SYNONYMY
 Expressions with the same (or nearly) the same
meaning are synonymous.
 Two points should be noted about this definition:
1.
It does not restrict the meaning of synonymy to
lexemes: it allows for the possibility that lexically
simple expression may have the same meaning as
lexically complex expression.
2. 2. It makes identity not merely similarity, of
meaning the criterion of synonymy.
 Near synonymy
expressions that are more ore less similar but
not identical in meaning.
Examples
Mist-fog
Stream-brook
Dive- plunge
 Partial synonymy
which meet the criterion the identity of meaning, but
which, for various reasons, fail to meet the conditions
of what is generally referred to as absolute synonymy.
car- vehicle
 Absolute(perfect, complete) synonymy
words matching in all their shades of meaning and in
all stylistic characteristics.
Ex airman-pilot
car-automobile
*absolute synonyms are rare in English language
*they are rare when it’s the relationship between
lexemes.
*its not rare when it’s the relationship of lexically
composite expressions.
 Two or more expressions are absolutely synonymous
if, and only if they are satisfy the following conditions:
1. All their meanings are identical.
they live in a large/big house.
I will tell my big sister.
I will tell my large sister.
2. They are synonymous in all contexts.
You will make a big mistake.
You will make a large mistake.
3. They are semantically equivalent, their meaning or
meninges are identical on all dimensions of meaning,
descriptive or non descriptive.
Descriptive synonymy
bachelor- unmarried man- divorcee
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Expressive(non descriptive meaning)
Skillful- clever
Stingy –economical
Enormous, colossal-huge; very big