Shades of meaning are the small differences between words that are similar. Words can mean almost the same thing, but one word may feel stronger or softer than another.
Think about how strong or soft a word feels when you read it in a sentence.
Some words are close in meaning but are not exactly the same. Comparing them helps you understand which word is best to use in a sentence.
When you compare words, ask yourself: Which word shows more? Which word shows less?
Writers choose words carefully to show how strong or gentle they want something to sound. The right word makes the meaning clear.
Think about the picture the word makes in your mind. Does it match what the sentence is really saying?
The more you practice, the easier it is to understand how words are alike and how they are different. Try using word pairs in your reading and writing.
Try making two sentences with similar words. Notice how one word feels stronger or softer than the other.