Synonymy (Stein)

Activity 5

Just like with nouns, there are also many synonyms which are adjectives. These have the same, or very similar, meanings to each other, and are used in different contexts.

What does the term adjective mean? What examples can you think of? Can you think of any synonyms?

Find the synonymous adjective in these two sentences:

1. There's a nice, old bloke who lives next door to us.
2. The government will do more to support elderly people.

Why are different words used? What diferent implications do they have? 

Activity 6

In this activity, match together the pairs of adjective synonyms. Make a note of them, as you will need them for the next task. 

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

Use the adjectives from the previous activity to complete the ten sentences: 

1. The judge surprised everyone with the _______ sentence he passed.
2. Her dog isn't eating enough and is starting to look _______.
3. He used to be ______ when he was younger and exercised more.
4. The doctor certified that the criminal was ________.
5. It's _______ she wasn't happy with the present you gave her.
6. All the kids go ______ when Father Christmas arrives.
7. The rise in the cost of living has been plainly ______ for many years.
8. Be careful in the sun if you have _______ skin on show.
9. Is it okay for children to play ______ at the beach?
10. Don't worry: the spices in this dish are very ______.

1. The judge surprised everyone with the lenient sentence he passed.
2. Her dog isn't eating enough and is starting to look thin.
3. He used to be slim when he was younger and exercised more.
4. The doctor certified that the criminal was insane.
5. It's obvious she wasn't happy with the present you gave her.
6. All the kids go crazy when Father Christmas arrives.
7. The rise in the cost of living has been plainly evident for many years.
8. Be careful in the sun if you have bare skin on show.
9. Is it okay for children to play naked at the beach?
10. Don't worry: the spices in this dish are very mild.

Look back at your ten sentences. What happens if you swap the synonym pairs? Does it sound unusual or inappropriate? 

Note down a definition of each word, noting the distinctions between synonyms. Use a dictionary to help and check your answers.

Activity 7

As well as nouns and adjectives, we can also see synonyms of verbs. 

Think of a synonym for each of these six verbs: 

1. to begin
2. to end
3. to eat
4. to ring
5. to post
6. to buy

Even though they have the same general meaning, each word is used in a slightly different way or context. Discuss the differences between each pair with a partner. 

1. to begin - to commence
2. to end - to stop
3. to eat - to consume
4. to ring - to call
5. to post - to send;
6. to buy - to purchase

Write two sentenes for each synonym pair (12 sentences in total). Make sure each word is used in the appropriate context and bearing in mind subtle differences of meaning. 

E.g. 

1.a)The match is about to begin!

1.b)The parade will commence at 10am.

Compare your sentences with a partner and discuss if you are using the verbs appropriately. 

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