Categories
Learn English

Classification of synonyms in English

State the classification of synonyms in the English language, illustrate answer with examples.

Classification (old classification)

Semantic synonyms: are words differing in shades of meaning:

– Nice, pretty, good – looking, beautiful, handsome

– To ask, to beg, to entreat

Stylistic synonyms: are words differing in stylistic aspects:

Father – dad – daddy

Girlfriend – bird

Concerning stylistic synonyms we can speak of euphemisms, i.e, words and expression synonymous to those denoting unpleasant notions: to die – to pass away

Semantico – stylistic synonyms: are words differing both in shades of meaning and stylistic aspects:

– House – shack –slum – pad.

– To dismiss – to sack – to fire – to lay off

Phraseological synonyms: are words differing in their collocations (combinability):

Do – make

Say – speak

Language – tongue

Territorial synonyms: are synonyms that belong to different countries (territories) In England, America, and in Australia.

Autumn – fall

Luggage – baggage

Football – soccer ./.