If so, could somebody suggest some examples? Some grammarians look at synonyms as words that have the same meaning or similar meanings in a language. A closer look at some pairs of words listed in some grammar books appear to me to have shades of meaning (even when used in the same context) rather than having the same meaning. Could someone suggest some convincing pairs of words in a variation of the English language which have exactly the same meanings? I want this clarification before I submit my next article for editing.
Here is the weirdest pair of exact synonyms I can think of: inflammable = flammable
Wonderful! I appreciate these ones. They go to confirm my literature review that absolute synonym in language is as a result of variation in a language. My question borders on perfect synonym in one variation of a language, say UK English.The preachers in Ghana use the UK English variation, but they alternate pairs of words in the same context in their sermons. I want to be sure that even in the same UK variation, pairs of words could mean the same things. This is where I want views.
I think that often the synonyms have arisen from English being borrowed from so many languages. We have derived some synonyms from roots that have sneaked in via Greek and Latin branches separately and thus enriched the language.
The reason for the preacher alternating synonyms is for clarity and emphasis, as well as for variety in the sermon. Adore ~ worship ~ revere (not perfect synonyms).
Some perfect synonyms have survived (why?) others have seen only the fittest (?) survive.
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