synonym
UK/'sɪnənɪm/US/'sinәnim/
IELTSTOEFLB2
Definitions
n.
A word that means the same or nearly the same as another word
同义词，近义词
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedsyn- (same, together) + onym (name) = 'same name.' A synonym is a word that names the same thing as another — 'big' and 'large' are synonyms. The -onym ending is the Greek spelling of the name root, the same one in antonym (opposite-name) and pseudonym (false-name).
Root nomin still carries 38 more wordsExample Sentences
- 1.
'Happy' and 'glad' are synonyms.
- 2.
A thesaurus lists synonyms and antonyms for each word.
- 3.
Looking up a synonym can make your writing less repetitive.
Easily Confused
synonym vs antonym — a synonym names the same meaning (syn- = same: happy/glad), an antonym names the opposite (anti- = against: happy/sad). The shared -onym just means 'name'; the prefix tells you the direction.