Synonyms and Antonyms in Context
Why the right synonym or antonym depends on the sentence and not a dictionary list, how register and connotation decide between close options, and a working set of exam words with a best synonym and best antonym for each.
What you will be able to do
- Explain why the sentence, not a word list, fixes the answer.
- Use connotation and register to choose between close options.
- Handle an unfamiliar word through its prefix, root and sentence role.
- Recall a core set of exam words with their opposites.
What is inside this lesson
- 1The sentence decides
- 2Connotation and register
- 3When you do not know the word
- 4Core words (1): finance and judgement
- 5Core words (2): people and communication
- 6Worked example: two items
- 7Common mistakes
- 8Quick revision
- 9Practice
Get Pro for full access. This is section 1 of 9; the rest of the lesson opens with Pro at onelystop.in/upgrade.
The sentence decides
A synonym item asks for the word closest in meaning; an antonym item asks for the word most nearly opposite - both as the word is used in the sentence. A word can have several senses, and the options usually target different ones.
Address can mean a location, a formal speech, or the act of dealing with a problem. "The manager will address the backlog today" needs tackle, not speech or location. Read the sentence first; decide the sense; then compare options against that sense.
Reading the 9 sections above is free. A free account opens the first 2 topics of every subject in full, along with flashcards and private notes.