Synonyms are an important part of the vocabulary-building process. They allow you to say the same thing using different words that mean the same. Synonyms add variety to your speech and writing, allowing nuance, or shades of meaning. Synonyms also help you figure out the meaning of a reading passage, should you run across an unknown word and you don't have time to look it up in the dictionary. Finally, learning the synonym for each new word added to your English vocabulary allows you to double the number of new words that you learn.
The root of synonym is syn, which comes from Greek, meaning the same or together. Other words in English that use the syn root are synchronize, syndrome, synthesize, and synopsis.
When keeping a word list or making flash cards, be sure to include the synonym. Looking up the word in any dictionary should yield a synonym or two. A better source, as I discussedr in class today, is a thesauraus, which is available wherever dictionaries are sold. Owning a thesaurus is highly recommended.
When making flash cards, write everything in English, but include a translation in your native language if necessary. Study your flash cards any time you have a free moment. You'll be pleasantly surprised by how rapidly your vocabulary will increase. Index cards can be purchased at any store that sells stationery (CVS, Walgreens, Wal-Mart, Publix, Staples). Or simply cut a sheet of regular size paper into small units.
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