Synonyms in the English language Student Baskakova A

Synonyms in the English language Student: Baskakova A. Group: MBL-31

The main aim of this work is to learn more about synonyms. The following tasks are put forward: • to examine the problem of the definition of the term “synonyms”; • to analyze different sources of synonyms; • to study the problem of classification of synonyms;

Definition Synonym from Greek → “syn” means “together” and “onym” is “name. ” I. V. Arnold: "Synonyms - are two or more words of the same meaning, belonging to the same part of speech, possessing one or more identical meaning, interchangeable at least in some contexts without any considerable alteration in denotational meaning, but differing in morphemic composition, phonemic shape , shades of meaning, connotation, affective value, style, emotional coloring and valence peculiar to one of the elements in a synonymic group".

Sources of synonyms the "Anglo-Saxon" from French, Latin words and Greek ↓ ↓ native words foreign words

Sources of synonyms Loan words E. g. : freedom (native) - liberty (French); heaven (native) – sky (Norman); king (native) – duke (French); child (native) – infant (French)

Sources of synonyms Words from dialects - American English E. g. : gimmick - trick; long distance (telephone) call - trunk call; radio - wireless

Sources of synonyms Words from dialects - From Irish E. g. : clover - shamrock; liquor - whiskey - From Scottish E. g. : girl - lass, lassie; charm - glamour

Phrasal verbs Sources of synonyms E. g. : choose - pick out; abandon - give up; continue - go on; enter - come in; lift - pick up; E. g. : By the way, Toby has quite given up the idea of doing those animal cartoons. (Plomer)

Classification of synonyms By V. V. Vinogradov Ideographic E. g. : Stylistic E. g. : to understand – to realize, to begin – Absolute E. g. : to pilot – airman – flyer to expect – to anticipate, commence – to high, –flyingman; to look – to glance – to think – to deem, screenwriter- stare – to peep – to gaze enemy – opponent scriptwriter – scripter

Modern approach to the classification of synonyms I. The connotation of degree or intensity § To surprise – to astonish – to amaze – to astound; § To satisfy – to please – to content – to gratify – to delight – to exalt; § To shout – to yell – to bellow – to roar; § To like – to admire – to love – to adore.

II. The connotation of duration § To stare – to glare – to gaze – to glance – to peep – to peer. III. The emotive connotation § To stare – to glare – to gaze; § To tremble – to shiver – to shudder – to shake.

IV. The evaluative connotation § Well-known – famous – notorious – celebrated. V. The causative connotation § To sparkle - to glitter; § To shiver – to shudder. VI. The connotation of manner § To stroll – to stride – to trot – to pace – to swagger – to stumble.

VII. The connotation of attendant features § Pretty – handsome - beautiful. VIII. Stylistic connotations § Meal – snack – bite – snap – repast – refreshment – feast; § To leave - to be off - to clear out - to take the air - to depart - to retire - to withdraw.

Practical part “Freedom” and “liberty” “Freedom” Old English “freodom” E. g. “It was my last window of real freedom”. “Liberty” Old French “liberté” (14 th century) E. g. “He also took the liberty of explaining…” “Flat” and “apartment” “Flat” Scottish “flat” (19 th century) E. g. “He walks past me, unlocks the door to flat 32— and finally turns”. “Apartment” French “appartemen” (mid 17 th century) E. g. “Just different numbers on the apartment doors”.

In conclusion the following points should be summed up: ü Synonyms are different words with similar or identical meanings and are interchangeable. During the time and history they substitute each other. ü Every synonym has its origin: loan words, words from dialects, phrasal verbs and so on. ü The problem of the usage of synonyms is very difficult, that is why the classification of synonyms was suggested by V. V. Vinogradov. Also there is a modern approach to the classification of synonyms according to the connotations.

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