Synonymy (Stein)

Activity 1

A synonym is a words that has the same, or a very similar, meaning to another. 

Take for example the word argument.

How many words can you think of that have the same or a very similar meaning? 

For the word argument, some synonyms are quarrel or row.

The words quarrel and row have the same general meaning.

Is the meaning exactly the same? Or are there any subtle differences? 

Every word has its own particular connotations. It's rare to find two words which have the exact same meaning and can be used interchangably in every context. For example: 

• A quarrel is an argument over a small issue between people who are on good terms with each other.
• A row is an argument that is very serious and maybe becomes noisy or violent. 

Activity 2

In the next activity, you will see a collection of nouns to organise into synonym pairs. 

Copy down the words and try pairing them as a whole class. 

Next, drag and drop the cards. Place them side-by-side to connect, and double click to unpair.  

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Synonyms share the same general meaning, but there is always a difference in how the words are used, who uses them and in what situation.

For example, some words are more common than others. Some are used in particular countries or regions, while others are for different contexts. 

Look at these three synonym pairings from the last activity.

Which of the two words do you use more often? In what contexts might you use the other?

1. glasses - spectacles
2. holiday - vacation
3. job - occupation

Glasses, holiday and job are the more neutral or everyday words we use in the UK.

1. Spectacles is an archaic or literary word we might see in a Victorian novel. 
2. Vacation is more commonly used in the USA. 
3. Occupation is used in formal contexts like filling in forms 

Activity 3

Look at this list of eight words.

For each one, find a synonym and decide which is more everday and which belongs to a special context. 

1. Zucchini 
2. Bunny
3. Spine  
4. Steed
5. Choo choo
6. Elevator 
7. Looking glass 
8. Belly 

1. Zucchini - Courgette 
2. Bunny - Rabbit 
3. Spine - Backbone
4. Steed - Horse
5. Choo Choo - Train
6. Elevator - Lift
7. Looking glass - Mirror
8. Belly - Stomach

In the next acivity, place the words in the most appropriate column.

Is each word one you use normally, or is it reserved for a special context? 

You should have two words in the first four columns, and eight in the last. 

Look back and choose five pairs of synonyms from today's lesson. Write two sentences for each, and discuss with a partner how they are used differently. 

E.g.

1. The train will be delayed at the next station.
2. My little cousin's favourite toy is his choo choo.