Linguistic Patterns and Stylistic Uses of Synonyms

Differences Between Synonyms

Bloomfield points out that complete synonyms do not exist. W. E. Collinson highlights the typical differences between synonyms.

Synonymic Patterns

Synonyms are organized according to two main principles, though there is also a third type:

The Double Scale: Saxon vs. Latin

The Saxon word is normally more spontaneous, informal, and unpretentious—warmer and homelier. The Latin word is normally longer and phonetically different. Example: Bodily – corporal; Answer – reply. Sometimes the native term is rarer and more literary than the foreign one. This can be explained through the history of the two words involved.

The Triple Scale: Native, French, and Latin or Greek

The native synonym is the simplest and most ordinary of the three terms. The Latin or Greek one is learned and abstract, with an air of cold and impersonal precision, whereas the French one stands between the two extremes.

There is an occasional reversal of values, such as Kingly / Royal / Regal: The ordinary term is the French one (royal), whereas the native kingly is rare and normally used in literary contexts. The main factor responsible for the pattern of English and French synonymy is the presence of large numbers of foreign words.

In each period, there are different characters of synonyms or "centers of attraction," as they have been called. In slang, there are heavy concentrations of synonyms around certain characteristic themes: stealing, cheating, drunkenness, etc. The idea of death is a center of synonymic attraction: decease, depart this life, pass away, etc. Death in slang: go west, kick the bucket, peg out, snuff out.

The Third Type of Synonymic Pattern

This arises when two or more synonyms develop on parallel lines. Since words with similar meanings are closely associated with each other, a change in one often leads to a change in another or in several others. Example: When "overlook" acquired the meaning of "deceive," its synonym "oversee" began to be used in the same way.

Synonym and Style

Aristotle declares that synonymy is a good stylistic resource for poets and writers.

• Context Dependency: The choice between synonyms is context-dependent, ensuring the right amount of emotion and emphasis.
• Stylistic Variations: The use of synonyms to avoid repeating a word.

This practice has two dangers:

1. It may suggest that the meaning is different, leading to ambiguity and misunderstanding.
2. Elegant Variation (Fowler): This can result in false elegance and an artificial air.

Collocation

Collocation has different uses: it provides an outlet (escape) for strong emotions, and it is used to make one’s meaning clearer and more emphatic.