Word Choice: Why Does It Matter?
“My friend is a fussy eater.” -OR- “My friend is particular about her food.”
Which of the above creates a more favorable impression of your friend? The words fussy and particular mean almost the same thing; however, each word leaves the reader with a distinctly different impression than the other word. Words with similar meanings may have differences in tone or in impression they give, depending on the context. Writers and speakers with a wide vocabulary and a good knowledge of synonyms are able to construct clear communication strategically designed to further the intended purpose (argument).
Consider the meanings of the words in the parenthesis below in the context of the rest of the sentence. How does the choice of one word instead of the other affect the meaning and impact of the sentence?
1) Mrs. Davis was extremely (frank, blunt) in her review of our school play.
2) Seeking an education, the (illiterate, untaught) man enrolled in night school.
3) Sam took a (firm, stubborn) stand in favor of the school dress code.
4) Having been born into a wealthy family, Roger was (nonchalant, careless) about spending his money.
5) The suspect was taken to the police station for (defying, disregarding) the law.
6) All eyes in the restaurant turned to the (exotic, strange) young woman who had entered.
7) The (nerdy, studious) student always did well on her exams.
8) The hungry boy (consumed, decimated) what was left of the bag of cookies from the bakery.
9) With such a (slight, puny) figure, he probably isn’t much of a rugby player.
10) The lawyer’s job was to defend (criminals, clients) in the courtroom.
11) The (fake, simulated) diamonds were appealing to the eye of the jeweler.
12) That clothes dresser is obviously an (old, antique) specimen.
13) Most children are too (energetic, fidgety) to sit through the opera.
14) Rachel’s date at the homecoming dance was (rude, ungracious) to her friends.
15) Sven made some (unwise, foolish) investments in the stock market.
16) Lydia (disliked, loathed) her mother’s pot roast.
17) Mr. Garcia’s widow was able to extend her inheritance by making (crafty, prudent) investments.
18) Mr. Jackson (insisted, suggested) that everyone remove their coats in the car.
19) I have an old (cabin, shack) where I can stay in the mountains.
20) Many people don’t like to be (mocked, imitated) by their friends.
21) The crowd (stared, gawked) at the unusual clothing of the rock band.
22) Your effort was (laughable, amusing) on this essay assignment.
23) The (curious, meddlesome) neighbor constantly peered into my yard.
24) Dinner at the mayor’s mansion was always a (formal, stiff) occasion.
25) Unfortunately, my uncle was (dismissed, fired) from his job.
Questions to consider for further discussion:
· Did you and your partner always agree? If not, why not? If so, why?
· What info did you rely on for your understanding of the words?
· Would this task be challenging for an English learner? If so, why?