English Second Language·Vocabulary & word choice · NSSCO 2.1
Synonyms & antonyms
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Two small words that make your English richer and sharper. A synonym is a word with the same meaning (big, large, enormous); an antonym is a word with the opposite meaning (hot and cold). We'll learn why writers reach for synonyms, how to choose them carefully by their shade and connotation, how to build antonyms with prefixes like un-, im- and ir-, and the exam skill of swapping a word for a synonym or an antonym.
What you'll learn in this lesson
By the end you should be able to (NSSCO English Second Language 2.1):
- Explain what a synonym is and give synonyms for common words
- Explain why writers use synonyms — to avoid repetition and to choose a precise shade of meaning
- Use a thesaurus carefully, understanding that synonyms are not always interchangeable (register and connotation)
- Explain what an antonym is and give antonyms for common words
- Form antonyms by adding the prefixes un-, in-, im-, dis-, il- and ir-
- Substitute a word in a sentence with a suitable synonym or antonym
- Recognise the connotation (positive or negative feeling) of words and choose words that fit
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