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GG.1 Identify the synonym

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What are synonyms?

Synonyms are words that have the same or nearly the same meaning as another word. They can often be used in place of each other in a sentence without changing the meaning too much.

Examples:
  • happy → glad
  • big → large
  • fast → quick
Note

Using synonyms helps make writing more interesting and avoids repeating the same word too often.

Why are synonyms important?

Synonyms help you express your thoughts more clearly. They give you choices for words, so your writing and speaking can be more precise and colorful.

Examples:
  • Instead of saying “The movie was good,” you could say “The movie was great.”
  • Instead of “The dog is big,” you could say “The dog is huge.”
Note

Choosing the right synonym can make your sentence stronger and more exact.

How do we use synonyms?

When writing or speaking, you can replace a word with a synonym to add variety. Be sure that the synonym makes sense in the sentence and matches the meaning you want.

Examples:
  • “The baby is small.” → “The baby is tiny.”
  • “I am angry.” → “I am mad.”
Note

Not every synonym can be used in every sentence. Always check that the new word fits the idea.

Synonyms and similar words

Some synonyms mean almost the same thing, but not exactly. These are called similar words. They can change the tone or strength of a sentence slightly.

Examples:
  • Cold and chilly are similar words. “It is cold outside” is stronger than “It is chilly outside.”
  • Scared and nervous are similar, but “scared” usually means stronger fear.
Note

When choosing between similar words, think about how strong or gentle you want the meaning to be.

Using synonyms in sentences

Practice using synonyms and similar words in your writing to make it richer and more engaging.

Examples:
  • “The cat is sleepy.” → “The cat is tired.”
  • “The park is pretty.” → “The park is beautiful.”
  • “He ran fast.” → “He ran quickly.”
Note

Reading and listening to stories is a great way to learn new synonyms and practice using them correctly.