Choose the synonym
Key Notes :
What are Synonyms? |
Synonyms are words that have similar meanings. They can enrich your writing and speaking by allowing you to express yourself in different ways. Using synonyms helps you avoid repetition and make your language more interesting and precise. However, it is important to remember that no two words have exactly the same meaning. There are always slight differences in nuance or connotation, so choose your synonyms carefully!
Examples of Synonyms |
- Funny: humorous, amusing, comical, witty, hilarious
- Sad: unhappy, sorrowful, miserable, gloomy, downcast
- Rich: wealthy, affluent, prosperous, loaded, well-off
- Poor: needy, broke, destitute, impoverished, penniless
- Nice: pleasant, friendly, kind, lovely, charming
- Old: aged, elderly, ancient, senior, vintage
- New: recent, modern, current, fresh, latest
- Begin: start, commence, initiate, launch, open
- End: finish, complete, conclude, terminate, wrap up
- Tell: say, speak, inform, notify, explain
- Think: believe, consider, reflect, ponder, imagine
Practice Exercises |
Choose the best synonym for the underlined word in each sentence:
1. The brave knight fought the dragon.
a) Cowardly
b) Valiant
c) Weak
d) Timid
2. The artist painted a beautiful landscape.
a) Ugly
b) Hideous
c) Lovely
d) Disgusting
3. The student gave a quick answer.
a) Slow
b) Rapid
c) Hesitant
d) Lengthy
4. The old house was very creepy.
a) Delightful
b) Eerie
c) Cheerful
d) Joyful
5. The food tasted delicious.
a) Awful
b) Nasty
c) Tasty
d) Terrible
6. The weather was pleasant.
a) Awful
b) Terrible
c) Lovely
d) Disgusting
Answers to Practice Exercises |
- b) Valiant
- c) Lovely
- b) Rapid
- b) Eerie
- c) Tasty
- c) Lovely
Tips for Choosing the Right Synonym |
- Consider the context: How is the word being used in the sentence?
- Think about the connotation: Does the synonym have positive, negative, or neutral associations?
- Use a thesaurus: A thesaurus can be a helpful tool for finding synonyms, but always double-check the meaning in a dictionary to make sure it’s appropriate.
- Ask yourself: Does the synonym truly capture the meaning I intend to convey?
Further Practice |
Try to find at least three synonyms for each of the following words:
- Angry
- Afraid
- Smart
- Noisy
- Clean
Summary |
These notes covered the definition of synonyms, provided examples, and offered practice exercises to help you understand and utilize synonyms effectively in your writing and speech. Remember to consider context and connotation when choosing synonyms to enhance your communication skills.
Let’s practice