Questions: Word Relationships: Synonyms, Antonyms, and Shades of Meaning
4 questions to test your understanding
Score: 0 / 4
Question 1 Multiple Choice
Which list puts the words in order from least to most intense?
Afurious, annoyed, angry
Bangry, annoyed, furious
Cannoyed, angry, furious
Dfurious, angry, annoyed
All three words describe being upset, but they differ in strength. 'Annoyed' is mild, 'angry' is stronger, and 'furious' is very strong. Ordering words like this is how readers notice shades of meaning.
Question 2 Multiple Choice
In the sentence 'Please light the candle,' what does 'light' mean?
ANot heavy
BPale in color
CTo start a flame
DA lamp in a room
'Light' is a multiple-meaning word. Here it is a verb, and the candle tells us the meaning: to start a flame. In 'a light box,' it would mean not heavy, and in 'light blue,' it would mean pale.
Question 3 True / False
The words 'nibble' and 'devour' are synonyms that mean exactly the same thing.
TTrue
FFalse
Answer: False
Both words describe eating, so they are related, but they are not interchangeable. 'Nibble' means taking small bites, and 'devour' means eating quickly and hungrily. Choosing between them changes the picture the reader sees.
Question 4 Short Answer
A student writes, 'The dog walked across the yard.' Replace 'walked' with a synonym that shows the dog was moving slowly and sneakily, and explain your choice.
Think about your answer, then reveal below.
Model answer: 'Crept' or 'tiptoed' or 'sneaked.' These words keep the meaning of moving on foot but add the idea of being slow, quiet, and careful.
This tests shades of meaning. The writer keeps the basic meaning (moving across the yard) and picks the synonym whose extra meaning matches what they want the reader to picture.