Introduction
Today you'll be doing a bit of online research--I have a list of words that are eerily similar in their meanings, but can't be used interchangeably.
Best of luck!
Task
You will be researching how and why some words that seem to have the same meaning shouldn't be used in the same way.
For example: there is a difference between the word aroma, odor, and fragrance. These words all have to do with smell, but you wouldn't write, "That young woman has such a pleasant odor!", would you?
Please choose two groups of three to do some research on, and write a minimum of one page (double spaced, 1" margins, 12 pt. font) describing your findings, meaning: how would you use these words? What are their connotations?
Please also consider the history of the word, as well--does it have a particular history of how it came to be? Did this word mean something else fifty years ago? Some questions to think about.
1. girl, lady, woman
2. mist, fog, smog
3. flame, fire, blaze
4. cute, adorable, lovable
5. jump, leap, lunge
6. attractive, striking, gorgeous
7. ferocious, fierce, violent
8. cozy, snug, homely
Process
1. Find the definition of the words.
2. What makes them different from each other? What about their definitions is different? Use this to guide your thoughts.
3. Write your response, explaining carefully why they can't be used interchangeably.
Recommended Resources:
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dictionary
https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/
Evaluation
Print out your response and hand it in, I will grade them and return them to you.
Conclusion
Please consider the answers to the following questions, and if you have time, discuss with a fellow classmate:
Why do you think it's important to understand the history of a word?
Why do you think it's important to understand the different connotations of words?
What is the importance of using language with the proper connotation?