Synonyms & Antonyms • Topic 3 of 4

Shades of Meaning

Words that look like synonyms can differ in degree, formality or connotation. 'Thin', 'slim' and 'skinny' all describe low body weight, but slim is positive, skinny negative. SSC tests whether you pick the option that matches both the meaning AND the tone.

Same idea, different tone

Near-synonyms carry different feelings (connotation). Choosing the right one means matching the sentence's tone, not just its sense.

PositiveNeutralNegative
slimthinskinny
childlikeyoungchildish
confidentself-assuredarrogant
economicalcareful with moneystingy
famouswell-knownnotorious
Read the signal words. If the sentence praises someone, pick the positive shade; if it criticises, pick the negative one. "Notorious" is famous for something bad — never use it as a neutral synonym for famous.

✅ Solved examples

1. Which is a positive word for "thin": slim or skinny?
Slim (positive); skinny is negative.
2. Childish vs childlike — which is complimentary?
Childlike (innocent); childish is immature.
3. Famous vs notorious — which is negative?
Notorious (famous for something bad).
4. Which is stronger: angry or furious?
Furious (much more intense).

✏️ Practice — try these, take hints as needed

1. Confident vs arrogant — which is negative?
Over-confidence.
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Arrogant
2. Which is stronger: like or adore?
Intensity.
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Adore
3. Economical vs stingy — which is positive?
Sensible saving.
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Economical
4. Curious vs nosy — which is negative?
Prying.
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Nosy
5. Which is a negative word for "thin"?
Unhealthy look.
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Skinny

📝 Topic test — 8 questions

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