synonyms

synonyms
synonyms
are words that have the same or a near meaning, such as the pair close and shut, or the trio begin, start, and commence. Some word sets of this kind arise because words coming into English from other languages failed to drive out those already in use; for example, close is a Middle English (13c) word derived from Old French, and joined the existing Old English word shut. Other pairs of words have different levels of appropriacy; for example, kill is a general word whereas slay is literary or rhetorical, and little carries connotations of affection that are not present in the more neutral word small (compare my little house and my small house). Many words are loosely described as synonyms although their meanings are close rather than identical (e.g. danger and risk, entreat and implore, leave and depart), and few synonyms are interchangeable in all contexts.

Modern English usage. 2014.

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