English
Shades of meaning.
Definition
The subtle differences in meaning between words that are similar but not identical. Understanding shades of meaning helps writers choose the most precise word for their intended tone and message, and helps readers interpret an author's attitude.
Examples
Real-world.
- 1 "Happy," "elated," "content," and "ecstatic" all mean pleased but differ in intensity
- 2 "Walk," "stroll," "march," and "trudge" all describe movement but convey different moods
- 3 "Said," "whispered," "declared," and "mumbled" each suggest a different way of speaking