SYNONYMS
Synonyms are words that share meanings with other words. There are many
reasons why synonyms are great.
The following are the three reasons:
1. They make it possible for writers to create a mood with the nuances of their
vocabularies. Walk is different than saunter and drink is different than guzzle.
The differences are in the mind, and when a writer is trying to paint a picture in a
reader’s mind, those differences can make or break a writer’s prose.
2. They give writers more rhythmic tools. Absquatulate means the same thing as
abscond, but they are rhythmically very different. Every serious writer thinks
about the rhythm of what he or she produces.
Synonyms give writers more control over that rhythm
They sound fancy. A little of this goes a long way, like utilize for use, but
sometimes knowing a better-sounding word makes you sound intelligent. If
you do not use fancy synonyms, you should at least be able to know when
someone else is.
Certain people use argot that is not immediately understandable, but if a lot
of synonyms, never be lost.
Plus, if someone fails to comprehend own jargon, use a synonym they know to
get the point across.
In writing, work on tone by saying discharging a firearm instead of firing a gun
or disenfranchised youths.
Fill in the blanks with the appropriate
word.
She looked pretty in the fancy dress. (pretty/delightful)
The china cups were brightly coloured and dainty. (dainty/bonny)
Disappointment was writ large on his handsome face. (beautiful/handsome)
The design on the hand-woven shawl was exquisite. (exquisite/ravishing)
The celebrations were followed by a spectacular firework.
(spectacular/delectable)
The sunrise at Kanyakumari is gorgeous. (beguiling/gorgeous))
The peacock is a very showy bird with resplendent plumage.
(resplendent/comely)
Each feather of the peacock is tipped with an iridescent eyespot.
(iridescent/alluring)
The handmade chocolates were delectable. (delectable/dazzling)
The village by the sea offers alluring shops and restaurants.
(alluring/admirable)
Benares presents a picturesque maze of narrow streets.
(statuesque/picturesque)
Dog is a faithful animal. (Loyal)
The man was old and looked frail. (weak)
Being courteous costs you nothing. (polite)
The huge mansion looked empty. (Vacant)
The police ensured that the street was safe. (secure)
He was bothered by loud music. (annoyed)
The juggler’s tricks were confusing. (baffling)
The city was hit by a terrible storm. (awful)
A huge crowd had gathered on the momentous occasion. (historic)
This is not an exhaustive list of synonyms. (Complete)
In each of the following sentences, identify
two words that have similar meaning.
If I do my normal work, I will get my regular salary.
You throw the ball to the dog and it will toss it back to you.
You will find you way if you stay on the right path.
The stuntman leaped into the air and jumped over the fire.
If you listen carefully, you can hear the bird’s song.
The gloomy day was marked by dark clouds.
His hourly wages are much higher than my monthly salary.
The car’s engine was noisy and the horn was loud.
The gang of robbers disappeared into the crowd.
Tread cautiously when you walk in the garden.
ANTONYMS
Antonyms are words that mean the opposite of other words. The antonym of
big is small, for example.
Pretty easy, right? Well, slow down there, there is something to be learned in
this.
English lets its speakers make their own antonyms just by adding a prefix.
The ability to make up one’s own words and have them become real words is
something truly lovable about English. ‘mis-’, ‘dis-’, ‘dys-’, ‘mal-’, ‘in-’ and
‘un-’ are all prefixes one can affix to words to create antonyms.
Examples:
1. Official becomes unofficial.
2. Flexible becomes inflexible.
3. Adroit becomes maladroit.
4. Functional becomes dysfunctional.
5. Peptic becomes dyspeptic.
6. Philanthropist becomes misanthropist.
[Careful: Changing prefixes does not always work, like flammable and
inflammable, pretty much mean the same thing. They are synonyms but
usually prefix juggling works like water on fire.]
From the words given below, choose the most appropriate
antonyms for the words in italics. [praised, welcomed, explicit,
early, secure, biased, wonderful, notorious, rough, handy]
1. The fabric was very smooth. (rough)
2. The dessert was awful. (wonderful)
3. Monsoon arrived late this year. (Early)
4. The umpire’s decision was fair. (biased)
5. His inaction shows his tacit support. (explicit)
6. When the government changed, his position became precarious.
(Secure)
7. The teacher berated the students for their performance. (praised)
8. The map is very inconvenient. (handy)
9. Big cities are becoming famous for their pollution. (notorious)
10. The leader expelled the new entrants. (welcomed)
From the words given below, choose the most appropriate
antonyms for the words in italics. [stale, diligent, triumphs,
oblivion, retreats, vain, abolished, conceal, synthetic, exotic]
1. While more schools should be established, child labour should be
abolished.
2. When the army advances, the enemy retreats.
3. Only fools are vain; wise people remain modest.
4. Natural dyes are eco-friendly, synthetic ones are harmful.
5. Sometimes, the lazy ones prosper and the diligent ones suffer
6. The survival rate of indigenous plants is better than that of exotic ones.
7. Many former heroes now live in oblivion, for public memory is short.
8. Statistics are often used not to reveal but to conceal the truth.
9. Although marketed as fresh, the vegetables were pretty stale.
10. Neither defeats nor triumphs should affect us.
