Synonyms
Synonyms are words or phrases that carry the same or a very similar meaning to another word in the same language. For instance, the words 'large' and 'big' are synonyms because they both describe something of great size. In the English language, synonyms are rarely identical. Each word has its own specific shade of meaning. This is why we choose 'small' for a physical object but might use 'insignificant' for a small problem.
Concepts (3)
Many English words come from Latin or Greek roots. Knowing these roots helps you identify synonyms of unknown words. For example, 'Bene' means good. Words like 'Beneficial', 'Benevolent', and 'Benign' all share a positive meaning.
Many English words come from Latin or Greek roots. Knowing these roots helps you identify synonyms of unknown words. For example, 'Bene' means good. Words like 'Beneficial', 'Benevolent', and 'Benign' all share a positive meaning. If you see 'Benevolent' and the options are 'Kind' or 'Cruel', the 'Bene' root tells you 'Kind' is the synonym.
Not all synonyms are equal. This is called 'Nuance'. 'Angry' and 'Furious' are synonyms, but 'Furious' is much stronger. In exams, if the given word is strong, the synonym should also be strong.
Not all synonyms are equal. This is called 'Nuance'. 'Angry' and 'Furious' are synonyms, but 'Furious' is much stronger. In exams, if the given word is strong, the synonym should also be strong. 'Avert' means to turn away or prevent something bad from happening. While 'Stop' is a synonym, 'Prevent' is more accurate in a formal context.
Words can have different synonyms depending on the sentence. The word 'Run' can mean 'Operate' if you are talking about a business. It can mean 'Sprint' if you are talking about a race. In exams, always read the sentence if provided.
Words can have different synonyms depending on the sentence. The word 'Run' can mean 'Operate' if you are talking about a business. It can mean 'Sprint' if you are talking about a race. In exams, always read the sentence if provided. If only the word is given, choose the most formal or primary meaning. For example, 'Regime' primarily means 'Rule' or a system of government.
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