CCC Synonyms-2007 Apr-Jun

CLOSE SYNONYMS OF THE WEEK

2007

April-June
(most recent first)

JUNE 25, 2007

TORTUROUS / TORTUOUS

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

TORTUROUS (adj)—inflicting physical pain or causing great suffering

TORTUOUS (adj)—bending or winding; complex or devious

Note that it is a slight change in spelling that alters the meaning.

Related forms:

TORTURE (verb/noun)
TORTURER (noun)

SAMPLE SENTENCES:

Torturous regimes around the world, inflicting much suffering upon their own populations, often get hidden support from countries that claim to disavow torture and other human rights abuses.

The roads along the Mendocino Coast of California are tortuous, but around every bend and curve there’s another spectacular view.

JUNE 18, 2007

LITERAL / LITERATE / LITERARY

LITERAL (adj)—meaning exactly what is said or written
LITERALLY—adv

LITERATE (adj)—able to read and write; well-read; skillful in writing

LITERARY (adj)—pertaining to literature

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

Some related forms:

ILLITERATE (adj)
NONLITERATE (adj)
LITERATURE (noun)
LITERACY (noun)
ILLITERACY (noun)
LITERATI (pl. noun)

SAMPLE SENTENCES:

When I said the lake was ice cold, I meant it literally—there actually was ice around the edges of it.

He has read widely on a variety of subjects—he’s the most literate person I know.

Her essays always have literary value, regardless of the subject matter, because they are so well written and a pleasure to read.

JUNE 11, 2007

PICTURESQUE / PICARESQUE

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

PICTURESQUE (adj)—visually pleasant, like a picture or painting

PICARESQUE (adj)—referring to the adventures of a hero/heroine of rogue nature

Note that it is just a slight change in spelling that alters the meaning.

SAMPLE SENTENCES:

The scenery throughout Tuscany was so picturesque, she wound up taking hundreds of photographs.

I read the picaresque novel THE ADVENTURES OF SIMPLICISSIMUS when I was young, and have never forgotten that rascal character.

JUNE 4, 2007

DECEPTIVE / DECEITFUL

DECEPTIVE (adj)—misleading
DECEPTIVELY—adv; DECEPTION—noun

DECEITFUL (adj)—lying
DECEITFULLY—adv; DECEIT—noun

Some related forms:

DECEIVE (verb)

SAMPLE SENTENCES:

His behavior is very deceptive—he seems to be generous, but everything he does is in his own interest.

She is one of the most deceitful people I’ve ever known—everything she’s told us has turned out to be untrue.

MAY 28, 2007

MEMORIAL DAY / DECORATION DAY

For a bit of a departure from the usual, in honor of the Memorial Day holiday, this edition borrows an excerpt from Wikipedia pointing out that this holiday used to be called Decoration Day.

Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday that is observed on the final Monday of May. It was formerly known as Decoration Day [that is, decorating the graves]. This holiday commemorates U.S. men and women who have died in military service to their country. It began first to honor Union soldiers who died during the American Civil War. After World War I, it expanded to include those who died in any war or military action. One of the longest standing traditions is the running of the Indianapolis 500 [auto race], which has been held in conjunction with Memorial Day since 1911.

See Wikipedia for the full entry:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memorial_Day

MAY 21, 2007

CONDUCT / BEHAVIOR

CONDUCT (noun)—the way a person acts based on cultural, ethical and moral principles (note that, in the noun, syllable stress is on the first syllable)
CONDUCT—verb (note that, in the verb, syllable stress is on the second syllable); CONDUCTOR—noun (note that, in the noun formed from the verb, syllable stress remains on the second syllable)

BEHAVIOR (noun)—the way a person or animal (or any entity) acts, given their innate disposition, in response to external conditions
BEHAVE—verb; BEHAVIORAL—adj; BEHAVIORIST—noun

SAMPLE SENTENCES:

The conduct of people in the US differs from that of people in Japan.

The behavior of dolphins differs from that of whales.

MAY 14, 2007

ILLITERATE / NONLITERATE

ILLITERATE (noun/adj)—(persons) unable to read or write

NONLITERATE (noun/adj)—(persons) having no written language

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

Some related forms:

LITERATE (adj)
LITERARY (adj)
LITERAL (adj)
LITERALLY (adv)
LITERACY (noun)
ILLITERACY (noun)
LITERATURE (noun)
LITERATI (pl. noun)

SAMPLE SENTENCES:

Many people in the modern world remain uneducated and illiterate, unaware of the issues of the day discussed in print media and on the Internet.

Many nonliterate tribal cultures in the world, although they write nothing down, nevertheless have very sophisticated knowledge concerning human life.

MAY 7, 2007

FOUNDER / FLOUNDER

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

FOUNDER (verb)—to give way and fail, to be filled with water and sink

FLOUNDER (verb)—to lose balance, to become unsteady, uncontrolled or confused

Note that there is only a slight change in spelling between these two words—the meanings of which are also so similar that they are often, unhelpfully, used interchangeably. Note too that FOUNDER and FLOUNDER are both also nouns: one who founds (an organization) and a type of fish, respectively.

SAMPLE SENTENCE:

The company was so mismanaged that, after years of floundering, it finally foundered altogether.

APRIL 30, 2007

COMMUNIST / COMMUNALIST

For a bit of a departure from the usual, on the eve of the May Day holiday celebrating labor around the world (particularly in ‘communist’ countries), this edition focuses on two words that are related but have slightly different meanings.

COMMUNIST (noun)—one who supports, or belongs to an organization espousing, the principles of the political ideology of communism

COMMUNALIST (noun)—one who supports communal living, sharing (perhaps producing) the fundamental necessities of life within a group

Note that it is a change in suffix that alters the meaning, and that both words also function as adjectives.

Some related forms:

COMMUNISM (noun)
COMMUNALISM (noun)
COMMUNARD (noun)
COMRADE (noun)
COMMUNAL (adj)
COMMUNALIZE (verb)

APRIL 23, 2007

TROUBLING / TROUBLESOME

TROUBLING (adj)—disturbing, upsetting, worrying

TROUBLESOME (adj)—involving difficulty, annoyance or discomfort

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

SAMPLE SENTENCES:

The news that his nephew has failed several classes was very troubling, indicating that it is unlikely he will graduate with his class.

Buying furniture online can be cheap, but is often troublesome to assemble.

APRIL 16, 2007

INSURE / ENSURE

INSURE (verb)—to provide a financial guarantee of compensation in case of harm or loss
INSURANCE—noun, INSURER—noun, INSURED, noun/adj; INSURABLE, adj

ENSURE (verb)—to make certain, or to protect from harm, by taking precautions or making contingency plans

Note that it is a change in prefix that alters the meaning. Note too that there is some overlap in that INSURE can have the same meaning as ENSURE, though not vice versa. The distinction between these two words is beginning to have increasingly widespread use. Also note that only INSURE is used in noun and adjective form.

SAMPLE SENTENCES:

After he purchased that expensive home-theater equipment, he thought it wise to insure it. To ensure that all his personal possessions would be safe from robbery, he also installed new locks.

APRIL 9, 2007

CHILDISH / CHILDLIKE

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

CHILDISH (adj)—immature
CHILDISHLY—adv; CHILDISHNESS—noun

CHILDLIKE (adj)—in the manner of a child, innocent, guileless

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

SAMPLE SENTENCES:

She admires the innocence of children and says she wants to be like them. But I find her to be selfish and demanding, more childish than childlike.

APRIL 2, 2007

CRITICAL (adj)

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

CRITICAL 1—expressive of an evaluation (often, perhaps even typically—but not necessarily always—negative)

CRITICAL 2—crucial

Some related forms:

1—CRITIC (noun)
1—CRITIQUE (noun)
1—CRITICISM (noun)
1—CRITICIZE (verb)
1—CRITICALLY (adv)

2—CRITICALLY (adv)
2—CRISIS (noun)

SAMPLE SENTENCES:

1. My best friend is very critical of me; and I welcome her criticism, even if it’s negative, because I know her intent is good.

2. We are at a critical stage in the development of the project—the outcome will determine whether or not we get funding.