Synonymy is a rhetorical technique that connects several synonyms in a sentence to emphasize an idea or clarify a point. It can draw attention to a particular feature or help explain unfamiliar terms. Erasmus advised using synonymy to expand vocabulary, but cautioned that each word adds a slightly different meaning. Synonymy should be used sparingly to avoid tautology.
A rhetorical technique, synonymy connects several synonyms in a sentence. Originally used in Greek and Latin writings, synonymy helps to emphasize an idea by the use of repetition or to clarify a point by providing an immediate synonym. This technique is normally used sparingly as it can easily become a tautology, or unnecessary repetition of information.
Synonymy is used, in part, to emphasize and draw attention to a particular feature, detail, or element of a person, event, or idea. For example, saying “Gwyn is beautiful, pretty, gorgeous, stunning” draws attention to Gwyn’s appearance and gives the impression that she is not only a beautiful woman, but exceptionally beautiful. With each additional adjective, the general idea that Gwyn is beautiful is magnified.
Clarification can also be aided by the use of synonymy. When explaining an unfamiliar or technical idea, listing several synonyms after a specific term can help your audience better understand the speaker. If an audience member does not understand the full meaning of a word, she may understand other words listed. This can be especially beneficial for non-native, non-fluent speakers of a language who often have a limited vocabulary.
Erasmus, an early 16th-century European writer, advised using synonymy in Latin rhetorical exercises to expand active vocabulary and help establish clear meanings. He cautioned, however, that synonyms weren’t carbon copies, because each word adds a slightly different meaning and some words are more appropriate to specific topics than others. To further this distinction, he classified the words into different levels. For example, a word could be formal or informal, archaic or new, obscene or poetic. Having a wide variety of synonyms in his active vocabulary, Erasmus could incorporate synonyms of different levels into a sentence, thus bridging linguistic gaps.
For example, the phrase “this report must be completed anon, immediately, in a New York minute” combines the archaic term “anon” with the more formal word “immediately” and the idiom “in a New York minute” for bridging the gap between the no longer used, the formal and the slang. Each word adds a slightly different meaning, but they all basically send the same message: the report needs to be completed very quickly. Also, including different types of words can help in understanding different cultures, statuses, and times.
Despite the advantages of synonymy, the device should be used sparingly, particularly in formal rhetoric. When used unnecessarily or accidentally, synonymy becomes a tedious repetition and results in a tautology. Tautologies should be avoided as they often undermine arguments and create embarrassment.
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