Practical work no.15

Finding the dominant synonym in the groups of synonyms. Interchangeability. Cases of substitution. Singling out euphemisms and words for which they serve as substitutes.

Objectives: 1)to identify the dominant synonym;

2) to find substitutes for the euphemisms.

Ex.1. Find the dominant synonym in the following groups of synonyms. Explain your choice.

1. to glimmer — to glisten — to blaze — to shine — to sparkle — to flash — to gleam. 2. to glare — to gaze — to peep — to look — to stare — to glance. 3. to astound — to surprise — to amaze — to puzzle — to astonish. 4. strange — quaint — odd — queer. 5. to saunter — to stroll — to wander — to walk — to roam, 6. scent — perfume — smell — odour — aroma. 7. to brood — to reflect — to meditate — to think. 8. to fabricate — to manufacture — to produce — to create — to make. 9. furious — enraged — angry. 10. to sob — to weep — to cry.

Ex.2. Find the dominant synonyms for the following italicized words and prove that they can be used as substitutes. Are they interchangeable? What is lost if we make the substitution?

1. Never for a moment did he interrupt or glance at his watch. 2. The girl looked astonished at my ignorance. 3. Sometimes perhaps a tramp will wander there, seeking shelter from a sudden shower of rain. 4. I am very different from that self who drove to Manderley for the first time filled with an intense desire to please. 5. The stony vineyards shimmer in the sun. 6. The restaurant was filled now with people who chatted and laughed. 7. I've got a sister and an ancient grandmother. 8. A bowl of roses in a drawing-room had a depth of colour and scent they had not possessed in the open. 9. He saw our newcomers, arms wound round each other, literally staggering from the bus. 10. Chicken-pox may be a mild children's disease. 11. In a funny way she wanted to reach out for that friendliness as if she needed it. Which was odd. 12. It could be a dream world. So pretty, yet so sad.

Ex.3. Find the euphemisms in the following sentences and jokes. Name the words for which they serve as euphemistic substitutes.

1. Policeman (to intoxicated man who is trying to fit his key to a lamp-post): I'm afraid there's nobody home there tonight. M a n: Mus' be. Mus' be. Theresh a light upstairsh. 2. "Johnny, where do you think God is this morning?" asked the Sunday-school teacher. "In our bathroom," was the reply. "What on earth makes you say that?" asked the amazed teacher. "Because just before I left I heard pa say, "My Lord! How long are you going to be in there?" 3. "Funny old thing," said Lily Marbury indulgently. "Looks half batty to my mind." 4. "I think the fellow's half a loony. He needs some one to look after him."

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