Unit 1: Vocabulary and Word Relationships

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms are words that have the same, or nearly the same meanings. When you are trying to find the correct synonyms among the four choices, it is best to follow these steps :

1. Define the root or stem word.

2. Find the answer that best fits your definition.

3. If no choice fits, then think of other definitions for the root word, and go through the choices again.

Example : “Gravely” most nearly means :

a. purposely

b. unpleasantly

c. seriously

d. carefully

How to find the correct synonym :

1. When you look at gravely, the root word is grave. Looking at the choices, there are no words that are like a tomb.

2. Since none of the choices fit that definition for grave, you need to go back to the root word and about other definitions.

3. Think about how you have heard the word “grave” used any other way. If someone were in a “grave situation” what would that mean? “Grave” can also mean “serious” or “solemn.” So, “seriously” fits perfectly.

The correct answer is c.

Antonyms are words that have the opposite meanings. To find the correct antonym for a word, use the following procedure.

How to find the correct antonym :

1. Define the word. Then think of a word with an opposite meaning.

2. Eliminate answer choices that you know are wrong.

3. Find the answer choice that best fits your description.

4. If no choice fits then think of other definitions for the root word and go through the choices again.

Example : “Dear” means the opposite of :

a. beloved

b. doe

c. cheap

d. family

1. The meaning of “dear” can be defined as someone you love. The opposite would be to hate or dislike.

2. You can eliminate the word family. It is definitely not an antonym.

3. Go back to the choices. None of the words fit this definition.

4. If no choice fits, think of other definitions for “dear.” Also think of other ways you have heard “dear” used. Letters begin with “Dear Aunt Jane,” or “Dear Sir.” This means that we care about them or value them. When someone pays a lot of money for something, we say that they “paid dearly” for it. The opposite of value would be worthless. The word cheap is closest to worthless.

The correct answer is c.