ROSALIND FERGUSSON Synonyms and Antonyms 3 VOCABULARY Sally is a healthy girl. When someone in her family has a cold, she rarely catches it. Last month, her brother was ill. He had chicken pox, which is infectious. This time Sally was not so lucky. She helped her parents look after the sick boy and caught the disease herself. Fortunately, she did not have it very badly. She was soon well enough to go back to school.
Synonyms and Antonyms 3 VOCABULARY ROSALIND FERGUSSON
© 2015 Acel Learning (S) Pte. Ltd. First published 2015 by Acel Learning (S) Pte. Ltd. 18 Sin Ming Lane, #03-08, Midview City, Singapore 573960 Email: [email protected] All rights reserved. No part of this book shall be reproduced, or transmitted by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission from the publisher. ISBN 978 981 09 4089 8
3 Preface Synonyms and Antonyms is a series of books that examines words with similar or opposite meanings. There are fifty units in each book, and each unit deals with two or more words. The simplest of these comprise a word and its antonym (e.g. coward / hero). Sometimes a word has two antonyms (e.g. attack / defend, protect) or a synonym and an antonym (e.g. admit, confess / deny). Sometimes there are four or more words altogether (e.g. break, damage / mend, fix, repair). A few entries consist only of synonyms (e.g. tired, weary, exhausted). Each unit begins with a short passage illustrated by four pictures with captions, which show the synonyms and antonyms in use. A section entitled What do they mean? examines the words in groups of synonyms or antonyms, with short definitions and example sentences. Where the members of the group differ slightly in meaning or usage, these differences are explained. (For example, the word exit is more formal than leave.) The unit ends with exercises for self-assessment. Answers to all the questions are supplied at the end of the book. As they work through the books, students will learn (or be reminded of) the kinds of synonyms and antonyms that can make their writing more interesting and give cohesion to their texts.
4 Contents Preface 3 1 absent, missing / present 6 2 admit, confess / deny 8 3 agree / disagree, argue, quarrel 10 4 also, too, as well / instead 12 5 ancient / modern 14 6 anxious, worried, nervous / calm 16 7 arrive, come / depart, leave 18 8 attack / defend, protect 20 9 boastful, conceited / modest 22 10 break, damage / mend, fix, repair 24 11 busy, occupied / free, idle 26 12 choose, pick, select / reject 28 13 close, near, nearby / far 30 14 common / rare, unusual 32 15 completely, totally, entirely / partly 34 16 coward / hero 36 17 deep, low / high, shrill 38 18 definitely, certainly / possibly, perhaps 40 19 early / late / prompt, punctual 42 20 enter / leave, exit 44 21 eventually, finally, at last / initially, at first 46 22 fair, just / unfair, unjust 48 23 glad, pleased / sorry, disappointed 50 24 help, assistance, aid / hindrance 52
5 25 hide, conceal / show, reveal 54 26 hit, strike / miss 56 27 ill, sick / well, healthy 58 28 immediately, at once, straight away / later 60 29 increase / decrease, reduce 62 30 kind, humane / unkind, cruel 64 31 last, previous / next, following 66 32 make, produce, create / destroy 68 33 maximum / minimum 70 34 noise, sound / silence, peace, quiet 72 35 often, frequently / rarely, seldom 74 36 polite, courteous / rude, impolite 76 37 pull, drag / push, shove 78 38 punish / reward 80 39 raw / cooked 82 40 run, race, dash / walk, stroll, amble 84 41 short, brief / long, lengthy 86 42 shout, cry, yell / whisper, murmur, mutter 88 43 smile, grin / frown, scowl 90 44 stop, cease / start, go 92 45 sure, certain / unsure, uncertain 94 46 teacher, instructor / student, pupil 96 47 tight / loose, slack 98 48 tired, weary, exhausted 100 49 victory, win / defeat 102 50 writer, author / reader 104 Answers 106
absent, missing / present 1 6 There was an important meeting in the board room. Almost all the company directors were present. The meeting could not begin, however. The president of the company was missing. One of the directors looked out of the window. The president’s car was absent from its space in the car park. Just then, the president entered, looking hot and flustered. His car had broken down and he had walked the remainder of the way to work.
7 What do they mean? The adjectives absent and missing are synonyms. They both describe people or things that are not in a particular place. • Mary was absent from school because she had a bad cold. • The dictionary was missing from its usual place on the shelf. The adjective present is an antonym of absent and missing. It is opposite in meaning. • The humour that was present throughout the author’s last book is absent from this one. • All the passengers on the coach trip were present but the driver was missing. Try it! A Circle the correct words to complete the sentences. 1 You may be punished if you are (absent / present) from school without a good reason. 2 If the (present / missing) people do not arrive, we shall start without them. 3 None of those (absent / present) agreed with what the speaker said. 4 The key was (present / missing) so I could not lock the door. B Here are some other words from the passage. Can you think of a synonym for each one? 1 almost 2 begin 3 flustered 4 remainder
8 admit, confess / deny 2 Jane’s schoolbag was on the dining-room table. As she picked it up, the metal buckle scratched the surface of the table. Her father noticed the mark and asked Jane about it. At first, she denied that it was her fault. However, she later felt guilty and confessed that she was to blame. ‘It was an accident,’ she explained, with tears in her eyes. Her father was pleased that she had finally admitted what she had done. He made her polish the table until the scratch could not be seen.
9 What do they mean? The verbs admit and confess are synonyms. They both refer to reluctantly saying that something is true or that you have done something wrong. • After driving around for half an hour, Sue finally admitted that she did not know the way to the restaurant. • Mary confessed that she had lost the pen I lent her. The verb deny is an antonym of admit and confess. To deny is to say or claim that something is untrue or that you have not done something wrong. • The boy denied that he was a member of the gang. • Jack admitted that the bike did not belong to him but he denied that he had stolen it. Try it! A Circle the correct words to complete the sentences. 1 Carol (admitted / denied) that she had not done her homework so her mother made her go and do it. 2 Tom could not (confess / deny) that he had eaten the cake because there were crumbs all round his mouth. 3 The woman (confessed / denied) that she had never used a computer before and asked me to help her. 4 Peter would not pick up the snake, though he (admitted / denied) that he was afraid of it. B Read the picture story again. Can you find a synonym for each of the following words and phrases? 1 top 2 glad 3 saw 4 at last
10 agree / disagree, argue, quarrel 3 They both think ‘Rainbow Road’ is the best programme on TV. They hate having to miss an episode. Sam and Sally disagree about many things, such as whose turn it is to use the computer. However, there is one thing that they agree on. ‘If you don’t stop quarrelling, I won’t let you watch ‘Rainbow Road’ this evening,’ says their mother or father. It always works! Their parents take advantage of this. When they hear the children arguing with each other, they know exactly what to do.
11 What do they mean? To agree is to say that someone or something is right, or to have the same opinion. • If you agree with my suggestion, raise your hand. To disagree is to say that someone or something is wrong, or to have a different opinion. • The two doctors disagreed about the cause of the girl’s rash. The verbs argue and quarrel are synonyms. They are used when people have an angry conversation because they disagree about something. • The player was sent off the field because he argued with the referee’s decision. • I could hear two people quarrelling in the next room. The verbs disagree, argue and quarrel are antonyms of agree. • Everyone agreed that the town needed a new leisure centre but they disagreed about where it should be built. • Mum and Dad agree about everything and never argue with each other. Try it! Fill in the blanks with the words in the box. Do not use the same word more than once. agree argue disagree quarrelled 1 We’ll leave at 11.30, unless you . 2 Tom insisted on paying the bill and I did not want to about it. 3 The two sisters could not about what colour to paint the door. 4 Joe with Tim and they never spoke to each other again.
12 also, too, as well / instead 4 Then she noticed a book about dinosaurs and she thought her brother might like it. She wanted to buy that as well, but she did not have enough money. Jane went to the shops to buy a birthday present for her younger brother. She chose a model car with doors that opened and closed. He had a lot of books too, but this one looked interesting. Also, it contained information that might be handy for a school project. After a few moments’ thought, she replaced the car on the shelf and bought the book instead. Her brother already had a lot of model cars.
13 What do they mean? The adverbs also, too and as well are synonyms. They are all used to say that one thing or action is in addition to another. As well as is a preposition with the same meaning. You rarely put also at the end of a sentence. • Carol has a pet rabbit. She also has a parrot and a goldfish. • We were going to the park, and Joe asked if he could come too. • Tom had a cut on his arm as well as the nasty bruise on his knee. The adverb instead is an antonym of also, too and as well. You use it to say that one thing or action is in place of another. Instead of is a preposition with the same meaning. • I don’t like lemonade. May I have orange juice instead? • There were dark clouds in the sky. Paul put on his raincoat instead of his jacket and took an umbrella as well. Try it! Fill in the blanks with the words in the box. Do not use the same word more than once. also as well instead too 1 Your handwriting is untidy and you have made several spelling mistakes . 2 Sue accidentally put sugar in the soup of salt. 3 Our drummer, Sam, can play the guitar. 4 Sport is good exercise, as being fun.
14 ancient / modern 5 Latin is an ancient language. No one speaks it any more, but you can read it in books. Most people prefer to learn modern languages. They are more useful when you travel around the world. Latin was spoken long ago by the people of Rome, which is now the capital of Italy. The modern city still contains many ruined buildings that date from that time. The people who live there now speak Italian. They cannot understand the Latin words they see on the ancient walls.
15 What do they mean? The adjective ancient describes something that is very old, or that belongs to a time long ago. • There is an ancient tree in the middle of the forest. • The ancient book fell apart when the man opened it. The adjective modern describes something new that belongs to the current time or the recent past. • I prefer modern novels to those written hundreds of years ago. • The modern name for the country is Iraq. The words ancient and modern are antonyms. • Ancient methods of curing diseases are rarely as effective as modern medicine. Try it! A Fill in the blanks with ancient or modern, using each word twice. 1 It is amazing that buildings like these are still standing. 2 In history we study the events of the past fifty years. 3 cars are much safer than those our grandparents used to drive. 4 The farmer found some stone tools when he was ploughing his field. B Here are some other words and phrases from the passage. Can you think of an antonym for each one? 1 no one 2 useful 3 now 4 there
16 anxious, worried, nervous / calm 6 Sue is a talented gymnast. However, she always gets nervous before a competition. She knows that she will not perform well if she is anxious. She is more likely to make mistakes. Her coach has taught her some breathing exercises to help her feel calm. They involve taking a deep breath, then letting the air out slowly. Sue does these exercises whenever she feels worried about anything. So far, they have always worked.
17 What do they mean? The adjectives anxious, worried and nervous are synonyms. They all refer to feeling bad about something that might happen or about something you have to do. • The boy looked anxious when the instructor said he must climb up the wall. • Anna’s parents were worried that she might have an accident. • Many actors feel nervous before they go on stage. The adjective calm is an antonym of anxious, worried and nervous. It is opposite in meaning. • Mary sounded calm though she actually felt quite anxious. • Try to stay calm instead of getting worried. • Some of Kate’s friends were nervous about the exam but she felt quite calm. Try it! A Circle the correct words to complete the sentences. 1 The doctor spoke to the girl’s (anxious / calm) father. 2 Mum was (calm / worried) when I was late home from school. 3 Most people are (nervous / calm) on their first day at work. 4 Joe felt perfectly (nervous / calm) as he stood at the end of the divingboard. B Read the picture story again. Can you find an antonym for each of the following words? 1 badly 2 quickly 3 shallow 4 never
18 7 arrive, come / depart, leave There were several children standing at the school gates. They were waiting for their parents to come and collect them at the end of their first day. One by one the children departed. Their mother or father arrived in a car, the child got in and the car left. About ten minutes later, two of the cars drove into the same road and stopped outside different houses. One of the mothers went to speak to the other. She suggested that they take turns to drive the children to and from school. ‘We would both save a lot of time and fuel,’ she said.
19 What do they mean? The verbs arrive and come are synonyms. They are both used to talk about getting to a place. • We shall have lunch as soon as our guests arrive. • I ordered a book and it came two days later. The verbs depart and leave are synonyms. They are both used to talk about going away from a place. • The flight departed two hours late. • Would you like another cup of tea before you leave? The words arrive and come are antonyms of depart and leave. They are opposite in meaning. • The doctor arrived at half past ten and did not leave until twelve. Try it! A Rewrite these sentences, replacing the underlined words with synonyms. 1 The train will depart in ten minutes. 2 Kate was expecting a parcel and waited impatiently for the postman to arrive. 3 When the bus finally came, it was almost full. 4 The customer left without paying for his drink. B Read the picture story again. Can you find a synonym for each of the following words? 1 fetch 2 parked 3 proposed
attack / defend, protect 8 20 Most birds are good parents. They feed their young chicks and protect them from predators. It is wise not to get too close to a bird’s nest at this time. The parent bird might think you are going to harm its babies. It might even try to attack you, which can be quite frightening. However, it probably doesn’t mean to hurt you. The bird is simply defending its family. It wants you to go away.
21 What do they mean? To attack is to try to harm someone or something. • The guard dog attacked the robber. The verbs defend and protect are antonyms of attack. You use them to talk about trying to stop a person or animal from harming you. • The army’s job is to defend our country against enemies, not to attack other countries. • A hedgehog uses its sharp spines to protect itself when a predator attacks it. Try it! A Circle the correct words to complete the sentences. 1 The bear will not (attack / defend) you if you stand perfectly still. 2 The boy was too small to (attack / defend) himself against the bullies. 3 The city walls must be strong enough to (attack / protect) the inhabitants. 4 Joe joined the army in order to (attack / defend) the nation. 5 The lion (attacks / protects) its rival and sends it away. 6 I can cope on my own now. You do not have to (attack / protect) me any longer. B Read the picture story again. Can you find a synonym for each of the following words? 1 sensible 2 near 3 attempt 4 intend
22 boastful, conceited / modest 9 Jane is an attractive young woman, but she is also very conceited. She won a beauty competition last month and she loves to tell people about it. However, being boastful does not make you popular. Many people prefer Jane’s friend Sue, even though she is rather quiet. Sue once rescued a child from a burning building. She was awarded a medal for her bravery. However, she is too modest to tell anyone what she did. No one knows about this great achievement – not even Jane.
23 What do they mean? The adjectives boastful and conceited are synonyms. They both describe someone who thinks they have admirable qualities or achievements. A boastful person likes to tell other people about these qualities or achievements. • The music teacher didn’t tell Carol how well she had played because he didn’t want to make her conceited. • The boastful boy claimed that he could run faster than anyone else in his class. The adjective modest is an antonym of boastful and conceited. It is opposite in meaning. • The conceited star of the film was posing for photos while her modest co-star stood in the background signing autographs for fans. • Unlike many boastful writers, Michael is so modest that no one knows he has written several best-selling books. Try it! A Circle the correct words to complete the sentences. 1 I would like Sally much better if she wasn’t so (modest / conceited). 2 Everyone is tired of listening to Jack’s (boastful / modest) remarks about his football skills. 3 If you are too (conceited / modest), the interviewer might think you are not capable of doing the job. 4 Sue was embarrassed by her (boastful / modest) parents, who told everyone what a clever girl she was. B Here are some other words from the passage. Can you think of a synonym for each one? 1 competition 2 rescued 3 bravery 4 achievement
24 break, damage / mend, fix, repair 10 Jack hung a large heavy picture on the wall of his new apartment. The string snapped and the picture fell down. Both the frame and the glass were broken. To Jack’s relief, however, the accident did not damage the picture itself. The glass could not be mended so Jack had to buy a new piece. He was able to repair the frame with glue. He put a thicker piece of string on the picture and hung it on the wall again. This time the string was strong enough to support its weight.
25 What do they mean? To break something is to make it separate into pieces or to make it stop working. • Tom accidentally stepped on his ruler and broke it. To damage something is to make it no longer perfect or to make it stop working. • Sally damaged the front wheel of her bike by riding over the rough ground. The verbs mend, fix and repair are synonyms. They all refer to putting right something that has been broken or damaged. The verb fix is mainly used for things that have stopped working. • Our neighbour offered to help Dad mend the fence. • The clock has kept perfect time since you fixed it. • My cousin is very good at repairing cars. The verbs break and damage are antonyms of mend, fix and repair. They are opposite in meaning. • David apologized for breaking the jug and promised to mend it. • If you damage the camera, it may not be possible to repair it. Try it! Fill in the blanks with the words in the box. Do not use the same word more than once. break damage fix mend 1 A man is coming to the washing machine tomorrow morning. 2 Putting the wrong type of fuel in the car will the engine. 3 Mum will be furious if you her best teapot. 4 We must the hole in the roof before the rainy season.
busy, occupied / free, idle 11 26 Mrs Jones is never idle. When she is not at work, she is always busy in her house or garden. On the rare occasions that she has a free afternoon, she asks her elderly neighbours if they need any help with anything. The answer is usually ‘Yes, please.’ I asked her once why she led such an active, exhausting life. She smiled in a thoughtful way. ‘My husband died last year,’ she replied, ‘and I miss him terribly. I find that keeping occupied is the best way to stop me feeling sad.’
27 What do they mean? The adjectives busy and occupied are synonyms. They both describe someone who is doing something that requires effort or attention. You can also use busy to describe a period of time or a lifestyle. You cannot put occupied before the noun it describes. • Joe was busy preparing the guest room for his visitors. • We have a busy week ahead of us. • Will you help me this afternoon, if you are not occupied with anything else? The adjective free is an antonym of busy and occupied. It describes a person who is not doing anything else. It can also describe a period of time when they are available. • I’m busy on Wednesday and Thursday, but I’m free on Friday. The adjective idle is an antonym of busy and occupied. It describes a person who is not doing anything, often meaning that this is a bad thing. It can also describe a lifestyle or a period of time without activity. • Idle children get bored and cross, so I always try to keep my son and daughter occupied. Try it! Fill in the blanks with the words in the box. Do not use the same word more than once. busy free occupied 1 I have only one weekend between now and Christmas. 2 Jack sneaked upstairs with his mother’s surprise present while she was in the kitchen. 3 My aunt and uncle have such lives that they hardly ever see each other.
choose, pick, select / reject 12 28 My grandparents grow apples on their farm. They select the best ones to sell at the market. The fruit they reject does not go to waste. It is crushed to make apple juice. At the market, the customers choose their own apples from the stall. Some pick the red ones and others pick the green ones. Which do I prefer? Actually, I don’t like apples very much at all!
29 What do they mean? The verbs choose, pick and select are synonyms. They all refer to deciding which of a number of people or things you want. • Sally chose a pink dress with a lacy collar. • The magician told me to pick any card from the pack. • The organist has selected some suitable music to play at the wedding. The verb reject is an antonym of choose, pick and select. You reject the people or things that you do not want. • Mary rejected all the books the assistant showed her and chose a different one from the shelf. • Tom had hoped to be selected for the team. He was disappointed when the coach rejected him. Try it! A Circle the correct words to complete the sentences. 1 I took my little brother to the playroom to (choose / reject) a toy. 2 This article will help you to (reject / select) the best camera for your needs. 3 One of the candidates was (chosen / rejected) because he had dirty fingernails. 4 Sally (picked / rejected) the biggest cake and ate it greedily. B Here are some other words from the passage. Can you think of an antonym for each one? 1 best 2 sell 3 like 4 much
close, near, nearby / far 13 30 Sally’s house is very close to her school. She can walk there in less than five minutes. Many of the other students also live nearby. Unfortunately, Sally’s best friend Kate is not one of these. Her house is on the far side of the town. She has to travel to school by bus. Both girls wish they lived near each other, ideally in the same street. Then they could meet up more often in the evenings and at the weekends.
31 What do they mean? The words close, near and nearby are synonyms. You use them all to say that there is only a short distance between things. They can be adjectives or adverbs. • Don’t stand too close to the fire. • Joe rented an apartment near the office where he worked. • The fire soon spread to nearby buildings. The word far is an antonym of close, near and nearby. You use it to say that there is a very long distance between things. It can be an adjective or adverb. • A telescope makes things that are far away look quite close. • Our hotel was near the station so we did not have to walk far when we got off the train. Try it! A Circle the correct words to complete the sentences. 1 The little boy stayed (close / far) to his mother. 2 Jack likes to sit (close / near) the window. 3 There are not many shops (nearby / far). 4 I wish we did not live so (nearby / far) from the coast. B Here are some other words from the passage. Can you think of an antonym for each one? 1 to 2 less 3 same 4 often
32 common / rare, unusual 14 Jack spotted an unusual flower while he was walking in the hills. It had pale pink petals and a very pleasant scent. He took a photo of it so that he could look for its name when he got home. His mother had a big book about plants. According to the book, the flower Jack had seen used to be quite common. It grew in fields all over the country. However, many people picked the flower because it was so attractive. As a result, it had become very rare.
33 What do they mean? The adjective common describes something that is often seen or found because there are a lot of them. • The pigeon is a common bird that has become a pest in some large cities. The adjective rare is an antonym of common. It describes something that is not often seen or found because there are not many of them. • The disease is rare in this country, although it is common in countries with poor hygiene. The adjective unusual is another antonym of common. It describes something that is different from the ones that are usually seen or found. • My parents gave me an unusual name. I sometimes wish I had a more common one that people would find easier to spell correctly. Try it! Fill in the blanks with the words in the box. You will have to use one of the words twice. common rare unusual 1 Driving a truck is regarded as a rather career for a woman. 2 Mobile phones were not in those days, and few people owned one. 3 coins like these are worth a lot more than their face value. 4 Carelessness and lack of concentration are causes of accidents.
34 completely, totally, entirely / partly 15 As Sue came across to speak to Alice, she tripped over a handbag on the floor. She spilt red wine down the front of Alice’s blouse. It was completely ruined! ‘Actually, it’s my handbag,’ admitted Sue. ‘I forgot to put it away before the guests began to arrive.’ Alice wore her new blouse to her friend Sue’s party. It was made of ivory-coloured silk and was very expensive. Sue apologized, but Alice pointed out that the accident was not entirely her fault. ‘Whoever left that handbag on the floor is partly to blame,’ she said.
35 What do they mean? The adverbs completely, totally and entirely are synonyms. They are all used to say that something is true in every way. • We were completely exhausted by the time we got home. • The children seemed totally unaware that they were in danger. • Do not eat the berries unless you are entirely sure that they are not poisonous. The adverb partly is an antonym of completely, totally and entirely. It is used to say that something is true in some ways but not in others. • The rocks were already partly covered by water and they would soon be entirely submerged. • The rest of the meal was completely ready but the meat was only partly cooked. Try it! A Circle the correct words to complete the sentences. 1 Make sure that the wound is (completely / partly) clean before you put the dressing on it. 2 The news was (partly / totally) unexpected, and everyone was surprised. 3 My parents were delighted when my teacher told them that she was (entirely / partly) satisfied with my work. 4 People blamed the lack of rain for the failure of the crops, but it was (entirely / partly) due to the poor quality of the soil. B Here are some other words from the passage. Can you think of an antonym for each one? 1 expensive 2 front 3 forgot 4 arrive
36 coward / hero 16 Four boys were walking in the forest when they came face to face with a bear. The bear hit one of the boys, Joe, knocking him unconscious. Another of the boys, Peter, ran off in the opposite direction. His friends thought he was a coward. However, Peter’s plan was to lead the bear away from Joe so that the others could carry him to safety. His plan worked – the bear went after him instead. Peter managed to escape, and later visited Joe in hospital. Joe’s parents thanked him and said he was a real hero.
37 What do they mean? A coward is a person who is afraid of danger and not at all brave. • Don’t be such a coward. A little spider like that won’t hurt you! A hero is a person who does something very brave in a dangerous situation. • People who risk their own lives to save others are heroes. The words coward and hero are antonyms. • Tom thought of himself as just an ordinary soldier, neither a coward nor a hero. Try it! A Fill in the blanks with coward or hero, using each word three times. 1 The was awarded a medal for his bravery. 2 Sue was too much of a to enter the haunted house. 3 I may be a , but at least I am still alive. 4 The newspaper article praised the policewoman and called her a . 5 A would not dare what Jack has done. 6 Kate wants to thank the who rescued her. B Read the picture story again. Can you find a synonym for each of the following words? 1 strolling 2 struck 3 sped 4 genuine
deep, low / high, shrill 17 38 There are several kinds of stringed instruments that you play with a bow. The double bass is the largest, and it makes a very deep sound. The violin is the smallest and most common of these instruments. It can play a wide range of notes, from high ones to low ones. Many musical instruments are played by blowing into the top end. The flute is slightly different, because you blow into the side instead. A piccolo is a small flute. It makes a very shrill sound.
39 What do they mean? The adjectives deep and low are synonyms. They both describe a sound that is near the bottom of the range we can hear, such as the sound of a dog growling. • Carol recognized her grandfather’s deep voice. • The low notes are at the left-hand end of the piano keyboard. The adjectives high and shrill are synonyms. They both describe a sound that is near the top of the range we can hear, such as the sound of a whistle. • This sound is too high for human ears to hear. • The shrill noise of the alarm is impossible to ignore. The words deep and low are antonyms of high and shrill. They are opposite in meaning. • A young boy’s high voice becomes deep as he grows up. Try it! Rewrite these sentences, replacing the underlined words with synonyms. 1 The deep sound of the bass drum marked the rhythm of the dance. 2 I heard a high squeal and a piglet ran out of the shed. 3 The wind blew through the cracks in the walls with a low moaning noise. 4 The shrill voices of the children disturbed the peace of the garden.
40 definitely, certainly / possibly, perhaps 18 You certainly have an impressive collection of coins. Tell me about some of them. This one-dollar coin is perhaps the most interesting. It has a special design on the back celebrating the 1924 Olympics. It is possibly valuable, but I would not want to part with it. Let’s see if we can find out what it’s worth on the Internet. This website has several similar coins for sale, all for under five dollars. In that case I definitely won’t try to sell it!
41 What do they mean? The adverbs definitely and certainly are synonyms. You use both of them to state firmly that something is true. • I am definitely not going to invite Paul to my party. • The committee will certainly consider your idea. The adverbs possibly and perhaps are synonyms. You use both of them to say that something might be true. • We shall possibly travel home by train. • You should perhaps phone Mary instead of sending her an email. The words definitely and certainly are antonyms of possibly and perhaps. They are opposite in meaning. • This is definitely a useful book for older students, but it is perhaps a bit too difficult for younger ones. Try it! Rewrite these sentences, replacing the underlined words with synonyms. 1 Tom will perhaps change his mind about the subject when he reads this article. 2 This is certainly the hardest puzzle in the book. 3 Your rash is possibly caused by a food allergy. 4 I shall definitely recommend the restaurant to my friends.
42 early / late / prompt, punctual 19 A prompt arrival may be impossible when you have some distance to travel. In that case, it is better to get there too soon. If you are late, however, you are likely to make the other person angry. This will not be a good start for your get-together. You should always try to be punctual when you have arranged to meet another person. This rule applies to everything from coffee with a friend to an appointment with the dentist. If you are early, you can easily find something to do while you are waiting. In a dentist’s surgery, there are usually magazines to read.
43 What do they mean? To be early is to arrive or happen before the expected time. • We’d better set off now in case the bus is early. The adjective late is an antonym of early. To be late is to arrive or happen after the expected time. • The mail was late so I didn’t get the letter before I left for school. The adjectives prompt and punctual are synonyms. They are also antonyms of early and late. They both describe someone or something that arrives or happens at exactly the right time. • The company expects prompt payment of its bills. • I was surprised when Jane was late, as she is normally very punctual. Try it! A Circle the correct words to complete the sentences. 1 If we are too (early / punctual), the bank may not be open. 2 The (prompt / late) departure of the ferry caused a lot of inconvenience to the passengers. 3 Patients who receive (prompt / late) treatment are more likely to make a full recovery. 4 James is a good worker, but he must try to be more (late / punctual). B Here are some other words from the passage. Can you think of an antonym for each one? 1 everything 2 friend 3 arrival 4 likely
44 enter / leave, exit 20 The drama society was performing a play that one of its members had written. It did not go very well. When the actress playing the main role entered for the first time, the people on the stage looked at her in surprise. She had come in too soon, so she had to leave again. Later in the play, one of the actors forgot an important line. The actor standing beside him whispered it to him and the audience laughed. The worst moment came near the end of the play, when someone tried to exit through a door at the back of the stage. As he pulled the handle, the whole piece of scenery collapsed.
45 What do they mean? To enter is to go into a room or building or to go on to a stage. • We could see nothing at all when we first entered the dark cave. The verbs leave and exit are antonyms of enter. They refer to going out of a room or building or going off a stage. The verb exit is mainly used in formal language. • Jane was leaving the changing room as I entered the gym. • The burglar entered through the open kitchen window. He exited through the back door, which he unlocked from the inside. Try it! A Use the words in the box to fill in the blanks. You will have to use one of the words twice. enter exit leave 1 I normally the house at ten past eight in the morning. 2 Joe knocked on the door and the principal called, ‘ !’ 3 When the fire alarm sounds, everyone must the building immediately. 4 Visitors often gasp in wonder as they the garden. B Here are some other words from the passage. Can you think of an antonym for each one? 1 well 2 later 3 whispered 4 pulled
46 eventually, finally, at last / initially, at first 21 ‘Don’t worry,’ said another mother to Carol. ‘My daughter was afraid of the water at first, but now she can swim the full length of the pool.’ After that, Tom learnt very quickly and became a strong, fast swimmer. He hopes eventually to become a national champion. Carol took her son Tom to the pool to teach him to swim. Initially, he seemed reluctant to go in so they sat at the edge, watching the other parents and children. Carol finally persuaded Tom to enter the water and she gave him his first lesson. He enjoyed it so much that he didn’t want to get out.
47 What do they mean? The adverbs eventually, finally and at last are synonyms. They all refer to what happens at the end of a period of time, especially after a lot of difficulty or a long delay. You usually put at last at the beginning or end of a sentence. • I eventually managed to unlock the door. • Mary has finally persuaded her father to buy her a new bicycle. • At last we can move into our new home. The adverbs initially and at first are synonyms. They both refer to what happens at the beginning of a period of time, especially when the situation subsequently changes. • Jack was initially too shy to say anything at the committee meetings. • The weather was cool at first but it warmed up later in the week. The adverbs eventually, finally and at last are antonyms of initially and at first. They are opposite in meaning. • Sue didn’t like Jane at first but they eventually became good friends. Try it! Rewrite these sentences, replacing the underlined words with synonyms. 1 At first the keep-fit instructor gave us easy exercises to do. 2 Carol eventually managed to solve the puzzle. 3 The jeans felt tight initially and I thought I might need a larger pair. 4 The man finally admitted that he had stolen the book.
48 fair, just / unfair, unjust 22 An old man had two daughters, Sarah and Alice. They both lived nearby. Sarah visited her father every day but Alice rarely saw him. When the old man died, he left all his money to Sarah and nothing to Alice. Sarah thought this was unjust and felt bad about it. She offered Alice a fair share of their father’s money. However, Alice refused to accept it. ‘It would be unfair to take any of your inheritance,’ she said. ‘This is your just reward for all the love and support you gave our father in the last years of his life.’
49 What do they mean? The adjectives fair and just are synonyms. They both describe a person or system that treats people equally or in a way that seems right. • Is it fair that some people have to work longer hours than others? • The judge said that the man did not have a just cause for complaint. The adjectives unfair and unjust are synonyms. They both describe a situation in which people are not treated equally or in a way that seems right. • You have to follow the rules of the game, even if they seem unfair. • Some people think this is an unjust law. The words fair and just are antonyms of unfair and unjust. They are opposite in meaning. • Our teacher is strict but fair, and her punishments are never unjust. Try it! A Rewrite these sentences, replacing the underlined words with synonyms. 1 Everyone agreed that the referee’s decision was just. 2 It is unfair to punish one boy and not the other. 3 In a fair society, people have equal opportunities. 4 The workers complained about their unjust treatment. B Here are some other words from the passage. Can you think of an antonym for each one? 1 both 2 refused 3 reward