Word of the Day

[glennagirl.livejournal.com]

FRIDAY, JANUARY 24

Parasynonym

[pair-ə-SIN-oh-nim]Part of speech: noun

Origin: english, 1960s

• A linguistic term to describe words with close similarities, but not exactly matching definitions

Examples of Parasynonym in a sentence

• When learning a foreign language it can be easy to get confused by a parasynonym.
• For his thesis he wrote a paper describing the linguistic function of the parasynonym.

About Parasynonym

Parasynonym is a useful word to describe almost synonyms — words that are very similar but might have different connotations. A motorcycle is a parasynonym for a car. They’re both modes of personal transportation, but they’re very different vehicles.

Did you Know?

This neologism (newly created word) isn’t found in every dictionary, but it’s been used in linguistic discussions and textbooks going back to the 1960s. Neologisms are usually created out of necessity when there are no existing words that fit the description. A neologism could become a parasynonym — the new and old words could be similar, but not exact matches.

Comments

[pfrye.livejournal.com]

Illya Kuryakin snorted in exasperation at his new partner Napoleon Solo. They were seated in the UNCLE commissary eating lunch. Illya just couldn't believe what Napoleon had just said. "Surely you are pulling my limb?"

Napoleon chuckled, "That's leg Illya, leg...pulling my leg."

"I have trouble with idioms and parasynonyms. Leg, limb, arm, finger. They are all the same."

Mark and April, sat down at their table in time to hear Illya's response.

"I agree, Illya" Mark added.

Both Napoleon and April chuckled. Napoleon laughed, "Just don't say pull my finger. Believe me that's not the same."

Mark and Illya looked at each other in confusion. April leaned forward and whispered into Marks ear. Blushing he looked at her, "Really?" She nodded. "Bloody hell!" Looking at Illya he commented, "It's true what they say, America and England two countries separated by a common language."

Illya looked confused. Mark grinned at him. "I'll explain later, Mate."