMAN (noun)
WORKINGWOMAN (noun)
WORKMAN (noun)
WORKMANLIKE (adj)
WORKMANSHIP (noun)
WORKMATE (noun)
WORKS (plural noun)
WORKFORCE (noun)
WORKING-CLASS (noun/adj)
WORKLOAD (noun)
WORKFLOW (noun)
WORKAROUND (noun/verb)
WORKOUT (noun/verb)
WORK-UP (noun/verb)
WORKHORSE (noun)
WORKAHOLIC (noun)
WORKHOUSE (noun)
WORK-OVER (noun/verb)
WORK-PLAN (noun)
WORKBOOK (noun)
WORKSHEET (noun)
WORKDAY (noun)
WORKADAY (adj)
WORK-WEEK (noun)
WORKING PAPERS (plural noun)
WORK-IN-PROGRESS (noun)
WORKPLACE (noun)
WORKSHOP (noun)
WORKROOM (noun)
WORKSPACE (noun)
WORKSTATION (noun)
WORKBENCH (noun)
WORKABLE (adj)
WORKING (adj)
WORKED (adj)

APRIL 24, 2006

JUROR / JURIST

JUROR (noun)—one who serves on a jury

JURIST (noun)—a judge, legal scholar or expert

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

Related forms:

JURY (noun)
JURISPRUDENCE (noun)
JURISDICTION (noun)
JUDICIAL (adj)
JURIDICAL (adj)
JURIDICALLY (adv)
ADJUDICATE (verb)
ADJUDICATION (noun)

SAMPLE SENTENCES:

Serving as a juror is a civic responsibility that can nevertheless be a hardship for working people losing income.

He was the foremost legal scholar of his country and one of the most respected jurists of his time.

APRIL 17 , 2006

PRACTICAL / PRACTICABLE

PRACTICAL (adj)—useful and effective; actual (rather than theoretical); virtual
PRACTICALLY—adv; PRACTICALITY—noun; PRACTICALNESS—noun

PRACTICABLE (adj)—capable of being used, done or put into practice
PRACTICABLY—adv; PRACTICABILITY—noun

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

SAMPLE SENTENCES:

It’s the most practical solution, efficient and inexpensive.

His suggestion is highly practicable and can be put into effect immediately.

APRIL 10 , 2006

DISCOMFITURE / DISCOMFORT / UNCOMFORTABLE

DISCOMFITURE (noun)—a feeling of perplexity, embarrassment or anxiety
DISCOMFIT—verb

DISCOMFORT (noun)—a feeling of being physically, mentally or emotionally uncomfortable (DISCOMFORT also functions as a verb)

UNCOMFORTABLE (adj)—lacking comfort
UNCOMFORTABLY—adv; UNCOMFORTABLENESS—noun

Note that when DISCOMFORT is used in the sense of mental or emotional disturbance it can sometimes overlap with DISCOMFITURE. Note too the difference in spelling (and pronunciation) of the third syllable in these two words.

SAMPLE SENTENCES:

Her review of the film was arrogant and snide—a sure sign of discomfiture on the part of the reviewer.

I’m uncomfortable with the plan, and the deadline adds to my discomfort/discomfiture.

The new buses are more energy efficient, but the seats are really uncomfortable, causing unnecessary discomfort for passengers.

APRIL 3 , 2006

EQUILIBRIUM / EQUANIMITY

EQUILIBRIUM (noun)—a state of physical or mental balance, or of balance between two opposing forces

EQUANIMITY (noun)—an even mental state of composure or calm, especially under stress

Note that when EQUILIBRIUM is used in the sense of mental balance it can sometimes overlap with EQUANIMITY.

Related synonym:

EQUIPOISE (formal noun—with a meaning halfway between EQUILIBRIUM and EQUANIMITY)

SAMPLE SENTENCES:

Martial artists, figure skaters and other athletes train with specific focus on maintaining equilibrium.

Skaters are also trained to develop exceptional equanimity—never getting agitated under pressure, and recovering smoothly if anything should go wrong.