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In this title, the broadest possible definition of the term 'synonym' has been
adopted, as being the one that will be most useful to users. Even words whose
meaning is quite distantly related to that of the headword are listed if they can be
used to get the same message across in appropriate contexts. Synonyms are not
restricted to single words, and some expressions can be quite colourful: for
example, the synonyms for
tinker
include not only
fiddle (with)
and
try to mend
, but
also
rearrange the deckchairs on the Titanic
.
The synonyms in each entry are grouped together in synonym sets. Major synonym
sets correspond roughly to different senses of a word in a dictionary. Each major
synonym set is numbered, and many have more delicate subdivisions, which are
separated by semicolons. At the start of almost every synonym set is a 'core
synonym': the term which is closest in meaning to the headword in that particular
sense. Core synonyms are displayed in BOLD CAPITALS. Only a very few words
have no core synonym. Some synonym sets have more than one core synonym; for
example at
avant-garde
(adjective), both
innovative
and
advanced
are very close in
meaning to the headword, so both are given as core synonyms. Two different core
synonyms within the same sense group may emphasize slightly different aspects of
the meaning of the headword. For example, at
dutiful
, the first core synonym given
is
conscientious
, followed by a group of words closely related to this aspect of its
meaning. Then, after a semicolon, a second core synonym,
obedient
, is given, with
a further group of synonyms grouped around that aspect of the meaning.
Synonyms whose usage is restricted in some way, for example regionalisms or very
formal or informal words, are placed at the end of each major synonym set and
labelled accordingly. See Register below.
fascinating source of encyclopedic information on subjects as diverse as
marsupials and military leaders.
Homonyms
Homonyms are words that are written the same but which have completely different
and unrelated meanings. For example, the
bark
of a dog is a completely different
word from the
bark
of a tree. There are three different words spelled
bay
, and four
spelled
sound
. Some words that are written with the same spelling are pronounced
differently. In such cases, a note on pronunciation is given, either by giving a word
that rhymes with the headword, e.g.
wind
1
(rhymes with 'tinned') noun
wind
2
(rhymes with 'mind') verb
or by stating where the stress falls, e.g.
defect
1
(stress on first syllable) noun
defect
2
(stress on second syllable) verb
Synonyms
It is sometimes argued that no two words have exactly the same meaning. Even
words as similar in meaning as
close
and
shut
may have slightly different nuances.
Closing
a shop implies that the shop is no longer open for business, so no one can
come in. On the other hand,
shutting
a shop implies that the shop is being made
secure, so nothing can be taken out. A similar distinction is found between
strong
and
powerful
:
powerful enemies
may threaten from outside, but a
strong defence
on
the inside will deter them from attacking. However, these are unusually subtle
distinctions. For most practical purposes,
close
and
shut
have the same meaning,
as do
strong
and
powerful
. Other synonyms are more distant, or emphasize
different aspects of the meaning. For example, another close synonym of strong is
muscular
, but it places much more emphasis on physical strength. By contrast,
stalwart
and
staunch
are synonyms that emphasize more abstract aspects of this
meaning of
strong
.
Forceful
,
secure
,
durable
,
loud
,
intense
,
bright
, and
alcoholic
are
other close synonyms of
strong
, but all in quite different senses. They are not, of
course, synonyms of each other.
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