Sometimes two people feel the same way about something, but express that feeling through different words. And they think they aren’t agreeing because it doesn’t sound like they are.
And I think it’s wonderful that we have the variety of words to express what we mean. But sometimes it makes things that are so simple more complicated than they need to be.
So I wonder what would happen to poetry if there were no such things as synonyms. Poetry especially, but really, all writing. For the same reason we don’t wear uniforms or all drive red cars, there are words that we can use to make life (and writing!) interesting.
I’m not sure if this is a “use a new word today instead of the one you always use” post or if it is an “abandon synonyms for the sake of understanding!” post, but it’s definitely something I’ve observed with fascination for quite a long time.
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leafless said:
A great joy indeed.
August 25, 2008 @ 1:39 am