Shades of Meaning: Ranking Near-Synonyms

Distinguish words with similar meanings by their intensity and precise sense.

Near-synonyms are rarely interchangeable. They differ in intensity, in focus, or in the situations they suit. Ranking them on a scale is a practical way to feel the differences. Consider words for disapproval: dislike, resent, detest, loathe. Dislike is mild. Resent adds a sense of having been wronged. Detest and loathe are intense, and loathe often carries physical revulsion. Or words for speed of change: gradual, steady, rapid, abrupt. Abrupt adds suddenness and often an unwelcome jolt. Worked example: 'The manager resented the new policy.

' If you replace resented with disliked, you lose the implication that the manager felt unfairly treated by it. If you replace it with loathed, you exaggerate. The writer chose resented to convey a grievance, not just a preference. When you analyze a text, ask why the author chose this word over its nearest neighbors. When you write, test your word against its neighbors before committing.

• 1Near-synonyms differ in intensity, focus, or situation.
• 2Ranking words on a scale reveals the differences.
• 3Ask why an author chose a word over its neighbors.