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SYNONYMS AND ANTONYMS

Synonyms are words that have similar or almost the same meaning. Antonyms are words that have opposite or almost opposite meanings. Learning common synonyms and antonyms can expand one person’s vocabulary.

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In English literature the term synonym and antonym are interconnected with literacy. The more one knows about synonyms the more that person can describe a feeling in multiple words keeping the meaning same. On the other hand, the more a person knows antonyms the more that specific person can describe one word with its opposite words and express one specific feeling using various words. Synonyms and antonyms are a very significant part of English literature. The use of synonyms and antonyms is necessary for writers of various domains such as poems, novels, or other types of literature.

What is synonym and antonym

Synonyms are words having similar meanings.

One can say that they have been assigned an “easy task” or “a simple task”, or an “effortless work” to express their feelings as easy, simple, and effortless are similar in meaning, which means that they are synonyms. One can also say that New York is a “large city” or a “gigantic city” as the words “large” and “gigantic” are synonymous. On the other hand,

Antonyms are words having dissimilar or opposite meanings.

For example, one can easily say that “the scenic beauty is marvelous”, on the contrary one can say that “the scenic beauty is ordinary”. Here the two words “marvelous” and “ordinary” are dissimilar in meaning, which highlights that these two words are anonymous to each other. Children must be taught synonyms and antonyms from the beginning of their education as at an early age they can learn new words very quickly.

Importance of synonym and antonym

Synonyms are an important part of English literature as it helps one person to share their one specific feeling using different words.
Antonyms help one person to know different synonymous words which are opposite to one specific word.

English literature says that knowing Antonyms and Synonyms can be helpful for every person in terms of expressing their feelings in a clearer way. For example, if a person knows various words that describe the same thing but in a slightly different way or from a different perspective, then that person can choose the most suitable words in terms of sharing their feelings. One can use synonyms to make their writing or speech more colorful and richer. On the other hand, one can use Antonyms to emphasize their point or explain exactly what they mean or show contrast. Antonyms also add colors to one person’s writing or speech.

List of synonyms and antonyms

Words	Antonyms – Opposite Meaning	Synonyms – Same Meaning
Adhere	Disjoin, Disobey, Overlook, Condemn, Disregard, etc.	Cohere, Stick, Attach, Bond, Cling, etc.
Baffle	Clear, Enlighten, Clarify, Comprehensible, Facilitate, etc.	Balk, Check, Block, Faze, Perplex, etc.
Curious	Incurious, Normal, Ordinary, Uninterested, Indifferent, etc.	Peculiar, Strange, Odd, Bizarre, Unusual, etc.
Decay	Development, Building, Improvement, Growth, Increase, etc.	Spoil, Perish, Decompose, Break down, Rot, etc.
Eager	Apathetic, Satisfied, Indifferent, Uneager, Unenthusiastic, etc.	Ardent, Anxious, Desirous, Athirst, etc.
Feud	Arrangement, Calm, Accord, Kindness, Harmony, Friendship, etc.	Argue, Fight, Quarrels, Clash, Dispute, etc.
Guilt	Sunny, Happy, Bright, Cheerful, etc.	Dreary, Cheerless, Bleak, Cheerless, Dismal, etc.
Harass	Please, Delight, Assist, Aid, etc.	Hound, Plague, Harry, Persecute, etc.
Improper	Correct, Acceptable, Moral, Ethical, Appropriate, etc.	Unacceptable, Inappropriate, Corrupt, Immoral, Unethical, etc.
Juvenile	Mature, Adult, Antiquated, Dotage, etc.	Junior, Adolescent, Young, Teenage, etc.

The above-depicted list is the list of some words and their synonyms and antonyms.

Examples of synonyms and antonyms

Synonyms and antonyms can be helpful for anyone who is trying to learn new words ad their meaning to use in sentences. For example, let’s say that one is trying to learn the word “bash”. The meaning of the word “bash” is an exciting or large event that is full of drinks and food. For example, “Hari, get ready for your biggest birthday bash ever”. Once, a person knows the meaning of the word “bash”, then that person can easily know that “birthday bash” is all about a large or exciting birthday party.

On the other hand, antonyms are word that describes the opposite meaning of a particular word. For example, one can say “I am very excited regarding the upcoming music event at our locality”. In contrast to this, one can express a negative feeling regarding the event just by saying “I am not excited regarding the upcoming music event at our locality”. Here the two words “excited” and “unexcited” have different and opposite meanings, which shows that they are anonymous.

Conclusion

One can express their feelings regarding one specific issue or topic using various words which have similar meanings. This skill shows the language proficiency that a person possesses. This develops the power of vocabulary, verbal aptitude and overall confidence while speaking or writing. In a nutshell, the study of synonyms and antonyms is one of the most crucial parts in terms of improving one person’s language proficiency.